British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last
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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
Log splitters have long been a form of machinery those in agriculture have relied on. Despite having evolved since the days of splitting wedges and axes, the theory behind how log splitters work is still the same. What is now different between each log-splitting machine is the way force is used when splitting.
In this blog, we will run through some of the most common log splitters, including hydraulic, electric, and kinetic, explaining how they work. We hope at the end of this quick guide you understand your machine a little better. Of course, if you still have questions, please get in touch.
How log splitters work at their core is very simple. High levels of force are applied through a splitting wedge into the centre of the log. The further it drives, the further it splits the log. For the cleanest cuts, we recommend driving all the way through. However, if you do not have the means, some small splitters can be pried open thus splitting the log into two pieces.
To understand how a hydraulic log splitter works, you first have to be clued up on how hydraulic pressure works. It is pretty simple, the force is generated through liquid pressure, or just liquid moving into a confined space under pressure. This is the process that generates the power to allow you to drive a wedge through your choice of log. This is the choice of force for most of our tractor-mounted log splitters.
Understanding the components of a hydraulic log splitter will help you understand where and how the fluid is pumped to generate its desired force. Below is a brief breakdown of the most important parts and how they work with each other.
As the name gives away, the fluid reservoir is where your machine’s supply of hydraulic fluid is stored. This happens to be where said fluid is released into the attached tubing once you start the motor. Reservoirs vary in size from machine to and therefore have varying capacities, so it’s essential that you are aware of how much your equipment holds in order to ensure it’s functioning at an optimal level.
From the reservoir, the hydraulic fluid is pumped through the aforementioned tubes into a separate pump and then distributed throughout the machine. Once the fluid is used, it is recirculated back into the reservoir, through a return valve and filter, which allows the fluid to be reused.
A hydraulic log splitter has two directional valves: one connected to the back of the cylinder and the other directing hydraulic fluid into the front of the shaft. When hydraulic fluid is pumped into the front of the cylinder, the mechanism retracts. At the same time, applying pressure to the back of the cylinder pushes it forward. This system provides control over the splitting mechanism’s forward and backward motion.
The cylinders are critical for generating the power that is needed to operate the log splitter. As the fluid applies pressure, the cylinders within the main shafts move back and forth to make room for it. It is this room and movement that creates force that makes it so easy to drive a wedge between logs.
Our hydraulic log splitters are well known for being reliable, powerful, and safe. All of our hydraulic machines require 14 litres of oil per minute to run smoothly and deliver clean cuts every time. We take safety seriously, which is why we cover all hydraulic pipes with anti-burst lagging to minimise the risk of accidents.
Now we have explained how hydraulic log splitters work, we can now move on to the different types of fuel/power that is used to run them. Electric log splitters are hydraulic log splitters that use electricity to power the pump and cleanly split wood. Electricity can either come from a household outlet or a generator. This means they are suitable to use at home and on-site.
The same way any other hydraulic splitter works, the petrol is just the fuel that powers the motor which helps push the hydraulic fluid around the machine. A splitting wedge is still driven through the log, like any other log splitter.
The way a kinetic log splitter works is very similar to the way one would use an axe to split wood. Utilising speed, power, and inertia, a kinetic log splitter uses, as the name suggests, kinetic energy via a flywheel system that stores energy as it spins. This energy is then transferred when you engage the lever to drive the splitting wedge into the log. A kinetic log splitter tends to have a fast cycle time, making it an efficient machine.
We have a wide range of log splitters available for purchase here at Oxdale Products, suitable for all needs. Whether you need a machine for your homestead or a splitter for your work, we will have just the machine for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Why not browse our collection of blogs, just like this one? Head to our blog section where we share our wealth of knowledge on agriculture machinery.
British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last