Repair of 12.5 Ton Log Splitter

[Don52]

In 2010 I repaired the slider bracket that attaches to the ram on my friend John's 12.5-ton log splitter, which was 1-1/2 years old at the time. In addition to full penetration TIG welds, I also increased the length of the diagonal brace. I believe that the root cause of the failure was a defective cold lap weld. Do you agree? The repaired bracket has held up 11 years and is still going strong after splitting thousands of logs.

1. Damaged Bracket on Log Splitter


2. Full View of Broken Log Splitter


3. Cold lap on right side


4. Rusted cold lap


5. Outside Weld

[Don52]

6. Side weld


7. Bracket All Done


8. The bracket today - 11 years later


9. Full view today - 11 years later


-Don

[Meltedmetal]

The failure was definitely in the welds but the cause, In my opinion, was the slider was too short. and/or may have been too tight and allowed it to bind on the guide plate and tip the slide slightly, sticking it to the beam. I don't see galling on the bottom of the slide so I would guess that it happened on the attached plates. If you think about what the slide does there should normally not be much pressure on that joint in that direction. I made a few splitters and the slides were about 22" long, if memory serves.

Anyway nice fix and it has stood the test of time.

[WillieB]

My 12 ton splitter had, when built, a 3-1/2" cylinder. At 2500 PSIG, that works out to 12 ton thrust. Marketing these days factor the added force of the wedge.

Nonetheless, mine has about a foot of length in the slide engaging the flat plate on the beam. Yours looks to my eye like it risks binding like a sticky drawer. Lube is important. I like bar & chain oil.

I was once hit in the face when a different splitter kicked a chunk up. I have a series of nuts welded around the perimeter of the push face to prevent slipping.