Wood Splitter - Iron & Oak - Need feedback

[ddivinia]

I am looking to get a wood splitter. This one has my attention:

http://www.braveproducts.com/uploade.../tmvh02_03.pdf

I do not split that much wood. I hate renting stuff - it always seems broken. I hate borrowing stuff - well, you know why.

I like the looks of this one: no additional tires or engines to maintain.

I have a John deere 4720 with one rear valve. I guess I will have to bungee the lever on and use the valve on the splitter.

Does anybody have any experience with this model?

Any other ones to consider?

Thanks,
D.

[bjcsc]

I think the tractor mounted and driven splitters are great for home use. The one in your link is OK, but here's what I don't like about it: 1) No cradles: everything you split will fall to the ground and have to be picked up again 2) Mounting parallel to rear axle: split pieces fall between splitter and rear wheel and 3) No way to split 4-ways: handy and super fast on straight-grained stuff

BTW, what do they get for those (non-PTO)?

[hbaird]

I had the same intent you have early in Dec. I was looking at the TSC 3pt mount. I ended up buying a self contained towable from TSC instead. The reasons were as follows:
1) I don't have to remove and reinstall the Splitter when I need different implements.
2) the self contained unit is 22 ton, the 3pt was only 12.5 tons on my tractor(2000psi)
3) I can leave the splitter at my wood pile and use it for quick work when I need it.
Harold

[ddivinia]

[QUOTE=bjcsc]I think the tractor mounted and driven splitters are great for home use. The one in your link is OK, but here's what I don't like about it: 1) No cradles: everything you split will fall to the ground and have to be picked up again
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Good point. I figured I would be doing most of my splitting in the vertical anyway, but I might be wrong.


2) Mounting parallel to rear axle: split pieces fall between splitter and rear wheel and

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An even better point.

3) No way to split 4-ways: handy and super fast on straight-grained stuff
----

Yeah, they dont offer a 4 way on it - I asked.

Who does offer a 4 way on their 3 pnt models?

BTW, what do they get for those (non-PTO)?

Non - PTO shipped -> $1195
PTO - $1695

What splitter did you buy?

D.

[ddivinia]

[QUOTE=hbaird]I had the same intent you have early in Dec. I was looking at the TSC 3pt mount.
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I looked at that one and I don't need a project. I want something I can hook up and go.


I ended up buying a self contained towable from TSC instead. The reasons were as follows:
1) I don't have to remove and reinstall the Splitter when I need different implements.
----

I am getting good at it - why change now? :-)



2) the self contained unit is 22 ton, the 3pt was only 12.5 tons on my tractor(2000psi)
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This one I am looking at is 20 ton. I think 20 ton is the minimum number I am going to go with.


3) I can leave the splitter at my wood pile and use it for quick work when I need it.
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That is a good point.

I don't care about the trailer piece. Anywhere i go I would be going a long ways and at too high a speed I bet for the little tires on these trailer models.

I guess i could always pull it up on one of my bigger trailers.

Which one did you get at TSC? All the ones I saw there had non-Honda engines. I am sold on HOnda engines. Briggs sucked so bad as a kid - I will never own another one.

Thanks,
D.

[shvl73]

I've seen some (at Home Depot, maybe?) with Honda engines for real close to the price of that 3pt splitter. That just seems like its a bit costly for a unit without a pump or engine. I still use a splitting maul, though I don't burn a whole lot of wood. It is cheap to maintain though!

[ToadHill]

I used a 3pt splitter for several years but found it to be too slow for my liking. I bought a 5.5hp motor, pump,and converted it. It's much faster now.

[ddivinia]

I've seen some (at Home Depot, maybe?) with Honda engines for real close to the price of that 3pt splitter. That just seems like its a bit costly for a unit without a pump or engine. I still use a splitting maul, though I don't burn a whole lot of wood. It is cheap to maintain though!

Maules work - I grew up doing that stuff. I am done with that.

Anybody have a wikco?

Logsplitters/Woodsplitters

D.

[ddivinia]

Has anybody used a timberwolf?

Timberwolf Wood Processing Equipment

D.

[geobar]

Last year I bought a used trailer model 5.5hp, 22 ton Brave. It had to be pretty old because it called for Dexron II in the hydraulics. The machine was clean and only cost $500. I was aware of the speed limitation, but towing it at 60 mph for 190 miles to my farm had no deliterious effects. It split 2 cords this fall very easily, running like a champ. Unless your logs are small, you will be using it vertically as you will not want to lift them into the cradle. Splitting a cord of wood is still a lot of work even without having to lift them. The trailer model can be pulled and used behind my pickup as well as the tractor, and I do not need to remove any 3pt device already on the tractor. I find that if I put Slime or the inexpensive Prestone equivalent available Walmart into the tires, then I do not need to worry about hazards in the field. But do not tow at high speeds with Slime.