The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Firewood and Wood Heating => Topic started by: husky2100 on October 10, 2014, 04:02:55 AM

Title: Wood splitter motor
Post by: husky2100 on October 10, 2014, 04:02:55 AM
My wood splitter just took out the motor on it and it had a vertical shaft Briggs on it can I put a horizontal shaft motor on it without having to mess with the old hydraulics. I'm only asking because if I go horizontal the pump would sit above the filter from were it feeds in to the pump.
Title: Re: Wood splitter motor
Post by: blades on October 10, 2014, 05:46:42 AM
Normally the filter is on the return line, although there might be a screen in the tank on the feed line.  Pump doesn't care about its orientation but you do need to be mindful of the coupling system pump-motor and eng shaft size. Pump input port should be located lower than the feed line from the tank .
Title: Re: Wood splitter motor
Post by: sawguy21 on October 10, 2014, 09:54:27 AM
It will work although you will need to fabricate a mount for the motor and pump. also extend the hoses. The tank is below the pump on most splitters so I don't understand blades' last statement.
Title: Re: Wood splitter motor
Post by: beenthere on October 10, 2014, 10:07:38 AM
 Here is the pump to filter to supply tank (in the axle tube) arrangement on my splitter. Has worked fine since Jan. 1985. Original pump but just switched out the B&S engine for a new 8hp.

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10180/1591/100_1411_%28Large%29.JPG)
Title: Re: Wood splitter motor
Post by: Oliver1655 on October 11, 2014, 03:29:19 AM
While most horizontal/vertical splitters have the tank lower than the pump, it is preferred to have the tank higher.  If the pump is higher, the oil has the potential to drain out of the pump causing dry starts which can lead to premature pump failures.  The risk increases the longer the splitter sits unused.