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.