Unicorn Log Splitter / PTO Driven

[Highbeam]

No doubt I would love to try one too. I would love to shoot a bazooka and throw a grenade. I would even like to try some dynamite for stump popping.

The ram splitter is very slow moving too. This thing is spinning so fast and with so much torque that it would do the damage in very little time. Lightning fast and the only way to stop it is to shut off the PTO which is not fast or easy to do.

My first thought was turning around to pick up the next round and backing into the unicorn on accident but I thought the ear example was equally horrific.

 

[cwarrix]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My first thought was turning around to pick up the next round and backing into the unicorn on accident but I thought the ear example was equally horrific. )</font>

I think backing into it would be worse. In the ear, you won't be around to worry about it. Back into and you'll just wish it would have been in your ear /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Seriously, looking at the Stickler site, they mention a remote switch to kill the engine... I wonder if you could rig up something like that for the tractor as a safety feature?? Might be difficult with my deisel since to shut it down you have to move the throttle, killing the ignition switch has no effect. Plus I would think by the time you get into trouble, and manage to hit the switch, the damage is done.

If I end up with one of these, I'll send pictures and video /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Highbeam]

Try to imagine 540 rpm and then that unicorn only takes a couple of revs to suck you in. Even shutting down the engine at pto540 would only stop the fuel and the flywheel would keep the rotation going. It would need a deadman lever like on lawnmowers where releasing the lever actually puts a brake on the flywheel.

 

[cwarrix]

With my Yanmar, I have 4 PTO speeds, 1st is 540rpm, not sure what 4th is. Can you imagine the splitter at an even higher rpm? You would probably have toothpick sized splinters flying all around you. I mean, if you were looking for a way to make it even more dangerous /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jerry_S]

I'm new to the list! Was looking at the stickler for my son in law. I Have had experience with the unicorn and I prefer over the stickler, And would probably build the stickler into a 3pt hitch. On the speed issue the one I used we ran at a little over idle speed that was way under 540rpm, And was a gas tractor w/kill switch Jerry

 

[moeh1]

My uncle used to have one - his thoughts were that it would be the fastest way to break both your arms ever known. Really have to watch your log lengths. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Highbeam]

The unicorn only has to be faster than the hydraulic splitter to be worthwhile and the hyd splitter aint quick. The slower that the unicorn spins, the safer in my opinion.

 

[RockyMnt1]

I have a unicorn splitter that I really like. I have it attached to the axle of a 1981 Bronco. With the vehicle in 1st gear and at idle, the spiltter works at a speed that is in concert with my back. I don't really care how fast/slow it is. Other than the Bronco engine, there isn't much to go wrong with this thing.

I have been using it for 2-3 years (actually got it from a fellow TBN member) splitting about 6-8 cords/year of pine/aspen.

At least I don't have to rush to/from the rental place every time that I want to split.

 

[Highbeam]

I'm trying to imagine how it hooks to your axle. Does it bolt on in place of the wheel? Some sort of PTO deal?

 

[RockyMnt1]

Yep. Put a block under the left rear wheel. Take off the tire and bolt on the splitter using the tire lug nuts. The truck is a manual transmission.

The very few times that wood does start to free spin, while it is unbalenced, the RPMs are slow enough not to tear anything up. This thing has split green pine logs up to 24" in dia. Yep, the tip gets hot and you have to stay away from the car exhaust, but for me, it is exactly what I need; a very simple effective implement.