Making Idler Arm For Log Splitter Belt Tension Using Scrap Materials

The belt flew off the log splitter so I scrounged up some materials to make an idler arm to keep tension on the drive belt from now on.

I found an idler pulley that I bought last year on clearance from TSC. I did not have a project for it at the time but the price was good and I am now happy that I have it.

I dug up some bolts for the job and a couple pieces of scrap lumber.

A spring from my bolts and nuts bin will keep tension on the idler arm I am going to build.

This is a very simple project using two pieces of wood, four bolts, a spring and an idler pulley.

I drilled a hole through both the pieces of wood to make a hinge point. The reciprocating saw cut the hinge so it will not rub on the base of the log splitter.

A bolt holds the hinge together.

A bolt through the top of the idler arm holds the idler pulley in place.

Next I secured the base of the idler arm to the platform of the log splitter using two more bolts.

I drilled a little hole in the top of the idler arm to hold the spring in place and put the other end on the hydraulic pump on a threaded rod that sticks out.

I fired up the engine to see if my work will hold together or not. It seems to hold up well enough. The true test will be splitting some logs.

I worked a while and got a nice pile of logs split with no problem. Now when I hit a log it you can hear the engine working and taking the pressure rather than the belt slipping or flying off.

The new homemade idler arm seems to be working quite nicely.

Time will tell I guess.

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Troy
http://www.thedoityourselfworld.com
http://www.theoffgridproject.com

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