I am not sure there is any correct answer here - it all comes down to what you are trying to do and how you do it.
Just this week I bought the Harbor Freight 3 PT splitter (there are a number of folks on this site running this model with great success).
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
For me my decision drivers to go with a 3 PT Splitter were;
1) My infrequent use (2 cords max / year) which in my mind does not justify a stand alone unit.
2) With two Kubotas, a leave blower, cyclone rake, pressure washer, home power generator, Dodge Truck, Ducati M900, Triumph TR6 and a 24 foot boat I love the idea of not having another engine to maintain.
3) I put ~100 hours on my
B2920 / year so for 2 cord (~maybe 5-10 hours max/year) I am not concern about excessive hours due to this attachment (then again a Kubota engine should go 5000 - 10,000 hours w/o a major overhaul so I think I have a larger margin to work with.
4) I have used (rented) Stand-Alone units in the past. I never was fond of the scream of a Briggs and Stratton.
5) Harbor Freight has a 20% discount coupon this month - so the price for the Splitter was discounted to a mere $399!
Good Luck
~jim