Project 5 from KSmith. Category: Custom Off-Road – Log Splitter Drop Hitch

[KSmith]

My new log splitter had a hitch point that was way too high for my 4wheeler. I had to build a drop hitch to get the splitter to the right height. I used the existing mount holes for the previous hitch which was at the same (blue) level as the two-bolt attach point.

A difficulty was to plan both distance to the clevis at the 4wheeler, and also height, considering wanting the spitter to run level. Cutting the angled tube, and fabricating the joints properly. The 4wheeler interface is 6 inches above ground level.

Materials:
Square tube mating with splitter is 1-3/4”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The Square tube an an angle is 1-3/4”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The lower horizontal square tube is 2”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The two clevis point plates are approx. 8” X 3” X ¼”.
There is a 1-3/4”X2-1/2”X3/16” plate doubler at the upper joint, horizontal to angled tube.
(bolts are 3/8”, existing from original hitch)

I used the 80 amp harbor freight inverter stick welder. Could have used more heat, but it is what I had at the time, other than a low-powered nasty northern tool flux core. Burned 5/64” 6013. If the splitter was capable of going on a road, then I would not have used this equipment setup. But for just using around my property, the design and strength are fine. The upper horizontal tube where it butts with the forward-angled tube has a doubler welded on the face for strength. The angled tube fits inside the lower horzontal tube with good welds all around. The ¼” plates were welded in two passes.

I finished the drop hitch with grey primer, and rustoleum gloss black, for easy cleanup.

The splitter tows great now, and backs easily. It is less a chore to move the splitter around by hand with the long tongue to grab. Enough room between 4wheeler and splitter now so it’s easy to get the hitch pin in place.

ken

[undercut]

My new log splitter had a hitch point that was way too high for my 4wheeler. I had to build a drop hitch to get the splitter to the right height. I used the existing mount holes for the previous hitch which was at the same (blue) level as the two-bolt attach point.

A difficulty was to plan both distance to the clevis at the 4wheeler, and also height, considering wanting the spitter to run level. Cutting the angled tube, and fabricating the joints properly. The 4wheeler interface is 6 inches above ground level.

Materials:
Square tube mating with splitter is 1-3/4”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The Square tube an an angle is 1-3/4”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The lower horizontal square tube is 2”, 1/8” wall thickness.
The two clevis point plates are approx. 8” X 3” X ¼”.
There is a 1-3/4”X2-1/2”X3/16” plate doubler at the upper joint, horizontal to angled tube.
(bolts are 3/8”, existing from original hitch)

I used the 80 amp harbor freight inverter stick welder. Could have used more heat, but it is what I had at the time, other than a low-powered nasty northern tool flux core. Burned 5/64” 6013. If the splitter was capable of going on a road, then I would not have used this equipment setup. But for just using around my property, the design and strength are fine. The upper horizontal tube where it butts with the forward-angled tube has a doubler welded on the face for strength. The angled tube fits inside the lower horzontal tube with good welds all around. The ¼” plates were welded in two passes.

I finished the drop hitch with grey primer, and rustoleum gloss black, for easy cleanup.

The splitter tows great now, and backs easily. It is less a chore to move the splitter around by hand with the long tongue to grab. Enough room between 4wheeler and splitter now so it’s easy to get the hitch pin in place.

ken

Looks good enough for moving around the property and I like how you have the angles in just right. I found it curious that your sig has a few other products in there but you only had the HF 80 to use? Did you bother to chamfer the edges before welding?

[KSmith]

Looks good enough for moving around the property and I like how you have the angles in just right. I found it curious that your sig has a few other products in there but you only had the HF 80 to use? Did you bother to chamfer the edges before welding?

Both the other machines were ordered and enroute, but I could not live with the splitter that way. I had been using the harbor freight welder and it is a really great unit. It was adequate for the job. I did not bevel the edges, but was happy with the way the weld puddle looked from under the mask.

ken

[undercut]

Both the other machines were ordered and enroute, but I could not live with the splitter that way. I had been using the harbor freight welder and it is a really great unit. It was adequate for the job. I did not bevel the edges, but was happy with the way the weld puddle looked from under the mask.

ken

Glad it worked out for you. I actually bought a the same HF 80 welder that you have but mine was a lemon and I needed to return it. Not sure if that was good or bad luck as at least it gave me the opportunity to look at other products and other brands. Looking at Everlast and a couple of other brands. Should be committing soon (actually, can't come soon enough! ). Cheers!

[SeanMurphy265]

I owned that welder and used it quite a bit. I burned 3/32 rods because that was the sweet spot for that welder. I sold it and bought a Power Arc 140st. I did my first paid welding job (for myself) with this welder and an HF 3000 watt generator. I welded 4 small quarter inch plates uphill on a gate post for a guy. After that I decided to get a more powerful generator and a Power Arc 200. Their not bad welders for the guy that does a home repair every now and then.

[KSmith]

I owned that welder and used it quite a bit. I burned 3/32 rods because that was the sweet spot for that welder. I sold it and bought a Power Arc 140st. I did my first paid welding job (for myself) with this welder and an HF 3000 watt generator. I welded 4 small quarter inch plates uphill on a gate post for a guy. After that I decided to get a more powerful generator and a Power Arc 200. Their not bad welders for the guy that does a home repair every now and then.

I tried 3/32" rod with the HF welder, but it seemed a little cold to me with them. Maybe it was a technique issue, and not the welder and rod. I would rather have used 3/32 for this drop hitch project.

ken

[NRM]

Ken nice hitch and I have always wanted a log splitter even though we don't split that much wood over here. Did you think about gussets to strengthen the joints as you are pulling it with an ATV I think. I assume the ground may not be all that level or flat.

[KSmith]

Ken nice hitch and I have always wanted a log splitter even though we don't split that much wood over here. Did you think about gussets to strengthen the joints as you are pulling it with an ATV I think. I assume the ground may not be all that level or flat.

I did think about triangular gussets, gussets on the sides of each joint. But then, I thought that it might be overkill. I don't loan out my splitter, so it is me to observe it. I plan to keep a watch on the joints, look for cracking, and repair if needed. The terrain is not flat or level, so there will be some slow speed stresses. I did not buy the road-worthy package, and kept the riding mower type tires and lighter axle. So I creep from here to there. Most the time, I will be moving the splitter from the storage spot to the splitting/stacking spot, and move the wood from the forest to the splitter by pickup truck. Occasionally I will want to split where I cut the wood, but don't expect it very often.

by the way, the splitter is a northern tool product. Only 20" capability, but my stove will only take up to 18", and likes 16" best, so no need for a larger unit. Most of our wood here is ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and western larch (tamarak). No oak, maple, etc., so 13 ton is fine. The splitter wedge splits in both directions, so there is not the need to return the piston each time, which saves alot of time.

ken

[Rambozo]

The splitter wedge splits in both directions, so there is not the need to return the piston each time, which saves alot of time.

If you want to really save time.....

[undercut]

If you want to really save time.....

That's pretty cool to watch. Kinda slow to get started but when it comes to the splitting part .... wow!

[KSmith]

If you want to really save time.....

I saw that video some time ago....looked for the kit at harbor freight, but couldn't find it!

ken

[hokiefd]

Nice work. Sometimes relatively small & simple projects like this are the most gratifying.

[KSmith]

Nice work. Sometimes relatively small & simple projects like this are the most gratifying.

The most satisfying part is the much better function achieved. Like night and day. Thank you for the comment.

ken

[ncsugrad2006]

Nice.. how much do you think you have in it?

[KSmith]

Nice.. how much do you think you have in it?

I had these short pieces of square tube left over from other projects. I had picked up the two 1/4" plates free from the scrap barrels at the local metal supply place. I even had the spray paint on hand. So overall it was cheap.

ken

[ncsugrad2006]

Cool. Almost freebies are the best, haha.