Wood splitter's Tractor 3-pnt- verses- stand alone splitter's

[deepNdirt]

Hello Folks,
With the recent descussion of another members inquiry about a 3-pnt wood splitters, Rather then chiming in with nothing to add about the topic of his inquiry, I thought I'd start another topic comparing the two types of splitters available as an option,
Pros/cons etc,

Let me start by informing that a few months back I picked up a stand alone wood splitter at a very good deal,
It was actually a gamble if it would work, I bought it on the mans word that it would, The engine was Locked up so there were no way to test it, but for the price of 200 I took a chance,

Here was my idea: I thought I would get another engine ( which I have done so ) get it back going ---> and trade it for a tractor 3-pnt splitter, So! I put it up for trade and got many inquiries, I asked what size tractor they had used them on>? most replied with 30+hp tractors, so I figured it was out of the question for me to try using one with my smaller tractor,

This got me thinking, If I try using a 3-pnt splitter on my 1700 ...first off I'd have to rig it with hydraulic hookups, last time I did this with ( FEL) it cost me a new pump:ashamed:
secondly-- If when using one like this means the tractor has to to run at a very high RPM to produce the GPM needed,
thirdly-- due to runing the engine while sitting stopped, means more hours accumulating on the engine, These extra hours could be use otherwise,
Fourth-- the cost of rebuilding my tractors engine if something happen due to running it hard would surely exceed the cost of replacing a 4 stroke gas engine on a stand alone splitter,
So with these things as food for thought, I decided to keep the stand alone /towable splitter, I've used it twice and so far so good:thumbsup: (No extra hours on my tractor)

Now I would like to know the WHY for having a 3-pnt splitter??

 

[BethelHntr]

Generally 3 point splitters are less expensive when purchased new compared to a stand alone.

 

[winston1]

the "why" for me would be only if I had a tractor with high hydraulic output. I have an old pull woodsplitter that has worked fine for about 27 years. One adavantage of the pull type/self powered is being able to use it vertically and not have to lift the log up split it.

 

[clemsonfor]

Yea the three point ones are much cheaper initially. No additional engine to maintain.

The upside to a stand alone unit is that you dont need the tractor to use it so you can tow it or trailer it to a distant place to use it. And stand it vertically for that 24" plus diameter wood ( some three point units i have see stand verticle but probably cost what a stand alone one does). Your also putting hours on your tractor with a 3pt unit...although there probably hours just above idle with hardly any load on them but still.

And if you ever want to sell it let me know..i am always looking for one.

 

[mus302]

Now I would like to know the WHY for having a 3-pnt splitter??

The why for me is that with a stand alone wood splitter there is more maintenance. It has an engine so it requires oil changes and air filters. It will sit for long periods of time without use, so fuel stabilizer will have to be added to the fuel or shellac will form in the carburetor.

The stand alone splitter also costs more than a 3 point splitter. From what I have seen the stand alone generally costs about $250-300 more for the same size unit.

The 3 point splitters that I have looked at can be used horizontal or vertical.

 

[HEC]

I can't see using a tractor that cost several thousand dollars to run a piece of equipment that a $150 eng. can do just as good . Now moving it from area to area would be a little easier on the back of a tractor if that was an issue .
I liked spliting my wood and puting it right in my fel .

 

[deepNdirt]

I didn't realize the 3-pnt splitter were less cost to purchase than the stand alone, actually I thought were more expensive,
I really havn't done any homework on them, just assuming they were.

I've seen the new tow ones at Tractor supply costing close to 1K for the cheapest ones, Not seen any 3-pnt ones there,
So In this case the value differents turns out to be another good reason I'm thankful I didn't trade even though the one I have is factory built
( Little Giant 27 ton) it must be an older one as it doesn't stand up to split ,

Got to be more reasons to have a 3 pnt splitter than the cost aspect of them, I can't see where mobility would factor in when one can be easily towed while the other is cary by the tractor,

The ability to store them vertically perhaps? in order to save room in a space under shelter, The Horizontal I have must be 8-9 ft. long and takes up quite a space in my shed along side the chipper,

Winston.. I thought of another good reason to have a stand alone, and I'm sure with you having one for 27 years You've had to be hit up a few time to ask to borrow it, wouldn't be so easy to loan out having a tractor on the other end of it,:laughing:

HEC, Because of the size of some logs..towing a splitter into the woods along side of where the log is being cut up isn't a bad idea, and throwing the split into the FEL bucket to get it to the house is even a better idea,:thumbsup: Now to figure out when dumping them they would stack themselfs,

 

[winston1]

This fellow should have a patent on his lift device. Best I have ever laid eyes on. No hydraulics needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D526Ppad5Zc

 

[mus302]

I've seen the new tow ones at Tractor supply costing close to 1K for the cheapest ones, Not seen any 3-pnt ones there,

Tractor Supply has a 3 point splitter on it's website for around $750. Northern has a 3 point splitter for $700 on sale right now. Both TS and Northern have the same size stand alone splitter for around $1000.

 

[clemsonfor]

The Huskee Splitter that TSC puts on sale for around $800-900 every year is the best value in splitters on the market. Its what i would buy were i to buy a new one, hands down. I am a member of tow wood burning forums and i bet more people run that splitter cause of the quality/value than any other spitter onthe market. Also first hand experience from members and it being about as strong as you need it to be and built sturdy unlike those $700 units you see for sale at Northern. There is usually a post yearly when they go on sale.

Also a similar note the stove that is known for the best stove for the money and heat output is the englander NC30, and when it goes on sale at Home Depot can be had in the $800range with free shipping. There is posts every year on both forums letting folks know when the sale happens and what zip code to use to get the best price (zip code you enter to shop has nothing to do with where they will ship it), different areas show you different prices online for the same things on the same website.

 

[KennyG]

Stand alone is probably best for most people which is why they are the bigger seller. I like my 3 point splitter because it's zero maintenance, doesn't take a lot of storage space and the tractor is a lot quieter than those little gas engines.

 

[Buggs67]

My 2 cents.

If you don't put out 11gpm at idle you won't be happy with the speed of a 3 pt splitter. My buddy has the TSC model and his Kubota L3010 doesn't have enough GPM even at high idle to make it nearly as fast as my Northern Tool 22 ton splitter (horizontal/vertical with 5.5 hp Honda). And he had to buy the rear valve and quick connects and hoses. That brings it up to the cost of a tow behind. And it's more versatile than a 3 point. I don't have room in a shed or garage so it lives outside covered (usually) with a tarp. And I've never done anything to my 17 year old Honda engine except change the oil, spark plug and drain stale gas.

 

[winston1]

Stand alone is probably best for most people which is why they are the bigger seller. I like my 3 point splitter because it's zero maintenance, doesn't take a lot of storage space and the tractor is a lot quieter than those little gas engines.

I imagine in the 27 years I have had the splitter I average only 3 cords a year of splitting. I have changed the fluid and filter one time in 27 years on my pull splitter. Is that recommended? Probably not. It uses atf. I change the oil in the engine once a year. That is all I have ever done to the engine other than blow the air filter clean. I changed the suction hose because the old one cracked with age. I can pull it anywhere with my truck. I conclude there are plus's and minus's for either. Buyers choice. :thumbsup:

 

[Msamt]

Can you tow a splitter on public roads? Been thinking of getting one, been wondering if i have to put it in the truck, or just tow it home.

 

[winston1]

I don't know the answer. Probably different from one state to the next. I do tow mine. Here is a thread hashing it out. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/162157-legal-tow-log-splitter.html

 

[clemsonfor]

i think you can tow anything as long as it meets the trailer deffinition, like it either has lights or does not block the vehicle lights, which makes it legal here. Also has highway approved tires.

 

[winston1]

Tractor Supply has a sale for $100 off. Tractor Supply Co. - Enjoy searchingATLogsplittersAndChainsaws

 

[deepNdirt]

Yeah! I received their sales paper this week and see 2 models on sale, I've always wondered why? Never having owned a wood splitter before,
( always borrow one ) Why the higher ton ratting means so much? I know it means has stronger cylinder pressure, But is it really necissary to have one with 28+ ton to split wood, Isn't paying the extra $$ a bit overkill if a lesser unit can do the same job?
Heck my BIL has a cheap electric one I use to kid him about, One day he decide to show me what it could do, he put 18"x18" chunk up on that splitter, It went through it effortlessly, it was rather slow but did split, I kid him no more,

Not that I would go out for one like this, But it would beat slinging an axe/maul at wood for a couple hours,

 

[mus302]

Why the higher ton ratting means so much? I know it means has stronger cylinder pressure, But is it really necissary to have one with 28+ ton to split wood, Isn't paying the extra $$ a bit overkill if a lesser unit can do the same job?

I have wondered that myself. I assume that there are some wood species that are really hard to split and that is why there is a need for higher ton units.

Not that I would go out for one like this, But it would beat slinging an axe/maul at wood for a couple hours,

I spent a couple of hours earlier this evening swinging a maul and a double bit ax on some red oak. I hope this is the last year I have to do it by hand.

 

[grnspot110]

It all depends on your needs! I have a 3-pt splitter that I made for a 1958 JD 520, using the tractor hydraulics:

When I sold the 520 & bought my '04-790 I had to add a splitter valve & long hoses to reach the loader bucket connections. I tie the joy-stick off to the opposite fender with a tarp strap & use the splitter valve.

I bring my wood home from the farm & stack it along the fence about 20' from the woodshed. When I get ready to split, I just park the tractor between & go to work, No, it's not fast, but I work alone & it keeps up with me just fine! As for putting hours on the tractor, I put around 100 hours/year on the 790, another 5 or so/year isn't going to wear it out!

The splitter originally cost me $250 to build with a new cylinder & used iron, the new valve & hoses doubled that. So I now have a whopping $500 invested in it with several years of use!

BTW, I split a lot of my firewood a Gator load at a time with a Fiskar's splitting axe, good exercise & I enjoy it!