Bobcat powered hydraulic press - yet another crazy idea!

[Atlas Knife Company]

I'm getting a compact tractor next week or maybe a small skidloader, and they all seem to have hydraulic connections for implements. Would it be possible to use this for a press? Has anyone here ever done this, or seen it done and know how the speed compares to a log splitter?

Barring that possibility, what's the best log splitter to build a press from?

This totally changes the way I want to split logs from now on! An S300 is about double the size that I planned to get, but you get the idea.
[youtube]5ZQCA-mTzjs[/youtube]

 

[kuraki]

It really depends on where that piece of equipment in question draws it's aux hydraulics from. On some smaller pieces of hydrostatic equipment, aux hydraulics are run by the low pressure charge pump that keeps the hydrostatic piston pump primed. Those are not capable of developing the force or speed required for a forging press.

Larger pieces of equipment, skidsteers in particular, generally have 3 different pumps. 2 variable piston pumps (whether separated or in a spool together), these are what drive each side, and a 3rd gearotor pump that drives the loader hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulics. Whether this was capable of driving a forging press would be determined by the machine's horsepower, the pumps GPM and pressure specs, and by the connection fittings that may limit GPM when you hook up to your auxiliary equipment.

If the machine is capable of driving a processor attachment like in your video, then it would have more than enough power and hydraulic capacity to drive a forging press. A small utility tractor, it's hard to say without knowing which machine specifically.

Myself, I'm not going to screw with my logsplitter because even though I burn less wood than I used to, I'm not splitting a winters worth without it ever again :barf:

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

Bobcats website publishes the GPM on the specs and options page. The s530 puts out 17.1 GPM with the system relief at 3500psi on the quick couplers. Using a small tractor, you may get better results running a PTO drive pump and system vs the built in auxiliary.