[cheesy]

I have a piece a paper that says I is edumacated in hydraulic systems. So I is able to hepl.

So, with a double acting cylinder, you'd want that exact 3-way valve. But, Cylinder diameter is more important than stroke and I doubt you'd need to be any larger than 3", probably less. A lot more will depend on the capibilities and capacities of your power pack. We'd need to know the system pressure and flow. Plus the capacity of the tank. I ask, because OTC/Power Team makes a small power pack, the PG302, that has small 2 smoke engine on it. It is also capable of 12T but because of its low flow and small tank, it takes a loooooong time to fill a system and you could go have a nice lunch before it extended a large cylinder. Great for a porta power, kinda sucky for a log splitter.

I'd think a tank at 4 gallons minimum with a return filter, 2.5" cylinder w\16" stroke, 3-way directional valve w\open center, system pressure/flow at 1300/1500 psi at 4-5gpm, and -6 hoses would be a decent splitter. If my in my head math is correct, you'd be getting 6400-7400psi at the end of the ram.

Something to chew on, Weld. Just need to know more about the power pack.