Does building log splitter make $ sense

[weesa20]

So I've read a bunch of threads about BIY log splitters and everyone has done a great job- I've started pricing out parts as I would need to buy everything new and it doesn't appear that this will save any $ over buying new (with a warranty for what its worth...) and I haven't even figured in labor yet...I guess it makes sense if you already have an engine and the hydraulic cylinder and the I-beam, but otherwise it doesn't seem to make to much financial sense...I could see if there was a situation where you needed special options that were either really expensive or you couldn't find, or for a sense of satisfaction, but for just a basic gas powered 20ish ton splitter, it just doesn't seem to make sense. Thoughts?

weesy

 

[tommu56]

I built 2 and sold them and years later bought a spedco from TSC.

If you cant scrounge any thing it isn't cost effective the first 2 I had motors and cylinders given to me steel scrounged from the scrap pile at work so it was worth wild builds.


tom

 

[moose13]

No, you cannot build one for the price of a new one. Period.
That is if all parts are bought new. No scrounging.
I have figured it plenty of times and no it can't be done.
I still built my own, some pieces were scrounged and it still cost $1200 or so.
I was not really impressed with the big box store splitters, plastic parts thin steel and just not very well built IMHO. So i did get a better, tougher machine and a few upgrades for the same price. I got a faster pump and a Honda GX 200 pro engine. So there is some benefit to building your own.

 

[J_J]

Are you wanting a stand alone or a 3pt splitter?

 

[Scooby074]

Depends.

Can you build an economy import splitter like a Speeco cheaper than Speeco sells it for? No. Not unless you get everything for free.

Can you build a premium splitter like a Timberwolf or American for less than they sell them for? Yes.

 

[weesa20]

Ideally it would be a self powered 3pth, which of course is next to impossible to find, my plan was to convert one to a 3pth version

 

[CRThomas]

Are you wanting a stand alone or a 3pt splitter?

How come arbor is off line so much JJ later Chas

 

[CRThomas]

No, you cannot build one for the price of a new one. Period.
That is if all parts are bought new. No scrounging.
I have figured it plenty of times and no it can't be done.
I still built my own, some pieces were scrounged and it still cost $1200 or so.
I was not really impressed with the big box store splitters, plastic parts thin steel and just not very well built IMHO. So i did get a better, tougher machine and a few upgrades for the same price. I got a faster pump and a Honda GX 200 pro engine. So there is some benefit to building your own.

I went and looked up parts to build a 20 ton 3 pt $1108.00. Call Ramsplitter the next day got one delivered 3 days later for $895.00 and no labor. But if you have knowing to do good program to work on.

 

[LD1]

I agree with others here. No you cannot build one as cheap as you can buy a speeco/husky. Unless you have some of the main components already. Like a motor, cylinder, or pump.

Speeco is a good splitter. Regardless of any "import" claims. They still come with a honda motor, barnes pump, good valve, and a good cylinder. And steel is steel. A beam is a Beam. Why pay 5x's more for a timberwolf? Unless you want all the fancy log-lift and hydraulic adjustable wedge, etc.

But if you just want a good basic splitter, The speeco is hard to beat for the $$$

 

[J_J]

Ideally it would be a self powered 3pth, which of course is next to impossible to find, my plan was to convert one to a 3pth version

If you are interested in a 3pt splitter, check out the ones at TSC.

Is your tractor set up for rear hydraulics?

I see that you only have about 4.1 GPM's on the tractor, so if you are going to get a 3pt log splitter, I would suggest the Prince fast extend valve LSR 3060. It will take your 4.1 GPM's and make it seem like about 26 GPM's in the extend mode.