pto log spliter

[The Salt Pig]

I went thru the same thought process this year (living in Maine) as well. Although I thought running the splitter off the pto would be more economical, in the end I decided that I would need the ability to take the splitter to other locations and while I have a trailer for my tractor, the gate wouldn't close with the splitter attached and additionally I preferred the ability to use the tractor while splitting.
Again it is a personal decision, just wanted to add my two cents.

Bx2350 w/ FEL
60" MMM

 

[Youare]

i would be running to motors and like atgreene said the stand alone is bound to be unreliable in a few years.

Form my experience and the experience or others I know with wood splitters the life expectancy is generally better than 10 years without a problem. Whether you run a stand alone of a 3PH splitter there are many parts that are the same to wear out or break. The only significant difference is the power source and maybe the hydraulic pump. The cylinder and control valves are the same.

Consider the extra use you will expose your tractor hydraulic system to, is a new pump or control vales any less expensive for a tractor than a stand alone splitter?

Many people are pleased with both types of splitters. The splitter I have does not work with hydraulics and is powered by a 5.5 hp. gasoline engine. I would much rather listen to that run at half throttle then to hear my Kubota sit there and run at 2500 RPM while I split wood. Plus, the splitter I have has a cycle time that is quicker than what my tractor hydraulics could ever produce.

Randy

 

[nh DRAGON]

We got our new splitter because we are using it more and with the new advances, Log lift and load table, It makes it quicker an easier on our backs than the old one. But I still have dads 1980 wood splitter with the 7hp Briggs and it still runs fine. If you take care of your stuff there is no reason it will not last 20 years or more easy.

 

[mpowrd]

If crossfire190 has the same 16-ton Ramsplitter PTO unit as I have, it's this one: http://www.ramsplitter.com/3pt16%20-%201.pdf

Horizontal only, but as crossfire said, you can lower it to almost ground level and I've rolled an oak round almost 24" in diameter onto the beam that way.

 

[crossfire190]

I have the horizontal model.

 

[AndyinIowa]

Although I am big on keeping as few prime movers on the property as possible, I am in the 'have a separate splitter' camp.

1. My total operating costs are considerably lower vs. running the BX2350 engine.

2. Multi-tasking in the timber is much easier when you have separate units and multiple people working. If you only process firewood alone, you can't multi-task as easy.

3. If you choose a pto splitter, I don't recommend a grapple unless the tractor is 'highly' articulated.

4. Can't run the chipper and splitter at the same time!!!

 

[gotcha]

Before you purchase a 3PH mounted splitter ask yourself, would you want to use the splitter at some location you would not or could not drive the tractor to.

A stand alone splitter is some times less expensive to run than using the tractors power and allows you to use the tractor to bring unsplit chunks to the splitter and take them away.

Stand alone splitters generally have faster cycle times than those run off of the tractors hydraulics. I went the route of a stand alone splitter. I use about a quart of gasoline to split a cord of wood, I bet running the diesel engine at PTO speeds for 45 minutes to an hour would use more fuel.
Just my two cents.
Randy

I have a stand alone splitter and have had it for almost 40 years and have done nothing to it except to change the oil and air filter. Starting in the winter can be difficult, but I just throw a tarp over it with a spot light for 1/2 hour and away it goes. The above comment is correct with the cycle time and I use my BH to left the real big and heavy logs up onto the splitter. I have a single log grapple and can put the log where it has to go and move it around as needed for each split. It is very easy to move to other jobs or into the woods for on the spot working. The cost to change the oil and filters is far cheaper than changing the Kubota's. Just my 2¢
The Gotcha Man