Safety Tip for Wallenstein/SurgeMaster Woodsplitters

revrnd · September 22, 2012, 12:23:06 AM

I noticed on our woodsplitter that there is an open slot on the hydraulic pump that could attract fingers. I made up a little guard from a piece of sheet aluminum. The guard is 3" wide x 4" long. The tabs w/ holes are an inch long.

Having worked in an industrial setting all my life, I can't understand how they could leave that unguarded.

beenthere · September 22, 2012, 12:40:50 AM

QuoteHaving worked in an industrial setting all my life, I can't understand how they could leave that unguarded.

Really?
That doesn't look too serious to me. That appears to be the flexible connector between the engine and the pump.

That is a nice bracket, and appears to be well fabbed.

thecfarm · September 22, 2012, 08:24:32 AM

Is this a new wood splitter to you? They sure do make things easier.

revrnd · September 22, 2012, 12:00:00 PM

Quote from: beenthere on September 22, 2012, 12:40:50 AM
QuoteHaving worked in an industrial setting all my life, I can't understand how they could leave that unguarded.

Really?
That doesn't look too serious to me. That appears to be the flexible connector between the engine and the pump.

The slot that is above the "coupler" is wide enough for a finger or other foreign object to enter.

revrnd · September 22, 2012, 12:01:11 PM

Quote from: thecfarm on September 22, 2012, 08:24:32 AM
Is this a new wood splitter to you? They sure do make things easier.

Yes it is. We had rented 1 in the past. We decided that by having our own we could split wood whenever we wanted to rather than when the splitter was available @ the rental outfit.

shelbycharger400 · September 22, 2012, 01:29:56 PM

the splitter here you could get 3 fingers in...lol

clww · September 22, 2012, 07:42:00 PM

I think about that area on my splitter most every time I operate it. Nice work on your guard. I should do one, too.

muddstopper · September 23, 2012, 12:28:02 PM

My aluminum pump mount came with a bright orange plastic insert to cover the hole. I am going to assume that theirs did to and somewhere along the way it was either lost or omitted.

bugmeist · December 13, 2012, 02:51:11 PM

Does anyone know if Wallenstein and Surge Master splitters are made by the same company?

hamish · December 13, 2012, 07:30:48 PM

Wallenstien is manufactured by EMB Manufacturing in southern ontario as is SurgeMaster.

Different product lines for different markets and not friendly to Wallenstien dealers.

Why would you want to put your fingers in there anyways? The lovejoy has windows so you can easily inspect the wear on the spider.

Logging logginglogging · December 13, 2012, 10:54:24 PM

I have found the most common place people are injured from a wallenstein is n the wallet.

petefrom bearswamp · December 16, 2012, 09:31:19 AM

My splitter is home built in 1979 and on the second engine. as a point of interest the original 8hp briggs suffered a cracked crankcase on the last piece of wood we intended to split in 2001. now have a 5.5 Honda, plenty of power and much less fuel.
The shaft from the engine to the pump is entirely open and have had no problems with either fingers or debris, just lucky I guess.This thread has got me to thinking, maybe a good winter project to design a cover.