Powerhorse 3pt Log Splitter and BX23?

[Firefighter Kubota]

I use the tractor to load wood after it's split, so a 3 PH splitter just wouldn't work for me. However, to me the biggest reason not to go with the 3PH splitter is the number of hours you will be putting on the tractor while you split wood. The value of your tractor is primarily based on the hours it accumulates, so the true cost of buying and running a 3PH splitter really needs to include the value decrease of the tractor you will cause by running the splitter. To me that makes buying and maintaining a small engine much more cost effective.

Yeah the extra 10 hrs a year on my tractor from the splitter really isn't going to depreciate the value of my tractor....

 

[Fxfymn]

Yeah the extra 10 hrs a year on my tractor from the splitter really isn't going to depreciate the value of my tractor....

You are a lot quicker than I am at splitting wood. We burn 5-6 cords/year and it usually takes the DW and me 5-6 8 hour days to get it done. Of that I probably run the splitter for about 30 hours based on the splitter's hour meter.

I only average 100 hours per year on the 3430, so another 30 hours running the splitter would be a lot for me. Each to their own.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

You are a lot quicker than I am at splitting wood. We burn 5-6 cords/year and it usually takes the DW and me 5-6 8 hour days to get it done. Of that I probably run the splitter for about 30 hours based on the splitter's hour meter.

I only average 100 hours per year on the 3430, so another 30 hours running the splitter would be a lot for me. Each to their own.

I hear you, But hours alone are a true representation of a tractor...what those hours were doing, the condition of the tractor, etc..., I burn maybe 3 cords here, but if I did more, it wouldn't change my operation/ thought on running the 3 pt splitter. Thats what desiel engines are for...long working hours!!!

 

[Fxfymn]

I hear you, But hours alone are a true representation of a tractor...what those hours were doing, the condition of the tractor, etc..., I burn maybe 3 cords here, but if I did more, it wouldn't change my operation/ thought on running the 3 pt splitter. Thats what desiel engines are for...long working hours!!!

I don't disagree, but unfortunately with everything else being equal the lower hour machine will fetch more dollars. Plus the cost of changing out Super UDT and filters more often, etc. adds up quickly.

OBTW; Where are you on the job? I retired from Fairfax County, VA after 32 years.

 

[Tango Hotel]

Absolutely true - however, I think the 3 pt vs stand alone depends on a number of factors for those (like myself) that only split a handful of cords per year the 3 pt makes perfect sense. I didnt want to shell out a lot of money and have another engine to care for so when harbor freight had their 3 pt splitter on sale from $499 to $399 it was a no brainer. Yes its made in china (14 ton splitter) but after a handful of cords it would have paid for itself and I have to say it works remarkably well!

Bravo, Glad it worked for you.
I just haven't had good luck with HF.
My reasons for a 3PH were mostly selfish.
The usual storage space, extra cylinder index etc.
But I also don't want to loan it out.
" sorry it's part of the Bota, no trailer, blah blah blah."
I've told my buddies with all my tools,
" You need me? I'll be there with chain saw, splitter or PU truck.
but I don't loan tools."
I was summoned to court because a friend??? messed up my 1/2" Magnum hole shooter and himself one time. Court Ref. threw the case out but it cost me about a grand in lost wages, a lawyer and aggravation.
A word to the wise.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Bravo, Glad it worked for you.
I just haven't had good luck with HF.
My reasons for a 3PH were mostly selfish.
The usual storage space, extra cylinder index etc.
But I also don't want to loan it out.
" sorry it's part of the Bota, no trailer, blah blah blah."
I've told my buddies with all my tools,
" You need me? I'll be there with chain saw, splitter or PU truck.
but I don't loan tools."
I was summoned to court because a friend??? messed up my 1/2" Magnum hole shooter and himself one time. Court Ref. threw the case out but it cost me about a grand in lost wages, a lawyer and aggravation.
A word to the wise.

I second that!!!!:thumbsup:. More friends have caused more damage to my tools and equipment....

 

[Northland]

Thanks to FireFighter and everyone else for their advice.

I got my new SpeeCo 3 pt hitch wood splitter (only $649) working off my tractor hydraulics.

It took some mucking around with fittings and hoses but it now works off the same valve my grapple works from. I just move the quick disconnect equipped hoses from one implement to another.

My neighbor did a great job welding braces into the crappy stand the splitter came with.

I am going to have walls of wood over the next few weeks

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Glad I could help!!!

Excellent set up...Have your neighbor make a 3pt adapter for you as well...although you'ld need longer hoses....

Enjoy the splitter and good luck!!!

 

[955er]

Nice job on the stand. That stand, along with the 4" cylinder, were two reasons I went with the ramsplitter. The speeco would have been a little slow for my setup. That speeco is a nice, beefy unit. You will be happy with your decision.

 

[Northland]

Glad I could help!!!

Excellent set up...Have your neighbor make a 3pt adapter for you as well...although you'ld need longer hoses....

Enjoy the splitter and good luck!!!

The SpeeCo splitter actually has a 3pt hitch set-up built into the stand-see attached picture. I don't plan on ever hooking it up though as I will bring my logs down to my staging area beside or front of my pole barn where I stack my firewood.

I may mount the splitter to the side of my pole barn though