Gaining on the log splitter PIX

I've been watching craigslist hoping to find a lawn/yard tractor,as we were needing the motor for the new log splitter. What we found,were either too far away or too expensive for our taste.So after a couple of weeks with no results, my son turned the computer on last night and looked at Craigslist,low and behold a new ad, a frame with engine and transaxle showed up. Way reasonable,we went today to hear the motor run and it does run well. Its a Briggs and Stratton 16hp, that will turn the pump.Only thing I think it needs is a new muffler,and cleaning.We'll look up parts manual for it and order one for it.

We got a picture of our steel supply for the whole log splitter build. All we're looking for now is a small axle (boat trailer or snowmobile trailer) axle and wheels. Other than the cylinder,pump,valve,hoses,wedge, we're ready to go.
Son pointed out the idea of electric start on the motor,when a person gets older,it gets harder to pull the rope starter.Just have to cut the steel to size and cut the holes for hyd lines,and weld it up.I'm looking forward to this.I thank my son for the tenacity and his muscle and little input.
Bless his heart as I do appreciate it.Warmest regards,
LOU

Lou are you going to make it self propelled??? I never thought about using an old Vertical shaft lawn mower engine. The hydraulic pump really does not care what position it is mounted in. Good idea!!!!

JD Seller,
Thanks for the reply. Not self propelled, it will be pulled behind on our truck by a trailer tongue, it will be just like the picture of the old one we showed before(gray one),pulled by our green Ford. Trans-axle was just a bonus for a rainy day project we can think up, such as a power wheelbarrow, brush mower self propelled etc. Your right pump doesn't care what position its mounted in as long as it gets a very good flow of clean(filtered),cool oil to keep from starving the pump.
Regards,
LOU

Nice project , that's all the hp you will ever need . We bought a splitter 30 years ago with a 4cyl datsun motor and it splits good , but too hard on gas . I saw a guy last fall splitting with a Minie Vista 1000 --110 hp is an overkill .

Larry --ont.

lou, i like the idea of a self propelled wood splitter!!!! you have the trans axle, just mount a single wheel on the other end for steering, a seat, drink holder and good to go!!!!!!!!

Rear axles from front wheel drive vans are popular for projects like that. Use the donut wheels or regular size.

I was at a guys house last week and saw he had a splitter powered by a 4 cyl GM "Iron Duke" engine. I didnt ask any questions,,,,

Because I was there to see the Airflow Chryslers.

Hello LOU from Wi,


Here are a couple pictures of my splitter. Two things I did when I built the beast. It is just as old as the one you already have. The wedge as you can see is leaning away from the top. That makes the initial slice use a lot less power, and makes the motor happy. The other thing I did put those pieces of pipe at the pusher plate. They grab the wood and there is no slipping. I would also check the valve adjustments on that overhead valve motor. They have a tendency to get tight with only a few hours on them. Since you just got it, that would be something you should check,


Guido.