Adding a log splitter to my GC2300

[loulblades]

I am currently in the market to add a log splitter to the 3pt on my 2300. I want one that uses the tractor hydraulics (I am having the dealer add a rear hyd. hookup) because I have enough engines and pumps to take care of as it is.

I am looking at a Sellcom Ramsplitter. If anyone has experience with these or can make other suggestions it would be most appreciated.

Another item to expand my fun. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[loulblades]

After some investigation, I changed my mind. With the pumps on the 2300, I am looking at a cycle time of about 30 seconds (doesn't sound like long but this is for a group project and the 30 seconds would add up).

So I will continue at my current fun level.

 

[cag]

Lou if you do decide to purchase a splitter, have the dealer let you bring it home to try it out, a buddy of mine was disappointed with is, I agree 30 seconds cycle time is way to long...cag

 

[jimmysisson]

Ditto on the LONG wait for splitting or return. I have a home-built splitter with a 4" x 36" ram and a 13 gpm pump run by a Briggs engine. Plenty of power, but lots of wood bolts split apart easy most of the way and don't jump apart. Waiting for the ram to push down to get that one gnarly splinter is boring. I wish for a 15 gpm pump or more just for the fast cycle time. Most small tractors don't have the flow for that. It'd be great to listen to a diesel idling instead of that Briggs wound up, though.

 

[loulblades]

I am currently looking at splitters have their own pump and run off the pto. Of course that pushes the price up.

Timberwolf has one with 6 second cycle time and 17 tons. One of my requirements however is that I am able to set it up in a vertical fashion, which this cannot. Lifting the logs onto the splitter is not appealing to me, especially as time keeps pushin my age up.

Maybe if I could run it inverted...hmmm. That might work. I have seen splitters that fit on the front of Bobcats that are inverted.

I shall continue my search.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Lifting the logs onto the splitter is not appealing to me, especially as time keeps pushin my age up. )</font>

I'm assuming the Timberwolf mounts to the 3PH. Can't you just lower the 3PH & splitter to the ground and roll the logs on it?

 

[loulblades]

Yes the Timberwolf goes on the 3ph. Of course being on the 3ph means you can lower it to the ground level.

Maybe I am just gettin lazy in my "older" age...but I do have some pretty good size logs to split.

 

[Pilot]

I have a stand alone splitter. Considered getting one powered by the tractor, then thought about how that ties up the tractor. I use my tractor to pull a trailer full of logs out of the woods, so a tractor powered splitter would really slow things down--deliver the logs, hook up the splitter, etc. Just food for thought.

 

[loulblades]

If you are trailerin logs out of the woods, a stand alone might be best. I just don't really want another engine to deal with. I already have enough.

Just think though, if you were able to put a log splitter on the front connected into the FEL and have it mounted in an intverted fashion and controlled with the FEL joystick (up/down/close/open). That would be one log splitting machine. (I can dream can't I).

I think I may end up renting one (a vertical unit is $135 for the weekend). I still have lots of other work for the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jim_wilson]

If you want fast cycle times on a splitter you should look at the Super Split Log Splitter . The cycle time is fast enough that you will get tired fast trying to keep up with loading the splitter. They come in gas and electric versions but I am sure something could be rigged up to power one from a hydraulic motor or maybe even somehow off the PTO. My father has had one of these for at least 20 years now and it has split more wood than I can remember and it is still going strong. They are very simple with very few moving parts. The electric ones are very quiet too - you can sit there and have a conversation while you are splitting logs.

 

[imported_MiserblOF]

I am new to the M/F forum here, because I've recently expanded my search for a tractor to include this brand because it was highly recommended by a friend.. Anyway, I was at a Mahindra dealer last year annoying them, and I mentioned a log splitter in connection with a 26 horsepower tractor and they said they flatly don't recommend putting splitters on tractors this small (they were of course referring to those that run off the tractor hydraulics.) They said that they taxed the hydraulic system of these tractors too much, were too slow, and could overheat the fluid and harm the hydraulic system. They recommended just getting a stand-alone splitter, which I would like to avoid because, like you, I already have a large enough engine collection..
Now if they are correct, it seems that a tractor splitter won't make a lot of sense, since running a 40 horsepower tractor to run a splitter would seem to waste an awful lot of fuel, and besides, I don't want a tractor that big. How about just welding a wedge on the step bumper of my old pickup and backing into the logs?

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Rather than get a 40 HP tractor to run the splitter, I would sugest just getting a larger pump and running the pump off the PTO. Even a 10HP tractor should be able to run a very large hydro pump off it's PTO.

Cliff

 

[loulblades]

After looking at the various splitters, I would also suggest using one that is PTO powered versus using the tractor hydraulics (on this size tractor).

Timberwolf has what appears to be a nice unit with PTO drive that requires 16 hp ( http://www.timberwolfcorp.com/splitters/tw3/tw3.htm ) but it will not operate in a vertical position (which is one of my specs).

 

[jeffinsgf]

Have you seen these yet, Lou?

Iron & Oak

Seems to meet all your requirements. Horizontal and vertical use in either PTO or tractor hydraulic drive. Looks like a well built unit, but I did not find cycle times on their web site or in their brochure download.

 

[loulblades]

Yes I have looked at the Iron & Oak splitters. I would be hard pressed to justify the price though($1758). I am preparing to present a front mounted snow blower to the accountant (my better half) and well you know....

 

[mesanders]

I have purchased a 3 point on Ebay for $250.00 . I had to replace the hydraulic hoses which I ran from the joystick control on the FEL , along with the hydraulic cylinder,which I downsized to 3.5 '' instead of four which decreased cycle times a little bit . I still can split whatever I put on it. I only have to run the throttle up about to 1/3 with this setup. And have less than $400.00 in it. You can also pick up a splitter kit from MetKit HomePage If you have a welder you could make this pretty cheap. There is a metal supplier that will help you if you have one in your area Metal Supermarkets Northern Tool has what looks like a decent 3 point splitter also and they have 2 models........ Northern Tool

 

[mesanders]

Here is the one from Northern.......