Anybody own and use one of the Powerhorse 20 ton splitters?

[jimgerken]

I am splitter shopping.
To save you time, I already considered the stand-alone option. I owned a very nice standalone Northern unit 25 years ago, when they were quality built in Minnesota, and I was happy with it. But now wish to have a unit with no engine on it, be smaller for storage, and can live with slightly reduced splitting speed. No engine so no Stabil in the gas and oil changes, etc. Also, the hours on the tractor do not concern me as I will only split 6 or 8 cords a year, for personal use. And the decreased noise and vibration compared to the standalone will be a welcome improvment. Having the ability to raise and lower the working height on the 3-point is a nice bonus too. Lower cost is certainly a factor also. And I have the power beyond plumbing to run it.

So, I've been leaning toward the Speeco 3-point, cause it tilts horizontal or vertical.

Lately I have been looking closer at the new Powerhorse 3 point, 20 ton unit, with 4x24 cylinder. Since it is bi-directional (splits in both directions), this will make up for some of the speed reduction of it being powered by my tractors 8.5 gallons per minute flow rate. Since the Powerhorse does not tilt to vertical, instead I will probably modify the bolt-on three point stuff to allow it to lower to rest virtually on the ground. Once the beam is this low, I can roll the really big log segments up a shallow ramp to get them onto the splitter, so vertical becomes un-needed. The Powerhorse is extremely compact, so storage is really nice. The mechanical design of the Phorse makes all the other splitters look like antiques. It is painted blue, but I can live with that.

Is anyone using this new larger 4x24 P-horse 3 point model? Or the standalone 20 ton unit ('cause the basic mechanical design is identical between the 3-point and standalone versions, in the 20 ton size). If so, any problems so far? Is it what you hoped for? Any concerns about longevity? I have already read everything I could search and find about the smaller 3x18 P-horse 3 point model, but the 4x24 is very new, so I thought I'd ask before buying.

Thanks!!!

[jinman]

Jim, I was attracted to the Powerhouse splitter because of its compact size and dual action, but the price and weight of the unit were things I considered in comparison to Harbor Freight's 3PH splitter. With the one from Harbor Freight being $499 and weighing 356 lb, I decided to buy it. The HF one is only advertised as a 14 ton splitter, but it seems to work quite well on the hardest oak logs. It also has a beefier basket for catching split logs and can easily sit flat on the ground since its lower link attachment point is above the splitting beam. It is very long and I think the toplink attachment needs better support, but it moves quite briskly with my NH's hydraulics through 1/2" hoses. For most splitting jobs, I find the ram doesn't need to go much more than 1/2 of its travel to have the log split and falling apart. That makes the process pretty fast even though it only goes in one direction.

I don't see why you wouldn't be happy with the Powerhouse. My only concern is with it is strength of structure. It does look much lighter weight than the HF, and I'm not sure its catch basket is also as strong as it needs to be. If you can get it low enough to the ground to roll up big rounds, the other issues may not be a concern. Their videos are surely impressive.

[jimgerken]

Thanks for the reply Jinman. When you say "price and weight" -- I understand the price issue, but the weight... Are you saying you wanted it to weigh less for lower shipping rate, or weigh MORE cause then its probably stonger-built? The 20 ton Powerhorse shows a ship weight of 293 lbs. I would buy it from the Northern store though, so shipping won't be added to the price.

Can you say what your hydraulic flow rate (on your tractor's implement hydraulics) are? Thanks.

[jinman]

Jim, I meant heavier for it's strength. I think my unit is heavier because it's I-beam is very sturdy and the ram slide is very "beefy" too. I don't know if this is needed, but it gives me a good feeling of security. The cradle on the sides of the Powerhorse just looks like heavy gage wire. Maybe that's all that's needed. Only time will tell.

My tractor's hydraulic flow is around 9 gpm, so it is very close to yours.

Harbor Freight Splitter on NH TC45D

[Yota_85]

Jim. I ordered the smaller version of the Powerhorse a few days ago. Should be arriving today. Will need to run to TSC to get some hoses and connectors/Hydo fluid tonight.

Hopefully will get a chance to use it on Sat and report back.

Shipping was reasonable @ around $92

[CHDinCT]

I have the smaller unit and it runs fine on my BX which has approx. 3.5 GPM available for attachments, the rest is dedicated to powersteering. If I run the BX at 2300-2500 rpms, I get very acceptable cycle times given I can split in both directions. The log cradles are plenty beefy enough for anything I've split so far. I would say the one compromise is the wedge is kind of thin compared to conventional models/stand alone models. But, it has split everything I've thrown at it so far. For some big pieces - 14"+ - it may take two cycles to get through it completely. Sometimes I just take smaller bits off of the big logs rather than try to spit them down the middle.

I did think that not being able to split vertically would bother me, but I actuall like using it in the horizontal mode. I can set the height to where I can stand comfortably to run it. Only bending is to pick up the next piece. As stated, for really big pieces, you can lower your hitch to the ground and probably roll it on.

[brin]

Originally Posted by jinman

Jim, I was attracted to the Powerhouse splitter because of its compact size and dual action, but the price and weight of the unit were things I considered in comparison to Harbor Freight's 3PH splitter. With the one from Harbor Freight being $499 and weighing 356 lb, I decided to buy it. The HF one is only advertised as a 14 ton splitter, but it seems to work quite well on the hardest oak logs. It also has a beefier basket for catching split logs and can easily sit flat on the ground since its lower link attachment point is above the splitting beam. It is very long and I think the toplink attachment needs better support, but it moves quite briskly with my NH's hydraulics through 1/2" hoses. For most splitting jobs, I find the ram doesn't need to go much more than 1/2 of its travel to have the log split and falling apart. That makes the process pretty fast even though it only goes in one direction.

I don't see why you wouldn't be happy with the Powerhouse. My only concern is with it is strength of structure. It does look much lighter weight than the HF, and I'm not sure its catch basket is also as strong as it needs to be. If you can get it low enough to the ground to roll up big rounds, the other issues may not be a concern. Their videos are surely impressive.

jinman, I have a NH TC-29 with a FEL but I have no remotes in the rear other than those for the FEL ..If I wanted to use the Harber Freight log 3 pt. log splitter what more hyd would I need to add and anything for the top link? would that have to be hyd as well ? Thanks.

[jinman]

Originally Posted by brin

jinman, I have a NH TC-29 with a FEL but I have no remotes in the rear other than those for the FEL ..If I wanted to use the Harber Freight log 3 pt. log splitter what more hyd would I need to add and anything for the top link? would that have to be hyd as well ? Thanks.

If you want to save yourself a lot of money (and who doesn't?), I would buy long hoses and run them up to your FEL quick disconnects for either the curl or lift arms. When you get your tractor set, lower the FEL and disconnect one of the FEL's circuits and connect the log splitter. Use a bungee to hold your joystick in the needed position so there is flow through the logsplitter on the 3PH. Then, just go back to the logsplitter and use it with its local control valve.

Remember, when you move the joystick, you will no longer be able to move the 3PH until the joystick returns to neutral. That's because the FEL is in the open center circuit before the 3PH. So, you need to have the height of your logsplitter set with the 3PH before you bungee the joystick into position to feed your logsplitter.

Also, TSC is not likely to carry hoses long enough to go from FEL to logsplitter, so you will have to get them custom made. Your FEL uses 3/8" fittings instead of 1/2" fittings used on most remotes, so your flow to the logsplitter will be a little slower than using a remote with a 1/2" QD. Keep your engine rpm up to around 2000 or above and you should get satisfactory results.

[Russds]

I bought the 20ton powerhorse with the 5hp engine.I waited till it want on sale at my local Wis. store for $ 850. I use my BX24 and my loggers tong to pick up large logs to set them onto the splitters bed. I could not do it with a 3pt. splitter on my tractor .I can free up my tractor to carry or use it for moving wood .So far this splitter as not disappionted yet ,its easy to move around and set up.I would buy a seperate unit again and use my tractor for other things.

[brin]

Originally Posted by jinman

If you want to save yourself a lot of money (and who doesn't?), I would buy long hoses and run them up to your FEL quick disconnects for either the curl or lift arms. When you get your tractor set, lower the FEL and disconnect one of the FEL's circuits and connect the log splitter. Use a bungee to hold your joystick in the needed position so there is flow through the logsplitter on the 3PH. Then, just go back to the logsplitter and use it with its local control valve.

Remember, when you move the joystick, you will no longer be able to move the 3PH until the joystick returns to neutral. That's because the FEL is in the open center circuit before the 3PH. So, you need to have the height of your logsplitter set with the 3PH before you bungee the joystick into position to feed your logsplitter.

Also, TSC is not likely to carry hoses long enough to go from FEL to logsplitter, so you will have to get them custom made. Your FEL uses 3/8" fittings instead of 1/2" fittings used on most remotes, so your flow to the logsplitter will be a little slower than using a remote with a 1/2" QD. Keep your engine rpm up to around 2000 or above and you should get satisfactory results.

jinman - Thanks for all that information...that is good news. I was afraid I would have to spend the money to add rear remotes when I would only need them for the splitter. We have a NAPA store here in town that makes hoses so that is not a problem and I appreciate the heads up on the info. about the 3/8 inch and it's capacity. We have a farmers bulletin here in Ga. provided by the Dept of Ag. and it comes out every 2 wks. with lots of infor plus classifieds for equipment for sale and equipment wanted so I will pick up a 3 pt. splitter that way. That is how I have gotten some real nice pieces of equip.....Thanks again. -