3pt. hitch woodsplitter

[Dead Horse]

That is the only way I would even consider a 3PH unit. Most tractors, dont have the GPM to run a splitter fast enough to be productive. Unless you get a much bigger tractor. And then it is not economical to run just to split wood IMO

"Most"????????

"Whatchu talkin 'bout, Willis"?

 

[LD1]

"Most"????????

"Whatchu talkin 'bout, Willis"?

Yes MOST.

And not to mention you are running an engine that is larger, more expesive to operate, and more expensive to maintain than a $200 B&S that will last several years problem free, unless you are splitting commercially.

I have operated both 3PH and stand alone types. I will choose a stand alone unit everytime.

 

[sixgun]

Well, I LOVE my 3pt splitter...really LOVE her. We went out for a romantic dinner last night, a few drinks, a little dancing and then, well...you know.

She has a super smooth pump and a perfectly shaped oil reservoir that is just the right size. Oh yeah, she's reinforced in all the right places, if you know what I mean. She's always ready to go, performs like a gymnast and never fails to leave me with a smile on my face.

Now here's the thing. Her sister (4-way front blade) has just moved in and I find myself falling for her hard. I've never had a 4-way and I can't stop thinking about it.

I see problems on the horizon, but I'm guessing they won't be as bad as the ones I already have.

 

[Dead Horse]

Yes MOST.

And not to mention you are running an engine that is larger, more expesive to operate, and more expensive to maintain than a $200 B&S that will last several years problem free, unless you are splitting commercially.

I have operated both 3PH and stand alone types. I will choose a stand alone unit everytime.

Mebbe MOST teeny weenie, itty bitty, tractors...........

What you have there is an "opinion" and opinions are like..........well, you know.

 

[LD1]

Mebbe MOST teeny weenie, itty bitty, tractors...........

What you have there is an "opinion" and opinions are like..........well, you know.

Well...,most of the tractors people have on here. But If you want to run a 70 or 80HP tractor just to split your wood, more power to you.

You could even use one behind a 250HP tractor if you want. But that doesnt mean it is a smart or eonomical thing to do.

 

[Dead Horse]

Now you are just being needlessly aguementative.........

20 to 35 hp tractors are pretty common here and do a fine job in TPH wood splitting service, while neither being expensive on fuel, nor burdensome to the overall hours on the tractor.

You like a stand alone splitter, why talk down your nose at choices others make?

Opinion, that is what you have......... and it would seem, nothing more.

BTW for the record, I own and use both types....... and I have an opinion........... But OBVIOUSLY, there is no point in sharing it with you.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The GPM argument is hogwash, the 2 stage pumps only go fast when they are not splitting.
Good Luck either way!!!

You are being a little too general there. They do shift to a lower [~1/4] delivery rate at around 800psi. Most splits in my experience dont require above that pressure on my 4" cyl. When they do require higher pressure it is most often for no more than the second inch. The 0.1% that require high force over significant travel average out to essentially no extra time spent on the job.
- - It may be that you are basing this on a system using a smaller cyl -- or you are spittling a type of wood that I havnt encountered.
larry

 

[LD1]

Now you are just being needlessly aguementative.........

20 to 35 hp tractors are pretty common here and do a fine job in TPH wood splitting service, while neither being expensive on fuel, nor burdensome to the overall hours on the tractor.

You like a stand alone splitter, why talk down your nose at choices others make?

Opinion, that is what you have......... and it would seem, nothing more.

BTW for the record, I own and use both types....... and I have an opinion........... But OBVIOUSLY, there is no point in sharing it with you.

I am being argumentative??????????

Reread my post. I stated that it was of MY opinion that they couldn't be as productive as a stand alone unit. That is what IMO means.

While you are correct that a 3PH splitter will do just fine on a 20-35 HP tractor, not be very expensive, not run up many hours, they just arent as good as a stand alone. BUT, they arent as fast, will be more expensive to operate, and you are still putting them few hours on a much more expensive engine. So while they will do the job, they just arent quite as good.

In laymans terms, I'd call a 3PH splitter good, a stand alone better, and a firewood processor as best.

In NO WAY did I "talk down my nose at" the choices others make. I am jsut stating the obvious facts that
1. on a 20-35HP tractor they ARE slower
2. They do consume more fuel
3. You are putting hours on a much more expensive machine

I am mearly stating that IN MY OPINION, given the little cost difference, I would perfer the stand alone.

You however, singled me out and started the argument. And then the comment about teeny weeny itty bittiy tractors and all. Now who is stubbing their nose at who?????

And if you dont want to share your thoughts with me or the other members, that is fine with me. But dont try starting arguments with me for sharing mine.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Been thinking of buying a 3pt. hitch hydraulic woodsplitter. I split 1 quad axle log truck load of wood a year.

I looked at Wallenstein and am considering them. Only real must is that it will work vertical. I'm not lifting all that wood up onto a horizontal splitter!

I want a good one to last me for years to come.

Anyone have a 3pt. hitch hydraulic splittler or experience with one?

I am not normally one to go the inexpensive and simple route, but I went with the Wallenstein 310 which is about as basic as it gets. It could use a folding kickstand (in the works) and did not direct connect to my Imatch, but it is SO simple and works so well. with really no maintenance. I haven't encountered anything that it would not split except when using the 4 way wedge. The 4 way is nice and simple too just lift it off and it is out of the way.

When my horizontal splitter was at the wrong place, I rented a vertical one. Never again will I use a vertical splitter. It's **** on your back since you are always bent over moving the rounds and the split pieces.
YMMV

I never had a vertical one, but I can see what a pain it would be. MORE bending than loading a horizontal unit. If lifting were a concern try a skid steer "lift over" type and just roll the logs into poistion, set the splitter over and go.

A nice thing about my 3 PT splitter is the abality to move it up and down. All the way from the ground, up to a comfortable working height. I also can adjust he height so it clears the back of my utility trailer and I slplit right into the trailer.

Mine will lay just about flat on the ground and if I were to adjust the 3PH lift links a tad lower it would lay flat. I also just added a hydraulic top link.

We load the big stuff by rolling on and then lift to a convenient height for working.

One thing to watch in all of this (my opinion) is to push with a flat and split on teh end so the wood keeps moving rearward and out of the way to load etc. Just keep inching the tractor fwd to extend the pile. I see a lot of splitters that have the wedge on the ram. That just looks like a mis engineered toe smasher and trip hazzard to me.


Pic below is a buddy running mine. Strong as an ox (and built like it too) but not quite sharp enough to grasp the lower, load, lift, split concept so he just worked at a stoop.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

As far as productivity, I'd say there is no difference depending on hydraulic flow. My 3720 has a decent 8.6gpm flow if memory serves. It could be faster, but is not bad. If I wanted it faster I could add a PTO pump and reservoir.

Heck I could make it into a trailer type and add hoses and/or a big pump. A trailer type won't lower though so you'd have to add a lifter and...

It's truly hard to beat the versatility of the 3ph style.