Log Splitter Question...

[jkblade]

Rounding up pieces to build a 3 point log splitter to use on my Kubota and looking through the builds here I've noticed that some use a splitter wedge on the ram and some are stationary, any advantage or disadvantage of one over the other? Thanks!

 

[dougtrr2]

On my (non three point) log splitter the wedge is on the ram. Occasionally a piece will get stuck on the wedge. Retracting in will pop it back off. There are two brackets to assist that process. They are located about 8" in from of the cylinder.

Doug in SW IA

 

[RandyT]

Normally the wedge is on the end of the beam on horizontal only splitters, and on the ram for the ones that you stand up to split large pieces.

 

[LD1]

Everyone is going to have their own opinions on this, and there are a few pros and cons to both.....but in reality there is no "one is better than the other". It all depends on your splitting method, and what you do with the split wood immediately after it is split.

A wedge on the beam.....And a pusher on the ram.....you are pushing the WHOLE piece of wood forward and through the wedge. And once down to final size, you are pushing the pieces forward and off the end of the splitter.

Some like that. Can split a long time til you have a big pile, then simply pull forward.

Others dont like that because they like to toss the split pieces directly into a hopper/trailer/loader bucket, etc.

A wedge on the ram...the pieces stays right in front of you and doesnt advance. If you like to split and just let it pile up, it dont take long til you are all backed up. But if you like to toss the pieces into trailer/hopper/etc......then the pieces stay right in front of you.

A combo splitter that goes vertical as well, there is NO alternative but to put the wedge on the ram. With the wedge on the beam and trying to split vertical, you are trying to split the piece and push it into the ground (which will just lift the splitter up.

From a design standpoint for strength or for how it splits.....no difference.

Just minor differences in ergonomics for the operator

 

[FarmWrench]

And then there is the Splitfire wedge between two stops and it cuts in both directions.

 

[laurencen]

built one for the skid steer and the ram is the pusher, I prefer this, the wedge I made it split 6 segments, for me when the log is split it falls to the side usually into a crate, if a log sticks the next one will push it thro

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have both types of splitters, no question in my mind, the wedge on the "beam" is faster...

It also allows you to put on a STRONG 4-way wedge, that makes "splitting" even faster!

I don't even use my "wedge on the ram" splitter any longer, it just sits...

SR

 

[4570Man]

I prefer the wedge on the beam as long as you have a log lift. Without the log lifter a horizontal only splitter would not fit my needs well. A vertical/horizontal splitter also sucks IMO.

 

[4570Man]

Disclaimer. I have no affiliation with the company, and I've never actually used one. This is the best design I've seen. Wood Splitter Static Buggy Overview/Review on Powersplit International Wood Splitter Static Buggy - YouTube

 

[FredH]

LD1 pretty much sums it up the best . If a vertical splitter , ram has the wedge , as he noted . Not a fan of the buggy splitter in the video . Being that I split hardwood , not softwood , The last thing I want is a piece to " Pop " apart and take it in the man hood area . I run mine in the vertical position and sit on a small stool directly in front . I can keep my hand if running by myself or hands on wood with someone else running the control , between my body and the wood , thus if it does " Pop " , it goes down or to the side . Even then , I have gotton some decent bruises on my shins and watching that video made me cringe at the thought of that happening higher up . :shocked:
We split / burn mostly madrone . A high heat wood here in the northwest , similar to oak but 1/2 , ( if even that much ) ash left over . The 2 bad aspects of the wood , Extremely Heavy when green and the before mentioned " Pop " of it flying apart occasionally . Even with both hands on wood , I have had pieces fly 10' to 12' out to the sides when it has popped apart . Not talking busting knots either , just sometimes it has this notion to scare the crap out of you .

Fred H.