quality control in 27 ton troy-built

[woolybugger141]

Did some heavy splittin the past 2 day, it's been really cold out. I had the splitter in the vertical position locked with vertical beam lock. I finished up splittin and went to put the splitter back in horizontal for storage. I grabbed the cylinder and gave a tug and all of the sudden the vertical beam lock snapped( dumb ass forgot to unlock). This should not have snapped especially for how thick of a steel pin it is and i only gave it a tug. I bought the machine approx 2yrs ago, i called troy-built to let them know there could be a problem with the pin getting brittle in the cold weather let alone a possible safety issue. they said the had no prior reports and would send me a new one free of charge. watch that pin if your runnin the troy-builts, will get some pics to post.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

How cold was it? It's been right at the freezing mark here. Could it have been a casting error or something?

Matt

 

[LLigetfa]

Nice way to get a free part after the warranty by putting them on the defensive about a safety recall.

Not much chance I'd ever break the beam lock given that I split horizontal but none the less, I'm not impressed with the design.

 

[woolybugger141]

it's about 10 deg out i was out there for 4 hrs. I'm not crazy about the design also but i do like the honda on it and it splits everything i throw at it. i hardly ever split vertically but i had some huge rounds. Imagine doing a crotch and not standing in the proper position and all of the sudden the machine jerks back the beam lock breaks and the beam base comes right for you. I dont think this is a casting problem. Just think there using inferior steel. troy built was great to deal with i really didnt expect anything from them, just wanted to notify them.

 

[LLigetfa]

I'm guessing the 27 ton model is more top heavy than my 20 ton. Mine is so much heavier at the base that there really is no nead for a lock. My cylinder is the trunnion style on a short beam so it's not top heavy.

 

[zzr7ky]

Thanks for the heads up.

I'm guessing It's is a heat treat or metal fatigue issue. On automotive stuff we need to get well below zero (-35C or F) to get cold related issues.

Bad heat treat or bad annealing prior to forming part and they can look fine and be ready to break.

All the best,
Mike

 

[smokinj]

Wow I use that pin a lot never had any issues, wow thats a big pin! had to have a fought in it,

 

[woolybugger141]

here's some pics

 

[smokinj]

here's some pics

wow its hard to believe that thing could break! but there it is........

 

[woolybugger141]

Never even second guessed it beforemyself, had to be some imperfection- its probably made in china. they need to use some good U.S forged steel. Anyways just really wanted to give a heads up to everyone on here.

 

[smokinj]

Never even second guessed it beforemyself, had to be some imperfection- its probably made in china. they need to use some good U.S forged steel. Anyways just really wanted to give a heads up to everyone on here.

yea thanks for the heads up, I slam that thing more than I should....will be a little more careful with it.

 

[LLigetfa]

I just saw the pic of your cylinder. I see it too is a trunnion mount like the 20 ton. Still though, it being a larger cylinder would be heavier and so more top heavy. I'd hate to see the pin let go and the base hit you in the chops. Bet that would leave a mark.

 

[bogydave]

My guess is that the steel rod was not properly heated before it was bent 90° &/or not heated after it was bent to relive the stress.
Also the bending press mad a sharp inside corner, this also weakens the steel at the stress point. (notice the 90° that's not broken)
When you get your new one, heat it up to a dull red glow of the metal with a propane torch in the 90° bend, & let it cool (don't quench it).
This will relieve the stress & make it less brittle. Should help, but next time you'll remember to release the lock first (experienced now)
I also suspect China.
Glad they are sending the new part free.
Thanks for the heads up"

 

[YZF1R]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep an eye on mine.

Steve