3PT Wood Splitter

[davidvercher]

Hey guys, I am looking to purchase a 3pt. wood splitter for my tractor. I need to put the rear remotes to work! What brand do you recommend? I have been eyeing the Powerhorse sold in Northern Magazine. I like the fact it can be used vertical or horizontal. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have a Timberwolf 3 pt splitter, it has a hydraulic pump you put on the pto to run it.

You can run one off the remotes, but it's going to be sloooooow....

IF you don't intend to split much wood, then you may not care if it's slooow...

IF you have tough to split wood, be willing to pay more, and get a good brand...

SR

 

[KennyG]

If I read the specs right, you have over 8 gpm available. That should run a splitter reasonably well. I have the smaller PowerHorse 3 point splitter (no longer available) and it had the advantage of being two way. Of course you lose that option when you go to a horizontal/vertical configuration.

The PowerHorse is built in China, of course, but mine is well built and has been trouble free for 5 years. You will need a Power Beyond type connection unless you want to run it off a loader connection and tie the lever back. Also keep in mind these things come without hydraulic lines so that's an added cost.

 

[davidvercher]

Thanks for the help guys. I seen the lines were not included, I can have my local Napa make some up for me. Just wasn't sure of the quality of PowerHorse. Glad to know they are well built. I just don't see many other options out there.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Last I checked, besides the china models, Timberwolf, Wallenstein and several others make 3 point splitters...

Some make more than one model too, so you just need to research it better, as there's plenty of them around.

BTW, 8 gpm isn't much, in the world of splitters......

SR

 

[KennyG]

BTW, 8 gpm isn't much, in the world of splitters......

SR

I know it's not much for you, Rob, judging from your picture, but it would be a lot for guys like me that have 3.4 gpm (which is why my splitter is a 13 ton and a bi-directional model.) :thumbsup:

 

[FatTire]

I know it's not much for you, Rob, judging from your picture, but it would be a lot for guys like me that have 3.4 gpm (which is why my splitter is a 13 ton and a bi-directional model.) :thumbsup:

That's true -- the 13 ton bidirectional has a 3" diameter cylinder, perfect for someone with 3 or 4 gpm. Its really too bad they quit selling that one. The other bidirectional they sold (20T) is still available from "BRAVE" power products, but not at the prices offered by Northern Tool. KennyG if you ever need parts you could see if BRAVE has parts for yours.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

It's not about me, or what I own. It's about how fast the splitter "cycles", and anything taking over about 10 seconds, get's pretty boring/frustrating to run "IF" you want to get anything done.

SR

 

[OregonCraig]

Hey guys, I am looking to purchase a 3pt. wood splitter for my tractor. I need to put the rear remotes to work! What brand do you recommend? I have been eyeing the Powerhorse sold in Northern Magazine. I like the fact it can be used vertical or horizontal. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Lots of different opinions/preferences on this topic, which should not be surprising given that different species of trees and quantity of wood split per year could greatly affect one's decision on a splitter. After much research, I settled on a Wallenstein WX310, which is a horizontal model. They make the WX370 which also splits vertically. The WX310 is not terribly expensive and Wallenstein has a good reputation. I burn less than two cords per year and the majority of it is red alder, which splits quickly (within the first two or three inches). So, I rarely run the ram for the full 24" stroke. I have hydraulic flow similar to yours and I run my tractor at 1300-1500 rpms. I'm happy with my choice, but my needs are nowhere near the needs of some.

 

[Gundawg]

When I asked my tractor dealer about splitters he told me to go buy a stand alone unit and I would be happier so I did I got a 35 ton made by Speeco. I have used it 2 seasons now and I am glad I did. I set up with the tractor loader to lift heavy wood to be split I don't like using it in vertical mode too much bending over I am 6'-5" and my 55 year old back doesn't do well bending that much. We heat our house with wood and go through about 4 or 5 cords a year. I have a forklift and set pallet lifted to splitter height on one side for the split wood then the tractor with the rounds in the loader bucket on the side with the controls. I am glad I did not buy a tractor mounted one mine cost me $1500 so I am not sure how that stacks up against the tractor mounted models.

Mike