wood splitter

[totouchantler]

Can anyone give me an honest recommendation for a wood splitter. I'm not sure if I want a three pt or a tow behind. What should I look for as far as a ton ratting and HP for motor if not recommending a three pt. I burn about 20 face cord a year. Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[coolreinfarm]

I have a 3 point from TSC, it was cheaper than a tow behind and I don't have to maintain another engine and hydraulic system. It will out split me which isn't saying much since I have been splitting wood for 46 years. It's connected to a L3240. Happy shopping!

 

[civilian]

Dad and I have been splitting 20 face cord each for over 30 yrs. He started with a 2 pt splitter behind a JD MT. Its hydraulics were not enough. So a 8hp used engine, coupling, pump and wheels were installed. Engine rebuilt a few times and finally replaced with a new engine. We always had loggers cords (102" long) delivered which works for his length of wood, 6 pcs at 17". I burn with an outdoor boiler which could take longer pieces. 102" cut with 3 cuts makes the pieces too long for the boiler, 4 pieces at 25/26" would work, but the splitter cylinder has a stroke of 24". Darn! So I cut 20" for 5 pieces. But the take away is what length of wood do you need to burn, and make sure the splitter can handle it. As far as 3pt or separate unit, which engine would you rather have a lot of hours added to it. I would rather run a $600 8hp engine than a $10,000 tractor engine. Yes another piece of equipment to deal with.

 

[4570Man]

According to your profile you don't have a tractor. That sounds like a pretty easy choice. I prefer a stand alone splitter. It wouldn't bother me a bit to use my B7200 to power a splitter with a PTO pump, but that tractor will probably be sold in the future. I need my other tractor handling wood not driving a pump. I paid $3000 for my B7200 and if only driving a pump that little diesel would last way longer than four $800 dollar motors. I don't know that $800 will even buy a comparable HP motor. I would hate to rack up needless hours on my much more expensive lower hour tractor, but it wouldn't bother me if the B7200 ran 12 hours a day. Since my other splitter got stolen I'm going to build another one. It will be stand alone with a big enough motor to pump about 20 GPM. It will also be vertical only with a log lifter.

 

[oosik]

When I used wood for heat I had a stand alone splitter. It was a 25 ton Didier. I needed the tractor to pull the wood trailer back to the wood shed. I would just leave the splitter out in the field and only bring it in when all the wood was split.

I'm 100% Ponderosa pine here and some of the knotty rounds really gave the splitter a work out. Most of the pine I fell was 26" to 32" with an occasional one up to 38".

 

[Huskerfan]

In a one tractor setup, I'd consider NT's Northstar 37 ton with 4 way splitter. Built like a tank with an easy starting Honda engine. Park it after towing it to the site, than use your tractor and fel to pull the trailer with split wood and the fel with pallet bucket to bring the logs to splitter. The pallet forks can then be used as a platform to cut your logs to the right length with a chainsaw before splitting.

 

[Ed of all trades]

In a one tractor setup, I'd consider NT's Northstar 37 ton with 4 way splitter. Built like a tank with an easy starting Honda engine. Park it after towing it to the site, than use your tractor and fel to pull the trailer with split wood and the fel with pallet bucket to bring the logs to splitter. The pallet forks can then be used as a platform to cut your logs to the right length with a chainsaw before splitting.

I too like the Northern Tool splitter. Had a twenty ton and liked it. Sold it when I moved to a place that I did not need it. Bought another one when I needed a splitter. To me they are much better than the Happy home owner splitters for the same money. Ed

 

[civilian]

I don't know that $800 will even buy a comparable HP motor.

I should note that $800 engine was bought prior to 2002 and is still running today. Jon

 

[4570Man]

I should note that $800 engine was bought prior to 2002 and is still running today. Jon

I meant an engine comparable to the HP of my B7200 which is 17 hp. And even at $800 I believe my little diesel will still run long enough to provide a lower $ per hour operating cost. Not to mention the diesel will burn less fuel than a cheap gasoline motor which would be a substantial difference over the course of several thousand hours.

 

[JRobyn]

Wife and I really like her 22ton ELECTRIC. Built identical to similarly rated gas or 3-pt, just with an electric motor. It NEEDS a solid 20A circuit and a HEAVY 12g extension cord if you MUST use an extension (not recommended).

LS22E Timber Brute Eco Split - 22 Ton 12 Volt Electric Full Frame Log Splitter - Swisher

But we like the quiet and not having yet another small engine with ethanol/carburetor problems every year. Street price is about $1500.