woodspliter/jump starter

[Dave Fritz]

I had a starter added to my Briggs and Stratton wood splitter due to shoulder issues. It has no switch so I have to connect a jump starter to it with an on/off dial and when ready turn the jump starter on to get current to the starter. Many of the newer jump starters don't have a switch, rather they rely on the draw from the car itself once the switch is turned on.

I currently have this starter: https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1283913-stanley-700-peak-amp-jump-starter-with-compressor.html but when it's below freezing it doesn't have enough to start the engine.

I'm wondering if anyone knows if any of the lithium ion jump starters have a similar on/off switch? Something like that would be much lighter and easier to work with since the larger lead jump starters are bulky and heavy.

It's frustrating when my Amish neighbors use the splitter for elm and see them pull the rope and off it goes. Oak, cherry and maple they split my hand.

[Ronald Blue]

Why not simply add a simple start switch? Maybe a couple short leads to connect your jump pack to. One lead comes off the positive lug on the starter to the switch. The other goes to the small terminal on the starter which is the coil energize part. This is doesn't need to be anything fancy but it can be secured to the shroud easy enough. This way you could hook up to it and then hit the switch when ready. This would be much better than relying on a switch in the jump pack which isn't designed to connect and disconnect under high amperage load.

I tried to copy and paste a basic schematic showing what it would look like but it really is a very simple circuit and would be in my opinion the simplest fix.

[Bruce Volden]

Dave,
I went the same avenue as you describe! I have a 35 ton splitter that was un-startable in cold weather. I have the Fat Max 900 peak.
It also has trouble turning the splitter motor over in cold snaps! Eventually it will finally start. I'm thinking (at least on my set-up) that when I
start/attempt to start I'm pulling the cold motor oil AND the cold hydraulic fluid and it provides quite a bit of resistance. If I knew how
to "isolate" the hydraulics from the motor I'm thinking it might be easier to start?? Trying to start through ~14 gallons of cold oil is hard.
Perhaps I'm totally wrong here. I thought when splitter is in the "neutral" position that it is not circulating the hydraulic fluid??
BTW I am looking for a better jump starter also so I will be monitoring this thread.

Bruce

[Ronald Blue]

Bruce most likely you have a gear pump. There is no off to that setup. It's also the most reliable and bullet proof of all hydraulic pumps. You probably have an open center control valve. It free flows until diverted to a cylinder. If you have a pressure gauge in the circuit to monitor the performance it would show virtually no pressure when it's just sitting there running. While there would be more resistance with cold oil it shouldn't be a major factor. What are you using for hydraulic oil?

[Dave Fritz]

Why not simply add a simple start switch? Maybe a couple short leads to connect your jump pack to. One lead comes off the positive lug on the starter to the switch. The other goes to the small terminal on the starter which is the coil energize part. This is doesn't need to be anything fancy but it can be secured to the shroud easy enough. This way you could hook up to it and then hit the switch when ready. This would be much better than relying on a switch in the jump pack which isn't designed to connect and disconnect under high amperage load.

I tried to copy and paste a basic schematic showing what it would look like but it really is a very simple circuit and would be in my opinion the simplest fix.

This is something worth looking into. We take the battery out of the lawn mower each winter and bring it in the garage so it doesn't sit in freezing conditions all winter. I could easily put it in the splitter when I wanted to use it. If you have a diagram or link to one I'd really enjoy taking a look at it. My neighbor is a trucker and does all his own mechanic work so he'd most likely be able to help me.

[Bruce Volden]

Bruce most likely you have a gear pump. There is no off to that setup. It's also the most reliable and bullet proof of all hydraulic pumps. You probably have an open center control valve. It free flows until diverted to a cylinder. If you have a pressure gauge in the circuit to monitor the performance it would show virtually no pressure when it's just sitting there running. While there would be more resistance with cold oil it shouldn't be a major factor. What are you using for hydraulic oil?


I believe SAE 20

[Ronald Blue]

This is something worth looking into. We take the battery out of the lawn mower each winter and bring it in the garage so it doesn't sit in freezing conditions all winter. I could easily put it in the splitter when I wanted to use it. If you have a diagram or link to one I'd really enjoy taking a look at it. My neighbor is a trucker and does all his own mechanic work so he'd most likely be able to help me.

This was the simplest diagram I found without an extensive search. What does the starter look like? If it has more than one terminal on it then it should have a solenoid mounted on it. If the battery cable just attaches to the body then you will have to get a remote for it to work as suggested. Either way you want to get a "momentary" type switch. Normally off and when operated completes the circuit then as soon as you release it returns to off.

https://i0.wp.com/2img.net/h/i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt151/COMPULS1VE/Misc/TractorWiringDiagram.jpg

[Ronald Blue]

[/B][/I]

I believe SAE 20

While there are better choices it isn't really a big enough deal to change to something different. ATF or Automatic transmission fluid is a relatively inexpensive option as well.

[Ed Aumiller]

why do you not use regular hydraulic oil ?? it is what the pump and cylinders are designed for.... Autozone, Tractor Supply, Advance Auto, NAPA, etc all sell it and it is actually cheaper than regular car oil or transmission fluid....

[Ronald Blue]

why do you not use regular hydraulic oil ?? it is what the pump and cylinders are designed for.... Autozone, Tractor Supply, Advance Auto, NAPA, etc all sell it and it is actually cheaper than regular car oil or transmission fluid....

There are lots of systems running 10,20, or 30 wt engine oil. Most trucks with hydraulic systems (hoist, crane, grapple, etc) are running a straight weight engine oil. There is a lot of construction equipment also running engine oil for hydraulic fluid. Where I worked our equipment ran ISO 32 or 46 hydraulic fluid. The drawback to this and I saw it first hand more than once is if for whatever reason water finds it's way into a system you end up with a mess. Most of the time the intrusion was the result of a bucket accidentally getting water in it. The benefit of engine oil is it doesn't emulsify water. It separates out and can be extracted. Water lessens lubricity and leads to critical component (pumps and motor) failures.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I had a starter added to my Briggs and Stratton wood splitter due to shoulder issues. It has no switch so I have to connect a jump starter to it with an on/off dial and when ready turn the jump starter on to get current to the starter. Many of the newer jump starters don't have a switch, rather they rely on the draw from the car itself once the switch is turned on.

I currently have this starter: https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1283913-stanley-700-peak-amp-jump-starter-with-compressor.html but when it's below freezing it doesn't have enough to start the engine.

I'm wondering if anyone knows if any of the lithium ion jump starters have a similar on/off switch? Something like that would be much lighter and easier to work with since the larger lead jump starters are bulky and heavy.

It's frustrating when my Amish neighbors use the splitter for elm and see them pull the rope and off it goes. Oak, cherry and maple they split my hand.


I have a 10 HP Briggs, 5250 watt generator, to which I added electric start. There are MANY you tubes on doing this conversion. Search adding electric start to a generator. I use a HF jumper box, which rescued from dumpsters. Had to open battery (again you tubes showing how,) and add water to the cells. After charging jump box, I keep a Battery Minder hooked to it. On generator, I have a couple leads from an old jump box (for connecting directly to a battery,) along with studs to which I can connect jump box. In addition, I have a solenoid from riding mower and push button switch to control it. Same would apply to your log splitter.

[Dave Fritz]

Thanks Bruce. Why couldn't I simply use jumper cables and use a fully charged battery?

[Bruce Wrenn]

Thanks Bruce. Why couldn't I simply use jumper cables and use a fully charged battery?


You can, but each time you connect / disconnect from starter, you create an arc, which will erode the post. On my generators (3 all total,) I added solenoid (Oregon part # 33-330,less than $15 on either Ebay, or Amazon,) and a momemtary push button switch from Lowes ( about $5.) Wiring can be #10, however I used battery cable from Walmart. Having a cable crimper made it easier, but you can do it with a hammer, vise grips

[Bill Dufour]

Ford has used a nice remote starter switch for decades. usually mounted on the inner fender. Run main battery positive to the switch then out of switch to motor. Simple low power push button switch from power input to the coil terminal and go.
Bill D

​https://www.amazon.com/JDMSPEED-Starter-Solenoid-Lincoln-1958-1991/dp/B07GR4G5XC/ref=asc_df_B07GR4G5XC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3110129266713393244&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032277&hvtargid=pla-738174861328&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69167827175&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3110129266713393244&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032277&hvtargid=pla-738174861328

[Bruce Wrenn]

Because both solenoids referenced use 5/16-24 threads, on the side to which you would connect jumper box / cables, you could use a 5/16-24 coupling nut in place of original hex nut. This would give you a place to connect jumper cables / jump box. On the frame of the motor, you could also use a coupling nut to create a place to connect cables. Just a thought that is worth what you paid for it.

[Ronald Blue]

Ford has used a nice remote starter switch for decades. usually mounted on the inner fender. Run main battery positive to the switch then out of switch to motor. Simple low power push button switch from power input to the coil terminal and go.
Bill D

​https://www.amazon.com/JDMSPEED-Starter-Solenoid-Lincoln-1958-1991/dp/B07GR4G5XC/ref=asc_df_B07GR4G5XC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3110129266713393244&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032277&hvtargid=pla-738174861328&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69167827175&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343211963494&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3110129266713393244&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032277&hvtargid=pla-738174861328

If the starter has a solenoid it wouldn't be necessary only a momentary switch.

[Bill Dufour]

From his description I thought the battery went straight to the motor with no switching or coil. Full amps through the little jump box switch?
My Gravely tractor uses what looks like a old foot operated dimmer switch for the start switch. Push it in with your foot to start. let go and motor stops.
Bill D

[Dave Fritz]

From his description I thought the battery went straight to the motor with no switching or coil. Full amps through the little jump box switch?
My Gravely tractor uses what looks like a old foot operated dimmer switch for the start switch. Push it in with your foot to start. let go and motor stops.
Bill D

Bill, you are correct. No solenoid, no switch, just using the switch on the jump box. Current jump box not strong enough to start it. Splitter sits outside and this morning it's 9 degrees F. I don't start well either, better after second cup of coffee.

[Ronald Blue]

Bill, you are correct. No solenoid, no switch, just using the switch on the jump box. Current jump box not strong enough to start it. Splitter sits outside and this morning it's 9 degrees F. I don't start well either, better after second cup of coffee.Then you just need a switch like this in line. https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ferguson-TO20_Starter-Switch-Manual_181679M1.html
(https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ferguson-TO20_Starter-Switch-Manual_181679M1.htmlMy)My advice before was if the starter had a solenoid. This is as simple as it gets. You might be able to pick one up at Farm and Fleet or TSC also. It will handle the amperage involved. No Ford solenoid needed. Mount it and run a short cable to the starter and a cable connected to your battery or jump pack. Maybe both this morning. lol

[Dave Fritz]

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/715895-tisco-massey-ferguson-tractor-manual-starter-switch.html

[Ronald Blue]

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/715895-tisco-massey-ferguson-tractor-manual-starter-switch.html

That would be perfect.

[Bill Dufour]

That would be perfect.
That is exactly what my gravely uses. I wish it was farther away from the chain drive starter pulley and any other moving parts. It did throw the chain once when starting. Not fun to see the chain whipping around a few inches from my foot.
Bill D

[Dave Fritz]

Jump starter question part two: I have a wood splitter with a Briggs and Stratton engine on it that has a starter added. There is no solenoid, no switch, just the starter with one pole. When I hook up this jump starter (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1283913-stanley-700-peak-amp-jump-starter-with-compressor.html) with the positive (red) on the starter pole and the negative (black) to the frame of the splitter and turn the switch on the starter engages and turns the engine over. Sadly it doesn't have enough power to actually start the motor, esp. now in below zero weather. When I hook up this starter pack: (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1280931-noco-genius-plus-1000a-lithium-jump-starter.html) exactly the same way and turn it on nothing happens. Why is that?

[Bill Dufour]

When Gravely first offered the option of an electric starter they had another option that was a wood battery box. It took 120 D-cell batteries.
Not sure on the date but the first Gravely was designed to rototill victory gardens to help out doughboys in WW1.
Bill D

[Bruce Wrenn]

Jump starter question part two: I have a wood splitter with a Briggs and Stratton engine on it that has a starter added. There is no solenoid, no switch, just the starter with one pole. When I hook up this jump starter (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1283913-stanley-700-peak-amp-jump-starter-with-compressor.html) with the positive (red) on the starter pole and the negative (black) to the frame of the splitter and turn the switch on the starter engages and turns the engine over. Sadly it doesn't have enough power to actually start the motor, esp. now in below zero weather. When I hook up this starter pack: (https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1280931-noco-genius-plus-1000a-lithium-jump-starter.html) exactly the same way and turn it on nothing happens. Why is that?


If memory serves me correct, the LI battery jumpers have to operate in tandem with an existing battery. This means you would have to have both jumper box, and LI jumper connected at the same time. Personally, I would buy the cheapest regular lead acid battery, keep it on a Battery Tender or Battery Minder in the garage. Mount it on a hand cart for ease of transportation. In our market, Walmart sells a "One Year Battery" for around $60 + core charge. You might ask around your friends, as most likely someone has an old battery in their shop, which might take a charge, or could be used for return core.

[Bill Dufour]

Those jump starters just have a little battery inside like used for a barbie car. Very limited amps. A motorcycle battery is bigger. They need a real battery to supply the amps. the barbie battery just ups the voltage enough to get the starter solenoid to pull in. you need a real battery. Buy one with a handle for easy carrying. Or get a battery box for a boat with a handle.
Bill D

[Ronald Blue]

Those jump starters just have a little battery inside like used for a barbie car. Very limited amps. A motorcycle battery is bigger. They need a real battery to supply the amps. the barbie battery just ups the voltage enough to get the starter solenoid to pull in. you need a real battery. Buy one with a handle for easy carrying. Or get a battery box for a boat with a handle.
Bill D

There are jump packs that put out real amperage but they aren't cheap. We used them extensively. 12/24 volt and weigh a ton. Well 40 or 50 lbs. Even then though they are a "booster" and if the battery is dead or very discharged they won't be sufficient. Bruce's suggestion is probably the best suggestion. Although I would mount it and charge as needed. It should have many starts in it before charging is needed.

[Dave Fritz]

Actually we're returning the Noco today. Both the black and the red clamps had chips out of them. The plastic was thin and was proud of the metal parts so it was easily damaged. It may be great inside a car but when used in the woods I have my doubts. I ended up getting this one: https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1267378-dewalt-1400-peak-amp-battery-jump-starter.html Took it out of the box and hooked it up to see if it would put out a charge with the switch on and it actually started the unit. Yes, it's heavy and bulky but it sure will get the job done. Guess I'm a person that doesn't appreciate "smart" devices. They seem to be smarter than me. Thanks for the information, I learned a lot.

[Ronald Blue]

Actually we're returning the Noco today. Both the black and the red clamps had chips out of them. The plastic was thin and was proud of the metal parts so it was easily damaged. It may be great inside a car but when used in the woods I have my doubts. I ended up getting this one: https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1267378-dewalt-1400-peak-amp-battery-jump-starter.html Took it out of the box and hooked it up to see if it would put out a charge with the switch on and it actually started the unit. Yes, it's heavy and bulky but it sure will get the job done. Guess I'm a person that doesn't appreciate "smart" devices. They seem to be smarter than me. Thanks for the information, I learned a lot.

Sounds like you are in business then and that's the most important thing. Cutting/splitting wood warms you twice. Once when you cut/split it and once when you burn it.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Was in Walmart, and they now stock starter solenoids for lawn tractors. About $14.