3pt log splitter

Bikewanderer · Jun 3, 2021

I recently sold my gas powered log splitter and am in the market for a 3pt log splitter. It's going on a Deere 3320. I've already installed Power Beyond on it, so it should be an easy thing to use.

I would like a log lift and WOULD NOT LIKE the two way cutting edge. I had been thinking that I would get a timberwolf until I got a case of sticker shock and really don't want the PTO option. I only split a few cords of wood a year, slow is OK. I'm not THAT fast either, and I'm usually picking up wood or getting the next one ready while it's retracting anyway. Budget is up to $2000 but it's not a hard cap. I'm more of a buy once-cry once type of equipment buyer. Problem is that a bunch of the ones I would otherwise be interested in have the two way splitting wedge which I really don't think I want.

Any ideas or recommendations?

WranglerX · Jun 3, 2021

There is already a couple of threads on 3PH log splitters... You may want search them out and read up.... Personally I would have stayed with the stand alone splitter, because it leaves the tractor free to move wood around work area ... Other issues are the GPM and PRESSURE of tractor hydraulics may make a 3PH splitter less efficient t in speed and tonnage than stand alone splitter....

3pt or Stand Alone Splitter

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...

www.tractorbynet.com

dodge man · Jun 3, 2021

I tend to think for the money, you can get into a nice stand alone for that. I don’t know why, but it seems like 3 point implements powered by a tractor cost as much as a stand alone. Log splitters and generators are a good example.

Bikewanderer · Jun 3, 2021

I had a standalone and sold it for a reason. I tend to put it away and not use it for 6 months at a time, it never started for me, needed constant carb work even with non ethanol gas. The tractor gets used all the time. I don't care about the cost of fuel.

Bikewanderer · Jun 3, 2021

DL Meisen said:
There is already a couple of threads on 3PH log splitters... You may want search them out and read up.... Personally I would have stayed with the stand alone splitter, because it leaves the tractor free to move wood around work area ... Other issues are the GPM and PRESSURE of tractor hydraulics may make a 3PH splitter less efficient t in speed and tonnage than stand alone splitter....

3pt or Stand Alone Splitter

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...

www.tractorbynet.com

My question wasn't one of efficiency or whether or not I want a 3pt splitter.

shooterdon · Jun 3, 2021

One of the strongest proponents on this site is Sawyer Rob. I would get his opinion as he uses his a lot.

I would never buy one.

If I only split two cords a year, wanted reliable, and did not care too much about speed, I would look at an electric unit. Some nice units for under $1000.

This is the one I was going to purchase before deciding it made more sense for me to rent a processor:

16 Ton Ram Splitter Horizontal Electric Log Splitter H16-4

This H16-4 Ram Splitter 16 ton comes with a 1.5 HP motor which gives you the equivalent HP to a 5 HP Gasoline motor with out having to pull on a cord to start it. With the high torque of this electric motor, you are not giving up any power.

www.woodsplitterdirect.com

KennyG · Jun 3, 2021

I have a small Northern Tool 3 point splitter and it's been quite good, but they seem to be out of that business now. I would suggest looking at the Brave and Boss splitters. They look good at a reasonable price. Your 3320 has good hydraulic flow so it should handle a 3 point splitter pretty well.

arrow · Jun 3, 2021

Bikewanderer said:
I recently sold my gas powered log splitter and am in the market for a 3pt log splitter. It's going on a Deere 3320. I've already installed Power Beyond on it, so it should be an easy thing to use.

I would like a log lift and WOULD NOT LIKE the two way cutting edge.

Any ideas or recommendations?

When you say "two way cutting wedge", that's standard equipment on all log splitters. The log splits in two pieces. Did you mean a "4 way cutting wedge"?
Also, there are 3 pt splitters that rotate to vertical that may preclude your need for a lift.
Many horizontal 3 pt splitters are pretty low to the ground. Perhaps a simple ramp would do to facilitate getting rounds up there.

I don't know your set up or how large your rounds. There are electric splitters that go to 10 tons. Should just about split any 12" round in two.

arrow · Jun 3, 2021

Bikewanderer said:
I had a standalone and sold it for a reason. I tend to put it away and not use it for 6 months at a time, it never started for me, needed constant carb work even with non ethanol gas. The tractor gets used all the time. I don't care about the cost of fuel.

Most unfortunate. I have a splitter I bought in 1998. It goes a year between start ups and has started for me every time except for once..and then I changed the spark plug. ( 2 yrs ago) Briggs and Stratton and put away run gas tank empty.

KennyG · Jun 3, 2021

The "two way splitter" is a specific design where the wedge has splitting edges on both ends. It sits above the cylinder instead of on the end of the ram and can split in both directions so there is no "return stroke" as such. It's a very efficient design (I have one) but not too common.

ruffdog · Jun 3, 2021

If I had a 3pt splitter, I would want the beam to be able to be lowered right to the ground. That way you can roll the big round onto the beam to split and the pieces are not falling far.

Bikewanderer · Jun 3, 2021

KennyG said:
The "two way splitter" is a specific design where the wedge has splitting edges on both ends. It sits above the cylinder instead of on the end of the ram and can split in both directions so there is no "return stroke" as such. It's a very efficient design (I have one) but not too common.

This is what I'm talking about. This is what is supposed to be a good medium duty splitter...I'm just not a fan of picking up the wood and moving it every stroke. Also, it would only have full force in one direction. I'd just as soon have it retract with the detent valve while I'm repositioning.

Several PTO log splitter seem to have this 2 way blade configuration.

Bikewanderer · Jun 3, 2021

ruffdog said:
If I had a 3pt splitter, I would want the beam to be able to be lowered right to the ground. That way you can roll the big round onto the beam to split and the pieces are not falling far.

This is a good point and one I had not considered. I like the higher height of the 3pt splitter, most splitters are too low for me to work comfortably. Never considered being able to roll it. Maybe I don't need the lift arm, can just use the 3pt to lift the log!

gasman1075 · Jun 3, 2021

I have had both the 3PT splitter ( American ) on a JD 2302R with power beyond and the Timberwolf TW5 with the log lift etc. As I have aged and injured myself splitting wood way too big to handle I went back to a TW-1 with a 4 way removable. I cut the rounds stage them on pallets then place them at the same height as the splitter cradle. I roll them onto the cradle then split and toss. It works for me. I almost lost my left leg when a round of frozen maple popped off the TW5 nd I could stop it or get out of the way fast enough.

RustyA · Jun 3, 2021

I have a Northern Tools stand alone with the two direction splitting wedge. It's my favorite feature on the splitter, save 50% time not waiting for ram to retract. It's all three people can do to keep up with it, it's that fast.

dodge man · Jun 3, 2021

My stand alone splitter also starts even when it sits a long time, even a year sometimes. I owned a Kubota BX before my current tractor and looked at a 3 pt splitter. The splitter was the price of a stand alone or more, than adding the hydraulics was going to add even more cost.

Nothing wrong with three point splitter, if you have a decent size tractor with good hydraulic flow it should work as well as a stand alone.

arrow · Jun 3, 2021

KennyG said:
The "two way splitter" is a specific design where the wedge has splitting edges on both ends. It sits above the cylinder instead of on the end of the ram and can split in both directions so there is no "return stroke" as such. It's a very efficient design (I have one) but not too common.

I understand the dual directional splitter the way you worded it. "Two-way splitter" is more comprehensible to me than "two-way cutting edge" if you're sure that is what the op meant.
I didn't even know they made a 2 way splitter as a 3pt.

MiserableOldFart · Jun 3, 2021

What is it with carburetors today on small engines?? I use non-alcohol gas, add stabilizer, and it seems I'm constantly fixing or replacing carbs anyway. Very frustrating. It's true that they sit around for long periods without getting used, but that's always been the case with my machines, and it's only the past five years or so that carbs are giving me fits.

Alan W. · Jun 4, 2021

Bikewanderer said:
I recently sold my gas powered log splitter and am in the market for a 3pt log splitter. It's going on a Deere 3320. I've already installed Power Beyond on it, so it should be an easy thing to use.

I would like a log lift and WOULD NOT LIKE the two way cutting edge. I had been thinking that I would get a timberwolf until I got a case of sticker shock and really don't want the PTO option. I only split a few cords of wood a year, slow is OK. I'm not THAT fast either, and I'm usually picking up wood or getting the next one ready while it's retracting anyway. Budget is up to $2000 but it's not a hard cap. I'm more of a buy once-cry once type of equipment buyer. Problem is that a bunch of the ones I would otherwise be interested in have the two way splitting wedge which I really don't think I want.

Any ideas or recommendations?

Dont know where your located but a friend of mine has a new Speeco that he wants to sell.
Probably could get it for $1000 from what hes told me. Looks like this one except his is yellow.