Powerhorse 3pt Log Splitter and BX23?

[CHDinCT]

Have the 13 ton model and use it with my BX1860. It's a good match for a SCUT with limited GPM. You will have to run your engine at 2300 to 2500 RPMs to get decent cycle times. Probably the worst aspect of it as it would be nice to have the tractor running just over idle, but it's better than a small bore gas engine running at 3600 RPM. My 3PH spread just enough to clear the lower pins, but it was such a pain to loosen the turnbuckles all the way, I ended up reversing the pins on the log splitter.

I had always rented the standalone units that would go horizontal or vertical and used them in the vertical position, but you spend the whole day bent over. I couldn't believe how much better my back felt splitting with the unit at just the right height, which is easy to do with a 3PH unit. The log cradles are also nice as you can get a few splits done before you have to unload the cradle to your bucket or wherever.

 

[Tango Hotel]

I did lots of research before settling on a free standing unit.
Everyone of the suppliers poo pooed the idea of a 3 pt set up with my BX 24 because of the barely marginal GPM.
The cost of a PTO pump, splitter, and additional fluid storage almost equaled that of the free standing unit.
For those that are fabricators and have access to a lot of used parts this wouldn't be an issue

An important point made b one old timer is that you are constantly using your CUT during wood processing to position, stack and haul the wood.
Very happy with my free standing Northern Tool 27 ton vert/horz splitter.
Good luck

 

[jambx]

I did lots of research before settling on a free standing unit.
Everyone of the suppliers poo pooed the idea of a 3 pt set up with my BX 24 because of the barely marginal GPM.
The cost of a PTO pump, splitter, and additional fluid storage almost equaled that of the free standing unit.
For those that are fabricators and have access to a lot of used parts this wouldn't be an issue

An important point made b one old timer is that you are constantly using your CUT during wood processing to position, stack and haul the wood.
Very happy with my free standing Northern Tool 27 ton vert/horz splitter.
Good luck

Absolutely true - however, I think the 3 pt vs stand alone depends on a number of factors for those (like myself) that only split a handful of cords per year the 3 pt makes perfect sense. I didnt want to shell out a lot of money and have another engine to care for so when harbor freight had their 3 pt splitter on sale from $499 to $399 it was a no brainer. Yes its made in china (14 ton splitter) but after a handful of cords it would have paid for itself and I have to say it works remarkably well!

 

[vrman]

Wow, awesome info everyone!! Thanks a ton!! :thumbsup:

 

[vrman]

Hey, quick question, does anyone know if the BX23 has 1/4" or 3/8" quick disconnects on the back? Not sure which connectors I need to get. (Yeah, I'm lazy...sorry! )

 

[Shmudda]

I did lots of research before settling on a free standing unit.
Everyone of the suppliers poo pooed the idea of a 3 pt set up with my BX 24 because of the barely marginal GPM.
The cost of a PTO pump, splitter, and additional fluid storage almost equaled that of the free standing unit.
For those that are fabricators and have access to a lot of used parts this wouldn't be an issue

An important point made b one old timer is that you are constantly using your CUT during wood processing to position, stack and haul the wood.
Very happy with my free standing Northern Tool 27 ton vert/horz splitter.
Good luck

This is the exact reason I wouldnt get a PTO model for my BX24. At 1850psi operating pressure that isnt enough to really make a dent in some larger rounds and Y's. The cycle time would be extremely slow if you go to a larger cylinder, so thats out too......

Bottom line, purchase a stand alone unit and deal with the extra 6hp engine to maintain and get a machine that will really do some work for you. That IMO is the best way to go.....

Craig

 

[Fxfymn]

I use the tractor to load wood after it's split, so a 3 PH splitter just wouldn't work for me. However, to me the biggest reason not to go with the 3PH splitter is the number of hours you will be putting on the tractor while you split wood. The value of your tractor is primarily based on the hours it accumulates, so the true cost of buying and running a 3PH splitter really needs to include the value decrease of the tractor you will cause by running the splitter. To me that makes buying and maintaining a small engine much more cost effective.

 

[Northland]

Earlier this year I had skidded out some large maples that were 22" in diameter. I bucked that maple into 20" rounds because our new Hearthstone wood stove would accommodate logs of that length.

When I tried and failed to split them by hand, even with a wedge and 8 lb maul, I rented my neighbor's 24 ton SpeeCo gas splitter and ran it 14 hours over a weekend to split about 7 cords of maple. The vertical or horizontal loading of big and small rounds was very convenient and broke up the work load.

I liked that gas powered SpeeCo so much I just bought the 3pt tractor powered version at my local TSC store earlier today. They had one sitting there for the past year so they gave it to me for $649 Canadian.

Putting another 30 hours a year on my tractor made a lot more sense to me then having another engine sitting doing nothing much of the year.

 

[crazyal]

Earlier this I had skidded out some large maples that were 22" in diameter. I bucked that maple into 20" rounds because our new Hearthstone wood stove would accommodate logs of that length.

When I tried and failed to split them by hand, even with a wedge and 8 lb maul, I rented my neighbour痴 24 ton SpeeCo gas splitter and ran it 14 hours over a weekend to split about 7 cords of maple. The vertical or horizontal loading of big and small rounds was very convenient and broke up the work load.

I liked that gas powered SpeeCo so much I just bought the 3pt tractor powered version at my local TSC store earlier today. They had one sitting there for the past year so they gave it to me for $649 Canadian.

Putting another 30 hours a year on my tractor made a lot more sense to me then having another engine sitting doing nothing much of the year.

Have you used your Hearthstone much yet? They are made just up the road from my house and I got a factory second. It's quite a bit different than a cast iron stove, the heats not as fast but much more even and the stone really puts out the heat even after the fire has died.

 

[Northland]

Have you used your Hearthstone much yet? They are made just up the road from my house and I got a factory second. It's quite a bit different than a cast iron stove, the heats not as fast but much more even and the stone really puts out the heat even after the fire has died.

Yes, I am on my third winter with the Hearthstone and it's fantastic. We burn about 12 cords each winter. It is used all day and night as I work from home mostly. Our dogs and cats curl all around the stove

It's one of the best things I have ever bought. I love it.