Log Splitter

[SPaulsen]

I have a Kubota 3430 HST. I am interested in purchasing either a 3pt log splitter or stand alone self powered unit. Anyone have any experience in this area? The use will be for personal firewood - 3-5 cords a year. In regards to 3pt, what brand/model. If stand alone, same question. There are a lot of brands out there....hard to know what is good and not so good. I am interested in something that will last without any problems. I dont mind paying for quality equipment long as it is not gold plated when silver will do fine. I have read past posts in regard to this topic, but still have questions. thanx

 

[MarkV]

You will get different opinions on this one. Some prefer a stand alone so that the tractor is free to move material during a splitting session and some prefer a 3pt unit so they don’t have another engine to maintain. Also with a 3pt unit you need to be able to tie into the tractor hydraulics at a rear remote or tie into them at the loader valve. If you are not already set up for remote hydraulics be sure to price out what it will take before deciding.

I use a 3pt Bushhog splitter and even though Bushhog no longer makes splitters most brands are very similar. Generally the stand a lone units will have faster cycle time but you have a large enough tractor with enough hydraulic flow so that may not be an issue. Mine is a horizontal unit only and I would look for a vertical unit or one that could go either way if I were shopping today. The problem with the horizontal unit on a smaller tractor was that the 3pt set the unit lower than I would like to save the old back. My solution was to mount the splitter on a stand and add longer hydraulic hoses so the tractor pulls up to the splitter with a load; I plug in the hydraulics and split at a comfortable height. As I split I stack the wood on a pallet, unplug the tractor and move the pallet to the main wood storage area.

I don’t have any brand recommendations but I think that both Northern and Tractor Supply sell both 3pt and stand a lone units.

MarkV

 

[SPaulsen]

Thanks Mark. You make some good points to consider.

 

[rozett]

I prefer a stand-alone splitter so that the tractor is available to move logs, clear debris, and load my trailer while still splitting wood. I don't know the specs of the hydraulic pump in your tractor, but many CUTs have difficulty supplying enough volume to make the 3pt splitter cycle time reasonable.

I looked at a lot of splitters. Timberwolf seems to be the standard to measure all other splitters against. But you pay dearly for the best. I chose to buy a Yard Machines (MTD) splitter with 6.5 HP and 26 ton capacity. I bought mine slightly used (for $800), but the big box stores sell a similar splitter for about $1300. I have split almost 100 cord of oak/maple/ash this year and have had no problems. I am very happy with the choices I made regarding the splitter and would recommend the same to others.

 

[bobholland]

You've researched the arguments for standalone and PTO so I won't debate that. I bought a BRAVE standalone from Bailey's of California. It cost $1500 with "free" shipping. I did upgrade to the "industrial" Honda motor that was $200 more. Very nice unit and made in the USA. I talked to the engineers several times at BRAVE before I made the purchase and they were helpful and friendly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jcp]

I've been using a 20 ton MTD standalone for about seven years splitting 6 - 8 cords/year. It has run problem free and the neighbors borrow it a few times a year. I'm splitting already dry oak, black birch and cherry without problem. In this area, numerous outlets offer similar units for about $1000. It can be used either horizontally or vertically but I've always used it vertically. Seems a lot easier on the back. The minimum maintenance on the B&S engine is less than tying it into the tractor would be.

 

[SPaulsen]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the input. My tractor puts out 8.3 gal min, 13+ including the steering. You are right, having the tractor free is a plus. All of the Timberwolf's are very nice. I am going to look closely at the various stand alones you recommended. Best regards

 

[Youare]

My vote is for the stand alone, which is what I purchased. The 3PH style seemed like they extended a long way behind the tractor, I would be prone to backing into something with it or wiping out something not paying attention when making turns in close quarters.

I bought a SuperSplit, which is the solid gold unit. However, I felt it was worth the money because of the solid features, cycle times, and resale value of this machine when my wife needs to sell it after I'm done with it. It's also just the right working height to be very kind to your back and has a nice size work table.

The work table fits right into the back of the trailer I haul wood in so once split it falls into the trailer, or if I decide to split it as I unload the trailer there is no extra bending and lifting.

Time was an important factor and the SuperSplit is the fastest thing next to a wood processor. The TimberWolf was my second choice, I'm sure all the others mentioned will and have done just what they were expected to do. Which ever unit you look at walk up to it and stand in the operating position for a good two minutes and see how your back feels.

Randy

 

[bczoom]

SPaulsen,

One of the biggest things for me when choosing a new stand-alone splitter was the work environment.
When the splitter is in the horizontal position, like others said, make sure the height is correct so you're not bent over.
When I was checking them out, I found varying degrees of how large and comfortable the work area was. Some had the axle set so far back it was difficult to get the log into place. I also found most with fenders (although removable) were an issue. They hurt the shins when you bump into them.

EDIT - I ended up with a Speeco

 

[markie61]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When the splitter is in the horizontal position, like others said, make sure the height is correct so you're not bent over )</font>

One of the best reasons for a 3PH splitter - you can adjust the work height to your comfort and to the terrain. That, and they cost less than $600.

Mark

PS I liked the MTD-built ones just fine in the standalone category. They seemed like they'd do my dozen cords of wood per year without any problem.