Unicorn Log Splitter / PTO Driven

[cwarrix]

Anybody ever use one of these? I found a couple on ebay and was thinking about trying to pick one up. Here's the link if you are interested, just don't bid against me /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Log Splitter Link

I just noticed, these were/are made right here in Columbus, Ohio. I've never seen one before. I have seen the ones that hook to a car or truck called a stickler.

 

[Charolais]

OH YEAH!! I had one for about 5 years. That thing will split wood faster than any thing I know of. It can also kill you too! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Have to be very careful with them.

I used mine on a 135 MF diesel. At about 3/4 throttle it'll split faster than three can keep the wood to it. I had it several times to get hung in a BIG piece of wood and choke the tractor out. No big problem with the 135. It had ground speed PTO also. I'd just put the tractor in reverse and unscrew the cone out of the wood.

Biggest danger with wood on this unit is make sure the wood is long enough to rest on the support arm . I've seen short pieces of wood go by that support and then you have a chunk of wood going round and round and will shake the tractor apart or seems like it will before you can stop the PTO.

Next is don't fall on the cone or get your cloths on it.It's fast and you know what that will do just by looking at it.

For small wood you can raise the lift and pile the wood up fast. For large pieces of wood. Just let the lift down and roll the wood up to the cone. Give it a push and watch it split. I've split pieces that were 30" across.

If you buy a used unit check out the tip of the cone. They do wear down. When it's worn down it won't go in the wood without some heavy pushing. When I sold mine it was just about worn out.

I've never know anyone to get hurt using one but again just look at it and you can see the possibilities. So as with everything it has some good and bad.

 

[Highbeam]

There was a thread about the stickler a short while ago with neat pictures. Looks to be about the least safe tool I have ever seen. Mainly because of how the operator gets up close and personal with the bit.

 

[Highbeam]

Just dont stick the tip in your ear hole. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[cwarrix]

Thanks for the info Charolais, I wondered how it would compare with a trditional hydraulic ram type splitter. Looks pretty cool. I know what you mean about being careful though. I mentioned in another thread, I once got my shorts caught in a PHD auger, ripped most of them right off!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Thankfully I had those loose coton shorts on, jeans would have done a little more damage!!

Anyway, I might look into getting one of these to try out if the price is right.

Thanks!
Chuck

 

[XANDROS_user]

Chuck, The Thackery Co. Inc., 1820 Frebis Ave, Columbus, Oh 43206 614 444 6882. Since you are a local boy, could you check a phone book to see if this business is still available?

 

[Inspector507]

Fred,
That number was answered by a Mr. Tucker. That his home phone number. No listing for the Thackery Company.
Southeast Construction now occupies that address.

 

[Charolais]

Yep that little hook on the end is just waiting to grab anything that gets near it.

And yes keep your ear away from the tip. Ear and any other opening of the body. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif This type of splitter doesn't play around. Once it starts to screw in the wood you just hope for the best. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

One more thing I just thought of. After splitting for a while the cone gets hot. I've seen steam come off it in green wood and smoke from dry wood. Green sweetgum doesn't split good on anything but I remember having to cut pieces of sweetgum off the cone. It would screw through it and split but wouldn't split all the way. Knotty white oak was what I stalled the tractor out with. Some I cut around the edge of a field. You get in some of that rough wood and it makes all kinds of noises. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Like I said in the first post. I've never seen anything that splits wood faster. I liked it in good clean wood as it was very fast.

 

[XANDROS_user]

Thank you sir. My info came from a google search. I suspect this unicorn splitter is a discontinued item. It is referenced mostly with antique items such as old ford tractors etc... If a person owned one it would be tough to find replacement parts. Just gonna stand by and listen for further remarks if any.

 

[cwarrix]

I was just checking out the Stickler web site web page . On the main page they say it is the safest splitter you can buy... here is a quote...

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( The "Stickler"...the fastest working, most efficient, convenient, safest and most economical log splitter that money can buy. )</font>

I'm not sure I see the safe part. At least with a ram type splitter, it is only moving while you are pushing the lever, so at least one of your hands is out of the way by default. This thing looks like it moves a lot faster too. I think I'd still like to try one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif