3 pt hitch log splitter on 3940 hst

[gusman2]

It's a question on how well they work. Looking for fast return and splitting power. All I see in brochures is "depends on tractor". Anyone use this set up or recommend a separate splitter instead? Thanks mark

 

[superpickle]

I have debated getting a 3pt but ended up getting a regular tow behind splitter. Less hours, and I mean hours and hours on tractor. Cheaper maintenance and operating cost. And I don't have to take the tractor everywhere I or someone else needs to split.
RDS

 

[94BULLITT]

I think a standalone would be faster. The downside is it will have a engine to maintain.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

My tractor has flow similar to yours. I have a conventional 3-point splitter witha 4x24 cylinder. I upgraded my valve to one of these and it makes a huge difference: Prince LSR Rapid Extend Logsplitter Valve - Cylinder Services

Return is not speeded up but I can put in detent and not worry about stopping it before it retracts way past the log length.
The other option to speed things up is the dual split style. Powerhorse Horizontal Dual Split 3-Pt. Log Splitter — 20-Ton, 4in. x 24in. Cylinder | Log Splitters| Northern Tool + Equipment

Also if you go with a smaller cylinder model it will cycle much faster. It doesn't take 20 tons to split a log.

 

[Ken45101]

I have the Timberwold TW3-HD. Works well but I try to keep the tractor at medium RPM. This is on an M5040. I once tried hooking it up to my B2710. Ha! First time it hit the retract stop, it instantly stalled the tractor! Even at high RPM, the B2710 (around 20 pto hp) stalled.

I bought the pto splitter after my older tow behind, gas powered spiltter died for the second time in a few months. It's nice to have the tractor engine, which gets used frequently and starts with a key OTOH, as mentioned, there are advantages to having an independent splitter.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I guess the PTO pump was oversized for the hp of your B2710. If relief pressure is adjustable you could dial it down to about 1200psi to prevent snubbing the engine. The retract stop might not work though. A 5" cylinder will provide about 1 ton of force for every 100psi so 1200psi still gives you 12 tons of force.

 

[Bluegill2]

Most stand alone splitters have a 16gpm or larger pump, this is were the speed comes in (beside the size of the cylinder). Most tractors will be SLOW!

I use a Super Split. 2 second cycle time!

 

[jdonovan]

Looking for fast return and splitting power.
Anyone use this set up or recommend a separate splitter instead?

Then you DON'T want to power it off the tractor hydraulics.

Either get a stand alone self powered unit, or a PTO driven pump if you want to use the tractor as the power source.

I've got a timberwolf PTO powered unit, and its a VERY VERY nice splitter. Not the fastest I've ever run, but fast enough for my needs.

Stand alone vs on tractor will come down to use case. If you have multiple people then having the tractor free to move splits to the pile, bring in new logs etc might be a plus. If you're single-handing it then the tractor is tied up no matter what you are doing.

Most home owner tractors don't get that many hours per-year anyway, so an additional 25 a year running a splitter IMO is not going to do anything to longevity or resale vs the normal use it would be getting around the property anyway.

 

[millstreaminn]

I have both a tractor powered and a stand alone splitter. I've run the tractor mounted splitter on a Kubota L39, which has very capable hydraulic flow. Even then, I have to rev the engine higher than I want to get the same speed I get out of the stand alone. I kinda hate to run a 40 hp engine at 2200 rpm to split wood... I prefer the stand alone.

 

[Bluegill2]

I have both a tractor powered and a stand alone splitter. I've run the tractor mounted splitter on a Kubota L39, which has very capable hydraulic flow. Even then, I have to rev the engine higher than I want to get the same speed I get out of the stand alone. I kinda hate to run a 40 hp engine at 2200 rpm to split wood... I prefer the stand alone.

That is the way I feel. Most any size tractor will be overkill in hp and fuel use, but still not have the gpm flow/speed of a stand alone splitter.