DIY hydraulic wood splitter - selection of hydraulics

A large number of questions through feedback and comments on the site prompted me to write this article, which helps to select hydraulic components for a hydraulic wood splitter.

Most of the requests begin like this: I want to assemble a hydraulic wood splitter with my own hands, I have such and such a pump (or a hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor), help me connect the system to a 220 volt outlet.

Let's face it, this approach to selecting components is extremely wrong! You need to select components based on the task at hand, and not on what is in stock.

So, stage one

1. It is necessary to determine the pushing force that the hydraulic cylinder rod should develop. It all depends on what kind of firewood prevails in your area and how many pieces the log will split into in one turn.

2. You also need to determine the length of the working stroke of the hydraulic cylinder rod.

3. You need to determine the time it takes for the hydraulic cylinder rod to extend to full stroke.

To simplify the calculations, let’s take the required pushing force to be 10 tons, and the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder rod to be about 500mm. We will select a standard commercially produced hydraulic cylinder. It will be much cheaper than making a custom hydraulic cylinder.

To calculate the dimensions of a hydraulic cylinder , let's go to the page with a hydraulics calculator.

Enter the value 100,000 “Required force...” , and the value 16 “Working pressure” . It should be noted here that most standard hydraulic cylinders have a working pressure of 16 mPa, so we enter exactly this value. We get the result: a hydraulic cylinder with a piston with a diameter of 89.2 mm is required. Round up to 90mm.

The most suitable serial hydraulic cylinder with a 90mm piston is the CG 90x50x510 with a rod stroke of 510mm.

Let's take, for example, 5 seconds for the rod to fully extend.

Product Features

A wood splitter is always useful on the farm; you can either buy it ready-made or make it yourself using available materials. Ready-made options have been improved; there are a number of additional functions that allow you to chop maximum firewood in a short time.

There are many installations operating in an automated format. This is good, because you can not waste time on work, but start a machine that will do everything itself. Experts identify several characteristics that can be used to classify mechanisms into categories:

1. Depending on the method of stacking logs, machines can be vertical or horizontal. Sheer structures are considered more powerful and durable, since they can process even a thick deck in a short period of time. If the logs are crooked or have many irregularities, then it is better to give preference to the horizontal mechanism.
2. Maximum amount of stacked firewood. Depending on this criterion, equipment can be divided into equipment for home use and for industrial use.
3. Drive types. For home use, a machine with a low power electric type is suitable.

In this video we will look at a hydraulic wood splitter:

Stage two

We select the volume of the oil pump to ensure the specified time for extending the rod. Let's move on to the second part of the hydraulics calculator.

Enter the value 90 the “Sleeve diameter...” , the value 50 “Rod diameter...” the value 510 in the “Hydraulic cylinder stroke” , the value 5 “Full extension time” the value 16 in the “Working pressure” .

We get the results:

To ensure a hydraulic cylinder rod extension speed of 5 seconds, the required oil pump flow is 38.9 l/min

Homemade wood splitter

Do you use homemade wood splitters when preparing firewood?

Not really

Even for the simplest manual device, the store asks several thousand rubles. You can save money by making a firewood splitter yourself. For clarity, it is worth studying a video with different machines in operation.

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Drawings and manufacturing of a rack wood splitter

There are several variations on how to make a wood splitter. One of them is a rack design. It is popular, because the Internet offers many photo instructions.

To work, you need to prepare a grinder and a welding machine. The gearbox is made of an electric motor (minimum 2 kW) and two pulleys.

The base of the device must be made of thick steel. It must withstand the load and weight of the components attached to it - the wedge, gearbox and motor.

The working algorithm depends on the selected materials and the design of the device. The main steps are as follows:

1. The tip is made of sheet steel. Minimum thickness 10 mm, sharpen at right angles.
2. If you plan to work with large logs, make a compound blade. Thickness from 50 mm. You can use a steel blank as an amplifier.
3. Place the gear 5 cm above the bed. There should be twice the length of the log left before the knife.
4. Make the carriage moving along the frame at the height of the installed gear.
5. Attach the pusher to the front of the carriage. This is a transverse steel plate, minimum thickness 7 mm.
6. Ensure the mobility of the rack with a hinge by installing it on the carriage.
7. The movement of the carriage to the gearbox is ensured by a return spring. Attach it so that the rack rises above the gear.
8. Install the clamping lever. When you press it, the rack should press against the gear and move forward. Make the length of the rack less than the gap between the blade and the feed plate.

Expert opinion

Igor Lebedev

Expert of our site. More than 10 years in the furnace business. Implemented dozens of different projects. Helps make the content of our site interesting and useful!

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Advice! Instead of an electric motor, a gasoline engine is suitable. Its speed is high, so an increase in the gearbox transmission ratio is required.

Drawings of a hydraulic log splitter

If you plan to make a hydraulic wood splitter on your own, you need to decide what kind of wood it will be used for.

With a cleaving speed of 4 cm/s and an apex angle of 20°, the indicators are as follows:

The indicators differ significantly. If the logs are very knotty, the load is at least doubled.

For a homemade hydraulic device you need to prepare:

• electric engine (possible with gasoline), minimum 2 kW;
• Control block;
• pump;
• tank for filling oil (you can make it yourself);
• high-pressure hoses;
• hydraulic cylinder;
• beam (metal), U-shaped or I-beam No. 16;
• sheet steel, prepare pieces 5-20 mm thick;
• metal corner, shelf 30-40 mm.

A hydraulic cleaver is made on your own according to the following algorithm:

1. Make a bed using a U-shaped beam or I-beam. An important point is the width of the beam. As it increases, the permissible load increases, but the movement of the structure becomes more difficult. The average is 10-15 cm.
2. Install a hydraulic cylinder above the beam, height 5-7 cm.
3. Complete the rod with a pusher. It is better to use metal, thickness 7-10 mm.
4. To move the knife along the bed, make a body.
5. To fix the knife in different positions, make 12 mm holes at the bottom of the frame, 50 mm pitch. Similarly, add 2 holes in the blade body, install 2 bolts, and weld them.

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It remains to close the hydraulic circuit.

Stage three

We select an electric motor of the required power so that the oil pump can develop a working pressure in the system of 16 mPa. Let's move on to the third part of the hydraulics calculator.

In the “Estimated rotation speed...” , set the value to 1500 . The most optimal speed for the NSh oil pump. In the “Required feed…” we set the value 38.9 . In the “Pump volumetric efficiency...” set the value to 0.9 . In the “Working pressure” we set the value 16 .

We get the theoretical result: 28.8 cc. Minimum required volume of the oil pump to ensure the rod extension speed in 5 seconds. The minimum electric motor power for this pump is 12.2 kW.

Step-by-step guide to making a log splitter using a hydraulic jack

A home craftsman can independently make a simple structure from a hydraulic jack. You will need:

1. I-beam No. 16, it will be used to make the frame and supports.
2. Steel plate 8…10 mm thick. It can be used to make amplifiers, brackets and a knife.
3. Tension springs 250…300 mm long (2 pcs.). They will be needed to automatically return the pusher to its original position.
4. Hydraulic jack designed for a force of up to 6 tons.

Tool you will need:

• angle grinder with cutting discs and flap wheel;
• welding machine;
• measuring tool;
• electric drill with a set of drills.

Stage four

We select a standard volume oil pump and an electric motor for it.

Let's move on to the fourth part of the hydraulics calculator.

In the “Rotation speed...” we set the value 1500 , in the “Pump displacement” we set the value 32 , because pump NSh-32 is the most affordable pump, the closest in volume. In the “Volume efficiency...” set the value to 0.9 . In the “Adjustment pressure...” set the value to 16 .

We get the result: To drive the NSh-32 pump, a 13.5 kW drive is required. The closest electric motor in terms of power is 15 kW.

The simplest DIY wood splitter

cone wood splittersmetal cone with thread

In cases where it is not possible to order or make a cone on a machine, this part can be made with your own hands using a grinder. At the same time, there is no need to strictly maintain precise dimensions. In this case, you just need to first place the grinder on the electric motor pulley and evenly cut the metal, ensuring its free rotation.

The finished cone is put on a shaft with bearings of the required size, where at the end there is a flange with an asterisk from a scooter wheel. The threaded cone is attached to the shaft using a bolt or pin, this makes it possible to easily remove it from the shaft and unscrew it from the block when jammed.

A removed cone that is wedged in a log can be easily unscrewed from the wood using a gas wrench. If the cone is firmly fixed on the shaft, then, when jammed, it becomes necessary to remove the drive chain, since the motor shaft cannot always be turned in a different direction.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qG_v8ZBSoVY

Manufacturing Features

The operating method of this screw log splitter is very simple. During rotation, the cone, like a self-tapping screw, is screwed into the log, splitting it. When working with a wood splitter, you need to be extremely careful and follow safety rules.

Types of wood splitters

Household devices only have the function of splitting logs. Professional devices have a very complex design that feeds wood, trims to a given length, splits and ejects chopped wood. Naturally, the price, performance, and power of these devices cannot be compared with conventional factory-made wood splitters, and even more so with your own hands.

According to the device for feeding split wood, wood splitters can be vertical, horizontal and combined.

In horizontal devices, the block of wood is mounted on a horizontal gutter. Moreover, taking into account the design, either the pusher moves the log towards the stabbing knife, or the knife moves along the guide towards the log.

In vertical wood splitters, the log is fed vertically, and a moving knife on top splits it. The mechanisms of this design are the most productive, they do not occupy such a large area, but they also have their disadvantages. So, during the operation of vertical wood splitters, you need to support the splitting logs with your own hands, which requires strict adherence to safety precautions.

Combined type devices combine the capabilities of the devices described above and are used only in woodworking factories.

Considering the power source, wood splitters are divided into the following types:

• Tractor-powered devices. Such devices are connected to the tractor hydraulic system with a powerful take-off shaft. These are professional and powerful devices that are designed to work in large industrial enterprises, forestry farms and complexes.
• Wood splitters with diesel or gasoline engines. These are very powerful devices that are used, as a rule, in logging. However, they are also suitable for work in country houses.
• Combined devices. Some models have electric motors or internal combustion engines, and are also adapted to operate from a tractor shaft.
• Wood splitters with electric motors. These are the simplest designs of wood splitters. The electric motor activates the hydraulic pump. These units are easy to operate and maintain and can be installed in almost any room.

Wood splitters with electric motors do not require much maintenance and are best suited for home use. The only prerequisite for their operation is the availability of electricity.

Taking into account the design of the log splitting mechanism, wood splitters are divided into the following types:

1. Cone or screw (we just told you above how to make this wood splitter with your own hands). In these devices, the role of a knife is played by a threaded cone; it splits the log by screwing into it. Using this operating principle, you can completely make a wood splitter with your own hands, because it is quite simple and does not require the manufacture of additional mechanisms. But, for its productive operation, a powerful electric motor is required.
2. With hydraulic drive. At the heart of these devices is a hydraulic pump, which drives a splitting knife; it, pressing with great force on the log, splits it.

Also, industrial devices differ in the method of transportation. Most often, heavy and large devices are made in a stationary version. But the design of lightweight devices includes wheels, which make them easy to move.

How the scheme works:

When the oil station is turned on, both pumps supply oil to the hydraulic distributor with low pressure (for example, 3 mPa). Our cylinder, with a 90mm piston, at a pressure of 3 MPa develops a pushing force of 1.9 tons, which is also not bad at all for idling.

As soon as the hydraulic cylinder rod touches the log, the pressure in the system increases and a check valve is activated, which cuts off the 32 cc pump section, the oil from which flows through the pressure reducing valve into the oil tank.

Next, only the 10 cc pump section operates, which requires significantly less power to develop a working pressure in the system of 16 mPa. At this moment, the rod moves slowly, but with maximum effort. As soon as the log begins to split, less force on the rod will be required, the pressure in the system will drop and the check valve will open again, the 32 cc pump section will be connected to operation and the hydraulic cylinder rod will begin to move quickly idle.

Thus, for the system to operate, a drive with a power of no longer 13.5 kW, but only 6.7 kW, is required. The closest electric motor in terms of power is 7.5 kW. Half as powerful.

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Advantages and disadvantages of using a wood splitter

Before making any unit with your own hands, you should ask yourself whether it is necessary on the farm. Buying or making a device yourself will require a lot of financial costs and effort; you need to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the device include:

1. Physical activity on a person. The machine operator only loads and controls the process; the main physical work is performed by the wood splitter mechanism.
2. A device that includes an electric drive will cope with the tasks faster than doing the work manually.
3. Convenient use preserves health and physical strength.
4. Ease of operation and the absence of the use of physical force make it possible for all types of people to use the mechanism.

Application of a wood splitter

There are noticeably fewer disadvantages during operation, but they are still present, as with every device.

1. Complex design of some models. For a more uniform log, the final result is a hydraulic splitter. Making such a mechanism at home with your own hands is expensive and will take a lot of time.
2. High cost of finished structures. Buying a ready-made wood splitter will save time on manufacturing, but the cost of some models is so high that it does not justify itself during use.

It is necessary to understand that for a small area purchasing equipment is not advisable. Having a clear purpose and constant sale of firewood, you should think about buying or making your own wood splitter.

Devices for splitting firewood in which the log is located horizontally

With these devices, the log is placed in a special groove. This type of wood splitter is considered the best in terms of safety and ease of use. They are recommended for constant use.

GOMARK - LANCMAN SL10

Manufacturer from Slovenia Gomark produces devices for splitting firewood under the Lancman brand. The products have high strength characteristics, they are reliable, and they can be used for a long time. The SL10 firewood splitter has received a lot of positive feedback from firewood producers and coal producers. Operation is ensured using electricity and gasoline-powered engines. The operation of the device can be ensured by the shaft responsible for the power take-off from tractors. This device shows high performance and is comfortable to work with. Consumers in many cities, from northern Arkhangelsk to southern Krasnodar, in the Kaliningrad region, Irkutsk and other regions gave a worthy assessment to such devices.

wood splitter GOMARK – LANCMAN SL10

Advantages:

• long period of use;
• high strength indicators;
• reliable device.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Belmash LSG-500 S115A

The model is equipped with large diameter wheels, which make it convenient to transport. One circle during which the chopping takes place is 1.5 seconds, which is a high result. The width of the table allows you to install logs of considerable diameter.

The maximum force value reaches 20 tons, the power is 4800 W. The package includes all the necessary parts to use the device. The case has high resistance to mechanical stress. If a large load is created, the design of the support allows vibrations to be avoided. The main purpose of this model is industrial splitting of firewood and logs, the maximum diameter of which can reach 51 cm.

Belmash LSG-500 S115A wood splitter

Advantages:

• rich delivery set;
• the body is highly durable;
• has good performance;
• vibration resistance;
• good engine power.

Flaws:

• big sizes.

Champion LSH5001H

In the manufacture of the case, high quality steel and a special coating that protects against corrosion were used. You can move the device from place to place using the wheels with which it is equipped. The large width of the support makes it stable when splitting and parking.

The maximum force value is 5 tons, the permissible log length is 520 mm. With the help of a nozzle, it is split into 4 parts at once. High operating speed is achieved using an asynchronous motor.

This model of wood splitter has an increased service life, for this reason it can be used when working with strong wood species.

Champion LSH5001H wood splitter

Advantages:

• the device is mobile;
• high-performance and powerful wood splitter;
• good hull strength characteristics.

Flaws:

• excess weight of the device.

RedVerg RD-LS 25-37E

The device has a ZHB control system, with which you can control its operation using both hands. If the lever is released, the device turns off automatically. This mechanism provides a high degree of user protection. The ergonomic handle and decent wheel diameter make it easy to move the wood splitter. The device is capable of splitting logs 250 x 370 mm.

To make it more convenient to work with the wood splitter, the support element can be adjusted at your discretion. The design solution of placing the engine at the bottom reduces the likelihood of damage and reduces the ingress of dirt. The power indicator of the device is 1500 W.

This wood splitter is suitable for small volumes of wood chopping. It can be used to prepare firewood at home or in a small enterprise.

Wood splitter RedVerg RD-LS 25-37E

Advantages:

• ease of control;
• high strength index;
• vibration resistance;
• high level of user safety.

Flaws:

• it costs expensive.

AL-KO LSH 370/4

This device has a special protective casing, which distinguishes it from its analogues. The casing provides protection from flying chips to the user and covers the working elements, increasing the level of safety reliability. Convenience of work is provided by a special stand for firewood.

The log splitter can be used to install logs whose length does not exceed 370 mm. The device is small in size, making it easy to place in the right place. Convenient movement is ensured by special handles and wheels. The design has high strength indicators; during manufacturing it was treated with a special anti-corrosion compound. This increases the service life of the device. This model can be used when chopping wood for burning fireplaces. It is well suited for home use.

wood splitter AL-KO LSH 370/4

Advantages:

• small size and mobility;
• good stability when parking;
• presence of a protective casing;
• high degree of security;
• anti-corrosion coating.

Flaws:

• makes noise.

Gorynych 6T

The junior representative in the line of hydraulic cleavers produced under the domestic brand “Gorynych” is a device with the 6T index. Among its features is the piston speed, which gives good results. Such a device can be used when chopping firewood for sale, but at home such costs will not be justified. The design can withstand the uninterrupted operation of the wood splitter, almost without stopping, which allows you to chop large volumes of firewood. Adjusting the knife makes it possible to quickly change the mode to two or four logs in one pass.

wood splitter Gorynych 6T

Advantages:

• the device is designed for a large volume of work;
• provides good performance.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Patriot CE 5215

With the help of the pusher of this device, the pressure reaches 4 tons. This allows you to split even hard wood with a maximum log length of 520 mm. The design consists of a frame made by welding a metal pipe. The support stand provides good stability. The mobility of the wood splitter is achieved with the help of wheels. The good length and insulation of the log splitter cable make it possible to connect it to sockets at a distance, ensuring a high level of electrical safety. Low weight and dimensions make the machine convenient to store and transport. This model can be used in country or country houses on an irregular basis.

Wood splitter Patriot CE 5215

Advantages:

• low noise device;
• small size and weight;
• good cable length;
• sustainability.

Flaws:

• fast heating.

How to make a mobile wood splitter

Sometimes the wood splitter needs to be moved. The weight of the machine can exceed a hundredweight, so sometimes it is impossible to move it. For mobility, the device is equipped with wheels.

The work requires the immobility of the structure. This can be ensured by a wheel locking system or supports. Bricks are well suited for this purpose.