PhysAssist
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2011
- Messages
- 2,635
- Tractor
- Kubota B2320
jimgerken said:I asked this question a couple years ago. Got almost the same answers. Eventually I bought a 3ph version because I wanted less small engines around, based on all the issues with Ethanol. Also, the tractor has lower sound output and exhaust is further away from the splitting area compared to standing over a small gas engine. Also, raising and lowering the 3ph has advantages, about the same as one that swivels from horizontal to vertical. But in the end, the tradeoff was that the 3ph versions are slower because the tractor does not have a 2-speed pump. So, I went with a bidirectional splitter, 3ph mounted. Bi-directionals split in both directions, so are quite fast. Also, it waits patiently even in years I don't need to use it. No draining old gas, no oil changes, no loud engine droning away. Here is a pretty good thread on the subject:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/146167-powerhorse-3-pt-log-splitter.html
Good luck on your decision.
As I already posted, we got a Troy-Bilt from Lowes last year.
What I didn't post was the fact that I added a $20 option in the form of a HF trailer jack w/ wheel, in place of the swing down leg that came on the splitter.
It allows easier manual movement of the splitter, and I have the ability to adjust the splitter to terrain and to my height for optimum comfort...
The Honda engine runs about as quietly as my diesel tractor runs at the RPMs I'd need to run a 3_pt splitter, and the exhaust is pointed down and away from any place you could operate the splitter from, with no fumes getting anywhere near me...
And it splits as fast as I can load it even only splitting in one direction.
Finally, there hasn't been a year when I haven't needed my splitter, it started right up this summer despite ethanol, requires far less oil at each change than I'd need to change my tractor's oil (remember splitting adds hours to the larger DIESEL engine requiring more frequent oil changes, more expensive fuel and more HP) than the 6-8 HP needed to run my 26 ton splitter....
FWIW,
Thomas