Back once again asking for more advise, this time log splitters.

[RobertN]

I went with a used 3pt mount John Deere branded splitter. I like it; plenty of power for my needs running off my tractor hydraulics.

 

[4570Man]

Power isn’t the problem with using tractor hydraulics. It’s that they’re slow.

 

[Jim Shooz]

+ one to using the bucket on the FEL for lifting. I had a problem with my back getting stressed (giving me hexx after an hour or so) when steadying the round to be split and reaching for the operating lever. Too much time spent bending. Solved the problem by getting 3 rounds at about 9" and lifting the splitter onto them. Just the right height.
Moving or putting an extension on the operating lever was not an option. Neither was digging a hole in the ground to stand in. :thumbsup:

 

[4570Man]

Using the bucket to lift works fine but it’s way slower than a log lift. Sometimes I use the forks to set a piece bigger than 24” in diameter on the splitter because those tip my splitter over. Usually I just cut those in half though.

 

[Piston]

If your looking at spending a fair bit of change for a high quality splitter, look into Split-Fire log splitters with a log lift option. It splits both ways like the video posted above. The 4 way wedge works well and is removed in seconds. For big wood I believe this is the easiest on your back. Aside from a processor, I don’t think you can get a better machine for splitting. They are expensive however.

 

[TnAndy]

I went with the Troy Bilt log splitter from Lowes. The Honda engine was the main reason I chose this one. I will never buy anything with a small engine unless it's a Honda. I've just wasted too much time and money dealing with every other brand. Year after year, the Honda starts right up. That's all that really matters.

2nd that. My homebuilt splitter, I used a Tecumseh engine on to start. After years of fooling with it, rebuilding the carb on a regular basis, finally junked it and put a Honda on the machine. Works every time with no hassle.

5.5hp Honda on my mortar mixer is 20 years old, and will crank right off even if I haven't used it in a year. (I do put gas preservative in it)

I keep waiting for the 18hp Briggs on my sawmill to die....20hp Honda will replace it for sure.

 

[oosik]

I'm SORRY - RRM, when you fell and hit your head, it must have hurt a lot. You are providing the trees, the splitter and probably the chain saw(s). I think its time your lazy a**ed "friends" get up off the couch and come over and help - that is, if they want free, free, free. Felling & splitting is a MAJOR job - even with a hydraulic lift its going to be HARD work.

Splitters - any unit of at least 20 ton capacity, having a Honda engine. Split-fire makes excellent splitters.

I did the whole shebang about thirty years ago. Burned around 4 1/2 full chords per year. I can remember the sore back, sore shoulders - sore everything that articulated.
All by myself and only 45 at that time. Fortunately - all the trees were right here on my property.

You have a good heart - don't let them take advantage of your kindness. Even a little help makes a big difference when harvesting fire wood.

 

[LD48750]

When I get to the bigger rounds, I just flip to vertical & split to manageable size.

(The size of "bigger rounds" varies depending on the day & how old I feel.)

 

[oosik]

Ain't that the truth, ain't that the truth, LD48750. After a couple year of falling the really big - 30" to 38" - trees and struggling with the rounds - I finally figured the 18" to 24" produced wood just as nice and were a whole lot easier to handle.

 

[Brimfield]

Power isn’t the problem with using tractor hydraulics. It’s that they’re slow.

When I built my splitter I had thought of using the tractor 3pt hitch but I don't want to put hour on the tractor splitting. Not to mention I use the tractor to move the wood. I do think anyone getting this wood should be helping unless there is any health problems. I burn 8-10 cord a year so any free cut split wood I will make you steak dinners and bottles of bourbon to boot. I don't think I'll get any takers on that.