Matt's suggestion per email today:
"Waylan,
Here’s what I did find out. The original log splitter that you had ordered (without suspension) can lift 350 lbs, at 370 lbs it starts to tip. What I am going to do is try and make a bracket the will fit onto your reservoir or the 2 x 2 tube that hold the suspension mount and support the spindle. I think this must be where the problem is. I took some pictures on my phone and on the weekend I will try to save them to my computer and send them to you. My problem right now is that I don’t have another 3265 here with the suspension that I can make a bracket with. As soon as I have one I am going to get it made up for you, which will likely be next week."
Here is my reply:
"Matt,
What if I come up with a list of materials I need to do the axle the way I want and split-fire reimburse me for the materials? I am proficient at fabrication work, have a welder, plasma cutter, etc.
I would want larger tires (more flotation if not aired to max psi, somewhat of a suspension effect) and a wider axle. I could unbolt the torsion suspension with spindles and wheels and send them back to you.
For a ballpark figure I am thinking for around 300 I could do what I am talking about. Let me know what you think. Of course, i would send photos after I finish."
Here is Matt's response:
"Waylan,
If you would prefer to do it that way that is fine with me. You just send the axle and wheel ass. back to me and I will credit you $300. I’m pretty sure that $300 will cover your cost on parts plus a bunch of labor. I would suggest not to make it too wide because it just makes it harder to move around with your atv and takes up a lot more room for storage. Like I said the biggest problem I think is the torsion suspension is giving, will send you those pictures when I manage to get them off my phone."
And my last response:
"Matt,
I am not trying to get any compensation for my labor. The 13" tire and wheel assemblies I saw at tractor supply were $99 each. A ready-made axle with hubs was $119. If I JUST bought those 3 pieces I would be looking at about $350 after tax is added. There is another trailer supply company in town I am planning on checking prices at, but they are normally a little higher on their prices. Like I said, I do not want anything for my labor.
I will send your axle and wheel assemblies back Monday.
I will not make the axle stick out further than the log lift...........if I can get the log lift to fit between trees then the axle being shorter will be no problem."
So to wrap it all up, Matt wanted to make a bracket to lock out the suspension with hopes that it would solve the tipping. Personally I would rather use larger tires that can have a more give to them on the road, easier to roll around by hand, and extend the axle just shy of how far the log lift sticks out when fully raised. I think Matt feels I am trying to stick it to split-fire, regardless, he has agreed to my terms. I am satisfied he has agreed to it, but don't like someone feeling I am trying to pull one over on them. Not to mention the trouble of modifying something that should've never left their factory unless it met their ratings. In the end I feel I will be happy with what I add to their design.
I also plan to extend the tongue 3'........as it is you can't turn sharp with the log lift raised or else the atv will contact the log lift. A longer tongue should reduce the tongue weight at the hitch making it easier to maneuver by hand, and the larger tires should make rolling easier. I will add photos to my photobucket page and post here when they are loaded.
Waylan
