HF Three Point Log Splitter

[SnowRidge]

Does anyone have any experience or first hand observations regarding the Harbor Freight 3PH log splitter? I have not been able to view one at the local store.

This is the one I am referring to.

Thanks.

 

[Pilot]

First, I have no experience with it, but I do have a splitter.

The first thing I noticed is how low it sits. Unless you can set it up so it rides at least 30 inches above the ground, or unless you are very short, you'll be bending over too much or working on your knees.

Secondly, 14 tons is kind of a wimpy splitter. In the Northern catalog, they show one 12 ton self powered unit, from there they jump to 20 tons from just a 5 hp Briggs engine and go as high as 42 tons.

I generally don't trust anything expensive from HF, but a splitter is pretty simple and virtually any part can be replaced.

The splitters that have their own carriage and run on their own engines usually will operate vertically as well as horizontally. I have often set mine up vertically to I can roll large logs into position. I can tow it anywhere the tractor can go and leave it there while I use the tractor for other things. I suppose if you are splitting anything that can be split on a 14 ton splitter, the piece will be small enough you can lift it.

 

[SnowRidge]

Since it is on the three point, it can be set at any height desired, within reason. They just show it low in the ad. 14 tons seems like a very reasonable rating to me, since my tractor maxes out at about 9 GPM, which should give 14 tons with a four inch cylinder. Unfortunately, they don't specify the cylinder size.

Some HF stuff is junk, some isn't. That is one of the reasons I am looking for input.

 

[studor]

Look at the manual on the website for more specs 4" bore -24" stoke -- you could also call the technical questions number-- I am pretty sure this is a new item for HF so I don't think you will find many owners yet but I have been wrong before.

 

[SnowRidge]

Look at the manual on the website for more specs-- I am pretty sure this is a new item for HF so I don't think you will find many owners yet but I have been wrong before.

Downloading the manual was the first thing I did. It doesn't have a specs page.

Edit: Whoops, there's the cylinder spec, listed as a feature. I missed that.

Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[studor]

I have their gas powered 24 ton and am happy with it -- the welds are all good and has a lot of steel in it. There 3pth model looks pretty solid -- I'd be tempted to phone the technical line and see if they have gpm and speed ratings.It does look pretty solid in the picture -- did not see a weight but I think its probably pretty heavy - - price seems pretty reasonable
Steve

 

[J_J]

Does anyone have any experience or first hand observations regarding the Harbor Freight 3PH log splitter? I have not been able to view one at the local store.

This is the one I am referring to.

Thanks.

I have the 3 ph log splitter from Northern Tools, paid about $375 years ago. that I use on My Kubota B9200 HST. I have been thinking about modifying it for my Pt-1445, which has a 13 gpm flow. If you get the chance to see one, look at the welds and who makes the cylinder and valve. You can buy the warranty, but on things like that, similar parts can be found to repair whatever.

 

[schmism]

based on a 4" diam ram. and 3000psi tractor operating pressure.

(pi * 4 * 3000) / 2000 = 18.8495559 tons force.

a 42 ton force splitter would only need a roughly 6" dia piston

 

[Oleozz]

Have you checked out the Tractor Supply 3 point splitter? They are made by Speeco, use a 4x24 cylinder, can go horiz or vertical, price is around $660. I am seriously considering one since I can't find a good used gas powered splitter. My tractor pump is about 10 gpm.

 

[SnowRidge]

based on a 4" diam ram. and 3000psi tractor operating pressure.

(pi * 4 * 3000) / 2000 = 18.8495559 tons force.

a 42 ton force splitter would only need a roughly 6" dia piston

My tractor's pump is rated at 2,250 PSI @ 8.9 GPM, so

(pi * 4 * 2250) / 2000 = 14.137 tons, which matches their rating.