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العربيةLog Splitter Hydraulic Cylinder: Bore, Tonnage and Cycle Time
A log splitter cylinder is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder that pushes a wedge through the log and pulls it back. Its bore sets the splitting force in tons; the pump flow sets how fast each cycle runs.
With a 24-inch (≈ 610 mm) stroke and an 11 GPM pump, a Ø100 mm (3.94") cylinder gives 14.1 US tons at 2,320 psi and completes a cycle in about 11.6 seconds.
Splitting Force by Bore
US tons = force in N ÷ 8,896; metric tonnes in brackets.
| Bore | Rod | 2,320 psi (160 bar) | 3,626 psi (250 bar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø80 mm (3.15") | Ø45 mm (1.77") | 9.0 US t (8.2 t) | 14.1 US t (12.8 t) |
| Ø100 mm (3.94") | Ø56 mm (2.20") | 14.1 US t (12.8 t) | 22.1 US t (20.0 t) |
| Ø125 mm (4.92") | Ø70 mm (2.76") | 22.1 US t (20.0 t) | 34.5 US t (31.3 t) |
| Ø160 mm (6.30") | Ø90 mm (3.54") | 36.2 US t (32.8 t) | 56.5 US t (51.3 t) |
Cycle Time with an 11 GPM Pump
Stroke 24" (610 mm), pump flow 41.6 L/min; retract is faster because the rod reduces the area.
| Bore / rod | Extend | Retract | Full cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø80/Ø45 | 4.4 s | 3.0 s | 7.4 s |
| Ø100/Ø56 | 6.9 s | 4.7 s | 11.6 s |
| Ø125/Ø70 | 10.8 s | 7.4 s | 18.2 s |
| Ø160/Ø90 | 17.7 s | 12.1 s | 29.7 s |
Choosing the Cylinder
- Bore — larger bore = more tons but a slower stroke on the same pump.
- Rod — a thicker rod resists bending when the wedge hits a knot off-centre.
- Ends — rear clevis and rod-end clevis are the usual log splitter mountings.
- Pressure — FDH cylinders work at 160 bar with a 250 bar option; the relief valve must not exceed the cylinder rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cylinder for a 25-ton log splitter?
At 2,320 psi (160 bar) a Ø125 mm (4.92") cylinder gives 22.1 US tons; at 3,626 psi a Ø100 mm gives 22.1 US tons.
How do I make a log splitter faster?
Increase pump flow or use a smaller bore. A two-stage pump gives high flow at low pressure and switches to low flow when the wedge meets resistance.
Why does the retract stroke run faster?
On retraction the oil fills only the annulus around the rod, a smaller volume, so the same flow moves the piston faster.
Is the tonnage rating in US or metric tons?
Log splitters are usually rated in US (short) tons: 1 US ton = 2,000 lbf ≈ 8.9 kN; a metric tonne-force is about 10% larger.
Send Us Your Cylinder Data
Bore, rod, stroke, working pressure, mountings and quantity — or a drawing or photo of the cylinder you want to replace. Our engineers reply with a technical proposal and a quotation.
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