splitter basics

ArkCivEngr · Nov 19, 2005

Forgive me if this is redundancy; I didn't think this question belonged in the previous thread about splitters because it's a newbie-type question.

Someone posted a link to one of TSC's splitters, and when I got there, the first thing I saw was "runs off tractor hydraulics." Should that be unnerving? I'm thinking the safer route (for the tractor, anyway) would be a separate pump run by the tractor PTO.

I've been looking around and can't find any with a separate PTO-run pump. Is it because all of them are run off tractor hydraulics?

I have a feeling this is a stupid question so I'll add a /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

greg_g · Nov 19, 2005

Not to say there aren't any out there, I've just never seen one. Seems redundant to me anyway. The tractor pump is pushing hydraulic fluid whenever the tractor is running anyway, whether you're using the PTO or not. Mine has a high enough flow rate where I can split just fine with the throttle set for 1200 rpm. Operating a PTO implement (on my tractor) requires 2300 rpm. That alone makes fuel consumption an issue, not to mention increasing the splitter cost by the addition of a PTO driveline and the (redundant) pump.

That said, TPH splitters require that the tractor have hydraulic remotes. A PTO driven splitter would not.

//greg//

John_Mc · Nov 20, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Not to say there aren't any out there, I've just never seen one. Seems redundant to me anyway. The tractor pump is pushing hydraulic fluid whenever the tractor is running anyway, whether you're using the PTO or not. Mine has a high enough flow rate where I can split just fine with the throttle set for 1200 rpm. Operating a PTO implement (on my tractor) requires 2300 rpm. That alone makes fuel consumption an issue, not to mention increasing the splitter cost by the addition of a PTO driveline and the (redundant) pump.

That said, TPH splitters require that the tractor have hydraulic remotes. A PTO driven splitter would not. )</font>

A few other thoughts on the issue:

Running off of a PTO-driven pump would isolate your tractor hydraulics from the splitters. Maybe not a big issue if it's your tractor and your splitter, but if the splitter gets passed from person to person, you may want some assurance that your hydraulic oil is not contaminated.

Running off of a pump makes it easy to share the implement among several users... not everyone needs to have rear remotes

Running of a PTO pump would give decent performance for someone whose ttractor does not have the flow rate to get decent speed out of the splitter. Also, with the right pump, you would not have to get all the way up to rated PTO speed on your tractor to drive the splitter at acceptable rates.

I'm not trying to say that a PTO pump is the way to go in all cases, but it seems that there are at least some reasons to consider one... enough so that it's surprising you don't see a few of them around.

John Mc

MarlandS · Nov 20, 2005

I've got a TPH splitter that runs off tractor hydraulics, worked well enough on a 1966 4020 D but my Farmall M with an upgraded pump wasn't fast enough, so I adapted a log splitter (two stage) pump to run off the PTO, had a huge difference in the driver pulley vs the driven pulley. I still couldn't get enough speed out of the cylendar even with the tractor revved all the way up. And, it had a lot of belt slip even with idlers putting a lot of pressure on the belt.

The local TSC carries a self contained PTO gear driven pump that might work but I can't say for sure since I don't know the flow rate.

I converted mine to a self contained unit consisting of a 15 horse engine robbed from a Craftsman Garden tractor, the two stage pump, a hydraulic tank, an old trailer frame and an old 10 in caster wheel(to support the end of the splitter) use 1 to 1 pulleys and you'll have enough speed without nearly as much slip. Plus it leaves the tractor available to carry chunks up or carry away split wood if the split pile and unsplit pile are in different parts of the yard.
Another point is when "that" neighbor borrows the splitter, they don't borrow the tractor too.

Newblue · Nov 21, 2005

Timberwolf makes some nice 3 PT PTO powered log splitters. They have two sizes and I know the smaller one has a 20 gpm pump with a 4" X 24" cylinder that will allow you to run the tractor at a low RPM while the cylinder cycle time is around 10-12 seconds. The prices for their splitters are pretty high. I didn't want to put that many hours on my tractor so I'm looking at a self contained unit (tw-5) and they want $6100 for it. My wife said that if I wanted one I would have to give her a cost comparison alylisis to justify the cost! The web site is Timberwolfcorp.com

PhilNH5 · Nov 21, 2005

ArkCiv,
Iron and oak makes a PTO powered 3 pt splitter. You can see it HERE

Phil

ruglad03835 · Nov 21, 2005

I believe you can get a PTO pump at www.northerntool.com

mrpoppy58 · Nov 21, 2005

I have a T.S.C 3pt hitch log splitter. I us Qc. to hook it to my fel control and a bungee cord to hold the lever open. I run my mahindra 2810 at about 1200rpm. It works real good. It uses less than a gallon of fuel an hour. I set the splitter beside an upright on my tractor shed and secure it with a chain and I dont have to take my backhoe off.
Mr poppy