Log splitter "lovejoy" connector question

[stymie]

I have a 6hp vertical shaft Briggs and Stratton engine I am putting on a log splitter that I am building. The 1" shaft has tiny splines all the way around (no keyway). My question is, can i just tighten down the set screw on the lovejoy coupler or does there have to be a key to make it work? I have the
1" coupler on the engine going to 9/16" coupler on the pump.

please help.

[Big_gun]

you might be able to file a flat spot on the shaft and tighten the set screw on coupler...

[skeeter]

I got an email the other day with a pic of a log splitter...not pretty

[txfireguy2003]

It MIGHT work, but if it were me, I'd try to get the shaft machined with a keyway. I'm not really sure what a "lovejoy" coupler is, but I would want to know what the purpose of the set screw is. What I'm thinking is that the set screw is to prevent the coupler from sliding off the shaft, rather than prevent it from spinning on the shaft. Look at the coupler/shaft on a tractor PTO. The shaft has splines, but also a cut that goes around the shaft. When you couple the implement to the shaft, there is a button on the coupler that releases a bar inside the coupler. As the coupler slides to the correct position on the shaft, that bar drops into the cut going around the shaft to prevent the coupler from sliding off the shaft. The splines keep the coupler from spinning on the shaft, and the bar keeps the coupler from sliding off the shaft....my thinking is that the set screw serves the same purpose as the bar. I doubt that a set screw would provide enough tension to keep it from spinning. My initial farm boy solution would be to mount the coupler, tighten it up with the set screw and then drill a whole down through the coupler and shaft and run a pin through it, but that's probably not a "proper" solution.

[Huntin Addict]

It would be better to key it.

[TimHicks]

Just find someone with a broach and cut the key yourself. or you could drill and tap out another set screw on ech side of the coupling and counter sink some holes for the set screws and this will work in a pinch

[Buckhorn]

Does the coupling have matching splines? If the splines engage, you just tighten the setscrew to hold coupling in place.

[stymie]

Well, both couplers are smooth on the I.D. and the set screw is set right on top of the key way. So you tighten down the key. I may have to counter sink where the set screw sits on the shaft and use a longer set screw.

Thanks for the info. so far.

[Buckhorn]

Sounds like you will need to count the spline on the shaft to get the correct coupling.

[bearintex]

That's not a log splitter, this is a logsplitter!

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[stymie]

All I can say is WOW.

[ElliotWilson]

Lovejoy Support

Hey Rick,

First... In the spirit of full disclosure, I work for Lovejoy... and your post landed in my inbox as a Google alert. (I set up this alert to ensure Lovejoy customers are receiving the highest level of support & assistance.) I tried to first reach you discreetly through private message and email, but unfortunately my low (zero) post count prevented me from being able to do so.

Moving on... while I can’t give any definitive advice based on my limited knowledge of your application, if you are in need of a knowledgeable local distributor, the Lovejoy website (easy to find through any search engine) recently added a feature allowing you to search for distributors by zip code.

Should this tool fail to help find someone in your local area who can help, Lovejoy's customer support line is also an option. (Their phone number is also readily available on the website).

Best of luck with your splitter! … and to Barrett’s video, I second your “WOW” (so cool).

-Elliot

[drewjunr]

I build one on the back of a pickup bed frame for horizontal/vertical. It is the right height for standing up straight instead of leaning over to do them horizontal. I would either get it keyed or get a different motor that is keyed. I put a HF 5hp and it runs strong. The motor and 3 yr warranty on sale for $100, no questions asked.

Also use thinner hydraulic fluid/transmission fluid, first time I cranked mine up was in the 50's and it smashed the rubber/plastic buffer in less than 15 min. The motors are hard to turn over if it is regular hydraulic fluid in cold weather...returned/exchanged my first motor above because I thought it was the motors fault. I use dollar store transmission fluid, it is cheap and works great especially if you plan to change it out every season like manufactures of retail splitters recommend.