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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / Running a log splitter off a genny
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LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 16:58
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Hey folks, recently purchased a Yamaha EF2000is and wondering if any of you have experience running a small log splitter off a similar sized genny.

Eyeing the 4 ton models at either CT or Princess Auto. Should be ideal for our needs.

Thanks!

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 17:10
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TBH don't do it ! Not with a Genny and certainly not a 2kw unit.

Seriously consider a gas powered one - watch for sales and be ready to pounce. Don't forget to keep an eye on TSC as well.
http://www.tscstores.com/Logsplitters-C793.aspx

Also watch for them on Kijiji - used yes but great deals to be found as well.

RichInTheUSA
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 17:10
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I thought real log splitters were either gas powered, or muscle powered....

LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 17:20
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Quoting: Steve_S
Don't forget to keep an eye on TSC as well.


Ah yes, TSC. Miss having one nearby but if there is an exceptional deal I don't mind a road trip. Thanks

Quoting: RichInTheUSA
I thought real log splitters were either gas powered, or muscle powered....


Not when you're broke and lazy

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 18:15 - Edited by: bldginsp
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If indeed you do have an electric log splitter, find out its amperage requirement, multiply that times 3, and don't use a generator smaller than that. Small generators can deliver their full wattage capacity for a short time, but you'll burn it up in a hurry running it full capacity for any length of time.

Are those splitters you mentioned electric?

Edit- looked up a 4 ton electric- it draws 15 amps which is 1800 watts. I bet that would fry your genny pretty quick. Get a cheap noisy 5000 watt, or a gas splitter.

bushbunkie
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 18:21
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I run the four ton Yardworks woodsplitter off of my Yamaha 3000....no problem at all.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 20:00 - Edited by: bldginsp
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I killed a 2500 watt Briggs and Stratton generator using it with two circ saws simultaneously. Not sure if it was the saws that killed it or just age. The instructions for my 1200 watt well pump say to use at least a 5000 watt generator, to be on the safe side.

The four ton splitter probably pulls 1000-1200 watts most of the time, more occasionally, so a 3000 watt genny, I would guess, is about at the limit.

But I have to admit that I have a lot of unanswered questions about small generators, this being one, and I haven't found a person with a lot of knowledge and experience with how they are designed and built, and what their real limits are.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2016 21:29
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I think the mentioning of Inverter Generator vs Standard also plays a big factor.

I have both types, a King Canada 3kw Inverter and a Champion 9/7 kw workhorse.

The inverter handles my well pump, lights, chargers but I haven't used it on anything heavier, as these are not really designed to run heavy draw motors and the like. Oh, my well pump is a Grundfos SQ 120v soft start, deep well pump, so it's gentle. No problem for electronics so computer safe etc... This is also the backup for my solar batteries.

The Champion runs the compressor (3hp / 20gal), small 120v Mig rarely, table saw, chop saw, and the heavier stuff. I would never run electronics off the champion because it's not Pure Sine.

There is one thing that stands out with all generators, it is to never take it to the "rated limit", always leave a comfortable margin. Expensive lessons learned

bushbunkie
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 08:20
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Good advice, all, Thanks. I have a Yamaha EF3000ise Inverter and always just assumed the Yamaha could take it....it didn't seem to be labouring at all. I've been using the splitter for three years, but I may check into it closer....love my Yamy!

LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 10:28 - Edited by: LoonWhisperer
Reply 


Lots to digest here. Thanks everyone. It was this video that got me considering it:

Honda + Logsplitter

Figured for light/limited use I might get away with it.

littlesalmon4
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 11:54
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The Honda 2000 will not split wood.
Look at the piece of crap wood the guy split in the video.
I don't think anyone on here is going to try to heat their cabin with that.

sparky30_06
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 12:17
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wow that's is some junk wood!!!!

lets get a piece of knotty oak and see what it does when you stall the ram and go pull pressure.

Might as well get a hand operated splitter like this

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640136_200640136

LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 12:20 - Edited by: LoonWhisperer
Reply 


Quoting: sparky30_06
Might as well get a hand operated splitter like this

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640136_200640136


Hmmm... or this perhaps?
http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/8-ton-manual-log-splitter/A-p8651242e

PA_Bound
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 15:26
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+1 for bldginsp's comments from the 20th. What's the max amperage draw on your log splitter?

My EF2000is is rated for 13.3 AMP output (1600w/120v), but many log splitters I've seen indicate a 15 AMP motor. That would not be a could combination. At maximum 2000w output it is rated for 16.6 AMPs, but I would not want to run my generator at that max. load for any period of time.

I would join the club here and suggest a 2nd, bigger generator- if even only a cheap one.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 15:28
Reply 


Or this
IMG_0472.JPG
IMG_0472.JPG


LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 21 Oct 2016 15:47
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Quoting: PA_Bound

My EF2000is is rated for 13.3 AMP output (1600w/120v), but many log splitters I've seen indicate a 15 AMP motor.


Yep.. it's 15amp and I have the same genny as you. Looks like a no-go unfortunately.

Quoting: bldginsp

Or this

Haha... perfect! But does it include that sweet chrome hardhat?

CLguy
Member
# Posted: 27 Nov 2016 11:13
Reply 


I also run my Yardworks splitter of my 3000 watt Champion with no issues. I split Birch, Black Ash with it and have never popped the breaker. I do select Charger Standby on my Solar System when using it so the generator is not trying to put power into the solar system at the same time.

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