Pto / hydraulic / standalone log splitters

[Jmsmithy]

Ok Folks

I bought the tractor, now new questions!

I've looked at a lot of threads. Some folks say running splitter off your tractor adds too many hours, some say doesn't matter, some say hydro will get too hot, some say it won't. Pto driven unit too expensive, to some it's not. 3pt splitter is uncomfortable and ties tractor up too much/long. Some say doesn't matter....

WELL, which is it??? ullinghair::banghead:

 

[JasG]

All of the above.

 

[JasG]

Ok now let me explain why based on what I know.

In my experience it depends on the design of the splitter and the ability of the tractor. A larger tractor will have a greater flow probably and greater cooling which it will work well. Smaller tractors do seem to struggle with either power or speed, sometimes both. The PTO units again it depends on the design, size of the cylinder, PTO pump, cooling or size of oil tank, hp of tractor. All of these have an effect on cost and speed. In other words, each set up is different, not very many will have the exact same splitter and tractor. So that was why I said all of the above, all of the things you have heard are true. It also comes down to what you want, do you care about having the tractor tied up while splitting? Do you mind the hours on the tractor? How many Hp is your tractor? What is the flow of the outlets on the back?

One advantage is with a horizontal unit you can adjust your height with the 3 pt to what you want. With a vertical unit you can back up to the wood and with large blocks this can be handy.

I have not seen a tractor mounted unit that works as well as a good engine driven unit for speed. Many larger units have a 4 way wedge and are designed as a unit, unlike tractor mounted one size fits all.

Also are you always splitting in one area, or a ways away? Much easier to tow a splitter with a truck than to take a tractor.

I've used many and I like the engine driven ones but any is better than none.

 

[Steve in MT]

I cant really add or sutract to what JasG said. Myself, I prefer a stand alone setup. I paid $500.00 for a splitter years ago that has served me well so I would rather put the hours on that instead of a $20,000 dollar tractor.

 

[mudcat47537]

I've used both and much prefer the stand alone unit myself. I like to have use of my tractor when splitting wood, I usually split and throw it into a trailer pulled by the tractor.