No need to crack lines to bleed air hydraulic systems will always push the air back to the tank tighten lines and go great mod tho that will help a lot
Thank you. I wasn’t sure when I did this mod and recorded the video. I figured better safe than sorry. One thing I like about having a channel is the fact that not only can I help others with ideas but others can help me with comments as well. I still have a lot to learn. Learning every day.
Yeah, part of it was just seeing if I could do it. I won’t be running it too much now though. My new splitter has arrived as well. Now we both have to decide work the same amount and have much higher production, or make the same amount of wood and have way more free time! I think I know what we’ll both do. Thanks for the comment.
Loved the rant, I agree entirely, what bugs me is the drivers trying to fit their hood into my tail pipe, they are so close you could have a conversation. Some nice splitters you got there, I need to upgrade mine but never seem to get round to it. All those 90°s on the blue will have a lot to do with cycle time too, you could turn the controles to verticle and have the same hoses going strait in without the 90°s. A good way to check for problems is a one of those IR temperature guns, after running a while the problem areas will be hotter than the rest, follow the circuit from the pump output all the way round to the tank return and look for sudden temperature rise in and out of each component.
Your major flow restriction is at the elbows, not the line diameter. "What is the pressure loss in a 90 degree elbow? Designers usually apply the general rule that a 90" elbow bend has a pressure drop equivalent of 30 to 50 pipe-diameters length of straight pipe" Use longer pipe or long radius elbows.
Boules law on fluid pressure in an enclosed space states otherwise. Pressure is equal everywhere. Aircraft actuators have 90 degree elbows and it’s going to be 3,000 psi wherever you measure it
hi there i think you did a real good job , i remember back in the early 70s when i built mine but with on internet and only one wood splitter manufacture , talking about learning . there are a few other things you may want to look into if interested let me know . well done john
Thanks John. And yes always willing to learn! I have picked up my new splitter which is awesome and will be on the channel soon but still interested in any improvements I can make to Blue. I also have a project in the works for my new splitter I think you’ll approve of! I’ll be at the Bunyan show and introduce myself.
Did you change the size of the push and retract hoses , are they still 1/2''. What size pump you running? My oil gets hot , I have a 1'' return hose but the delivery hoses are 1/2'' I think I will swap out for 3/4'' for less restriction. The pump is 2 stage 28gpm. So it hoots along. The cycle time is amazing.
Yes, I changed out all of the hoses to larger sizes. This machine only had a 22gpm pump. I think you definitely should upsize from 1/2” for that machine.
Thank you. I think the biggest difference is the diameter of the inner cylinder on the hydraulic Ram. It is a larger diameter than the old ram so it has a little less power but is way faster.
Keep in mind what you gain in speed you loose in power. My home made splitter is 15 secs a cycle which does me just fine as I need all the power I can get in Aussie hardwood. You don’t need such long travel. This is where you can loose time. No need to bleed lines.
Thanks Alan, you are correct. The power is a bit less but will still split almost anything I need it to. I wasn’t sure about bleeding the lines but have since learned it was unnecessary.
Love the term " ticket money". Teflon tape shouldn't be used on hydraulics. It can break apart and cause contamination or blockages. There's paste that can be used. Because of the oversized rod used on those cylinders there is a much higher flow rate when the ram is retracting. This is often well in excess of what your valve can comfortably handle. This is why dump valves get fitted on splitters with oversized rods. You may end up with some oil overheating problems if your valve is close to the capacity of the pump. If they are both 15gpm for instance then it could easily be more like 40gpm that you are trying to force through the valve when retracting. If you don't have overheating problems you'll now have yourself a fair beast.
Alan, thanks for the info. That makes sense with the Teflon tape, you can see in the video I pick a little debris out after removing the old lines which also has Teflon tape. I have no idea what these valves are rated for, I believe I may have a 22gpm but am not sure. The hydraulic tank is 12 gallons. I have run it a bit since and it has not gotten too hot yet I will definitely keep an eye on it. Thanks for the tips and for watching and commenting. My ticket money is gone for a little bit now as I just picked up my new splitter! I am trying to get that on the channel shortly I have a few videos to catch up on.
I've never needed ticket money as yet. I am thinking with all the money I have saved in more than 30 years of driving and not needing to use it I should finally buy myself a box store splitter and then speed it up. Maybe put a Binford 6100 splitter kit through it.
I used to have a 35 ton Huskee and even before I sped old blue up I could make more wood with it easier than I could with that splitter due to being able to push the splits through, stacking splits, and the 4 way. Now with is running at a decent cycle time I definitely prefer it to a box store wedge on the ram style splitter. It also sits higher making working it easier on my back. A lot of wood is split every year with yard max, huskee, etc. splitters but I definitely prefer the push through style. Also a lot of easy modifications could make Blue even better! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thank you, a few people really didn’t like them. I thought it was sort of funny, and a little educational. I never thought about the guy pulling a trailer until I was that guy.
Grew up in the sleeper of Peter built and dad farmed and raised a nursery of ornamental trees at the same time. I guess you could say I was upfetched right which is a hard thing to find it seems nowadays
@@charminghollowforge1109 my dad was a diesel mechanic for Freightliner for over 45 years. He’d occasionally come give us a ride if he was out on a test drive.
I am new to your channel and just watched your video. I have the same problem with my splitter being too slow I was wondering if you change anything else beside the cylinder and the return hose. What size is the pump on blue?
You may want to just take the splitter to the hydraulic shop and ask them to replace all the lines/fittings with radiused fittings. All those reducing fittings and 90’s create a lot of power loss.
You might put a 22 gpm pump on there now that you have 3/4 inch lines. I bet you’d be sub 7 seconds. Mine has about the same setup with the 22 gpm pump and a slightly bigger cylinder than yours and smaller rod and I’m still at 9 seconds.
Brian, I believe it has a 22gpm pump but not positive. I do know the Honda motor on Blue wasn’t running right and that may have had something to do with it. I have a newer 13hp Honda I am putting on it now and we will see how it does.
Just get a 2 speed pump problem solved . First stage is high flow and fast when it hits the kog the second stage is low flow and has high pressure to split.
Thank you I wasn’t sure and figured better safe than sorry. One thing I like about having a channel like this is that I can learn from others and some things others will learn from me.
I believe in obeying the speed limit. People who travel over are usually more aggressive, less patient and take more risks on highway. No thank you. Good video tho.
Thank you, o travel a lot and will say this varies greatly by state. For example here in Michigan we have stretches of expressway where the speed limit is 55mph. If you go 70mph on these stretches you will get blown away lol. Now in other states where it is 55mph people actually go 55mph. I drive a lot based on traffic in the area.
Obvious you're all about speed, so why use those adjustable wrenches that always seem to be too tight or too loose. Get some decent solid wrenches. How much did that total mode cost you, not including a paint job? It couldn't have been cheap?
Thanks for watching and commenting. The total cost was around $800. As far as wrenches go I have them in the garage and looking back I should have grabbed the proper sizes.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors, too bad we can't race our splitters against each other. Can't wait to try mine out Friday. Bet you are as excited as I am to get the new toy. We are probably like kids at Christmas.
I stumbled on your channel, thanks for the video but no subscription from me because of the beginning rant. I'm not down with spending time watching a state of affairs traffic rant. It's your business but I doubt that many folks are interested in a rant
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I don't usually complain, we all deal with these issues. I have a '99 7.3 f350 dually and a trailer, 36' gooseneck dovetail. When I get perturbed with traffic I just remind myself that those folks out there don't have any clue about my issues and that I consider myself a pro. Past CDL, 50 years experience, its on me brother.
Sorry you feel that way. There is a lot of good information in the video. I constantly learn and try to improve making videos. Thanks for the feedback.
23 south is the perfect example. They spend millions In taxpayer dollars for a left lane they don't let you even use. The section between I96 and 14. Dumbest thing I've ever seen.
Guess what? I drive in any lane I want to at speed limit or slightly over. Just because some idiot wants to drive a lot faster is of no concern to me. So rant away!
Well said about the left lane
Thanks Kareem!
I always say "Camp in the Woods, not the left lane!"
No need to crack lines to bleed air hydraulic systems will always push the air back to the tank tighten lines and go great mod tho that will help a lot
Thank you. I wasn’t sure when I did this mod and recorded the video. I figured better safe than sorry. One thing I like about having a channel is the fact that not only can I help others with ideas but others can help me with comments as well. I still have a lot to learn. Learning every day.
More work than I would have put into it but hey even I learned something today so thank you for sharing the info..
Yeah, part of it was just seeing if I could do it. I won’t be running it too much now though. My new splitter has arrived as well. Now we both have to decide work the same amount and have much higher production, or make the same amount of wood and have way more free time! I think I know what we’ll both do. Thanks for the comment.
Thats a good wood splitter. I Just picked up an old one and im about to put a newer honda motor on it. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, I have Old Blue running better than ever right now, I keep fixing it up. It is built like a tank!
Loved the rant, I agree entirely, what bugs me is the drivers trying to fit their hood into my tail pipe, they are so close you could have a conversation. Some nice splitters you got there, I need to upgrade mine but never seem to get round to it. All those 90°s on the blue will have a lot to do with cycle time too, you could turn the controles to verticle and have the same hoses going strait in without the 90°s. A good way to check for problems is a one of those IR temperature guns, after running a while the problem areas will be hotter than the rest, follow the circuit from the pump output all the way round to the tank return and look for sudden temperature rise in and out of each component.
Thank you Derek, I never thought of that. I love learning more! I have since upgraded from old blue but still good information to know.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoorsthe IR temperature guns are good for checking trailer wheel bearings too.
@@akbychoice definitely, I use mine a lot for the flat top griddle too while cooking. So many uses. Thanks for commenting!
Ticket Money! Love it! Totally agree! Now for the business at hand!
@@dporrasxtremeLS3 thank you!
Your major flow restriction is at the elbows, not the line diameter. "What is the pressure loss in a 90 degree elbow?
Designers usually apply the general rule that a 90" elbow bend has a pressure drop equivalent of 30 to 50 pipe-diameters length of straight pipe" Use longer pipe or long radius elbows.
Richard, thank you for the information. Definitely something to consider.
Boules law on fluid pressure in an enclosed space states otherwise. Pressure is equal everywhere. Aircraft actuators have 90 degree elbows and it’s going to be 3,000 psi wherever you measure it
Pressure and FLOW rate are entirely different. GPM at the pump is limited by the fluid delivery piping length and turns.@@Huzzunga
hi there i think you did a real good job , i remember back in the early 70s when i built mine but with on internet and only one wood splitter manufacture , talking about learning . there are a few other things you may want to look into if interested let me know . well done john
Thanks John. And yes always willing to learn! I have picked up my new splitter which is awesome and will be on the channel soon but still interested in any improvements I can make to Blue. I also have a project in the works for my new splitter I think you’ll approve of! I’ll be at the Bunyan show and introduce myself.
Did you change the size of the push and retract hoses , are they still 1/2''. What size pump you running? My oil gets hot , I have a 1'' return hose but the delivery hoses are 1/2'' I think I will swap out for 3/4'' for less restriction. The pump is 2 stage 28gpm. So it hoots along. The cycle time is amazing.
Yes, I changed out all of the hoses to larger sizes. This machine only had a 22gpm pump. I think you definitely should upsize from 1/2” for that machine.
There is no need to bleed the cylinder, any air will get pushed in return line to the hydraulic tank. Tank has a breather
Thanks Randy, I wasn’t sure at the time I made this video but have since learned quite a bit about hydraulics. Still a rookie but learning as I go.
You are absolutely correct.
Instead of a big Allen wrench or socket. Most of the time you can use a bolt head with double nuts
Thanks!
Nice project❤❤, pls what's responsible for faster movement of the cylinder?
Thank you. I think the biggest difference is the diameter of the inner cylinder on the hydraulic Ram. It is a larger diameter than the old ram so it has a little less power but is way faster.
Keep in mind what you gain in speed you loose in power. My home made splitter is 15 secs a cycle which does me just fine as I need all the power I can get in Aussie hardwood. You don’t need such long travel. This is where you can loose time. No need to bleed lines.
Thanks Alan, you are correct. The power is a bit less but will still split almost anything I need it to. I wasn’t sure about bleeding the lines but have since learned it was unnecessary.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors not having a dig mate. Did a great job. As long as it splits all you need is…..all you need. Cheers mate.
Love the term " ticket money".
Teflon tape shouldn't be used on hydraulics. It can break apart and cause contamination or blockages. There's paste that can be used.
Because of the oversized rod used on those cylinders there is a much higher flow rate when the ram is retracting. This is often well in excess of what your valve can comfortably handle. This is why dump valves get fitted on splitters with oversized rods. You may end up with some oil overheating problems if your valve is close to the capacity of the pump. If they are both 15gpm for instance then it could easily be more like 40gpm that you are trying to force through the valve when retracting.
If you don't have overheating problems you'll now have yourself a fair beast.
Alan, thanks for the info. That makes sense with the Teflon tape, you can see in the video I pick a little debris out after removing the old lines which also has Teflon tape. I have no idea what these valves are rated for, I believe I may have a 22gpm but am not sure. The hydraulic tank is 12 gallons. I have run it a bit since and it has not gotten too hot yet I will definitely keep an eye on it.
Thanks for the tips and for watching and commenting. My ticket money is gone for a little bit now as I just picked up my new splitter! I am trying to get that on the channel shortly I have a few videos to catch up on.
I've never needed ticket money as yet. I am thinking with all the money I have saved in more than 30 years of driving and not needing to use it I should finally buy myself a box store splitter and then speed it up. Maybe put a Binford 6100 splitter kit through it.
Knock on wood it’s been well over 20 years for me. You’d have the fastest box store splitter out there.
Good job !.
Thanks Steve.
@ $1,300 delivered you could have a 27 ton NEW Yardmax splitter.
I used to have a 35 ton Huskee and even before I sped old blue up I could make more wood with it easier than I could with that splitter due to being able to push the splits through, stacking splits, and the 4 way. Now with is running at a decent cycle time I definitely prefer it to a box store wedge on the ram style splitter. It also sits higher making working it easier on my back. A lot of wood is split every year with yard max, huskee, etc. splitters but I definitely prefer the push through style. Also a lot of easy modifications could make Blue even better! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Nice improvement. At least now it is a viable splitter for any level of production.
Definitely, just wish I would have done it years ago!
Do you have reducers on in feed/out feed lines on the cylinder?
I did not put reducers on, I had the lines built at a shop,
Can’t believe how much faster big blue is now . That really is a very nice splitter !!!!
It is a whole new machine!! Can not believe I didn’t do this years ago. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great day!
Wanted to know how big your pump was? 11 gpm?
David, I am not sure what it was and I have since given it away. I believe it was 22gpm though?
Had me on the driving tips !!!!!!
Thank you, a few people really didn’t like them. I thought it was sort of funny, and a little educational. I never thought about the guy pulling a trailer until I was that guy.
Grew up in the sleeper of Peter built and dad farmed and raised a nursery of ornamental trees at the same time. I guess you could say I was upfetched right which is a hard thing to find it seems nowadays
Yes it is!
@@charminghollowforge1109 my dad was a diesel mechanic for Freightliner for over 45 years. He’d occasionally come give us a ride if he was out on a test drive.
Good work and improvement!
Thank you! Definitely made Old Blue a lot better!
Where ya guys at?
Michigan.
I wonder if it would of gotten a little faster changing the pump as well??
Probably, maybe the valves too.
I am new to your channel and just watched your video. I have the same problem with my splitter being too slow I was wondering if you change anything else beside the cylinder and the return hose. What size is the pump on blue?
That is all I changed on Blue. As far as I can tell it is a 22gpm pump. The cylinder size and ratio made the biggest difference.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Thank you, sir, changing out the cylinder was going be my next move.
I was apprehensive but really glad I did it!
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Do happen to know the spec on the timberwolf cylinder?
The outer diameter of the cylinder is 4.5” and the shaft is 2 3/4”. If you need any other information let me know and I’ll try to get it for you.
Annular cutter and a mag drill for holes like that.
Thank you, it was a bit of a task getting it drilled with my old Milwaukee.
You can get a mag drill at a local United rental. Waste your day running for the rental etc for the 5 minutes it would take to punch them holes.
Do you know if there’s a way to make it reciprocate?
Do you mean to autocycle? If that is what you’re asking it could be done but I would need to buy an autocycle valve for it.
Watch the radius like one the return into the tank. A harsh bend like that can destroy the hose
Thanks John, I did not know that but have already added another fitting to take that bend out.
You may want to just take the splitter to the hydraulic shop and ask them to replace all the lines/fittings with radiused fittings.
All those reducing fittings and 90’s create a lot of power loss.
You left the lines to the cylinder lose , so it would bleed I’m confused
I did, I later found out that was not necessary. Learning as I go.
You might put a 22 gpm pump on there now that you have 3/4 inch lines. I bet you’d be sub 7 seconds. Mine has about the same setup with the 22 gpm pump and a slightly bigger cylinder than yours and smaller rod and I’m still at 9 seconds.
Brian, I believe it has a 22gpm pump but not positive. I do know the Honda motor on Blue wasn’t running right and that may have had something to do with it. I have a newer 13hp Honda I am putting on it now and we will see how it does.
Every 90° fitting is making heat which cuts your efficiency.
Thank you.
I THINK THAT USING TAPE ON HYDRULIC FITTINGS IS A NO NO/
Yes, I have learned this now.
Never put tape on hydraulic fittings .
Get rid of the 90 on the tank and run the hose straight into it
Thanks, I thought about that. We now have a few new splitters! All Wood and Eastonmade.
Most hydraulic systems are self bleeding, making a mess is just a little quicker 😁
True, I learned that! Thanks.
So at what point in this video does it tell you how to make your splitter faster like the title says
When o took the cycle time down from 24 seconds to 11 seconds by upgrading the hydraulic lines and new ram. Thanks for watching.
My pet peeve ... People making videos while driving!
Fair enough.
I hear you loud and clear and I don’t like the people that use their derectecuals at the last minute I’m a bad speller
Definitely! Thanks for watching.
🪵🪓👍👏 looking good Rick
Thanks Rick. Huge improvement for sure but no where close to what my new splitter should do!
Mine cycles super fast. Not quite as fast as a kinetic but close and it is 37 tons . She cooks. 2 speed of course.
Just get a 2 speed pump problem solved . First stage is high flow and fast when it hits the kog the second stage is low flow and has high pressure to split.
Old blue was slow, glad we upgraded
U don’t need to bleed air on hydraulic! It will do it on its own when it returns back to the tank
Thank you I wasn’t sure and figured better safe than sorry. One thing I like about having a channel like this is that I can learn from others and some things others will learn from me.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors that’s why I’m here as well!
Thanks. Love that about this sect of UA-cam.
Good views
Thanks Eddie.
I believe in obeying the speed limit. People who travel over are usually more aggressive, less patient and take more risks on highway. No thank you. Good video tho.
Thank you, o travel a lot and will say this varies greatly by state. For example here in Michigan we have stretches of expressway where the speed limit is 55mph. If you go 70mph on these stretches you will get blown away lol. Now in other states where it is 55mph people actually go 55mph. I drive a lot based on traffic in the area.
So how much did this cost you?
I think with the cylinder, new lines, hydraulic fluid etc it was around $700 total.
Obvious you're all about speed, so why use those adjustable wrenches that always seem to be too tight or too loose. Get some decent solid wrenches. How much did that total mode cost you, not including a paint job? It couldn't have been cheap?
Thanks for watching and commenting. The total cost was around $800. As far as wrenches go I have them in the garage and looking back I should have grabbed the proper sizes.
Wow! That makes that splitter way faster!
I wonder what the new splitter will do if this one is that fast.
Your going to love it!!!
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors, too bad we can't race our splitters against each other. Can't wait to try mine out Friday. Bet you are as excited as I am to get the new toy. We are probably like kids at Christmas.
Definitely! I picked mine up the other day! Need to get caught up on videos and get it posted. I’m going to need more wood!
I hope to make a few road trips in the future! I think a few splitter races would be cool.
Stay out of the middle lane too if you ain’t passing people. Both middle and left are for passing. You drive in the far right.
Definitely!
I just had someone dive in front of me last night with a trailer full of wood. I came within a foot of flattening them.
Glad everything worked out! It’s definitely something I don’t think a lot of people realize. Definitely not a good feeling!
then you need to sort your brakes out, and don't over load the trailer
@@johnbower So, me describing how some jackass cut me off leads you to I have shitty brakes and overload my trailer. What a vivid imagination.
👍👍
Thanks Bill.
Like to see this split once it’s done
William That will be coming up in the next few videos! Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors perfect. You must be close to me.
Where are you at? I’m by St Clair, Mi.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Richmond
Right down the road.
I stumbled on your channel, thanks for the video but no subscription from me because of the beginning rant. I'm not down with spending time watching a state of affairs traffic rant. It's your business but I doubt that many folks are interested in a rant
Well thanks for watching sorry one little thing turned you off but to each their own. Have a great day. Thanks for the feedback.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I don't usually complain, we all deal with these issues. I have a '99 7.3 f350 dually and a trailer, 36' gooseneck dovetail. When I get perturbed with traffic I just remind myself that those folks out there don't have any clue about my issues and that I consider myself a pro. Past CDL, 50 years experience, its on me brother.
@@grifonks stay safe out there.
Maybe the first part can be edited out
Brian, thanks for the feedback. I am learning as I go with the channel and try to improve with each video.
Maybe you should keep your eyes on the big yellow lines instead of your camera in the cup holder
Nah we’re good. Thanks for watching.
Well, that got old really fast, wasn't interested in driving lessons :)
Thanks for the feedback, constantly trying to improve my channel and learning as I go.
Apparently this has nothing to do with a wood splitter
Sorry you feel that way. There is a lot of good information in the video. I constantly learn and try to improve making videos. Thanks for the feedback.
God bless
Thank you John!
I have my volume right up and I can bearly hear you.
We had some issues with audio in our early videos. We have figured it out now though.
Not leaving space for heavy trucks and trailers, these people are ignorant of physics. And will eventually pay the very expensive price.😢
Yes they will.
23 south is the perfect example. They spend millions In taxpayer dollars for a left lane they don't let you even use. The section between I96 and 14. Dumbest thing I've ever seen.
Ed I just scratch my head sometimes.
No need for a rant. Here for the log splitter not your opinions.
Thanks for watching.
@@hardworkingmanoutdoors thank god for fast forward! Bet you lost 1,000 of views in that rant.
Guess what? I drive in any lane I want to at speed limit or slightly over. Just because some idiot wants to drive a lot faster is of no concern to me. So rant away!
To each their own. Have a great day.
It's people like you that cause accidents. There is a reason it's called the passing lane.
Way too much talking and bragging
Thanks for watching.