Log Splitter

bczoom · Nov 29, 2004

Mark,

Agreed (on being able to adjust with the 3PH). I think most of the new stand-alones are at a much better height. I bought a new splitter a couple months ago because my old (horizontal only) unit was only about 10" off the ground. My back just couldn't take it any more.

As to which is better (3PH vs. stand alone) has been kicked around quite a bit with no concensus. I think it came down to personal preference.

SPaulsen,

You said "I have read past posts in regard to this topic, but still have questions."
The past posts should cover the pros/cons of 3PH vs. stand-alone. For "still have questions". Any questions in particular?

Brian

SPaulsen · Nov 29, 2004

When looking into the subject of 3pt splitters in addition to looking at various models, it is difficult to calculate the performance ie tons of force and speed of the cycle. My knowledge of hydraulics is less than basic. All I know is that the hydro pump forces the oil at pressure to make things happen. My tractor is rated at 27.5 hp at the power take off and 34 at the engine. The stand alones pretty much provide all the performance specs. All of this is new territory for me which means basically I know nothing about these things other than they are supposed to make wood splitting easier. I really appreciate everyone's input. Your experience / knowledge is valuable to me in making a decision.

BigEddy · Nov 30, 2004

I'll try to provide a few basics on tractor hydraulics. I apologize if some of this is obvious - it wasn't always to me.

The pump will put out fluid proportional to the speed of the engine, and the pressure will rise to meet the load applied to it. No log - low pressure - tough log - high pressure up to the relief valve setting on the tractor. HP required depends on both volume and pressure - rule of thumb is 1hp per gpm @ 1500psi.

My tractor can pump ~5gpm at up to 2000 psi +/-. That is at 3250 rpm (PTO spd). This can apply up to roughly 7hp load on my 24hp tractor - but that is all the power that can be used given the size of the pump. If I slow down to 2000 rpm, I'm now only putting out 3 gpm and at up to 2000 psi can use only 4 hp.

As the tractor pump is a single stage pump, it can only put out 5gpm loaded or not, so there is no fast return cycle. At 3gpm (2000rpm) and a 3" cylinder, that equates to about 15 sec each way, 24 sec for a 4", the same as your standard 5hp splitter in "low speed" mode. Not real fast, but not sure it matters either, as I'd be dealing with the split log and getting a new one while it is returning.

Splitting force is determined by the pressure and the cylinder size and is irrespective of the pump gpm. Any 3" cylinder will put out 7tons at 2000psi, any 4" 12 tons. The only 2ways to get more force are to use a higher pressure or a bigger (slower) cylinder.

The advantages of the standalone solution in my mind are.
*Ability to use the tractor
*2 stage pump with faster return and initial advance.
*Separate engine sized to the pump requirements and hopefully more efficient as a result
Disadvantages are
*Separate engine to maintain
*Gas versus diesel
*Cost
*Something else to tow with you

Personally - I still use the 8lb splitter - but I've given a lot of thought to what I would like to end up with.
Big Eddy

rozett · Nov 30, 2004

You can get a ballpark for the force by finding the hydraulic cylinder size on the splitter and the maximum hydraulic pressure out of the pump (or more appropriately the pressure relief valve) on your tractor. The force would be the pressure times the area of the cylinder. Area of the cylinder would be pi times the radius (of the cylinder) squared.
Force= (3.14 x diameter/2 x diameter/2) x Pressure

The cycle time is a function of the flow rate of hydraulic pump on your tractor. The splitter specs should specify the minimum flow rate required or better yet, the flow rate for a specific cycle time. The higher your pump flow rate (over that minimum) the faster your cycle time. If you could find the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder, then you could calculate the cycle time. It would be the volume of fluid required [area of the cylinder (pi R squared) times the stroke length] divided by the flow rate of your pump.
Tc = ((3.14 x diameter/2 x diameter/2) x stroke) / flow rate

Flow rate is usually in cubic feet per minute. So you would want to convert volume to cubic feet and flow rate to cubic feet per second (by dividing it by 60).

Sorry if that's too much info.... it's the engineer in me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SPaulsen · Nov 30, 2004

Thanks, both you and Big Eddy did a nice job explaining. I am thinking if I did go with a 3pt, I would do a pto version instead of running off my tractor's hydraulics. The main reason is having the quicker cycle times. I am looking primarily at Timberwolfs and Braves in this area. I am going out to my Tractor dealer today to see what the Rankin is all about. I am also going to rent a stand alone today and determine if I might be better off just purchasing a stand alone. Again, thanks to you all for your input. Steve

SPaulsen · Nov 30, 2004

I purchased a Rankin 3pt splitter today. The one I purchased has a 20 ton capacity and can be vertical or horizontal. Power is from the tractor hydraulics - open center. I waivered between the stand alone version, but finally took the bite and purchased the 3pt. My dealer will install the plumbing with quick connects that match my tractor. Delivery is expected in a couple of days. I hope to be splitting wood this weekend. I will let everyone know how the performance is. I was disappointed in the Timberwolf folks. Their website states to email them for prices/info. They still havent responded to my inquiry. Oh well!

KiotiJohn · Nov 30, 2004

( I purchased a Rankin 3pt splitter today. )
Do you mind sharing the price with us? Thanks, John

SPaulsen · Dec 1, 2004

No problem. $880. My dealer told me if I wasnt happy with the splitter to just return it and he would just sell it as a used unit. He has always been good to me on any of my purchases. I had the opportunity to purchase a more expensive stand alone (1600.00) from him and he thought I would be more happy using the 3pt. Since I was feeling the need for retail therapy, I chatted with him about buying a larger kubota. He quickly said, "no" stay with the one you have. I have to appreciate a person who runs a business like this and looks at the bigger picture of customer service and return business.

KiotiJohn · Dec 1, 2004

( No problem. $880. My dealer told me if I wasnt happy with the splitter to just return it and he would just sell it as a used unit. )
Thanks. Isn't it great to have a good dealer? Mine is like yours, always willing to help and not push things you don't need. I was thinking of getting the less expensive splitter from TSC, but don't know anyone who has one. Can anyone report? John

GareyD · Dec 2, 2004

John, I have the 3pt TSC splitter on my L3430...as far as power..if you load it, it will split...have split cured 26" dia. sweet gum, no problem.

As far as speed, I have used faster splitters, but since I mostly work alone I have found that it will split and return faster than I can off stack the splits and load another length!!!

I hooked mine up to the rear hydraulics with 25 foot quick connect hoses...leave the splitter settin at the wood shed, carry the logs in on the forks and saw to length at the splitter

Works good enuff for me /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

GareyD