New 3 point Logsplitter, Can't say enough

[Firefighter Kubota]

Cons:
1) Some logs are too long. I try to remember to cut them short but there are always a few I cut too long.
2) Butt plates are way too small. Logs slip off if they are curved.
3) End with controls needs a bigger foot of some kind (will fabricate one this winter).
4) Bent the heck out of the control plate splitting "ugly" logs. The Y shaped logs get pushed into the control panel and it will bend. I noticed this the first 8 times it happened but not the 9th until I felt the valve lever moving away from the splitter (another welding project).
I'm considering relocating the valve to the 3 pt side. as well as a larger butt plate for the far end as well...
5) Unit will twist and flex under pressure then snap back straight when log splits. I worry metal fatigue will eventually cause a fracture somewhere.

The unit says it will split 12" logs. I have had 10" logs get jambed but then I have also split some 24-28 inch logs in half then lifted them onto the splitter and can usually split them. It really depends upon the wood and how you catch the grain I guess. Anyway, when it does get stuck, I just back it up and use a pice of wood and the reverse force of the hydraulics to back it off, shift the log then try again. There were no logs that I was unable to split with multiple tries.

I find if you shave off the edge of a log with the splitter then splittting it down the middle or a quarter split is easier...Did 24 " fresh oaks todays...

 

[willjack]

I would appreciate any photos or ideas on modifications to the Powerhorse. I couldn't decide which end was "safer" to mount the hydraulic controls on. The tractor end seemed more protected when driving around in the woods but then I thought it might get in the way of the 3 poit hitch. I mounted it away from the tractor as suggested by the manufacturer but added hitch pins to the valve control handle so I can remove it when driving around. I know it would only be a matter of time before I hooked the lever on a branch and snapped it off.

As far as shaving off a piece on the big logs, I have tried that and it works. The problem is that with a huge log I am usually anxious to split it in half and throw one half to the side while I work on the other half. It takes a lot of energy to keep spinning the heavy logs around and I have pinched a few fingers manuvering them around as well (not with the hydraulics on thank goodness).

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

I would appreciate any photos or ideas on modifications to the Powerhorse. I couldn't decide which end was "safer" to mount the hydraulic controls on. The tractor end seemed more protected when driving around in the woods but then I thought it might get in the way of the 3 poit hitch. I mounted it away from the tractor as suggested by the manufacturer but added hitch pins to the valve control handle so I can remove it when driving around. I know it would only be a matter of time before I hooked the lever on a branch and snapped it off.

As far as shaving off a piece on the big logs, I have tried that and it works. The problem is that with a huge log I am usually anxious to split it in half and throw one half to the side while I work on the other half. It takes a lot of energy to keep spinning the heavy logs around and I have pinched a few fingers manuvering them around as well (not with the hydraulics on thank goodness).

For MDM...cycle time is 11 seconds one stroke..at 1500 rpms. splits both directions so 2 splits under 30 seconds....

For willjack...I was going to do the valve mount iside(closer to the tractor but felt Jammed standing there...Its not all that bad but left it on the outer end for now)... I have a hydraulic toplink so anytime I'm cruising thru the woods I have the 3 pt raised max and shorten up the toplink, placing the splitter almost in a 45* angle reducing its protrusion off the back...Works for me...

Like all 3 pt implements you just have to remember its there... Can't tell you how many times I've come to a sudden hault cuase I hooked the york rack on a tree when making a turn...Yeah neck hurts sometimes...

I hear you on the finger pinching, did it yesterday. But what are you gonna do? bigger splitter or buy the wood

Good luck

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Splitter update...

I still love my powerhorse splitter, but the biggest draw back is lack of auto return etc...

Because of the bi directional splitting you are stuck there holding the valve...it slows things down when you need to get the next piece ready to go...

Problem solved..Just installed one of these..

Prince Two-Way Detent Valve, Model# LS-3010-2 | Hydraulic Valves | Northern Tool + Equipment

Should have done it a long time ago...

Took a few minutes to set the dent relif pressure just under the tractors.....But its great.. toss your log on there split one direction, and while its splitting get your next one ready to go...

Or enjoy a sip of your cool frosty beverage. ( or hot one, this time of year)

If you have the powerhorse..this valve works great...you need to make some mods to the velve mount as this one has a detent adjustment not on the original, and the working ports are 3/4" not 1/2" so you need some reducers...

Split on...:thumbsup:

Oh yeah, watch the fingers...better chance of crushing them with this valve, but its slow enough you should be able to react fast enough:laughing:

 

[displacedPA]

[I have the Huskee 22ton which is made by speedco. I cannot say enough about this splitter... plenty of power. I was going to get a three point splitter but, my father bought me this one as a christmas present. Im happy I have a stand alone splitter... to each his own.. [/I]

FFK, glad to see someone buy one of these so we can get some feedback. These look very attractive for the price. Unfortunately for me, i now make my wood 20 - 22 inches as my stove takes 24" wood. I think I'll end up with the Speeco from TSC, but that looks like a nice splitter.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

This is at the bottom of the valve description:
Warning: using a pressure detent in both directions can be dangerous.
Is this warning applicable to a two way splitter? I have a splitfire two way splitter and sometimes it would be nice not to have to keep holding the control.

Yup. exactly why I swapped it out...The powerhorse is a two way splitter..

With the 2 way detent, its a faster operation...You don't have to use the detent, and it'll run like your current valve... and it's not like the splitter is running so fast you'll lose your fingers right away... but there is a learning curve remembering that the splitter can be in motion even though you are not holding the lever...

I wish I made the switch years ago...

 

[GlennaR]

RadarTech said:

Been bouncing the idea of playing with the hydraulics and getting a standalone......

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I decided on PowerHorse bi directional splitter but like you, I had the same quandary as to 3 point or stand alone.

So I ended up made a pros vs con list on each one to better help me decide.....

Have had the stand alone one for over 6o days now n have not regretted the decision once.

Final tipping of the scales for me was when I realized that if/when the China Town PowerHorse motor takes it's final crap, I can than always power it with my Kub's hydraulic system anyway.

Naturally your situation is different than mine but just thought my two cents might be worth a penny to you.
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