arboriculturist

Many on the forum have all had experience of breaking down large trunks in excess of 5 ft dbh on steep slopes in inaccessible places, just so that the timber can be manhandled to a vehicle. Some seem to start at the top, some at the bottom and I have seen some going at it from the middle. Many take full rings off then cut up the rings, others seem to 1/4 or 1/8th up the trunk then cut rings off. Even a combination of the two at the same time. I would be interested to see / hear what others do and see some photos posted of the monster trunks that have bit the dust in your time!

2500psi at 540 PTO speed.

Wow it went up to 3000psi !

Thanks for excellent feedback. I agree on the 35X the 11 tonne splitter is not good. Will consult a specialist about stage 2 pump.

Just found the earlier post from Openspaceman, about 2 stage PTO pumps running at Tractor tickover speeds: "Just Interesting little pumps but more for high revving little engines as they stand 3600rpm. Most 2p series pumps which fit on the (typically) 1:3 step up PTO gearboxes are only good for 3000 rpm ( it's worth bearing in mind they need to run at over 1000rpm as they depend on some iternal pressure to maintain the sealing aluminium bushes in relation to the gear faces). Also note the outputs for these two speed pumps quoted is the combined high flow at lower pressure." So running a 2 stage at tickover revs - a no go. Any comments?

18ltrs / min @ 2500psi after 50 years - tested it Friday!

Yes definitely obsessed, as I like to maximise productivity. Consequently advocate 25 litre reservoir and 1/2" spool valve and pipework, which dramatically reduces operating temperatures. Comes at a price of course.

Yes, test the output l/min and psi of tractor 1st off. Many who own an old tractor will wish to use it, those that don't then as Trequip has said a powerpack, ideally diesel, is perfect. I am friendly with a Ag. Contractor who runs his 11 tonne tractor splitter off his bale wrapper!. It puts out about 35l/min and the splitter cycle time is perfect. Tried it on a MF 35x and the cycle time was about 10 seconds to travel 6" down and 6" up - useless and that was at PTO speed.

I think you will find that with a 35 you will need revs up higher than tickover, unless you have a low tonnage ram and are splitting lovely straight grain logs. As you will know something like an 11 tonne ram on a 35 will be painfully slow as the oil flow on this tractor will be only 18l/min producing 2500psi and that is at standard PTO speed 540rpm. Avoid going over about 14 tonne on a 35, you dont need it. The revs need to be up with a lot of these external pumps as there will be internal pump issues as posted on a previous thread. As Trequip states - talk to the experts and cooling is king especially on hot summer days. Interfluid over at Gunnislake are a decent bunch also. Good luck.

Agreed - efficient processing is all about grading the product.

It is not all about money, convienience for those of us who have secure storage and improved efficiency by not having 3 blokes waiting in the truck while you que for fuel. Appreciated not for everyone of course.

Hmm, I agree - generally this is the case, but if like you with plenty of experience on your side its not an issue building in adjustable return, table size to aid productivity, speed control and address the areas that could be improved on having used multiple splitters in your time. (that said - cant beat a Posch for build quality and refinement)

So is the general view closed sides, completely open top?

Nice feedback thanks - looking at 16 tonne ram with 2 STAGE PTO pump - Rarely split longer than 12" rings but annoying if odd logs 13" so going for 16" stroke. How does that all sound?

You can see why people are queing up to move to the UK! This is all about Risk Management: Training and Risk Assessment starts the process and the good old paper trail. Some would argue that provided a piece of equipment - that was built say by your local Agricultural Engineer, was subject to an initail inspection before use and an annual inspection thereafter, there is no problem having pieces of equipment custom built. They are often better than mass produced items and have improved safety features. Similar to having your Telehandlers annual inspection signed off. Inspected, documented and signed off free of defects and suitable for the next years use. If you use a reputable established Company to carry out your annual inspections and they are prepared to inspect a certain piece of equipment, then their Professional Indemnity Insurance legally is in force to cover their service. H&S have there take on this if you care to phone your local office - so not all doom and gloom after all! At the end of the day safety is all about what is 'Reasonable'. That said - probably best to remove all Hazards and associated risks, so sit indoors with the Laptop and spend the working week on Arbtalk.

Marshalls then - thanks

Sure.

Will take a look at that - thanks

All sound advice - Thanks

Perfect, thanks.

Thanks for the info. Is a PTO version available with a through shaft and male output shaft do you know?

Thanks. Im too busy getting legal advice to use the splitter, so need all the safety features so the staff can operate it in safety!

Thanks. Is that basically a new version of a 2850, similar HP with all the electronics. If it is we have one on the 'To buy' list, but not this year. We are running the processor and Log splitter at the same time at 480rpm PTO speed. Want to maximise running the tractor at those revs. So cycle time below 10 seconds if 2 people on splitter and they alternate.

Agreed, but those building their own Splitters are keen to see what the options are so they end up with a machine that is a pleasure to use (if that's possible)

Wow - it just sounds expensive. Is this a PTO pump? What sort of costs and where would you source? Do you find yourself adjusting the speed depending on the timber? Thanks for the reply.