BX2350 - Three Point Log Splitters

[crossfire190]

I have searched and have read all the pros and cons of using a Three Point Log Splitter in general.

I was wondering if anyone with a BX2350 (or similar tractor) has a Three Point Splitter. If so, what brand/style splitter? What is your setup? Do you have it plumbed to the Loader valve, if so how? Or do you have a separate block? What are your cycle times? Any problem splitting any wood? Would you recommend the setup or recommend an alternative and why?

The BX2350 has a 6.3 GPM Pump.

 

[wvmapler]

I have a L3400 with a L463 loader and no rear hydraulics and I was wondering the same if it would be practical to run off of the loader hydraulics as the loader is detatchable.

 

[BXRICK]

I have a 3-pt log splitter on a BX1500.

I got the one from Northern (they have two - I got the one that does both vertical and horz. but they use the same size hydraulics).

I haven't put in anything special on the tractor to make it work.
I simply got some long hoses and some fittings, and attached it directly to the loader ports near the front. Not elegant, but it works, and was fast to set up. Someday, I'll probably put in some rear ports.

To use it, I turn off the tractor, detach the loader hoses, put in the splitter hoses, and I'm good to go.
I leave the FEL up a little, so I can move the tractor without re-attaching the FEL hoses.

As reported elsewhere on this forum, the splitter does not go super-fast. In practice, it's not bad, though. It would be too slow if there were two of me working. But with only one out of shape guy like me, it runs at a nice steady pace. And it splits anything.
There's no fumes, as they get shot out the other end of the tractor.
But, since speed is an issue, you do have to run the tractor at full speed.

Overall, I'm happy I bought it. I don't do a lot of splitting, and this was a cheaper option than a similar, self-contained splitter.
You'll read a lot about the one-engine argument, both pro and con. The argument "for" is that by using the tractor engine to do all your work (splitter, generator) you only have one engine to maintain.
The argument "against" is that by doing this you're using up expensive tractor hours, and you might want to be doing something else.
I like the one-engine idea.
But, if I had a use that was more than periodic, I'd re-think it.

 

[crossfire190]

BXRick: Thanks for your response - that really helps. What RPM do you find that you must run the tractor in order for it operate efficiently?

I was looking at the same splitter that you are using.

 

[lp333]

I have a 3-pt log splitter on a BX1500.

BX, thanks for the informative reply. Can you remind us what the hydraulic flow rate is on the BX1500?

 

[crossfire190]

BXRick: I just re-read your response and I didn't see that you said you had to run the tractor at full speed. Sorry about that. Thanks again.

 

[BXRICK]

To answer the question about speed, the BX1500 (and most other BXs, I believe, but I'm not sure) have a pump capable of 5.5gpm, according to the workshop manual. I'm assuming that figure is at maximum rpm.

However, the same manual lists the hydraulic block output as 3.7 gpm, which is what the loader is plumbed to.
You'll notice that the splitter recommends 11gpm, so you're not getting 1/2 speed out of it.
This is a choice you have to make, I guess. Some on here wouldn't put up with it, and I wouldn't either if I split 10s of cords a year. But I don't.

You can run the engine any speed you want of course, but that directly correlates to how fast the splitter will go, since gpm are what controls speed.

As noted on some other thread, most log splitters use two-stage pumps, which allows the unloaded cylinder to run much faster, but with less power. Then, they slow down while they're in the wood. What you'll find is that when in the wood, the splitter I have and the two-stage pump dedicated splitter run about the same speed. It's the return stroke that's of interest.

But, as I said in my previous post, I found that the return stroke is a fine time to throw the split wood into the wagon and pick up the next piece - at which point the splitter is ready. I can work at a nice steady pace - no waiting, but not hustling, either. Maybe I'm just slow.

A solution is to get a PTO hydraulic pump, tank, and accessories. Then, build a PTO-based hydraulic system that could be hooked to anything.
If you buy new, you'll be at about the same price as a dedicated engine splitter. I'm sure it could be scrounged for much less. Until you find a second use for the hydraulic system - then you'd be way ahead on $.
Or, you could use it as justification for a bigger tractor, I suppose...

Another small thing - it's heavy. And long. Which means front balast is a must. I'm sure it's a hair better on the slightly longer and heavier BX2xxx models. I had my FEL off at one point, and with the splitter off the ground, I could tap the end of the splitter with my hand, and the front wheels came up. Driving like that wasn't really possible. Adding the FEL back on makes it quite stable, though.

 

[ovrszd]

I use a PTO pump on my splitter hitched to my B2910. It's very congested around the PTO shaft area and the pump barely fits. Not sure if there's less room on the BX series?? I tried to find a closeup picture of the PTO pump area but this is the best I could find.

As for splitter speed I really like the PTO pump setup. I use a 21 gpm pump and only run the tractor at 1500 rpm to achieve a 4-5 second stroke speed.

As for weight, my splitter is a "tank". It's indestructable but very heavy. I use 240 pounds of front weights to offset that.

 

[TobyH]

WHOA!!!!

 

[CRThomas]

I have searched and have read all the pros and cons of using a Three Point Log Splitter in general.

I was wondering if anyone with a BX2350 (or similar tractor) has a Three Point Splitter. If so, what brand/style splitter? What is your setup? Do you have it plumbed to the Loader valve, if so how? Or do you have a separate block? What are your cycle times? Any problem splitting any wood? Would you recommend the setup or recommend an alternative and why?

The BX2350 has a 6.3 GPM Pump.

Thru Ramsplitter they set me up with a Princes pump for my 28 hp tractor nd it goes to the pto and my 20 ton tractor runs on idle. It waits on me. I have no info on your tractor hp so that will define your pump size and remember that pump will let you know down the road what you can add to your tractor thru hyd. Itisnice to be able to talk and hear while your splitting. Doug at log splitters set me up it might not work for some one else but I'm so happy I almost peed my pants Later