"Sideways" Log Splitter For Skid Loaders

"Sideways" Log Splitter For Skid Loaders WOODLOT EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 34-2-20 "My quick-tach log splitter mounts perpendicular to the skid loader instead of in line with it. As a result, it's coupled closer to the loader and can split bigger logs. And by using the bucket tilt cylinders I can tilt the splitter up or down to work my way around the log, which lets me split logs fast," says Lewis Legge, Valley City, N. Dak. The splitter unit bolts to the bottom of an 8-ft. long steel I-beam. A 5-in. dia., 28-in. long hydraulic cylinder bolts onto one side of the I-beam, which allows logs to be carried and/or split at the center of the machine. One end of the cylinder is equipped with a flared metal piece that supports a retractable knife. The knife can be retracted against a "stripper" that's built into a slot inside the flared piece, allowing a stuck log to be quickly removed from the knife. "It's a lot more versatile than other skid loader-mounted splitters that extend straight out in front of the skid loader," says Legge. "It can lift logs that weigh up to 2,500 lbs., which is much more than other splitters can handle. I came up with the idea because I have a sawmill and sometimes have big chunks left over that have to be sliced through several times before pieces start breaking off. By using the bucket tilt cylinders I can stay in one place and work my way around the cob. I can go at least 90 degrees around big chunks. "With the splitter in an inverted position, I can use it to carry large pieces of wood. "I bought the slide, cylinder, anchor block, and log stripper as a log splitter kit from Northern Tool for $600. My total cost was less than $1,000. I fabricated all the rest of the attachments." Legge also uses the splitter to set poles when putting up pole frame buildings. "I grab the pole on the ground pointing away from me, with the splitter tilted in the bucket's dump position. As I raise the loader arms I also tilt the bucket cylinders back, which stands the pole straight up in the air. Then I drive over the hole, open up, and drop the pole into the hole." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Lewis Legge, 3212 115 Ave. S.E., Valley City, N. Dak. 58072 (ph 701 845-4762; cell 701 490-0729; jlegge@daktel.com).

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