Will a 1 HP Electric Motor Match My Log Splitter's Performance?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of replacing a gas engine in a log splitter with a 1 HP electric motor, focusing on RPM calculations, pulley sizes, and the implications for performance and cycle time. Participants explore technical aspects related to power, torque, and the mechanics of flywheel operation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that with a 3" drive pulley on the 1 HP motor, the RPM would be approximately 286, which they believe is comparable to the current setup.
  • Another participant notes that the gasoline engine being replaced has a higher power rating (5.5 HP), suggesting that the 1 HP electric motor may not provide sufficient torque, potentially leading to slower operation and reduced capacity.
  • A third participant emphasizes that the splitter operates without hydraulics and mentions that the Super Splitter model is available with both 1 HP and 1.5 HP motors, indicating that the cycle time is 3 seconds, but they seek confirmation on flywheel performance.
  • One participant agrees that the RPM calculations seem reasonable and explains that the product of RPM and pulley diameter is proportional to belt speed, suggesting that the flywheel should recover to a similar kinetic energy level, though they caution about potentially slower cycle times.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the 1 HP motor will match the performance of the gas engine, with some suggesting it may not provide adequate power and others focusing on the RPM calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall performance implications of the motor replacement.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of power ratings and torque in relation to the motor's performance, but there are unresolved assumptions about the impact of the flywheel's weight and the specific operational characteristics of the log splitter.

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RPM to Pulley Question Please Help Thanks!

I have a log splitter that uses a gas engine 3600 RPM the drive pulley is 1.5"OD diameter and the driven pulley is 18.25" diameter (Super Splitter is the brand name) So from what i calculated was the driven pulley weighs in at 75lbs and spins at about 295 RPM's.

Now to my question: They sell these splitters with an electric motor, So my grandfather gave me a 1 hp electric motor that rotates at 1740 RPM. If i put on a drive pulley with a 3"OD will i have basically the same outcome? I am calculation 286 RPM.

This splitter uses the weight of the flywheel to throw the ram forward. And i would like to convert to Electric because it is a lot quiter for my neighbors, they already have to hear my chainsaws screaming! Thanks Everyone!
 
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We need to know the power rating of the gasoline engine you are replacing.
After a quick Google, all the electrically powered splitters I looked at have 1.75 HP motors, and the smallest gasoline powered models run about 3.5 HP.
You will probably need to change the drive ratio quite a bit to get sufficient torque from your 1 HP motor. The splitter will operate much slower, and almost certainly at reduced capacity (smaller logs).
 


The splitter that i have has ZERO hydraulics once again the brand name is Super Splitter ZERO hydraulics it uses to flywheels. They sell this SUPER SPLITTER with a 1 hp and a 1.5hp motor the cycle time is 3 seconds its not your everyday log splitter the engine it has right now is 5.5 hp but that's not the issue i am talking about the RPM's. All i need to know is will the big flywheels still be spinning the same from what i calculated.
 


Your calculation is in the right ball park (I have not check the numbers with my calculator). The product N*r is proportional the belt speed coming off the engine or motor pulley in either case. So 3600*1.5 is not too different from 1740*3.0; we double one factor and halve the other.

As mentioned above, the cycle time may be unsatisfactorily slow; it may take a long time to recover flywheel speed, but it should recover to almost the same level and hence same kinetic energy content.
 

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