New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives

   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #51  
On a side note, and not to change the topic, but I found that there are wood burning tractors that have been around since WW2. That would be nice to make your own fuel, and save on diesel!

 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives
  • Thread Starter
#52  
Very nice splitter! I didn't know about your brand splitter, but I am very impressed! Heating 100% with wood, we needed a good splitter and I bought a Ramsplitter 3pt PTO splitter this summer, and I never reget it for one minute. Ramsplitter's are also made in the US, and I am extremely happy so far. I splitt about four cords at the end of the summer, and it split everything I could throw at it including large oak logs. I really like how yours has the double sided ram, and the 4 way splitter. They make the 4 way attachment for mine, and I was debating it, but I wasn't sure if you could only use them on smaller logs? anyways great set up, especially the log lift! I have to raise and lower the splitter and that wours very well, but it would be really nice to have the log lifter.

Looks like its pretty fast what size is that? Did they build that with the pump or is that something you added. I would definitely consider getting the 4 way wedge looks like it just drops on your model. if your splitting 8-12" logs it splits more than twice as fast as you do not have to pick up the pieces and reposition it on the splitter. My 4 way comes off in less than 15 seconds. If you have the know how and welder you could make your own log lift by adding another valve and cylinder
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #53  
Thanks for the info on the 4 way! It is a 16ton, and in came that way from the factory with the PTO pump, and hydraulic reservoir. They sell them with or without the PTO setup, and they also make the in a switchable horizontal/vertical platform, a horizontal only, and a vertical only and up to 20tons for the tractor mounted, and up to 30 for the stand alone. I opted for the PTO model because I wanted the extra hydraulic power that the pump puts out with about the same power as a 50hp tractor from the pump. I was also going to have to cut into my hydraulic line to make a remote port at the rear of the tractor, and I was worried about keeping the system clean, since my tractor is almost 32 years old, and the hydraulic pumps are very expensive to replace. I really like the idea about adding the log lift! Thanks again, and I am going to invest in the 4 way adapter. It only runs about $100 and it is worth it for the time and back savings. I wish I could figure out a way to tow a trailer behind it to throw the wood in without grossly throwing off my center of gravity.

Looks like its pretty fast what size is that? Did they build that with the pump or is that something you added. I would definitely consider getting the 4 way wedge looks like it just drops on your model. if your splitting 8-12" logs it splits more than twice as fast as you do not have to pick up the pieces and reposition it on the splitter. My 4 way comes off in less than 15 seconds. If you have the know how and welder you could make your own log lift by adding another valve and cylinder
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #54  
On a side note, and not to change the topic, but I found that there are wood burning tractors that have been around since WW2. That would be nice to make your own fuel, and save on diesel!


Only problem is the EPA would require you to add all kinds of pollution control devices on the wood burning tractor!
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives
  • Thread Starter
#55  
Quick update,
Thought i'd post a video of the log lift (Back Saver) in action. We've split 3 cords so far and I'm hoping to to get two more split tomorrow. I'm really enjoying this splitter.
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #56  
Dave,

I've finally got a chance to watch the videos you posted. Thanks for posting those! There aren't a whole lot of videos and pics on the web about the split fires and you are helping a lot.
I've been in touch with the local distributor for my area and they are going to be at the Northeastern Forest Expo in Bangor ME in May. They will bring a few units to have on display and hopefully demo. I'm hoping for a show discount or maybe at least save on shipping or something and buy there. As much as I'd like the self contained unit I just can't justify the cost.
I will probably purchase the same model as you, except with the longer stroke as you recommended. I would t have thought about paying for the longer stroke if you hadn't explained how beneficial it would be for longer than 16" wood.
Next question, I burn mostly 17-18" wood, so would you recommend the 30" or 36" model? The price difference is not that great.
Also, John, do you Have any input regarding length of stroke as well?

I received an up to date price list yesterday as well.
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives
  • Thread Starter
#57  
Given the 30" has 6 more inches of stroke than the 24" it should be perfect for 18" pieces, should have about 2 inches of wiggle room some thing i lack when cutting to 16" centers. I think The 36" model would just have a bunch of extra stroke and slow down the production process. We split a cord of ash today in 75 minutes 80% of it was about 8-11 inches diameter perfect for the 4 way. Although i still have hit the 11-12" logs twice i generally bias to one side to get 2 smaller pieces and two larger pieces and then double up the larger ones.

Dave
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #58  
Dave, I am very happy for you and your new splitter. Thank you very much for taking the time to make videos and detailing your experience. It is great to see what other people are using to make comparisons in order to increase one's efficiency. Personally I have always had an interest in this type of splitter and my chainsaw guy has one on his floor for $3000 even. In my mind this type of splitter is no faster than a traditional "push off" splitter with a 4 way as time is needed to clear all of the splits off the table as opposed to have the next round push these off the wedge but that being said, in my mind your splitter is offering an efficiency advantage. If I may offer just the observation: This is especially pertinent if you are working alone but since you need to handle the wood to remove from the table, I would position the splitter so I could stack the wood right from the splitter as opposed to throwing it in a pile only to handle it once more. Nothing saves time like additional bodies but when they are not there (and for me that's most of the time) and I'm alone it takes me about an hour per face cord but this includes stacking. I like the fact of turning around and seeing one is completely done with any more wood handling except to bring it up and burn it. Good luck with your firewood endeavors.
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #59  
That is a really nice splitter! Great videos.
 
   / New Splitfire 3403 3pt Log Splitter has arrived with 4way and 2way knives #60  
Also, John, do you Have any input regarding length of stroke as well?

Sorry, haven't been on for a bit, been cutting firewood. ;-)

I think Dave is right, if you're cutting 18" pieces the 36" is just extra back and forth for no reason. Personally, I'm going to start cutting 14" sticks for this year (going to try one of those Mingo markers). I've been using 16-ish, heavy on the 'ish', and those 16-18" sticks are tight fits in my two woodstoves.

I gotta stop reading this thread, you guys are making me feel silly for not getting the bigger unit with the 4 way. ;-) jk (mostly) it wasn't an option with the extra cost of having the remote installed.
 
 
 
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