Nodak Andy
ArboristSite Member
Hello everyone. I've been lurking for a bit, but figured now that my wife and I will be building a new house and heating with wood I should make an account. I am going to be using an outdoor wood boiler, supplying BTU's to a radiant floor heat system and also a domestic hot water system. I have that whole system worked out in my head and on paper. What I need to do now is build a splitter. I've got my methodology down for hauling logs and stuff.
I've already started ordering parts. So far I have a 13gpm pump, a 6.5hp Predator engine, a log splitter valve, the mount for the pump/engine mating, and a love-joy coupler set with a couple extra spiders.
I know it's probably not gonna be a speed demon with a 13gpm pump and a 4" or 4.5" cylinder, but I'm ok with that. I'm no speed demon myself, and on top of that my 9 year old son will be helping. I made a deal with him that once we get ahead on our pile, we can cut and sell a few cords and split the profit.
I've got a plan for most everything about the splitter, the thing I'm questioning is the beam size. I understand something like a W8-35 would probably be preferable. I do have some 1/2" or 3/4" plate/flat steel around and was wondering if I could use a lighter beam (something like a W6-12?) if I welded some of that plate on top and then boxed the beam in on the ends and in the areas where the pusher won't be wrapped around the top plate of the beam. Any thoughts? I'm trying not to spend a ton of money because we will have a lot of expenses coming up with the house build, but I want to get a head start on building a wood pile... I understand that I'm already behind as I have zero wood cut/split for this upcoming winter if we are able to move into the house, but I know where there is an abundance of dead, standing trees that I can go cut for immediate use. The only things I have left to pick up are the cylider and the beam that it will all ride on. Thanks for any input you guys have to offer.
I've already started ordering parts. So far I have a 13gpm pump, a 6.5hp Predator engine, a log splitter valve, the mount for the pump/engine mating, and a love-joy coupler set with a couple extra spiders.
I know it's probably not gonna be a speed demon with a 13gpm pump and a 4" or 4.5" cylinder, but I'm ok with that. I'm no speed demon myself, and on top of that my 9 year old son will be helping. I made a deal with him that once we get ahead on our pile, we can cut and sell a few cords and split the profit.
I've got a plan for most everything about the splitter, the thing I'm questioning is the beam size. I understand something like a W8-35 would probably be preferable. I do have some 1/2" or 3/4" plate/flat steel around and was wondering if I could use a lighter beam (something like a W6-12?) if I welded some of that plate on top and then boxed the beam in on the ends and in the areas where the pusher won't be wrapped around the top plate of the beam. Any thoughts? I'm trying not to spend a ton of money because we will have a lot of expenses coming up with the house build, but I want to get a head start on building a wood pile... I understand that I'm already behind as I have zero wood cut/split for this upcoming winter if we are able to move into the house, but I know where there is an abundance of dead, standing trees that I can go cut for immediate use. The only things I have left to pick up are the cylider and the beam that it will all ride on. Thanks for any input you guys have to offer.