log splitter choices?

[farmerjim]

been looking at log splitters to replace our homemade dumptruck hoist splitter. we've been looking at built-rite, timberwolf and iron and oak. so far i like the timberwolf best and my dad is keen on the iron and oak, looking for something to own for many years of good use. we would like a horizontal/vert model but we've been considering the optional log lift kit,as we cut some pretty large diameter trees sometimes. any thoughts on what may be a better option/ splitter.we also cut about 14 cords per year for our familys use.

 

[sjc]

Hi:
I have a Timberwolf TW-3, the model that operates off of the pto on the tractor. I am very happy with it and would recommend it to anybody that wants a pto splitter. It will split anything that I have put on it. What is nice is that I can lower the three point hitch and roll large pieces onto it. Also, when using it during the course of the day I can vary the height and this seems to be easier on my back. I do about 10 to 15 cords a year.

 

[Youare]

I know of two people who recently purchased Timber Wolf splitters. One is the model with the 5 or 6 hp. Honda engine and the other is the same basic model with the 9 hp Honda engine.

The smaller model sold for around $1,800 without any options like a log lift,
4-way wedge, or work table. This guy is very satisfied with this machine it is well put together and easy to use form either side. I think the cycle time is around 12 seconds.

The other 9 hp splitter sold for $3,000.00 and it came with a 4-way wedge and has a few more tons of splitting force. The cycle time on this unit was rated at 9 seconds. There are several options available for this splitter also.

I've watched both splitters work and they do a good job on knotty knarly stuff, the 4-way wedge saves a lot of time if the wood is in the right size range. The 4-way wedge can be flipped over which sets it at a different height to adjust for larger diameter wood.

I own a SuperSplit wood splitter which I have had for the past 2 years. It costs around $2,400 and has a cycle time of 4 seconds. I have run about 15 cord of wood through it so far. I really like being able to process a cord of wood by myself in around 45 minutes. Granted the splitter with a 4-way wedge splits as fast as the SuperSplit when you figure I have to use three cycles to get four pieces.

All three of these splitters have a good track record. I have talked to people who owned SuperSplit machines that did an average od 100 cords a year over a 10 year period. My neighbor has a Timber Wolf that he runs around 10 cord through a year for the past 12 years without a hitch. You will not go wrong with either one.

My brother just purchased a MTD splitter from Home Depot, he likes it because it can go horizontal or vertical. He has only split about 2 cord so time will tell how this unit works out.

Randy

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Jim,
I cant really comment on either of those units but just this past year I bought a HD rental unit very reasonably, and it has the capacity to split either horiz or vert position. IMO the big stuff that you split in the vert position needs to at least be quartered before returning the splitter to horiz. This is what I generally do when splitting those big bones. This unit is a 27 ton Speedco with an 8 hp Honda and Im very pleased with it so far !

 

[Hay Pirate]

I have a Tractor Supply Splitter, which is Hydraulic.
Tractor Supply Company - COMPLETE 3 PT. LOG SPLITTER
Not bad at all, its split any log we've put on there, knots and all. If you do get this one, or a hydraulic one let me know, there's a trick you have to do to get the controller on the splitter to control the splitter for real.
It fits right on the 3 pt hitch and can stand on its legs and split horizontally for those smaller logs and then you can pull a cottar pin and have it split upright for the logs you can't lift.
Works great. We ouput like 30 - 50 cords a year.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have a Tractor Supply Splitter, which is Hydraulic.
Tractor Supply Company - COMPLETE 3 PT. LOG SPLITTER
Not bad at all, its split any log we've put on there, knots and all. If you do get this one, or a hydraulic one let me know, there's a trick you have to do to get the controller on the splitter to control the splitter for real.
It fits right on the 3 pt hitch and can stand on its legs and split horizontally for those smaller logs and then you can pull a cottar pin and have it split upright for the logs you can't lift.
Works great. We ouput like 30 - 50 cords a year.

My brother also has been very happy with the splitter he bought from TSC.

 

[ToadHill]

I have the same splitter as Hay Pirate but I found the tractor Hydralics to be too slow. I mounted a gas engine, pump, and resevour (sp) on it to speed it up, and it has worked great for the last 8 years.

 

[rural2]

Same splitter I have, it is made by Speeco and branded for whoever... Pretty heavy duty. I have run some long, large diameter stuff through it, thought I heard it slow the tractor down slightly once, I think? Since it's cycle time is dependent upon the tractors hydraulic pump flow rate I could see where it would be slow with smaller tractors and/or if more than one person were processing the rounds, keeps my wife moving pretty fast by herself however
Curious on the "trick", more info please?

there's a trick you have to do to get the controller on the splitter to control the splitter for real.

 

[hayden]

I have a Split-Fire 3ph splitter. Split-Fire Sales Inc. :: Welcome :: Quality Built. High Performance. Split-Fire - Your Best Choice.

It's design is quite unique with a moble split wedge and stationary stops on both ends. Most splitters have one stop and one wedge. The split-fire design allows it to split in both directions so you don't have to wait for the return cycle. On a 3PH model, this compensates for the lower hydraulic flow available from the tractor. It's not as fast as a good stand alone unit, but it's clearly faster than a traditional design on a 3PH. I've been very happy with mine. The 4-way wedge is great too - I use it all the time - in fact I don't think I've ever used the single wedge....

 

[farmerjim]

thanks for the replys, we were also considering the timberwolf 3pt model w/ pto hyd pump. the current splitter we have runs off tractor hyd, very slow cycle time, again can't expect much cycle time off a 60's jd anyway especially working a dumptruck hoist. was def plan on the 4 way wedge and probably a work table too.