3 pt. Log Splitter

[jrl@nf.sympatico.ca]

I no longer wish to buy another engine or motor to operate attachments, what I would like to do is buy attachments to run from the PTO or hydraulics of my M7040. Right now what I am looking for is a good used or new 3 pt. log splitter. I have used one for awhile that was attacted to a small Massey and it was great, split logs fast and no new engine or motor to have a concern about. Does anyone know of a good 3 pt. splitter and what are other users opinions of this attachment?

 

[AndyMA]

I've had a NorthernTool one for about 25 years and it still works fine. It is definately slower than a dedicated one but I agree the lack of another engine to maintain is a big plus.

See: NorthStar 3-Point Horizontal Log Splitter | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[wolc123]

I have used both types, and prefer a seperate engine on the splitter. Since diesel is now about $1.00 more a gallon than gas, and a little 5-10 hp engine will consume less than a 30 + hp tractor engine, it wont take long to pay for the engine in fuel savings alone. Also, it is nice to free up the tractor for other uses, like hauling wood. Hopefully, a 3 pt model is available in a horizontal/vertical configuration (very popular with engine models) which is the only way to go if you dont like back strain.

 

[xlr82v2]

^^^
What he said. +1

My splitter with a Briggs 5hp will run for 3 1/2 hours on a tankful (a little over 1/2 gallon), and is much faster than a tractor operated splitter. Also, it's much easier to move around in the shed as well. I also like to cut and split out in the woods, and then stack/pile when I bring the wood home. The fewer times I handle the wood, the better. I couldn't do that nearly as efficiently with a tractor mounted splitter. I just put a ball hitch on the back of my wagon, and pull the splitter behind the wagon. Usually don't even have to unhook, just split and throw it into the wagon.

A Self-Powered splitter is the only way to go if you're splitting any significant amount of wood.

 

[Rara Avis]

I too favor a separate splitter...but if you want a tractor driven unit...
WX300 Series Wood Splitters - Wallenstein

 

[nathan812]

I think the same way you do. I just ordered one off of ebay for 575.00 plus shipping which was total of 770.00. It is a 18 ton which can be horizontal or vertical splitter comes with hoses. I don't like having to worry about taking care of all kinds of small motors, I have found they are not the most reliable anyway. They have other splitters on ebay I just bought this one for the verticle ability to save my back.

 

[Ductape]

I opted for a stand alone splitter, but not because i like maintaining an extra motor, nor because gas is cheaper then diesel.

Some things just plain go together......... log splitters and two stage hydraulic pumps. Like pizza and pepperoni !

 

[Window Geek]

I've got a Husky towable splitter that does great. Runs on cheaper gas, doesn't pile the hours on the tractor, and lets me bring the big stuff to the splitter with the bucket. It will split horizontal or pivot vertical for those too-big-to-pick-up pieces.

Now if you've got tons of wood to split and want to split it fast, Timberwolf makes a PTO pump splitter (TW-3) that connects to the 3 pt hitch. It's got huge power, and cycles very fast. Not cheap, but it's built nice. This is a pro model. Check out timberwolfcorp.com/log_splitters/

 

[xlr82v2]

Timberwolf has some very nice splitters! I love the "box wedge"...

Maybe someday...

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I was at Northern Hyd in Burnsville Mn last Sat and picked up a ***/vertical version of the splitter pictured above.
It was NOS from last year and they were blowing it out and 343.00 Couldn't believe my luck, also everything in the store was 10% off that day, so I got it for just over $300.00
They had the non vertical one above and wanted @600 for it, go figure.
I'm in the process of making it work on a my NH skidsteer, it has 24 gpm high flow and whistles the ram back and for nicely at 1600 rpm

I'm thinking of mounting a qa plate below the lower cat 1 pins and a leg under the beam, to make a stand. Is hip height about best for horizontal splitting?
Does anyone know if those detent valves have a adjustable relief built in, or is the adjustment for the kick off pressure of the detent?
Ken

 

[wolc123]

Hip hieght is perfect for horizontal splitting. You want to be able to operate without bending over. For vertical, I just sit down on an upturned 5-gallon bucket right in front of the log. No back strain at all either way.

 

[greg_g]

I no longer wish to buy another engine or motor to operate attachments, what I would like to do is buy attachments to run from the PTO or hydraulics of my M7040. Right now what I am looking for is a good used or new 3 pt. log splitter.... Does anyone know of a good 3 pt. splitter and what are other users opinions of this attachment?

I didn't think I could help, seeing that you were posting from Canada. But after seeing so many posts that ignored the fact you're looking specifically for input on three-point-hitch splitters, I decided to chime in.

Down here, Tractor Supply stores sell the Huskee brand. But technically it's just a SpeeCo with different decals. Check here: SpeeCo Inc. - Log Splitter, Tractor Parts, OEM and Farm Accessory Contact information . I too didn't want to be burdened with the extra maintenance of the gasoline engine and trailer components. I already had hydraulic remotes on my tractor, and noted that the TPH version cost about half the money of a self-powered version. Plus, it's easier to manuever in close quarters - like out in the woods - than is one of the two behind models. Plus, being on the rear lift, it's dead simple to adjust the working height to different operators. Can't do that with a tow-behind unit.

My one and only complaint about this particular unit, is the flimsy stand. Easily and inexpensively remedied though, a few added leg braces steadies it right up.

Having a 2nd tractor helps too. I use its front loader to carry sections to the splitter tractor, then refill the bucket with splits for delivery to the stacking location. Diesel fuel isn't a concern. This particular splitter runs full force/full speed with the tractor throttle set for about 1100 rpms. I figure that costs me just under 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour.

The PTO driven tractor splitters are better, but comparatively expensive. They're more powerful, with faster cycle times. But I don't split wood for a living, so my $600(USD) TSC splitter suits me just fine.

//greg//

 

[scuvnut]

I purchased a Northern Tool splitter that I can use both horizontal and vertical about four years ago and it works great. I split about 15 cords of wood a year and rarely run into anything it can't go through.

I like not having to take care of an extra engine.

I would have preferred that they offer a four or six way splitter option for it but they did not so one of these days I'll have a slip on one welded together by a local shop.