converting a 5hp log splitter to electric

Anonymous-0 · Dec 2, 2013

Looking to convert a small 5hp hydraulic log splitter to electric.

Will my 5500 watt generator run the 5hp motor I want to put on the log splitter?

Richard G. · Dec 2, 2013

No way. A 5 HP motor takes over 4000 watts to run. You won't be able to start it with 5500 watts.
I can just barely start my 1 HP well pump with a 5500 watt generator.
Sorry, Richard in NW SC

John B. · Dec 2, 2013

You won't need a 5hp electric motor to replace a 5hp gas engine. You should be able to get by with a 2-3hp electric motor.

Determined · Dec 2, 2013

My Onan generator has a shaft comming out the back that would easily accomodate a hydraulic pump, compressor etc.
Might be an easier approach as either way you would need to have the generator running to use the splitter.

mkirsch · Dec 2, 2013

A 5HP motor will only require maximum Watts if it is at maximum load.

If you use a 5HP motor in an application where only 2-3HP is needed, it will only use the Watts of a 2-3HP motor.

The 5500 Watt generator should run it just fine, if all you really need is 2-3HP.

If you already have the motor, you've got nothing to lose except time. If you're going out and buying the motor, then go with a 3HP and save yourself some money.

Greenday · Dec 2, 2013

Just a curious question but why do you want to convert it to a electric motor if youre still going to have to run a gas powered generator to operate it?

Anonymous-0 · Dec 2, 2013

Good Question

I want to run the log splitter indoors for 90-95% of the time.

Inside I have a 60amp 220v outlet for my welder to use for the re powered electric splitter.

I just wanted to see if i could use my 5500 watt generator to use it outside (5-10% of the time) if i have to do some splitting away from home.

buickanddeere · Dec 2, 2013

What is the gpm and pressure on the pump ? Need some info here.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 2, 2013

You have a point the start up amps especially under load can be 2-3x the running amps.

My log splitter has an open center hydraulic system so it shouldn't require the same start up torque as your water pump does (multiple of running amps)

I'm thinking starting should be close to 1.1x running which means my 5500 watt generator should work?

Thoughts?

Anonymous-0 · Dec 2, 2013

Wish they made a 4hp model and I could split the difference between the 3 & 5 hp models.

Probably end up with 3 hp

Thanks for the advice

36 Coupe · Dec 2, 2013

A 5 hp electric motor will draw 5280 watts at 240 volts.It can take 10000 watts to start and would draw over 22 amps in a hard split.Price a 5hp motor.

Paul in MN · Dec 2, 2013

I'll bet that your estimate of 1.1 X the running amps is way low. You could try the elect motor by temp wiring it to a switch and the 60 amp circuit, just the motor, no splitter. Different motors have vastly different starting current loads. While the motor is coming up to rated speed, the amp draw is big and then tapers off to be close to the amount needed for the load. This test can be done with a clamp on ammeter set to AC. Do not use the internal amp function of your normal VOM, it will become instant smoke. The clamp on needs to surround ONE of the power lead wires, NOT the extension cord you might be using. Then the starting amps needed when the motor is connected to the hydraulic pump is even much greater (but that depends on the hyd pump, the viscosity of the hyd oil, and the temp of the oil).

So my best guess is that we do not have a clue what size generator is needed for starting this load. Only testing will help you determine if your 5500 watt gen is usable.

Paul in MN

37chief · Dec 2, 2013

Maybe you can pipe the gas motor exhaust out side, and use the heat from the motor to warm the inside area. I have a electric powered log splitter. It is five hp running through a static converter. I lose some hp. Problem with electric motors is, they don't like to bog down, on a hard push. Stan

36 Coupe · Dec 2, 2013

I have a small electric splitter rated a 5 tons.It splits most wood with no problem.They are on sale for 200.00.It draws 12 amps at 120 volts.Most people go nuts splitting wood.I split for the cook stove.Split wood burns faster.

buickanddeere · Dec 2, 2013

I wish you knew what you were doing instead of asking us to guess.That pump has to have a nameplate and some specs.
We need to know how much power the hydraulic pump requires at peak. To size an electric motor to momentary operate at approx 150%.
It appears that already have a 5HP and want to use it instead of purchasing from scratch.
When limited to such a small generator as small of motor practical is required due to starting inrush current.

onefarmer · Dec 2, 2013

Why not make a separate power unit and use some loooong hyd hose to get the power inside?

buickanddeere · Dec 3, 2013

Anybody think of the rpm difference between a typical small engine and a typical 2,3 or 5HP electric motor?

converting a 5hp log splitter to electric

Anonymous-0

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Richard G.

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John B.

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Determined

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mkirsch

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Greenday

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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