iamspt
ArboristSite Lurker
I am building a splitter from parts and other goodies. I have access to Mcmaster Carr and get really good discounts there (wife)... can someone tell me which one of their pumps would be suitable...thanks
A two stage might be the norm for splitters due to the ability to use a small engine to run the pump but for cost reduction go with a single stage Dynamic gear pump from northern tool. I did a check a little while back and the Dynamic gear pump is technically more powerful than a more expensive two stage pump. Your GPM is only half of what you need to look at when buying a log splitter pump GPM is your speed but what will do the splitting is the cubic inch of the pump. If you go to the Haldex site and download a manual on the two stage barnes pumps they sell and download a copy of dynamics's gear pump book and you will see that the 11 GPM two stage actually runs several GPM less than the 11 GPM stated. The dynamic model GP-F20 will run more GPM per minute and a higher CI than almost any two stage pumps. Another way to look at it if you have the manuals is a $100 dynamic pump will meet or beat the $120 barnes pump.
The 2-stage pumps are the most practicable for the average log splitter.They allow for the use of small engine and are the most cost effective. The GPM of the pump will be determined by the cylinder bore size and the speed or cycle times wanted.
With 2-stage pumps 5.5 hp. min. req. for 11 gpm pump.
8 hp. with 16 gpm pump.
11 hp. with 22 gpm pump.
Single stage pumps will require 2-2 1/2 hp. per gallon of pump flow at 3000 psi.
The average 2-stage pump setups are;
11 gpm pump with 4" bore cylinder
16 gpm pump with 5" bore cylinder
Faster combos are;
16 gpm with 4" bore
22 gpm with 5" bore
Very fast combos are;
22 gpm with 4" bore
28 gpm with 5" bore
Using a more powerful engine than required to operate a particular pump will not make the splitter more powerful, it will only consume more fuel.
There are only two manufacturers of 2-stage pumps in the US . The most common is Haldex/Barnes. The other is MTE which is usually only found on bottom end splitters. There is a Chinese clone that is just hitting the US market that looks the same but has an aluminum body.
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