New 3 point Logsplitter, Can't say enough

[Bedlam]

I see its a good idea and works.If a small amount of money wasn't a problem you could use one of these
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
usually less on sale and you could attach whatever you'd like to the bucket.

 

[CHDinCT]

Well I bought this same 3PH splitter (Powerhorse model) last week and it arrived today. Read through the assembly directions to find out what hose/fittings I'll need to connect it to my BX. It calls for 1/2 inch hose with NPT male ends. However, all the lines on my BX are 1/4 inch including the lines for the rear remotes, so, which makes more sense:

Buy 1/2 inch hoses and a 1/2 to 1/4 inch adapter just before my rear remotes, or

Buy 1/4 inch hoses and a 1/4 to 1/2 inch adapter just before the Prince valve?

The second option is cheaper obviously, but I don't know if it makes any difference performance wise or if I need the 1/2 hose from the remotes to the splitter valve. It did occur to me to maybe get the 1/2 inch hose in case I ever get a bigger tractor (dreaming here ). So, does it make any difference from a performance aspect which way I go? The spec's call for a 3GPM flow max, which is right in line with what my BX puts out - somewhere around 3.5 GPM. Thanks

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Well I bought this same 3PH splitter (Powerhorse model) last week and it arrived today. Read through the assembly directions to find out what hose/fittings I'll need to connect it to my BX. It calls for 1/2 inch hose with NPT male ends. However, all the lines on my BX are 1/4 inch including the lines for the rear remotes, so, which makes more sense:

Buy 1/2 inch hoses and a 1/2 to 1/4 inch adapter just before my rear remotes, or

Buy 1/4 inch hoses and a 1/4 to 1/2 inch adapter just before the Prince valve?

The second option is cheaper obviously, but I don't know if it makes any difference performance wise or if I need the 1/2 hose from the remotes to the splitter valve. It did occur to me to maybe get the 1/2 inch hose in case I ever get a bigger tractor (dreaming here ). So, does it make any difference from a performance aspect which way I go? The spec's call for a 3GPM flow max, which is right in line with what my BX puts out - somewhere around 3.5 GPM. Thanks

Chris, When I did my install I talked to the dealer, They said all lines to rear hydraulic connections remotes and BH are min 3/8" So I ran 3/8 to my rear remotes then..

3/8 to the splitter.... 3/8 is more than enough for these smaller machines...

I don't think 1/4 will be enough, so I recommend 3/8 for the splitter to the remotes....ty it out...and maybe increase your 1/4 lines to the remotes to 3/8...

Also when you assemble the splitter valve the "in" fitting with the supplied 90 drops the line right down inthe way of the splitter beam when expanded. You will need a 45 also to change dircetion otherwise the beam rubs against the hose. Confused? Let me know and I'll send you a picture.

Good luck -Sam

 

[Modn]

I will be putting my Split-fire 230 up for sale shortly. Only a year old with the paint barely wore off. I found an American splitter 25hh with a price I couldn't refuse. The 2 way splitter is a definite winner IMHO.

 

[alkabo]

Hi,I.m trying my first post. I was wondering why you went from the splitfire to the american splitter. I have an l4400 and have been trying to decide on a 3 point or stand alone splitter.

 

[CHDinCT]

Chris, When I did my install I talked to the dealer, They said all lines to rear hydraulic connections remotes and BH are min 3/8" So I ran 3/8 to my rear remotes then..

3/8 to the splitter.... 3/8 is more than enough for these smaller machines...

I don't think 1/4 will be enough, so I recommend 3/8 for the splitter to the remotes....ty it out...and maybe increase your 1/4 lines to the remotes to 3/8...

Also when you assemble the splitter valve the "in" fitting with the supplied 90 drops the line right down inthe way of the splitter beam when expanded. You will need a 45 also to change dircetion otherwise the beam rubs against the hose. Confused? Let me know and I'll send you a picture.

Good luck -Sam

Sam,

Thanks for the info. I did see your mention of needing the 45* elbow. Well, I'll have to call Northern Tool and ask about minimum hose sizes - no dealer around here. It is not listed as a requirement, only max PSI and GPM. I don't think there's a orifice bigger than 1/4" on the whole BX. Would s**K not to be able to use my rear remotes. If NT says the 1/4" lines won't work, it may be going back.

 

[Steveguy]

You may find that the 1/2" hoses are actually cheaper than the smaller ones, because they are more popular, especially if you are buying pre-made ones. That's what I found at the local fleet store anyway. Even if the Kubota has some smaller orifices, it's not as restrictive as having the whole system that small. I ran a three point splitter with my BX1800 with 1/2 " hoses and it worked well. Not lightning fast but it was OK at the time.

 

[korydz]

I used 3/8" lines with 1/2" Pioneer fittings for my Split-fire on my BX2660. My logic was that the more volume in the lines the better and that the fittings are likely the most congested point in the lines. Also, 1/2" Pioneer seem to be the most popular type of connector (at least locally) should I ever want to borrow or lend an implement.

If anyone is looking for a 3 point splitter, I can't say enough about the Split-fire. Great product, great service, great price.

 

[Modn]

Hi,I.m trying my first post. I was wondering why you went from the splitfire to the american splitter. I have an l4400 and have been trying to decide on a 3 point or stand alone splitter.

I purchased an outdoor boiler last year. It seems the only thing I do split is massive or above 16" anyway and I think the split-fire is more designed for 16" and under IMHO. The American has a log lift and a 4 way wedge and like I said couldn't resist the deal. If it wasn't for those factors I would still be running the split-fire as it did fine but the American does so much better. The American is 4X the cost too if you bought both outright. Bottom line: If I didn't get the deal I did, I would be still using the Split-Fire which was and still is fine with me. As far as having the tractor running....all I can say is how much are you really running the tractor to split wood? I purchased my tractor to run implements anyway, not to leave in the barn doing nothing. It is just another tool at my place. I hope that explains it better.

 

[CHDinCT]

You may find that the 1/2" hoses are actually cheaper than the smaller ones, because they are more popular, especially if you are buying pre-made ones. That's what I found at the local fleet store anyway. Even if the Kubota has some smaller orifices, it's not as restrictive as having the whole system that small. I ran a three point splitter with my BX1800 with 1/2 " hoses and it worked well. Not lightning fast but it was OK at the time.

Steveguy, that's a good testimony. I think you're right - go with the 1/2" lines to my remotes, but the quick connects are 1/4" so I'll have to reduce it to 1/4" at the remotes. I will be calling NT to see what they say. If they don't recommend this splitter with my tractor, it may be going back. On the other hand, I can live with a relatively slow splitter. I don't heat my house with wood, just supplement in the family room/kitchen area, which is where we are 90% of the time.