Log cutting machine

[Dave Sr.]

Hi everybody I'm new to this forum. I'm building a log cutter as I'm too old to run a chainsaw like I used to. I run a small manufacturing business and heat my shop mainly with wood. A couple of years ago I had 10 big oak trees taken down that were too close to my house and I kept all of the logs and limbs probably enough wood for at least 3 Winters but it all needs to be cut into firewood size pieces. So I decided to build a machine to make it easier. I'm using a Stihl 034 chainsaw, a air over hydraulic system to move the saw, 2 12v winches to move the log cradle, 1 4000 lb. to move the log forward and a homemade winch to move the cradle back. The chainsaw is moved by a 2.5" bore cylinder that I built that connects to the primary tip plate, the chainsaw is mounted on a secondary plate that hinges on the primary so only springs apply pressure to the saw. when the springs stretch about 2 inches the secondary plate trips a limit switch that closes a solenoid valve shutting off the oil to the cylinder. When the saw finishes its cut it trips another limit switch that shuts off air to the throttle air cylinder, closes the oil in valve, opens the oil out valve, opens the air valve that applies air to the top of the cylinder to raise the saw up. Another limit switch switches the air off to the cylinder when the saw is in its up position, The log is moved ahead for the next cut and a switch on the control box starts the next cut. The saw has a 20" bar so it will cut through a 19" diameter log. The winch that moves the log forward has a wireless remote so I can set the log on the front roller and then bring the log cradle ahead under the back of the log from inside my skid loader.
I am now working on installing the gas tank that connects directly to the carb. and an oil tank that connects to the oil pump in the saw. Then my next thing will be install an axle and a tongue so I can move it in and out of the shop, Then mount the pressure and dump hydraulic tanks which are made from two 20lb. LP tanks. This site only allows me to attach five pictures so if you have any questions or suggestions please contact me by message or reply to this thread.

Thank You, Dave Sr.

 

[WoodAbuser]

Wood luv to see some pix of it in action when it's finished.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Thanks for the reply. I will post pictures as I continue the build and a video of it in action if I can when I get it finished. I'll be working on getting the chain oil tank built and connected today and when I get that finished I'll be working on getting the axle and tongue installed. Right now I have 2 choices for the axle, 1 is an axle I made for another project that is a heavy pipe with 3/4 ton 8 stud hubs I have real good 16.5 tires for this one but no wheels. The other one is a trailer house axle that takes 14.5 tires I have wheels for this one but no tires. If you know of someone that has a pair of the 16.5 3/4 ton pick up truck wheels for sale cheap let me know. Not duel wheels these the centers are too far off set.

Thank You, Dave Sr.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Here is the oil and fuel tank and connections hope it works as I think it will. The oil tank is a salted peanut jar, I wanted a clear tank so it would be easy to visually monitor the oil level. The oil line connects to a brass tube that goes through the cap and another line connects to the other side and then connects to the intake line on the oil pump there is no oil in the saws oil tank. The oil cap turns free on the brass tube so it doesn't twist the lines when the cap is tightened. Once the lines are primed the gas and oil should siphon to the oil pump and carb. Hope it works.

Dave Sr.

 

[av8or3]

That is over the Top!

 

[redline4]

That's quite the rig! I like it.

 

[Al Smith]

FWIW usually 16" rims interchange with 16.5's " .The 16.5's are tubeless or started out that way . The 14.5 " can take house trailer tires which you might find from somebody who deals in house trailers .Like a sectional double wide .They are good enough for what you are using them for .My machinery trailer with two 9,000 pound Dexter axles has 14.5"s but they are 8 ply..

 

[Dave Sr.]

Thanks for the reply Al. The only problem is I have the good 16.5 tires but if I find some 16 rims with tires that would be fine. A town close to us is having city wide garage sales next week, maybe I'll get lucky and find something. Also there is a salvage yard close to us, I'll see if they have something that will work for me the tires don't have to be all that good.

Dave Sr.

 

[Kiwioilboiler]

Here is the oil and fuel tank and connections hope it works as I think it will. The oil tank is a salted peanut jar, I wanted a clear tank so it would be easy to visually monitor the oil level. The oil line connects to a brass tube that goes through the cap and another line connects to the other side and then connects to the intake line on the oil pump there is no oil in the saws oil tank. The oil cap turns free on the brass tube so it doesn't twist the lines when the cap is tightened. Once the lines are primed the gas and oil should siphon to the oil pump and carb. Hope it works.

Dave Sr.View attachment 376666View attachment 376667View attachment 376668View attachment 376669View attachment 376670

Why did you choose to direct feed the oil pump rather than continuously top up the saws original tank Dave?

 

[blacksmith]

That's definitely a cool setup. I can't wait to see a video of your machine in action myself.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Hi Blacksmith. The main reason I decided to direct feed the oil pump and carb was because to fill the tanks on the saw the saw has to be tipped on its side and that would mean removing it from the machine. Also I wanted larger volume tanks. Thanks for your reply, if you have any other questions just ask.

Dave Sr.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Hi Kiwioilboiler. Thanks for your reply I thought Blacksmith asked that question, Sorry about that.

Dave Sr.

 

[Kiwioilboiler]

Hi Blacksmith. The main reason I decided to direct feed the oil pump and carb was because to fill the tanks on the saw the saw has to be tipped on its side and that would mean removing it from the machine. Also I wanted larger volume tanks. Thanks for your reply, if you have any other questions just ask.

Dave Sr.

Hi Kiwioilboiler. Thanks for your reply I thought Blacksmith asked that question, Sorry about that.

Dave Sr.

I got you.
I actually meant using both, but with the saws tank filled remotely via your header tank.
That way you'd have a buffer volume in the saw, and your remote filler/storage in case there was an issue in the delivery line.
It's not a criticism, just an enquiry. The machine seems very well thought out.

 

[Dave Sr.]

That was my original plan, just connecting a line to the caps but realized there would be a problem, you would also have to have a vent line from the tanks to let air out so the gas or oil could flow into the tanks. The tanks are vented but only to let air in when the saw is running and there is a slight vacuum caused by the oil pump or carb which is not a problem when you remove the caps and fill the tank normally, the air is expelled when you pour in the fluids. That is why I decided to connect direct, anyway that is based on my understanding of how things work.

 

[JimBear]

Your build looks interesting & well thought out. I am looking forward to seeing it in action.

You aren’t too far from @hoskvarna & @srcarr52

I am sure they are a bunch of other hooligans on here from your neck of the woods.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Hi JimBear thanks for the reply. I got 2 16.5 wheels from the salvage yard. Paid #35.00 each for them. I should be able to get the axle installed today and maybe the tires mounted. Looks like scarr52 is about 30 miles from me and hoskvarna doesn't say what town he lives in.

Dave Sr.

 

[JimBear]

Hi JimBear thanks for the reply. I got 2 16.5 wheels from the salvage yard. Paid #35.00 each for them. I should be able to get the axle installed today and maybe the tires mounted. Looks like scarr52 is about 30 miles from me and hoskvarna doesn't say what town he lives in.

Dave Sr.

Mark is out west of “ The City of 5 Smells” in the hills of Chelsea.

If I was closer I could give you a bunch of old 16” pickup tires.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Here are a couple of pictures of the axle, have to add a few more braces yet. I offset the axle so I can get the skid loader closer when I load logs.

Dave Sr.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Added another brace to the axle and added a ratchet tie down to hold the back of the log down so the log won't tip when you make the last cut. A buddy of mine found it laying in the road a couple years ago must have fallen off a semi. He drives a logging truck so I can get straps for free they have to replace them when they get worn so they don't get fined by the DOT. Working on mounting the tires today.

Dave Sr.

 

[Dave Sr.]

Got a little more work done on the log cutter. Mounted the tires and installed the wheels, Installed the trailer tongue, ordered a 2" ball hitch and a tongue jack. The next project will be adding stabilizers to the back corners so the machine wont tip when the log and log cradle is moved forward or back. I'll be using 2 camper stabilizer jacks. I'll be glad when all the welding is done I've already used 20# of welding wire.