Log Splitters ....

[Rockyroad]

Bought a log splitter about 15 years ago from my local JD dealer who sold me my JD750. It is made by a company by the name of Didier. It has a 5hp Briggs IC engine driving a 2 stage pump. It is on two wheels and tows behing my tractor and my pickup.

I agree a self-powered unit that can be towed is handy. Quite a few times I have towed it somewhere to split wood that someone wanted to give me.

I used to split with a maul, but a disc operation put an end to that. I usually cut and split 3 to 5 cords per winter, and the splitter really makes the job easier, no doubt about it. Now that I have a FEL on my JD750 to load the wood into it got even easier. Beats the old maul and wheelbarrow!

I just replaced the B&S 5hp IC engine last year. It just wore out. I was going to rebuild it, but after getting prices on reboring locally and all the parts, etc., it was almost as cheap to buy a brand new one from Northern who had them on sale at the time.

I have also replaced the hydraulic punp about 5 or 6 years ago.

The two stage pump works great and gives a fast cycle time and "downshifts" to a lower speed with more pressure when it encounters resistance I have split some BIG oak and maple with that machine. (Also took off about 1/2 inch of my left middle finger in a freak accident, too, so watch out. They can be dangerous.)

Northern has all the goodies to build one yourself, including the mounting brackets for the hydraulic pump to most common horizontal shaft engines.

I have designed my "dream" splitter on paper using a Kohler 8hp Magnum engine, but I have so many other projects ahead of it that it will probably be some years before I get around to it. In the meantime, the one I have will last virtually forever since everything is replaceable.

Northern also has some complete self-contained units that seem to be reasonably priced.

Happy splitting!

 

[SmokyMtnMan]

Just thought I would pass along a few notes of interests on this topic. Found enroute to looking up other things. Thought these might be helpful to someone.
some alternative ideas here and different styles for different needs. The first one is the original maker of the Didier logsplitter mentioned in one post

http://www.fostermfgcorp.com/
www.hardinsweb.com
www.minisplitter.com
www.biggameproshop.com/swisher-atv-log-splitters.htm
http://braveproducts.com/index.cgi/splitters.html

http://www.logsplitters.com/bigdsweb/logsplitters.htm

 

[soarkrebel]

I wonder why they don't make a PTO driven pump model? or do they?

 

[AndyMA]

I have the Northern 3 pt hitch model and have used it for over ten years. It works fine and I've never been able to jam it. Many times I just lay it on the ground and split so that I don't have to detach what ever is on my 3pt. As far as cycle times go, it may not be the fastest, but it keeps up with how fast I can move the logs around.

 

[SmokyMtnMan]

That's the one I'm leaning toward. I just hope I can figure out the hydraulics on it for my tractor. I don't have any idea about 'closed system, detent valves, etc" Mine is a new Kubota 4610 cab and has two hyd valves in rear.
I wonder if the Northern Tool version and the TSC version is the same thing????
I really wished I could find one that has longer stroke. I need wood at least 28 inches long for my fireplace.

 

[rmorgan]

One point about the TSC model--it sits up off the ground on its own stand, and it pivots to vertical in just a couple of seconds. Unfortunately, the price has taken a huge jump this Fall (up to $550, I think!!). The stand makes putting it on and taking it off a quick and no-strain endeavor, and also makes it easy to split without even mounting the contraption to the hitch. As to the hydraulic ins and outs, if you've got remotes just plug 'em in; if the thing works backwards, switch 'em. I use a bungee to lock the hydraulic lever on the fender in place, which pults constant flow through the splitter and enables the onboard hydraulic control. Getting set up to split takes all of 10 minutes.

 

[Justaplain]

I put 10' hoses on my 3pt Northern, then set it on a sheet of plywood on sawhorses. That way I have a table, so I don't have to keep chaseing pieces and can set the tractor so I can split right into the bucket. As you get older 24" long wood will be plenty. bcs

 

[SANDBURR]

Steve,
We use the Fel ports to run our splitter it works fine. We have to bungee the lever open for the bucket side and that way you can still move the loader off the ground if you want to repostion the tractor. Longer hose's versus 275.00 dealer
price for a rear remote was a hands down decision.

 

[MDSteve]

Sandburr,

Do you have 2 joysticks for your FEL. I only have one and don't understand why you would have to bungee one side down. I may just try my neighbors and see if it works.

Thanks for the advice.

Steve

 

[rdbrumfield]

I built a pto splitter that works great. no lifting envolved. If anyone is interested I will send you a simple drawing. Hope you are a good scrounger, I built mine super cheap. It will split a 6' dia block and has around 35000 lbs of push. rdbrumfield@yahoo.com