Self propelled splitter build --update August 15 with video

[loadthestove]

Have been tossing around the idea of building a self propelled splitter .I was discussing this with an older friend of mine(retired heavy equipment mechanic) and he said he had exactly what I needed. The machine is a vermeer ditch compactor and has only 400 hours time on it.
He received it a few years back as part of a debt settlement and had no intentions of ever making it run again. He gave me the unit because he nor his family would ever have any use for it and he didn't want it to be sold for for junk iron and knew I would put it to good use
The original engine is bad but I have a 25 horsepower deutz diesel on hand that is basically an exact replacement for the original engine. The only requirement is he wants to help me with the build. Its a win-win for me.
I will add pics to the thread as progress is made on the build.

 

[06switchback]

And I thought a couple drive motors from a zero turn mower on my splitter would be cool



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[Paragon Builder]

Have been tossing around the idea of building a self propelled splitter .I was discussing this with an older friend of mine(retired heavy equipment mechanic) and he said he had exactly what I needed. The machine is a vermeer ditch compactor and has only 400 hours time on it.
He received it a few years back as part of a debt settlement and had no intentions of ever making it run again. He gave me the unit because he nor his family would ever have any use for it and he didn't want it to be sold for for junk iron and knew I would put it to good use
The original engine is bad but I have a 25 horsepower deutz diesel on hand that is basically an exact replacement for the original engine. The only requirement is he wants to help me with the build. Its a win-win for me.
I will add pics to the thread as progress is made on the build.

That's better than what my dad and I did. We put in a hydraulic three way and piped in a motor with wheel mount and rigged it under the hitch it works ok but powering the wheel makes the wheel swing sideways so it's tough to turn where you want. You really have to hold on! I should take some pics and out them up here. We really need too do some mods to it.
Anyway, have fun with your build!!

 

[sawjunky23]

Be cool to see the progress/finsihed project. Post lots of pics

 

[NCSteveH]

That's better than what my dad and I did. We put in a hydraulic three way and piped in a motor with wheel mount and rigged it under the hitch it works ok but powering the wheel makes the wheel swing sideways so it's tough to turn where you want. You really have to hold on! I should take some pics and out them up here. We really need too do some mods to it.
Anyway, have fun with your build!!

You need to put a tiller handle on the motor, just like an outboard.

 

[Paragon Builder]

You need to put a tiller handle on the motor, just like an outboard.

That's exactly what we did. But the hydraulics are so strong and the wheel is not centered under the pivot. I think if we offset the stand so the wheel is centered it will be much better. I'll have to get some pics.

 

[cantoo]

Brought this home from work yesterday. It was our old scissor lift and going to scrap. Saved the hydraulic lift system and the front drive/ steer wheel. Plan to use a bigger wheel and mount it on a wood splitter or something. I also saved a 4 lever hydraulic vale from a forklift and some other goodies. Now I just need to find some time somewhere.

 

[cantoo]

I was also going to save this to lay logs on but decided it was too big to be of much use. And a weld broke while I was carrying it across the yard and made a big mess. It was a multi head saw used to cut lumber to length. I did save all the chain drive and infeed and outfeed conveyors off it. It's still sitting at work and heading to the scrap yard this week, every time I look at it I think I should keep it but it's just more work.

 

[Paragon Builder]

Brought this home from work yesterday. It was our old scissor lift and going to scrap. Saved the hydraulic lift system and the front drive/ steer wheel. Plan to use a bigger wheel and mount it on a wood splitter or something. I also saved a 4 lever hydraulic vale from a forklift and some other goodies. Now I just need to find some time somewhere.
View attachment 427904 View attachment 427905

Some very useful parts you got there! Nice score!

 

[cantoo]

Wish this cylinder was 40" long. I already have one like it. It would likely work for the Leveraxe type splitters though. Plan is to use it for a motorcycle lift table. Some day that is.

 

[boxygen]

Couldn't get much better than that unless a timberwolf fell off a truck in front of your house. I love me a splitter build. Keep us posted.

 

[sam-tip]

Look forward to seeing your build. I just hauled this beast home for similar splitter project.

34 hp kubota engine with some serious hydraulics.

 

[cantoo]

Don't hold your breath on my build fellas, I bought this rig about 5 years ago. 3 wheel hydraulic drive diesel. Then I just went out and bought a Speeco. Then I cut it up.

 

[loadthestove]

some progress on splitter
0605151422 (1).jpg
removed the rear boom, will install my H beam in this area
0605151422a.jpg
engine removed
0605151555.jpg
Originally had plans to install a deutz engine, but last week the trans axle on my Kubota lawn tractor died so now I have a very good 21 hp 3 cylinder Kubota diesel that I will use.
0605151558.jpg
all my donor engine had was a pulley bolted to flywheel, after some lathe work I have a perfect adapter to join my pump to my engine
0605151630.jpg
I'm hoping to install engine and pump as one assembly later in the week.

Will add a few more pics in a couple of days

 

[Rookie1]

Nice job. I'm watching

 

[loadthestove]

Have made progress on the splitter, My dad has taken a great interest in this build and is basically doing the lions share of the work.Im standing in the shop door watching as he takes her for a test drive

I ended up using a 21 horsepower Kubota three cylinder diesel engine from a Kubota mower I purchased a few years back. I purchased the mower for $100 from the owner as he was entering the scrap yard.. We have the machine moving under its own power and. I scored an eight ft piece of six inch H beam 3/8 inch flange a few days ago for $25 dollars.
At this point I have $140 dollars invested In my build.The valves and the cylinder are going to be my biggest expense as I plan to buy them new

 

[robson1015]

Awesome so far, waiting for more....thanx for posting.

 

[sawjunky23]

Looking Good!!! Keep the pics coming!

 

[cus_deluxe]

Look forward to seeing your build. I just hauled this beast home for similar splitter project.

34 hp kubota engine with some serious hydraulics.

Sweet lf3400! Im a golf course guy, a shame to see a decent unit chopped up but its for a good cause

 

[sam-tip]

Getting the mower broken down to the frame. What a mess I am making.