Log Splitter

[SPaulsen]

I have a Kubota 3430 HST. I am interested in purchasing either a 3pt log splitter or stand alone self powered unit. Anyone have any experience in this area? The use will be for personal firewood - 3-5 cords a year. In regards to 3pt, what brand/model. If stand alone, same question. There are a lot of brands out there....hard to know what is good and not so good. I am interested in something that will last without any problems. I dont mind paying for quality equipment long as it is not gold plated when silver will do fine. I have read past posts in regard to this topic, but still have questions. thanx

 

[MarkV]

You will get different opinions on this one. Some prefer a stand alone so that the tractor is free to move material during a splitting session and some prefer a 3pt unit so they don’t have another engine to maintain. Also with a 3pt unit you need to be able to tie into the tractor hydraulics at a rear remote or tie into them at the loader valve. If you are not already set up for remote hydraulics be sure to price out what it will take before deciding.

I use a 3pt Bushhog splitter and even though Bushhog no longer makes splitters most brands are very similar. Generally the stand a lone units will have faster cycle time but you have a large enough tractor with enough hydraulic flow so that may not be an issue. Mine is a horizontal unit only and I would look for a vertical unit or one that could go either way if I were shopping today. The problem with the horizontal unit on a smaller tractor was that the 3pt set the unit lower than I would like to save the old back. My solution was to mount the splitter on a stand and add longer hydraulic hoses so the tractor pulls up to the splitter with a load; I plug in the hydraulics and split at a comfortable height. As I split I stack the wood on a pallet, unplug the tractor and move the pallet to the main wood storage area.

I don’t have any brand recommendations but I think that both Northern and Tractor Supply sell both 3pt and stand a lone units.

MarkV

 

[SPaulsen]

Thanks Mark. You make some good points to consider.

 

[rozett]

I prefer a stand-alone splitter so that the tractor is available to move logs, clear debris, and load my trailer while still splitting wood. I don't know the specs of the hydraulic pump in your tractor, but many CUTs have difficulty supplying enough volume to make the 3pt splitter cycle time reasonable.

I looked at a lot of splitters. Timberwolf seems to be the standard to measure all other splitters against. But you pay dearly for the best. I chose to buy a Yard Machines (MTD) splitter with 6.5 HP and 26 ton capacity. I bought mine slightly used (for $800), but the big box stores sell a similar splitter for about $1300. I have split almost 100 cord of oak/maple/ash this year and have had no problems. I am very happy with the choices I made regarding the splitter and would recommend the same to others.

 

[bobholland]

You've researched the arguments for standalone and PTO so I won't debate that. I bought a BRAVE standalone from Bailey's of California. It cost $1500 with "free" shipping. I did upgrade to the "industrial" Honda motor that was $200 more. Very nice unit and made in the USA. I talked to the engineers several times at BRAVE before I made the purchase and they were helpful and friendly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jcp]

I've been using a 20 ton MTD standalone for about seven years splitting 6 - 8 cords/year. It has run problem free and the neighbors borrow it a few times a year. I'm splitting already dry oak, black birch and cherry without problem. In this area, numerous outlets offer similar units for about $1000. It can be used either horizontally or vertically but I've always used it vertically. Seems a lot easier on the back. The minimum maintenance on the B&S engine is less than tying it into the tractor would be.

 

[SPaulsen]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the input. My tractor puts out 8.3 gal min, 13+ including the steering. You are right, having the tractor free is a plus. All of the Timberwolf's are very nice. I am going to look closely at the various stand alones you recommended. Best regards

 

[Youare]

My vote is for the stand alone, which is what I purchased. The 3PH style seemed like they extended a long way behind the tractor, I would be prone to backing into something with it or wiping out something not paying attention when making turns in close quarters.

I bought a SuperSplit, which is the solid gold unit. However, I felt it was worth the money because of the solid features, cycle times, and resale value of this machine when my wife needs to sell it after I'm done with it. It's also just the right working height to be very kind to your back and has a nice size work table.

The work table fits right into the back of the trailer I haul wood in so once split it falls into the trailer, or if I decide to split it as I unload the trailer there is no extra bending and lifting.

Time was an important factor and the SuperSplit is the fastest thing next to a wood processor. The TimberWolf was my second choice, I'm sure all the others mentioned will and have done just what they were expected to do. Which ever unit you look at walk up to it and stand in the operating position for a good two minutes and see how your back feels.

Randy

 

[bczoom]

SPaulsen,

One of the biggest things for me when choosing a new stand-alone splitter was the work environment.
When the splitter is in the horizontal position, like others said, make sure the height is correct so you're not bent over.
When I was checking them out, I found varying degrees of how large and comfortable the work area was. Some had the axle set so far back it was difficult to get the log into place. I also found most with fenders (although removable) were an issue. They hurt the shins when you bump into them.

EDIT - I ended up with a Speeco

 

[markie61]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When the splitter is in the horizontal position, like others said, make sure the height is correct so you're not bent over )</font>

One of the best reasons for a 3PH splitter - you can adjust the work height to your comfort and to the terrain. That, and they cost less than $600.

Mark

PS I liked the MTD-built ones just fine in the standalone category. They seemed like they'd do my dozen cords of wood per year without any problem.

 

[bczoom]

Mark,

Agreed (on being able to adjust with the 3PH). I think most of the new stand-alones are at a much better height. I bought a new splitter a couple months ago because my old (horizontal only) unit was only about 10" off the ground. My back just couldn't take it any more.

As to which is better (3PH vs. stand alone) has been kicked around quite a bit with no concensus. I think it came down to personal preference.

SPaulsen,

You said "I have read past posts in regard to this topic, but still have questions."
The past posts should cover the pros/cons of 3PH vs. stand-alone. For "still have questions". Any questions in particular?

Brian

 

[SPaulsen]

When looking into the subject of 3pt splitters in addition to looking at various models, it is difficult to calculate the performance ie tons of force and speed of the cycle. My knowledge of hydraulics is less than basic. All I know is that the hydro pump forces the oil at pressure to make things happen. My tractor is rated at 27.5 hp at the power take off and 34 at the engine. The stand alones pretty much provide all the performance specs. All of this is new territory for me which means basically I know nothing about these things other than they are supposed to make wood splitting easier. I really appreciate everyone's input. Your experience / knowledge is valuable to me in making a decision.

 

[BigEddy]

I'll try to provide a few basics on tractor hydraulics. I apologize if some of this is obvious - it wasn't always to me.

The pump will put out fluid proportional to the speed of the engine, and the pressure will rise to meet the load applied to it. No log - low pressure - tough log - high pressure up to the relief valve setting on the tractor. HP required depends on both volume and pressure - rule of thumb is 1hp per gpm @ 1500psi.

My tractor can pump ~5gpm at up to 2000 psi +/-. That is at 3250 rpm (PTO spd). This can apply up to roughly 7hp load on my 24hp tractor - but that is all the power that can be used given the size of the pump. If I slow down to 2000 rpm, I'm now only putting out 3 gpm and at up to 2000 psi can use only 4 hp.

As the tractor pump is a single stage pump, it can only put out 5gpm loaded or not, so there is no fast return cycle. At 3gpm (2000rpm) and a 3" cylinder, that equates to about 15 sec each way, 24 sec for a 4", the same as your standard 5hp splitter in "low speed" mode. Not real fast, but not sure it matters either, as I'd be dealing with the split log and getting a new one while it is returning.

Splitting force is determined by the pressure and the cylinder size and is irrespective of the pump gpm. Any 3" cylinder will put out 7tons at 2000psi, any 4" 12 tons. The only 2ways to get more force are to use a higher pressure or a bigger (slower) cylinder.

The advantages of the standalone solution in my mind are.
*Ability to use the tractor
*2 stage pump with faster return and initial advance.
*Separate engine sized to the pump requirements and hopefully more efficient as a result
Disadvantages are
*Separate engine to maintain
*Gas versus diesel
*Cost
*Something else to tow with you

Personally - I still use the 8lb splitter - but I've given a lot of thought to what I would like to end up with.
Big Eddy

 

[rozett]

You can get a ballpark for the force by finding the hydraulic cylinder size on the splitter and the maximum hydraulic pressure out of the pump (or more appropriately the pressure relief valve) on your tractor. The force would be the pressure times the area of the cylinder. Area of the cylinder would be pi times the radius (of the cylinder) squared.
Force= (3.14 x diameter/2 x diameter/2) x Pressure

The cycle time is a function of the flow rate of hydraulic pump on your tractor. The splitter specs should specify the minimum flow rate required or better yet, the flow rate for a specific cycle time. The higher your pump flow rate (over that minimum) the faster your cycle time. If you could find the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder, then you could calculate the cycle time. It would be the volume of fluid required [area of the cylinder (pi R squared) times the stroke length] divided by the flow rate of your pump.
Tc = ((3.14 x diameter/2 x diameter/2) x stroke) / flow rate

Flow rate is usually in cubic feet per minute. So you would want to convert volume to cubic feet and flow rate to cubic feet per second (by dividing it by 60).

Sorry if that's too much info.... it's the engineer in me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SPaulsen]

Thanks, both you and Big Eddy did a nice job explaining. I am thinking if I did go with a 3pt, I would do a pto version instead of running off my tractor's hydraulics. The main reason is having the quicker cycle times. I am looking primarily at Timberwolfs and Braves in this area. I am going out to my Tractor dealer today to see what the Rankin is all about. I am also going to rent a stand alone today and determine if I might be better off just purchasing a stand alone. Again, thanks to you all for your input. Steve

 

[SPaulsen]

I purchased a Rankin 3pt splitter today. The one I purchased has a 20 ton capacity and can be vertical or horizontal. Power is from the tractor hydraulics - open center. I waivered between the stand alone version, but finally took the bite and purchased the 3pt. My dealer will install the plumbing with quick connects that match my tractor. Delivery is expected in a couple of days. I hope to be splitting wood this weekend. I will let everyone know how the performance is. I was disappointed in the Timberwolf folks. Their website states to email them for prices/info. They still havent responded to my inquiry. Oh well!

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I purchased a Rankin 3pt splitter today. )</font>
Do you mind sharing the price with us? Thanks, John

 

[SPaulsen]

No problem. $880. My dealer told me if I wasnt happy with the splitter to just return it and he would just sell it as a used unit. He has always been good to me on any of my purchases. I had the opportunity to purchase a more expensive stand alone (1600.00) from him and he thought I would be more happy using the 3pt. Since I was feeling the need for retail therapy, I chatted with him about buying a larger kubota. He quickly said, "no" stay with the one you have. I have to appreciate a person who runs a business like this and looks at the bigger picture of customer service and return business.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( No problem. $880. My dealer told me if I wasnt happy with the splitter to just return it and he would just sell it as a used unit. )</font>
Thanks. Isn't it great to have a good dealer? Mine is like yours, always willing to help and not push things you don't need. I was thinking of getting the less expensive splitter from TSC, but don't know anyone who has one. Can anyone report? John

 

[GareyD]

John, I have the 3pt TSC splitter on my L3430...as far as power..if you load it, it will split...have split cured 26" dia. sweet gum, no problem.

As far as speed, I have used faster splitters, but since I mostly work alone I have found that it will split and return faster than I can off stack the splits and load another length!!!

I hooked mine up to the rear hydraulics with 25 foot quick connect hoses...leave the splitter settin at the wood shed, carry the logs in on the forks and saw to length at the splitter

Works good enuff for me /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

GareyD