Backhoe Log splitter vs. aux. hydraulic hookup on Yanmar LX4900

[TnAndy]

I don't know why you'd want to burn up hours on your tractor running a log splitter? You're consuming expensive oil changes, filters, and depreciation for want of a $300 pump and gas engine.

If you want to keep the splitter you have, I'd consider looking into making a little power pack for it.

Yep, here's my former 3pt hitch splitter with a Honda engine and 16gpm two stage pump on it:

 

[JRL305]

That looks like my little 37 ton splitter. I go down into the woods and cut up an old down oak tree into 6 ft pieces, go down with the tractor and pick up the pieces with the grapple and bring 'em up the hill to the back of the shop. I roll the splitter out, cut up the logs with the chainsaw and split away. It's close to the woodpile and the fridge. The splitter has a trailer hitch that I can pull with the ATV or truck if I want to help out a neighbor. I vote for "stand alone" splitters.

 

[Jim Timber]

I envision hauling my splitter out to where the trees are, bucking them up, splitting them, and then loading it into a dump trailer to bring back to the yard for aging. This means I only move a heavy round once in it's life.

 

[cmhyland]

I don't know why you'd want to burn up hours on your tractor running a log splitter? You're consuming expensive oil changes, filters, and depreciation for want of a $300 pump and gas engine.

If you want to keep the splitter you have, I'd consider looking into making a little power pack for it.

Jim,
It's all personal preference.. For me I can split a cord of wood in an hour or two and I go through 3 or 4 cords a year... Thats like mowing the lawn twice in relative hours... Having one less engine to maintain is worth more to me.... not having one more engine to fight with over fuel gone bad , etc.... Also the 3pt splitter takes up far lass space in my little barn.

Regards,
Chris

 

[LouieJunior]

I also prefer a 3-point splitter. I consider my tractor a toy -- one I do not get to play with nearly as much as I'd like! I enjoy using it and taking care of it (and sometimes abusing it). My Wallenstein splitter works vertically and horizontally, it is quick hitch compatible and it operates plenty fast for my needs.

In the winter, there aren't as many tractor tasks, so splitting logs enables me to play with my toy this time of year.

 

[pat32rf]

I've always had shirty luck getting small gas engines started when it's -20C. When my BIL offered me the homemade vertical splitter off his 60hp I grabbed it, eventually replacing the 5" piston with a 2 1/2". I have since been given two more homemade splitters, one of which actually mounts on my 3pth, the rest I have put legs and carrying points on. Total outlay about $200 for three splitters.....

 

[Buggs67]

I've always had shirty luck getting small gas engines started when it's -20C. Total outlay about $200 for three splitters.....

When I ordered mine I upgraded to the 5.5 hp Honda motor. Aside from oil changes and plugs it's been running fine since 1996 splitting 4-5 cords a year. I don't use it in cold weather; the wood is already split and stacked.

I'd take a 3 ph model for free:thumbsup:

 

[UTCenturion]

Jim,
It's all personal preference.. For me I can split a cord of wood in an hour or two and I go through 3 or 4 cords a year... Thats like mowing the lawn twice in relative hours... Having one less engine to maintain is worth more to me.... not having one more engine to fight with over fuel gone bad , etc.... Also the 3pt splitter takes up far lass space in my little barn.

Regards,
Chris

agreed. time spent fighting a small engine is so frustrating when it happens. I'm trying to get down to as few small engines as humanely possible.

About depreciation, I dont plan on reselling my tractor and properly maintained its going to last a long time. If I spent the whole time I was using it worried about the depreciation of every added hour or paint scratch a stick or chain made i'ld never get anything done, and time is money too.