3pt or Stand Alone Splitter

Rich B1 · May 9, 2021

I have a Speeco 3PT splitter. All of my wood is cut when it is time to split, so no dealing with logs. I have developed a routine of handling/splitting/stacking that largely negates the speed issue.

A 3PT splitter may not be for everyone, but it works well for me. And no separate engine to maintain

PILOON · May 9, 2021

I DIY'd my splitter.

5 ft channel ($40.00), 24 inch 'dozer lift cylinder ($25.00) and valve ($80.00)
Made it 3 point mounted using my CUT hydraulics.
OK, slowish but fast enough 4 me.

Not that I use it all that much but has served me flawlessly.
I created a linkage/lever return system so that it has automatic return stop.
To split I need to manually position the valve and hold it open. (safer that way)

This is mounted on my 3 point using quick connects 4 hydraulics.
Lots of power! I have cut green 4-5 inch maple into lengths just for fun occasionally.

For sure if I split on a commercial basis it would be a lost cause but was a very satisfactory DIY project.
I have had occasion to compare usage to a factory splitter as well as a commercial screw type and surprisingly my DIY holds its place with pride.

3 point does have advantages, you can re position easily as the stock of rounds diminish and/or the splits get in the way.
Downside is hefting any huge/oversized rounds. (huge is rare around here)

I made it at the time mainly to prove that I could but then it merely cost me more than a few rentals would have.
LOL but I don't heat with wood anymore.

dodge man · May 9, 2021

This is my setup. It’s a 15 ton and about as cheap as you can get in gas powered. Maybe $700. It has a Honda clone engine and other than mice eating the wiring once has been trouble free. It has always split anything I’ve thrown at it, no matter how twisted and knotty.

ruffdog · May 9, 2021

Here is a good video by Messick's that discusses if you should buy a splitter for your tractor.

MossRoad · May 9, 2021

ruffdog said:
Here is a good video by Messick's that discusses if you should buy a splitter for your tractor.

Good to see the salesman giving a good pro-con list.

grsthegreat · May 9, 2021

Mines vertical. I back into pile of rounds and go at it. Very little lifting of rounds

PJohnson · May 9, 2021

These are all very thought provoking responses. Thank you very much!

grsthegreat · May 9, 2021

PJohnson said:
These are all very thought provoking responses. Thank you very much!

That’s what we like to do...confuse people

KennyG · May 9, 2021

This is a very individual issue. It's pretty clear that a stand alone works best for most people and that is why they outsell 3 point units by a large margin, even among tractor owners. However, I would never give up my 3 point splitter. Because it's a two way splitter with a relatively small cylinder it works with my small tractor and is just right for the way I work and the 3 or 4 cords a year I split.

Firefighter Kubota · May 10, 2021

I love my 3 point splitter... Running a powerhorse on my Kubota B series... Its a dual direction splitter , which makes up for the slower speed. Handles 18" logs, perfect for my stove...

On the three point mount I can adjust the height, and it's one less engine to worry about / maintain especially with all the E85 fuel...

I've had it for 12 years... And wouldn't change a thing..

Hoho223 · May 10, 2021

PJohnson said:
Folks - Looking for hands on experience with 3pt splitters
Weighing the benefits of one less engine to maintain, cost comparisons, etc. What experience can you share?
An option I considered is workflow. If I have a standalone splitter - I can cut, chip, and split in series instead of swapping out machines.

Have you found the 3pt which is about the same money as a stand alone to be a better choice?
i was looking at a northern tool 3pt (item# 11965) for $779,but it is no longer available.
The units below range from $950-$1,200 with 16-20 ton psi.

I am running a MF GC2310. My two other attachments are a backhoe and a chipper. My need for splitting is small 1-2 cords a year for the firepit and homestead cleanup (2 1/2 acres).

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

PJ

Boss Industrial 16 Ton 3 point splitter-3PT16T21

Order Boss Industrial 16 Ton 3-Point Log Splitter today from woodsplitteroutlet.com & receive free liftgate truck delivery. Fast shipping!

www.woodsplitteroutlet.com

16 Ton Tractor 3 Point Log Splitter (3PT16H)Default Title

Our 16 ton 3 point log splitter attachment for tractors are perfect for the small tractor owner.

www.woodsplitterdirect.com

I have a Bobcat CT120 (20hp) and I bought a DR splitter. It had a good travel time and it split everything I put on it. I really wanted one of the Tractor Supply ones but they discontinued them. I had the DR for a couple of years but it didn’t help me like I wanted it too. Also had to make a stand for it when it wasn’t hooked up.

KennyG · May 10, 2021

Firefighter, I have the same splitter on my JD 2320. For me it's ideal. Unfortunately, Northern Tool no longer sells that model, or even any 2 way splitters. I really don't understand why the 2 way splitters are not more common. I did a little searching and Brave still makes one but there aren't many choices.

Sawyer Rob · May 10, 2021

My wife loves to run the splitter and that's a BIG plus,

We can let the splits fall off the end, or split into boxes that I build and move with a tractor, and that means handling the wood one less time.

SR

kpsp50 · May 10, 2021

I had a stand-alone log splitter got tired of working on the engine every year to split wood built my own 3-point log splitter over 20 years ago and I'm very happy with it it splits anything that you put into it I prefer a 3-point over top of a stand alone just make sure it splits wood away from the tractor

Flad · May 10, 2021

If you don't need the wood for domestic heating , only for a fire pit or clean up cut your rounds shorter why spend money on a 3pl log splitter spend the money on a 4 in 1 bucket that way you can grab and hold your logs or branches at a comfortable safe work height and cut shorter lengths for your fire pit it would be faster as well as less handling not to mention far less stress on your back. you will find a 4 in 1 bucket will be a far better investment with year round uses.

goldenwings · May 10, 2021

Ive always burned wood as my only heat source. Started with a Stihl splitting maul and twisted wedges for the really big stuff. This was splitting roughly 3 to 4 full cords yearly. Eventually we aquired and outdoor wood boiler, and heating a lot more (garage/greenhouse) and I just cut everything into rounds that I could toss in there (10+ full cords). This was not the most efficient for drying so ended up having this same 3pt vs stand alone dilema for the same reasons.

I went the 3 point route and regretted it pretty quickly as it is unreasonably slow on a JD 2520 even at WOT. I ended up going a couple years worth like this wishing I had gone stand alone. Came across a free 7.5HP electric motor (I dont want another single cylinder small engine, they are all pretty terrible even on their best days with ethanol free fuel always, as they lack any real torque). I wish the motor I came across was 3450 and not 1750 RPM as i had to make a jack shaft for this setup, but its now unstoppable (have added an 12V fan/hydraulic cooler with a PID controller and a belt guard since photo). I purchased a 2 stage pump and lovejoy coupling and this thing rarely goes to the high pressure stage even for the gnarliest/crotch/stump (insert any north american hardwood here as ive split most).

Since this time as mentioned above, for this quantity even a stand alone splitter doesnt suffice and I now use a Halverson firewood processor that I modified to fit my Bobcat E42 and process that 10-12 full cords in a weekend.

jkahan · May 10, 2021

I use a DR RapidFire (kinetic) splitter -- game changer in terms of speed but a little more "high touch" (ie. maintenance) than a hydraulic one; the speed(especially the recoil speed) is noticeable. 7 years old and running well --

fishdrivel · May 10, 2021

PJohnson said:
Folks - Looking for hands on experience with 3pt splitters
Weighing the benefits of one less engine to maintain, cost comparisons, etc. What experience can you share?
An option I considered is workflow. If I have a standalone splitter - I can cut, chip, and split in series instead of swapping out machines.

Have you found the 3pt which is about the same money as a stand alone to be a better choice?
i was looking at a northern tool 3pt (item# 11965) for $779,but it is no longer available.
The units below range from $950-$1,200 with 16-20 ton psi.

I am running a MF GC2310. My two other attachments are a backhoe and a chipper. My need for splitting is small 1-2 cords a year for the firepit and homestead cleanup (2 1/2 acres).

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

PJ

Boss Industrial 16 Ton 3 point splitter-3PT16T21

Order Boss Industrial 16 Ton 3-Point Log Splitter today from woodsplitteroutlet.com & receive free liftgate truck delivery. Fast shipping!

www.woodsplitteroutlet.com

16 Ton Tractor 3 Point Log Splitter (3PT16H)Default Title

Our 16 ton 3 point log splitter attachment for tractors are perfect for the small tractor owner.

www.woodsplitterdirect.com

I have used both. The stand alone allows me to use FEL to carry logs o the splitter at the height of the splitter. I don't have to pick up logs, just roll onto splitter. Once split, the split wood goes straight into the bucket to tranport to where I want it. I'm too old to be doing things the hard way. Stand alone with Honda or Robin engines all are very reliable starters with very little effort and very little maintenance.

oldpilot · May 10, 2021

I bought a hydraulic log splitter from Sears (!) nearly 50 years ago and used it with great success on my father-in-law's International Harvester 28 horsepower tractor, which I then inherited and moved to our new home. I can't believe a stand-alone would have lasted half a century. Last year the IH died and I bought a Mahindra and paid about a thousand dollars to have the hydraulics added to the rear. (I think the original setup was about $250!) Haven't tried splitting with the Mahindra yet (probably this fall) but I have no reason to doubt that the splitter will last longer than I will.

It's really great to be able to split wood in the woods, so the mess stays out there on site.

Industrial Toys · May 10, 2021

3ph, motor driven, I never liked any of them. So I built one I liked. Aside from the auto cycle and length selection, I especially like the ease of storage, I can wheel it around by hand and attaches to SS mount in a minute or less. Plus the quiet of the Loader engine sitting at Idle. Probably the last splitter for me.