Tell me about 3PH splitters

Indygunworks · May 9, 2015

Later this year I will be taking down about 40 full size cotton wood, and maple trees, and a few sycamores to build a path through my woods to install my shooting range. This means I will have ALOT of firewood to process. I am torn about log splitters whether I want a 3 point to save a bit of money or not. I have looked at the splitfire 3403 which is a 3ph dual acting, with a 4 way wedge. Looks like I can get that for 2k. I was hoping to spend under 1k, but will spring the money if its REALLY worth spending. The only real reason for going 3ph is because of the extra engine that will need to be maintained. if I buy one with an engine it will be barn kept. Once these tree's are processed I will probably only split a cord or two a year.

The dual action deal seems pretty nice but I am not sure if its worth the extra dough.

Would I be better off to try and buy a used one?

Indygunworks · May 9, 2015

If it matters I will be running this off the accessory port on the Front end loader, which I believe is a much faster pump than the 3ph pump. This is on a 1980 Ford 340

Stonehaller · May 9, 2015

Stand alone units are generally faster, more powerful and you can use the tractor to take wood to and from the splitter. I like my 3 point splitter, but I only do about 2 face cord a year. The 3 point splitter takes up much less space to store in the barn as well. I bought mine used but one in good shape can be hard to find. You might want to look for a used stand alone splitter for your big lot and sell it when you are done. Then you could watch for a used 3 point to handle your low volume after that.

Indygunworks · May 9, 2015

This doesn't seem horrible

Brave 20 Ton 3 Point Tractor Log Splitter - Dual Split TMH2015

although I still think this is at the top of the list.... but 2k? Ouch

Split-Fire Sales Inc. :: 3403 Woodsplitter :: Quality Built. High Performance. Split-Fire - Your Best Choice

CalG · May 9, 2015

I'm splitting today, just in for a bite.

Big maple rounds, the tractor loader has the log tongs hanging out front. I really couldn't get those big ones up without the tractor. A suppose the 3ph unit could be lowered to the ground and the rounds rolled on.

Bent over one way or the other, ;-)

ETA

I have the bottom of the line Timber Wolf TW-P1

The two way splitter might be OK if you have a crew to keep up with loading and clearing, I don't find the cylinder retraction time a limiting element in the process. Besides, a 5 second rest is a good thing.

I should have gotten photos of today's work. Some of those maple rounds were BIG! .. Well, all of them were in fact! ;-)

Four ways are GREAT when splitting 8-12 inch stuff!

Sawyer Rob · May 9, 2015

IF you want the best 3 point splitter by far, then look no further than the Timberwolf TW3HD,

This baby comes with a removable 4-way wedge and has the power to push everything through it,

It's powered by a hydraulic pump on the 3 point, and that's MUCH faster than using a remote or tapping into a loader valve/line.

Fast and has LOT's of power, exactly what I want in a splitter!

It's one of my best buys!

SR

FredH · May 9, 2015

I have looked at the 3 point but went stand alone instead . Increasd maintenance works both ways . Sure you have a extra small engine to maintain , but with 3 point , you have increased maintenance on your tractor . After 10 years , the B & S industrial engine on mine , was running like garbage . Had 3 options , Rebuild Carb. , Purchase New Carb. ( Ironically , the New Carb was only $22 more than the rebuild kit ?? ) , Or What I ended up doing was bought anew engine at Harbor Freight for $100 .
New Engine starts a whole lot easier and runs better . Had to do a little fab work and get a new half coupler to match new engine shaft size , But am Very pleased . I vary in amount needing to split every year , just depends on how previous winter went . Only Thing on splitter I have ever covered was the motor .

Fred H.

Indygunworks · May 9, 2015

I also have a PTO pump already that I use for the Long 119a 3ph backhoe... I could put some quick couplers on that and just use the same pump.... I don't know what its rated for but using it wouldn't be much more difficult than using the tractor remotes, and I wouldn't have to buy any additional hose.