3 pt Log Splitter

[KennyG]

I have a small 3 point splitter on a small tractor. I have found that, for whatever reason, max rpm doesn't really add speed. My tractor will rev to about 3200 rpm but, after experimenting, the max splitter speed is reached at about 2300 rpm. After that, it isn't any faster. Maybe it's due to some restriction in the power beyond or the splitter valve, but that's the way it works.

I assume the splitter in question has an auto return valve. (Mine doesn't, it's a two way splitter). If so, it will probably be fast enough if you are working alone. If you have someone helping you, it may be somewhat annoying.

 

[PILOON]

I have a small 3 point splitter on a small tractor. I have found that, for whatever reason, max rpm doesn't really add speed. My tractor will rev to about 3200 rpm but, after experimenting, the max splitter speed is reached at about 2300 rpm. After that, it isn't any faster. Maybe it's due to some restriction in the power beyond or the splitter valve, but that's the way it works.

I assume the splitter in question has an auto return valve. (Mine doesn't, it's a two way splitter). If so, it will probably be fast enough if you are working alone. If you have someone helping you, it may be somewhat annoying.

What he said-----------
my DIY splitter is on a Mitsubishi rated at 20 ish HP and my splitter sports a 4 in cylinder taken from a dozer.
The whole rig is mounted onto a 5 inch H beam.
OK, not the fastest but OK as it takes all of me to keep up with it.
Besides I'm not in a hurry anyway.
Power galore as I can cut 4-5 in maple to length (cross grain), LOL the I beam that I mounted the splitter kind of torques and moans.
One thing for sure it has field tested all my welds!

Also I rarely run the engine wide open and it splits just fine 4 me.

One thing I did is rig the valve to be auto return and auto stop, that frees me to gather the next log to split.

 

[CoyPatton]

No harm to be done. Trial and error.

Not true!
Based upon what was said related to the splitter manual, pressure to the splitters return line is likely to damage the splitters control valve.

Also as a side note, this may have already bern done and the reason for the seemingly low price point.

 

[CoyPatton]

One point that if mentioned, I missed, is if your tractor was one that was setup to run a backhoe or other such equipment, it probably has a power beyond port on the rear of the tractor. The simplest way I know to determine this is a hose will be routed to an second fitting. Yes that is a bit vague, but that is because different brands set it up differently (heck sometimes it is different years of same model are setup differently). Your tractors manual should show this if so equipped.
If you have this setup, it is great for a valved controlled attachment (splitter, backhoe and others) as the power beyond is a constant hydraulic flow independent of any other valves (this is why it is plumbed to a tank (return to reservoir) port. You simply need to id the power beyond port and the tank port and make the necessary connections via fittings to the splitter.

 

[zilla24]

One point that if mentioned, I missed, is if your tractor was one that was setup to run a backhoe or other such equipment, it probably has a power beyond port on the rear of the tractor. The simplest way I know to determine this is a hose will be routed to an second fitting. Yes that is a bit vague, but that is because different brands set it up differently (heck sometimes it is different years of same model are setup differently). Your tractors manual should show this if so equipped.
If you have this setup, it is great for a valved controlled attachment (splitter, backhoe and others) as the power beyond is a constant hydraulic flow independent of any other valves (this is why it is plumbed to a tank (return to reservoir) port. You simply need to id the power beyond port and the tank port and make the necessary connections via fittings to the splitter.

My tractor has never had a backhoe, the only hydraulic ports I can see is one set of remotes. I'll take a picture of it later today and post.

On a side note I had a chance to look at the splitter yesterday and ended up buying it. For my needs and as infrequently as I will need it I think it will be a great add to my implement collection.

 

[shooterdon]

Good decision. If you do not like it, you can sell it and get your investment back.

I would never own one for many reason:
Slow
Ties up tractor
Pain to store and move
Hate 3pt hookups
No need for splitting large tough rounds

I sold my gas splitter this year. I rented a processor to handle firewood and that was a game changer. Cut and split 12 cords of logs in 15 hours.

 

[WranglerX]

I understand the option of using a 3PH slitter, I considered the option, with a 6GPM hydraulic system everybody told me it would be slow.... Don't know never go around to getting 3PH splitter.... Or adding power beyond to my SCUT...

BUT recently got a old 20 ton splitter (1991 model) with blown B&S 5 HP motor, replaced it with a HF 6.5 HP Predator motor, it runs faster than I can keep up with and makes me tired in a hour or two ... Can see the logic/wisdom of not having a 25 HP tractor sitting there burning fuel when a 6.5 HP motor running about half throttle or a little above does same work...

EDIT:... Since you already bought 3PH splitter, this comment seems pretty irrelevant, but may influence others considering such a splitter.... Also consider with stand alone splitter, if you ever what to sell it, all buyer needs is a trailer hitch...

Dale

 

[zilla24]

I understand the option of using a 3PH slitter, I considered the option, with a 6GPM hydraulic system everybody told me it would be slow.... Don't know never go around to getting 3PH splitter.... Or adding power beyond to my SCUT...

BUT recently got a old 20 ton splitter (1991 model) with blown B&S 5 HP motor, replaced it with a HF 6.5 HP Predator motor, it runs faster than I can keep up with and makes me tired in a hour or two ... Can see the logic/wisdom of not having a 25 HP tractor sitting there burning fuel when a 6.5 HP motor running about half throttle or a little above does same work...

EDIT:... Since you already bought 3PH splitter, this comment seems pretty irrelevant, but may influence other considering such a splitter.... Also consider with stand alone splitter, if you ever what to sell it, all buyer needs is a trailer hitch...

Dale

Appreciate the insight and I can't argue with your rationale. I don't actually heat my house with wood, I mainly am splitting for cleanups, fire pit and occasional fireplace burns. Trying to save my back from hand splitting as I've done in the past, these bones aren't getting any younger and a good splitting maul is $80-100 these days. I probably will only use it 5-10hrs per year, I can afford the extra fuel in the tractor for that. My biggest concern was whether or not the tractor could run it and whether or not it would damage the tractor while in use. I'm going to try it for a season and if it doesn't pan out I'll sell it next fall. I'm in it for $425, I would hope in a worse case scenario I can come close to getting my money back out of it?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I really like my 3 point splitter, I couldn't care less if it uses a bit more fuel. It's worth it to me, not to have to stand by a screaming little motor and I don't have to maintain that little motor either. I can drive my tractor out to where I want to split and get it done!

My tractor is always ready to go too, and it's built to out last me.

SR

 

[Industrial Toys]

I still disagree about damaging a valve by reverse flow. Maybe you are confusing it with a semiconductor circuit given reverse polarity. lol

Also, I'm sure there is a big difference between trying it at low rpm to determine if it's right, to trying to use the thing with reverse flow. Common sense is so rare nowadays.