I'm nearly $1300 into rebuilding a log splitter. I'm using the pump, ram, and valve from an old one I purchased from a friend. I picked up a used 13 hp engine and built the rest.

My problem is that the motor stalls under load. The engine runs very strong but I'm wondering if I need to use a different pump or reduce the gearing for more torque? The previous "life" of this splitter used an old 10 hp engine. It was in bad shape so I disposed of it. I'm wondering if it was a gear reduction motor? Individually, both the new engine and pump have been inspected and have a clean bill of health. The pump is a gear pump, probably off an old tractor. I estimate it is 40-50 years old. The engine is a Honda GXV390. The two are directly mated with couplings. I am wondering if a 2 stage pump might solve my problem of stalling?

Any thoughts would be of help. I'm at least a hundred hours into this project and it's driving me crazy.

Tom