3 pt log splitters? anyone own one?

[diesel lover]

Can you guys show me your 3 point log splitters? I don't like how much a small engine one cost now days. I would be happy to buy a 3pt one and use it on my own tractor.

Do all use the tractor hydraulics as provided by hoses and couplers? My tractor only has a PTO and a 3pt. Thank you.

 

[DieselnHooters]

I believe your best bet , given the tractors you have, is a 3point with its own pump and tank or a gas standalone.

 

[greg_g]

You will likely pay more to add auxiliary hydraulics to your tractor than you pay for a TPH splitter. If you really hate the idea of another small motor to maintain, consider a PTO driven TPH splitter. With these, your PTO supplies the power for integrated hydraulics. But you won't be saving any money over a small engine powered unit.

//greg//

 

[diesel lover]

You will likely pay more to add auxiliary hydraulics to your tractor than you pay for a TPH splitter. If you really hate the idea of another small motor to maintain, consider a PTO driven TPH splitter. With these, your PTO supplies the power for integrated hydraulics. But you won't be saving any money over a small engine powered unit.

//greg//

Yes sir, thanks for the post! With me sometimes its not about saving money its about not having another engine to maintain. Between my dad and I we have a 6 foot blade, disk harrow, landscape rake, brushhog, and others. If one tractor breaks or will not start etc we can switch the implement to another tractor. In the same way I'm not crazy about buying a log splitter that can be only used on one engine. I would like a more versatile log splitter. Cost is not everything. I want it to be practical for a guy like me.

 

[YesDeere]

Mine is a speeco from tsc. I run it off of my power beyond for the backhoe. I really like it and have had no problems, nothing to maintain. But like others said, for the ability to change between tractors may be best to go with a pto driven pump.

 

[YesDeere]

Forgot to add. Only downside is that when I hook it up I have no 3 point hydraulics. I could plumb it so I did but it really hasn't been a problem. You can see it if you zoom in there is a hose disconnected.

 

[nroof77]

Own a Speeco 3pt splitter. Ran it for two years on my JD4500. Puts lots of hours on the tractor engine and doesn't run very fast. This past year, mounted that splitter on a small trailer I had. Bought a 212cc, 6.5hp (imported) gas engine from Harbor Freight for $100. Paired it with a tank and two stage pump from Northern Tool. Runs much faster, has plenty of splitting power and am much happier. Total investment about $1100, but better components than a comparably priced stand alone splitter. Remember that most of the 5hp Honda engines that are on splitters in this price range are imports as well.

 

[LD1]

Considering that a 3PH splitter with its own pump cost as much if not more than a stand alone, I would go with the stand alone.

With one ran off the tractor VIA PTO pump, you loose the use of the tractor while splitting.

Yes, having another motor may be a PITA for some, but seriously, they are air cooled, very reliable for many years, and really only require a filter an oil once a year. But for the speed of the two stage pumps, efficency of the smaller motor, and being able to tow where-ever you want, and with whatever you want, it is nice.

But to each his own. IF you do go 3PH, like others said, get the PTO pump. It will cost more, but not if you count having to add hydraulics to your tractor, and it will be faster than one ran off your tractor.

 

[TnAndy]

Considering that a 3PH splitter with its own pump cost as much if not more than a stand alone, I would go with the stand alone.

With one ran off the tractor VIA PTO pump, you loose the use of the tractor while splitting.

Yes, having another motor may be a PITA for some, but seriously, they are air cooled, very reliable for many years, and really only require a filter an oil once a year. But for the speed of the two stage pumps, efficency of the smaller motor, and being able to tow where-ever you want, and with whatever you want, it is nice.

But to each his own. IF you do go 3PH, like others said, get the PTO pump. It will cost more, but not if you count having to add hydraulics to your tractor, and it will be faster than one ran off your tractor.

Yep.....that's what I found too. I needed the tractor to move logs, or fill the loader bucket or whatever....having that "stinger" on the back end was a PITA.

And tractor hydraulics don't normally put out enough to cycle the splitter ram very fast.

SO, after a few years, I took the PTO deal, added axle/tires, pump engine combo (8hp Tecumseh, 16gpm 2stage pump), tank and made a stand alone splitter. Last year I changed out that aggrivating Tecumseh for a Honda that starts first time every time no matter how long it sits, and love it. I bought the electric start Honda, and have yet to use the starter feature it pull starts so easy. I was thinking down the road for old age an electric starter might be nice.

 

[Angus]

here's my mitsubishi MTE2000d and Powerhorse splitter ,plumbed in my own quick connects works great and 3pt still works (helps to get bigger logs up on table) might eventually build a hydraulic lift arm for it

 

[xring100]

Heres mine i love the split fire http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/266609-new-splitfire-3403-3pt-log.html
I've never ever needed to use the tractor to go get wood or move rounds etc in the middle of splitting. I gather wood several days cut it into rounds until I have enough to keep the splitter busy for 3 or 4 hours or more. I reposition the tractor as I move through the pile.

That said I intend to eventually build my own trailer and convert it to gas. The cost of a single 600 hour oil change ~$650 and a 300 hour oil change ~$160 cover the cost of a commercial 9hp honda motor and heavy duty ~ 16 gpm pump.
If your looking at a 6hp honda they can generally be found for about $200.
My tractor has a max flow of 17 gpm to the outlets. I run it at about 2100 rpm and get a calculated flow of roughly 14 -15 gpm. Burning about 0.5 gph of diesel. Anyway I look at it the gas motor is more cost effective in the long run. Considering ever major oil change in the tractor will cover the cost of a brand new 9hp comercial Gas motor. I like the 3 point for now I was not willing to buy the gas version for a couple thousand more than twice the price. Split fire was definitely worth it with the 4 way and log lift is worth the $500 it not only lifts 500 lb rounds but it also makes an awesome table

 

[diesel lover]

I understand what you guys are saying . A log splitter is more effective with their own engine. I don't even have the house right now as I still am in the process of buying one now. I can't believe my eyes period!!!! This month my electric bill is 230$........ ughjjj I live in a 880 square foot apartment. That electric is the highest I have paid in my life!!! If I found a stand alone log splitter/PTO powered I could power it with my john Deere model A. Cheap on gas? No. Cost effective ? No. But I don't expect to have to split a lot of wood. I was just seeing what deals I might run into in a year and a half. Electric heating is so expensive..... I'm ready to cut my own firewood and spilt as I have worked with a logger for years and have spent hours splitting firewood. I'm just about to loose it with an electric bill this high for very little space.... I would enjoy a combination of heating with wood and something else. I will work hard to save some money. And yes wood is not the most $ effective option either, but I enjoy standing by a wood fire place.

 

[Ken45101]

I have the Timberwolf TW-3HD pto powered splitter. Excellent piece of equipment, it will split just about anything. I got it with the 4way wedge which I use 100% of the time. I have even considered building a 6way wedge for it.

I bought it because I was fed up with recurring repairs on my TSC stand alone splitter (engine/carb, fuel tank, hydraulic pump...) It's nice having the reliable diesel key start of the Kubota

I run my M5040 at around 1500 rpm if I'm working alone, and 18-2000 if I have someone working with me. I don't see having it on the tractor as a drawback, it means I only have to haul one piece of equipment to the woodpile. I did add a crane and winch and tongs for lifting heavy rounds onto the splitter.

I really don't see the additional tractor hours as a big deal. If I would sell the tractor after ten years, how much of a difference would it make whether it had 400 hours or 600 hours?

It will NOT work on smaller tractors. I tried it on my B2710 and the pto load dead stopped the engine at the end of the stroke! ("Stalled" the engine would be too mild of a term, it was like it hit a concrete wall!)

Another drawback is the weight of the Timberwolf. It's not easy to install on the 3 point, so it's not something that I switch back and forth on a daily basis.

If I were to do it over again, I definitely like Timberwolf equipment but I might look into a gas engine model....until I see the price on one of them!

 

[grnspot110]

I my own vertical 3-pt splitter, originally for a 1958 JD 520. When I sold that tractor & bought my 04-790, I added the control valve to he splitter & longer hoses to connect to the loader bucket quick connects. I just tie off the joy stick with a bungee cord & use the open center valve on the splitter.

It's not fast, but I work alone works as fast as I do! As for hours on the tractor, my 04 had 385 hours when I got it years ago & I only add about 100 hours/year! In my situation, I don't need another engine to keep up, I have too many already! ~~ grnspot