I am trying to add a hydraulic log lifter to my woodsplitter to make my back feel better. I have seen them pictured for sale as an option on commercial splitters but can't seem to find anything of hydraulic valves needed to operate one. A simple diagram is like this \__ where the lifter lays on the ground, you roll the large round block onto the lifter and then lift the arm with a hydraulic cylinder so that it is horizontal like a shelf. The arm would be hinged to the splitter beam on one end. The shelf part closest to the beam would also be long enough to catch split wood off the wedge and keep me from having to bend over all the time to pick the wood back up off the ground. I have a auto return valve on the splitter now and need another valve to operate a lift cylinder. Anyone ever do a project similar to this or know of a source for the control valve I would need?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Herb - I did this last year, northern tool
Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company has the valves, I used the same detent valve as on the ram, when the lift gets to the ground, it kicks the valve out. Open center, you take the "out" from the ram valve, go to the "in" on the lift valve. The "out" from the lift valve goes back to the tank. I have some pics. in my gallery here, email me if you would like larger ones, i'll send them. I'm using it now, should have done this 15 years ago.
I simply used my wife as the lifter for two years. Then, one day the blond roots didn't seem to run so deep and she got a hold of the valve handle when my back was turned. I had the lifting services for two years, 'till the valve touching occured. :'(
In addition to northern tool
Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company the Surplus Center also stocks a lot of hydraulic goodies.
http://www.surpluscenter.com/hydraulic.asp?UID=2006042322010657&catname=hydraulic
Herb
Would a set of sliding forks from a forklift work. I know were there are a bunch of junk forlifts. PM me if you like. I am in orleans county.
Scott
Yes Mike I could use larger pictures of your splitter. I will pm you with my e-mail. Frank I need the lifter so that my wife will do the splitting faster. She likes splitting wood so I want to be a nice guy and make it easier for her so she doesn't wise up and tell me to split all the wood. :D :D
Scott I don't think forks would work but thanks for the offer anyway. I could probably use a set for the loader on my tractor though if you know where some are available. We are right next door to each other I guess. I am located only a mile west of Niagara/Orleans County line along the lake shore.