3-pt Hitch Log Splitter or Gas standalone?

[Botabill]

I went with the self powered unit. The reason was based on my experience with splitting huge maple blocks I get on occasion. There was no way I could have lifted them onto a splittter without using my tractors front end loader. Depending on the tractor hydro flow a 3 PTH splitter may also be slower.

 

[PhysAssist]

I went with stand alone one from Lowes with a Honda engine. Once a year I'll change the oil but that's it. I did rent but I felt like I needed to get my money's worth so I split 6 cord in one day and paid the price for the next couple days. Now I split a tank worth and call it a day. I like having the loader free for putting the slit wood into it. Also the cycle time on the 3pt model seamed a little slow for me.

After much hemmimg and hawing, I did the same as Al, so my wife/boss can haul wood from the splitter to the pile, or mow, or whatever she wants.

Besides with our little Kubota B2320, the 3-pt splitters would've been like working with molasses.....

Whereas, the Honda hasn't needed anything but the routine oil change (and flushing out the diesel my F-I-L filled the gas tank with trying to be helpful).

There have been very few gnarly pieces that it didn't blow right through, and I'll bet no other splitter would've done em either.

Thomas- happily tap tap tapping on my repaired Galaxy Tab

 

[PhysAssist]

While we're on the subject of saving backs, these Timber Tongs (sometimes referred to s Lifting Tongs) are the best $35 I've spent on my firewood handling. You can pick up a round without bending down, using one hand. They release easily with a flick of the wrist. They are also helpful dragging longer logs around, or repositioning them for cutting.

They make both 8" and 12" tongs. I use the 8", since they are compact and easy to carry in the woods. The 8" model will pick up most 10" diameter rounds, and a lot of the 12" logs I run in to (sometimes with a bit of "persuasion").
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=308954"/>

Also, Bailey's (the logging store), and the Sportsman's Guide have had another kind with what looks like a hose in the middle for a grip, and hooks on either end to grab the wood.



These are the midsized ones that run about $22 at Baileys, but I think were on sale at the SG for maybe $17.

We also added a pivoting trailer jack with a wheel on the bottom to replace the swing down front foot on our spltter (yes, of course it's from HF). This has made positioning and adjustingit for use significantly easier. To further save my back, I keep the business end tipped up by cranking the jach all the way down, making bending over the splitter to place and move logs much less stressful.

Thomas- happily tap tap tapping on my repaired Galaxy Tab

 

[PhysAssist]

That's no splitter. It's a firewood FACTORY! Wow! Tim the Tool Man would love that.

The H...E double toothpicks with Timmy the Tool, man!

I really like MY splitter, but I'd be tempted to sleep on that one (to keep it from being stolen )

That is just AWEsome!

Thomas- happily tap tap tapping on my repaired Galaxy Tab

 

[John_Mc]

That's no splitter. It's a firewood FACTORY! Wow! Tim the Tool Man would love that.

You may find you need to sharpen the tips on occasion, especially if you are lifting a lot of smooth-barked hardwood, like Beech. To sharpen, I use a fine flat file (generally the same flat file I use to set the depth gauges/rakers on my chainsaw chain) and come from the underside of the hook, filing toward the point. I generally leave the top side (inside the hook) alone, unless I need to get rid of a burr on the tip. Depending on the wood you are lifting, and how frequently yo use it, you may never need to sharpen it. I find I touch it up every couple of years (I'm cutting anywhere from 3 to 6 cords a year of mostly Beech, depending on whether I cut extra do donate to the local "wood bank").

What brand of tongs did you get? I'd be interested in hearing how they work out for you, especially when you try to pick up smaller diameter (4 or 5"). I've never used the 12" model, since the 8" picks up most of what I need.

I've not had much luck with picking up already split pieces with them, but I also tend to split on the small side.

 

[John_Mc]

Also, Bailey's (the logging store), and the Sportsman's Guide have had another kind with what looks like a hose in the middle for a grip, and hooks on either end to grab the wood.

Have you tried that type of log grabber? I have one of them. It's OK, but I don't like it as much as my tongs. They just don't seem to grab quite as easily, so I gave up on them. Others may find it works just fine for them.

I bought mine from Bailey's a while ago. I see they've switched brands since I bought mine. Maybe the newer brand works better??

 

[likeOwlNotCrow]

i got the Husqvarna tongs. haven't spent a full day in the woods yet (that comes this Saturday), but i spent some time testing them out in the woodpile and they worked great. went with the 12 over the 8 because in the store it seemed like they saved me a bit more bending over. i cut mainly oak, hickory and locust and didn't really have any issues picking up split pieces, but it definitely digs into the bark better.

 

[h2opdler]

I have a 3pt splitter and it works great, however I do find that I would like to use it without it being attached to the tractor.(skidding logs while someone else splitting) I have been thinking of making a hydraulic pump and gas engine that I can put remotes on and connect the splitter to that when needed. Havent done it yet, still in the thinking about it stage.

 

[John_Mc]

You may find you need to sharpen the tips on occasion, especially if you are lifting a lot of smooth-barked hardwood, like Beech. To sharpen, I use a fine flat file (generally the same flat file I use to set the depth gauges/rakers on my chainsaw chain) and come from the underside of the hook, filing toward the point. I generally leave the top side (inside the hook) alone, unless I need to get rid of a burr on the tip. Depending on the wood you are lifting, and how frequently yo use it, you may never need to sharpen it. I find I touch it up every couple of years (I'm cutting anywhere from 3 to 6 cords a year of mostly Beech, depending on whether I cut extra do donate to the local "wood bank").

What brand of tongs did you get? I'd be interested in hearing how they work out for you, especially when you try to pick up smaller diameter (4 or 5"). I've never used the 12" model, since the 8" picks up most of what I need.

I've not had much luck with picking up already split pieces with them, but I also tend to split on the small side.

Ooops... quoted the wrong post in my original response. This was supposed to be in response to LikeOwlNotCrow's post about buying the 12" tongs. Too late to go back and edit it now.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Those tongs look pretty good. I often use a pulp hook, since I have a couple laying around, to make it easier to grab and pick up rounds.