The screw log spitter hunt!

[xtn]

I have one on my PTO driven PHD. It works very well, with a few exceptions.

1. It's really annoying: backing up, trying to center the thing over a log, waiting for it to stop swinging around, etc.
2. Logs that are too small end up spinning on the ground before the screw gets far enough in to split the log.
3. Logs that are too long sometimes don't split well, leaving the screw stuck in the log, unable to easily back it out.
4. Even successful splits are not necessarily nice, even pieces that you would want for a fireplace.

Consequently I only use it to break up the occasional hunk of wood that's too big for me to otherwise easily handle. It's a great tool for that. But I wouldn't recommend it for regular splitting duty at all.

xtn

 

[PapaPerk]

OP can you please explain why you want to use a screw splitter vs a hydraulic splitter?! I need that clarification before I offer any advice... (0:

 

[milkman]

I've used mine and works good on anything but stringy stuff I like using it and it is as safe as the operator. I use a rope with a ring on the end that goes over the PTO lever to disengage if necessary. There's some pictures of it in this thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/181049-new-me-bark-buster.html?highlight=

 

[Skid Steer Solutions]

The bigger the round, the less likely it could spin. I just use the down pressure of the machine. Plus the gearbox turns slower so there is less of a chance of it getting loose.

 

[buickanddeere]

Everhard. Please tell your friends and family that you posted here along with your user name and password. So they can alert everyone here after your incident with the wood screw. On behalf of the members on the yesterday tractor' site. I would like to in advance, offer condolences to you and your family if you do or do not survive your crippling injuries. Myself and others here are close enough enough to attend your hospital room or funeral if you do not survive.

 

[Skid Steer Solutions]

These are perfectly safe if operated from inside a Skid Steer Loader or Excavator. If you plan on standing beside the splitter and hand feeding the wood like in the Stickler days, then make sure your insurance is up to date. Especially your disability insurance for when you lose an arm. This kind of use is just plain scary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89O6j1SOUVs

 

[MH8675309]

We sold one at one of our auctions last year. It sold for more than I thought it would ( it was a relic) and I thought it looked kinda dangerous. I saw the guy that bought it later on and he told me a piece of wood somehow got away from him while using it and whacked him a good one! They might be safe but they look like they'd be easy to make a mistake with. I'll take my maul any day.

 

[ruffdog]

Is this a accident waiting to happen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuHV0BlvjMc

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Here's the pic of the relic I have, if I had to guess, I'd say it's been sitting 25-30 years. I had to move some stuff to get the pic.

 

[ericher69]

Is this a accident waiting to happen? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuHV0BlvjMc

Darwin Award candidate?

Two things

1. Never loses the dart in his mouth
2. That bottle jack is pretty solid-not

Sent from my iPhone 5s 64Gb using TractorByNet

 

[Everhard]

PapaPerk: I'm considering the screw type over hydraulic for the following reasons: (some based on things others have done - I haven't, they just sound like good ideas.)
1: I don't think there's a hydraulic splitter capable of splitting much over 2 foot lengths, screw type can.
2: Small stuff I'm happy splitting with an axe - good workout and frankly I'm faster then a typical hydraulic splitter, I want a splitter for the more difficult stuff and the really big stuff.
3: Big stuff is a pain to man-handle onto a hydraulic splitter, a screw type on a post hole digger I can not only just back up to it, but the big stuff you can get started onto the screw then relocate the log with the tractor instead of moving it by hand, and the longer logs you can get them on the screw to the point the log is partially split, then while the log is held up in the air you can cut it to fireplace length - so you end up only having to split a log in one action while you cut it x number of times - more efficient this way. (vs 1:1 ratio cutting/splitting with a hydraulic splitter)
4: My tractor isn't big - so most hydraulic splitters will run slow on it while a screw splitter doesn't need a lot of power.
5: While I use a reasonable amount of firewood I don't split wood for a living so I don't have a need for a wood processor.
6: I like a tool with multiple uses. (Post hole auger/screw log splitter)
Quite frankly a screw type splitter designed properly and used properly is actually safer then a hydraulic splitter - consider one option you stand next to, have your hands near a press capable of 20+ tons of force, that same force can cause logs to spring or jump hitting the operator. Screw type option doesn't use huge amounts of force to split the wood, only potential issue is the log spinning if not used properly but while in operation you're sitting on the tractor seat making it impossible to be anywhere near the spinning log anyway... I won't be using a screw attached to a vehicle wheel, now that's giving Murphy plenty of opportunities!

E.

 

[bcp]

Here's the pic of the relic I have, if I had to guess, I'd say it's been sitting 25-30 years. I had to move some stuff to get the pic.



View attachment 404414

That looks like you could us it to back into stumps to split them.

Bruce

 

[xtn]

Everhard,

Your reply to PapaPerk reinforces my idea that your choice of a PTO powered, PHD mounted screw splitter is a good choice. Like I said already, I wouldn't recommend it for regular firewood processing, but for handling the occasional big hunk of log it's perfect.

xtn

 

[Rustyiron]

That's my intended use also. Large - ugly logs are available for free from the "tree guy's" just for that reason, (a PITA to work up for firewood). Splitting a 8'+ long 30 something inch log in to quarters to then bucking & splitting with my chainsaw and hyd splitter, leaving the family jewels intact:laughing: This also will give my skid steer auger more work than just post hole drilling.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I did not read all ot this thread, so I don't know how it progressed. I know where there is such a unit, that is, just the screw, forgotten and lonely! The guys Dad used to sell them. There is even an old faded poster on a door that shows the screw attached to the back axle of some sixties vintage automobile. I don't know what the guy would want for it. It is up here in Canada.

 

[mgarofoli]

Look up "the atom splitter" I have one and it works, but is dangerous. I have gone through 4 universal joints and 2 yolks on the 3 point post hole digger. I found a home made 3' log splitter and now use that to process wood for my outdoor wood furnace. I did use it for 2 years and nobody got hurt. Lucky? Good luck.The Atom Splitter, 300 Ton Splitter

Maurice

 

[Skid Steer Solutions]

Here is one for a Skid Steer if anyone is looking for a similar device. 2" HEX with adapters available.
Eterra Screw Splitter Attachment for Skid Steer Loader | Skid Steer Solutions

 

[powerscol]

How do you keep the log from spinning, and if it gets stuck ( like they skipped in the video), how do you back it out. PTO's do not have a reverse. Looks like a PITA. I too have gotten the tree buts, and just use the chain saw to chunk it apart. Cut slits in the butt end vertically about 2" narrower the the bar length, then did the side cuts working trough the trunk at the lengths that fit my wood stove - then split the slabs to the desired size

 

[Rustyiron]

Look up "the atom splitter" I have one and it works, but is dangerous. I have gone through 4 universal joints and 2 yolks on the 3 point post hole digger. I found a home made 3' log splitter and now use that to process wood for my outdoor wood furnace. I did use it for 2 years and nobody got hurt. Lucky? Good luck.The Atom Splitter, 300 Ton Splitter

Maurice

Now that you have the hydraulic splitter, are you looking to sell the Atom splitter?

 

[mgarofoli]

Not yet. I want to hang on to it in case the other one breaks down in the middle of getting my wood done in the fall.