Abstract: A pusher assembly for a log splitter can include a frame, an actuator, and a wedge assembly with a first set of cutting blades and a second set of cutting blades configured to split a log into a plurality of pieces. The pusher assembly includes a base configured to be coupled to the actuator, a plurality of push pads, and a plurality of support columns extending between each of the push pads and the base. The plurality of push pads may be spaced apart from the base, and each push pad may include a contact surface that is coplanar with the contact surfaces of the other push pads. The plurality of push pads are configured to receive the first set of cutting blades in gaps positioned between adjacent push pads as the plurality of push pads forces the log through the wedge assembly.

Abstract: A pusher assembly for a log splitter can include a frame, an actuator, and a wedge assembly with a first set of cutting blades and a second set of cutting blades configured to split a log into a plurality of pieces. The pusher assembly includes a base configured to be coupled to the actuator, a plurality of push pads, and a plurality of support columns extending between each of the push pads and the base. The plurality of push pads may be spaced apart from the base, and each push pad may include a contact surface that is coplanar with the contact surfaces of the other push pads. The plurality of push pads are configured to receive the first set of cutting blades in gaps positioned between adjacent push pads as the plurality of push pads forces the log through the wedge assembly.

Abstract: A heating system for heating at least one of a fluid-filled conduit arrangement and a volume of air includes an internal combustion engine provided with engine coolant that flows to and from the engine and is heated thereby. A fluid heat exchanger is provided in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid stored in a reservoir and the engine coolant of the internal combustion engine. The fluid heat exchanger receives heated engine coolant from the internal combustion engine, and transfers heat from the heated engine coolant to the heat transfer fluid to provide heated transfer fluid. A heat generator is provided in fluid communication with the fluid heat exchanger, and receives the heated transfer fluid from the fluid heat exchanger for further heating. This heated transfer fluid may then be selectively used to heat a conduit or a volume of air.

Abstract: A system for flameless heating of a fluid includes a hydraulic pump having an input shaft and a rotational power source coupled in torque-transmitting relationship with the input shaft of the hydraulic pump. A hydraulic fluid circuit is in fluid connection with an inlet port and an outlet port of the hydraulic pump. A water heat exchanger having a tank provided with water from a water source and a conduit provided with heated fluid from at least one of the hydraulic pump and the power source is arranged such that heat is transferred from the heated fluid in the conduit to the water in the tank. In one example, at least one valve in the hydraulic fluid circuit selectively limits output flow from the outlet port of the hydraulic pump, thereby providing resistance to pumping motion and heating the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A heating system is connected to a source of supply fluid to be heated, and has an internal combustion engine provided with engine coolant and gases that flow to and from the engine, and are heated thereby. A heat generator is provided in fluid communication with a supply of heat transfer fluid for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the heat generator causing fluid friction to create heat directly in the heat transfer fluid, and provide heated transfer fluid that is not in fluid communication with the engine. A fluid heat exchanger arrangement is provided in fluid communication with the supply fluid, the engine coolant, the gases of the engine and the heated transfer fluid for transferring heat from the heated engine coolant, the heated engine gases, and the heated transfer fluid to heat the supply fluid.

Abstract: A system for flameless heating of a fluid includes a hydraulic pump having an input shaft and a rotational power source coupled in torque-transmitting relationship with the input shaft of the hydraulic pump. A hydraulic fluid circuit is in fluid connection with an inlet port and an outlet port of the hydraulic pump. A water heat exchanger having a tank provided with water from a water source and a conduit provided with heated fluid from at least one of the hydraulic pump and the power source is arranged such that heat is transferred from the heated fluid in the conduit to the water in the tank. In one example, at least one valve in the hydraulic fluid circuit selectively limits output flow from the outlet port of the hydraulic pump, thereby providing resistance to pumping motion and heating the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A heating system for heating at least one of a fluid-filled conduit arrangement and a volume of air includes an internal combustion engine provided with engine coolant that flows to and from the engine and is heated thereby. A fluid heat exchanger is provided in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid stored in a reservoir and the engine coolant of the internal combustion engine. The fluid heat exchanger receives heated engine coolant from the internal combustion engine, and transfers heat from the heated engine coolant to the heat transfer fluid to provide heated transfer fluid. A heat generator is provided in fluid communication with the fluid heat exchanger, and receives the heated transfer fluid from the fluid heat exchanger for further heating. This heated transfer fluid may then be selectively used to heat a conduit or a volume of air.

Abstract: A heating system is connected to a source of supply fluid to be heated, and has an internal combustion engine provided with engine coolant and gases that flow to and from the engine, and are heated thereby. A heat generator is provided in fluid communication with a supply of heat transfer fluid for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the heat generator causing fluid friction to create heat directly in the heat transfer fluid, and provide heated transfer fluid that is not in fluid communication with the engine. A fluid heat exchanger arrangement is provided in fluid communication with the supply fluid, the engine coolant, the gases of the engine and the heated transfer fluid for transferring heat from the heated engine coolant, the heated engine gases, and the heated transfer fluid to heat the supply fluid.

Abstract: A firewood processor includes a main framework having a front end, rear end and opposite sides. A log infeed trough is supported on the main framework for advancing a log lengthwise along a longitudinal axis from the front end to the rear end of the main framework to a cutting station extending upwardly from the main framework for selectively cutting a log advanced on the log infeed trough into individual log rounds. An operator control station is positioned on the main framework for selectively controlling the advancing and the cutting of the log. The cutting station includes a rotating blade that is positioned above the log infeed trough and is mounted for upward and downward movement controlled by an operator at the control station in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough to enable cutting of the log.