log splitter attachment. Yes or no

jester7891 · Nov 26, 2008

I know this question has come up before so if the answer exists elsewhere, please send me there. I have a 24 horsepower Kubota B7610 and have a lot of wood to split. I am trying to decide if I want to buy a log splitter as an attachment or get a log splitter that has its own engine. Obviously using either the hydraulics or the PTO saves me from having to deal with another engine. I am not really concerned about running up hours on my tractor as I do not plan on selling it anytime soon so that is not a problem for me. Additionally, I would assume using a log splitter attachment would be considered "easy time" for the tractor. I am guessing that I would need to use the log split at most 50 hours between now and the spring. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? Once again, thanks for your input and suggestions.

Jester

kennyd · Nov 26, 2008

Search the word "logsplitter"

John_Mc · Nov 26, 2008

In short:

3Pt Logsplitter is slower, and ties up your tractor. Cheaper and one less engine to maintain.

Standalone is usually faster (good ones are significantly faster), you can split without your tractor, or use your tractor for hauling the rounds or split pieces. More expensive.

I went with an electric logsplitter: RamSplitter. 16 ton - the biggest I could get and still run on standard 110VAC. Most of my splitting is done right near the house anyway. Nice and quiet, no gas engine to maintain. When I do want to split in the woods, I have to bring my generator with me. It took me a while to find one that was powerful enough for my needs. There are several electric ones out there that are from 3 to 6 ton... just too small / light duty for my needs.

PeterK · Nov 26, 2008

I have the Ramsplitter 16ton electric too and easily split 4 cords this summer. Up to 20in diameter if I split the outsides off first.

BotaBigot · Nov 27, 2008

It comes down to expectations. No doubt, dedicated self-contained splitters are faster and more powerful...especially compared to small tractor hydraulics. If you're looking for "production" splitting, choose self-contained. There are lots of reasons to go self-contained. Two-stage pumps for faster cycle times, and larger cylinders/longer stroke for more force and longer logs.

If you elect to use your tractor hydraulics, you need to know your hydraulic system. GPM and how system is plumbed. For example, based on my GPM, I chose a 3-point splitter with a smaller cylinder...in order to have acceptable (to me) cycle times (15 seconds @ 3K RPM). The smaller cylinder has an 18" stroke, which limits me to 20" logs...again OK for me, my woodstove only takes 20" logs. My splitter is rated at 16 tons, and won't split everything. I have to finess the really gnarly crotch wood, and even then sometimes make kindling.

As for plumbing, I have power-beyond, and used that part of my backhoe connections. In my system, the BH is first, then the FEL, then the 3PT. Log splitter control valves expect high (pump) pressure on the inlet side, and low pressure on the outlet (tank) side (my valve is rated at 500# outlet). I use my FEL to move wood, and adjust my 3PT to the ground for big logs...BUT...not while splitter is hydraulically connected. In power-beyond systems, using downstream controls can cause back pressure to the pump relief valve, which can exceed the outlet rating of upstream splitter valve (my system). Know the kind of system you have, and where you intend to insert the splitter...

Finally, I bought my splitter a while back on eBay for less than I could build one. If I had to pay Ramsplitter's current 3PT price, I would own a stand-alone...

J_J · Nov 27, 2008

I have a 22 HP Kubota. I have been using the 3pt log splitter from Northern Tools, and it works quite well. It will split 24 in logs. Easy on and off. I have the hoses coming to the back that I connect together when not in use. I use QD's on the lines. You can raise the log splitter to a good working level. You can take it in the woods and cut and split and if you pull a trailer behind the log splitter, you can haul it out. There really are no disadvantages, You probably only use it for awhile, and it sits around the rest of the time. Older people like myself don't need to work fast anyway. The speed of the engine will dictate your splitting time. If you wanted fast cycles, you can add a PTO hydraulic pump.

dillo99 · Nov 27, 2008

I use a 3pt slitter on my 7500. Works well - no power problems at all - but it is not the fastest thing in the world. A standalone would probably work twice as fast. I split about 12 face cords per year which takes me about 8 hours. If you are really talking 50 hours of splitting, I would suggest that you go with the standalone version. If you really don't want a separate engine, get 3 pt model with a pto pump - it will be as fast as a standalone but won't have an engine. Ramsplitter has these models (see John's link above).

Ductape · Nov 27, 2008

Some things just go together......... like pizza and beer.

Or....... splitters and two stage hydraulic pumps, something you won't get with a three point splitter.

Farmwithjunk · Nov 27, 2008

I owned a 3-point splitter for a while. Now I've got a towed "stand-alone" type.

The #1 reason why I DIDN'T like the 3-point model? When I needed to move it, I had to fire up a tractor, hitch up the splitter, move it, then un-do the entire process. Towed model, I just grab the hitch with both hands and move it where ever I want it.

3-point model means tractor is for the most part, unavailable for any other duties while splitting. Sorta crowded with the tractor so close to where the work is going on. I'd just as soon wear out a small engine as opposed to piling up hours on a much more expensive tractor. All things equal, the Honda engine on my splitter is cheaper to fuel for the same running time as a tractor @ a fast idle.

BTDT, had both, keeping the towed self powered splitter.

tessiers · Nov 27, 2008

I have a 3 point splitter on a JD 790 and I am very happy with it. I split 30 or so cords per year and it will split as fast as I can work. I use a 4 way wedge some of the time and a single for the tough pieces. Given my hydraulic pressure I am getting a little over 20 tons with a 24" stroke. I have never timed the cycle though. The maint was really the deciding factor for me. I have several pieces of equipment that have their own engines and when they go they will be replaced with a PTO shaft if possible.

WilliamBos · Nov 27, 2008

Go 3 point. We did, and we do not regret it!!

SPYDERLK · Nov 27, 2008

PeterK said:
I have the Ramsplitter 16ton electric too and easily split 4 cords this summer. Up to 20in diameter if I split the outsides off first.

Check your hyd pressure. 16T should split about anything. I have 18T and I encounter less than 1 thing a year that it wont split -- and none once repositioned. Could possibly be wedge design...
larry

3RRL · Nov 27, 2008

I went with a 3pt splitter mainly for cost reasons.
I got an 18 ton for a really good price, plus I don't split nearly as much as some of you guys do. I'm figuring to split maybe 2 or 3 chords a year if that much. I have plenty of time and I couldn't be running my tractor to do something else at the same time anyway. I can only do one or the other

. The hydraulic connections are a snap to get on and off. I've got quick disconnects right at the hydraulic pump and I use those. My 3pt splitter is horizontal/vertical and has it's own stand. What I do is leave it in the splitting area and drive the tractor up next to it. The hoses reach and I run it like that. When I'm done, I disconnect and rehook the tractor system up (2 quick connects) and I'm off doing something else.
So for me the 3pt was the way to go, and I'm perfectly satisfied with it.

khamill2000 · Nov 27, 2008

I have split 2 cords in the last 2 days with my tractor and a borrowed speeco 3 point splitter. Never took the tractor off a dead idle and worked great. Now I am shopping for my own splitter. Either a speeco from tractor supply or the harbor freight model.

WayneB · Nov 28, 2008

I decided on a stand alone splitter with 13" wheels which makes it easy to move around in the woods or around the wood pile. You might want to check these guys out.

Log splitter, wood conveyor and firewood processor by American CLS

JerryK · Nov 28, 2008

Most 3pt splitters can only be used in the horizontal position, while standalones usually can be operated vertically. This means that you don't have to lift the wood up onto the splitter, possibly many times if the piece is big enough, while you disect it. Like one of the above post stated.....standalone splitters have a two stage pump. This means the pump operates in a high flow mode until the ram encounter enough pressure to switch the pump to low volume/high pressure mode....and makes the process faster. So, if you want to split wood, tie up your tractor, lift it up to split it.....get the 3pt. Or, if you plan on sometimes not splitting 'girlie wood', and will split big blocks that you can hardly roll up to the splitter. Get the standalone. Pull the splitter out to where the tree is, put the ram into verticle position, roll the blocks up to the splitter and flop them in position, sit your arse on an over turned pail, split, and use the tractor to move the wood where you are going to pile it.

JerryK · Nov 28, 2008

Geez, I though the 'Girlie wood' comment would get the juices flowing, but you guys must be out following the wifey shopping....

3RRL · Nov 28, 2008

Huh?

Sorry I missed your post Jerry.
lol ... I was out splitting wood while you were drinking your tea and pounding the keyboard this morning.

I have 2 tractors anyway, so I'd recommend that if you ever need to use the tractor while splitting.

JerryK · Nov 28, 2008

3RRL said:
Huh?
Sorry I missed your post Jerry.
lol ... I was out splitting wood while you were drinking your tea and pounding the keyboard this morning.
I have 2 tractors anyway, so I'd recommend that if you ever need to use the tractor while splitting.

Must be northern Kalifornia....last time I was in Simi Valey it frosted....and the locals said it didn't happen very often. Unless you are just heating up your jacuzzi....

My wood is all split, stacked and covered with snow. Had the blower out this afternoon to clean the drive. Only about 4 inches of new lake effect stuff....but something to do besides 'pounding something'...