Tell me about 3PH splitters

[Sawyer Rob]

I don't do any lifting either... I cut the fire wood logs, into firewood lengths right over my wagon,

Then roll the blocks right onto my splitter,

The splits go right off the end right into 1/2 cord boxes that I can move with my tractor...

My splitter is "self propelled" and my tractor sips diesel at a looow rate, without a little roaring motor in my ear... As for maintenance, i'll do that once a year on my tractor whether I run the splitter with it, or not!

SR

 

[oldpilgrim]

I'm too old and stiff to keep climbing up into and down out of a trailer. I'll sit, thank you.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

That's why they invented stairs... lol It's really no big deal at all...

SR

 

[Will_C]

I understand the idea of not maintaining a separate engine, but the 8 hp Briggs and Stratton I/C motor on the splitter my father made over 35 years ago is still going strong- and that splitter has split some wood- I would conservatively say over 750 cords. Will

 

[Sawyer Rob]

made over 35 years ago is still going strong-
Will

NOW you know why it's still going strong!

SR

 

[TnAndy]

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.

I went with a 3ph splitter initially, didn't like the fact it tied up my tractor, and if you plan to run it off tractor hydraulics, they really are NOT meant to run a splitter....most are just not enough volume to run them very fast. I too was torn about the extra engine factor, so I understand, but in the end I'm glad I converted the 3pt to a stand alone unit. I went with a Tecumseh engine, and same thing....the carb gave me fits after about 10 years, so I bought a Honda GX240, electric start, (and it starts so easy going on 4 years now, I've never used the electric start feature). Briggs and Tecumseh are what us po' folk use until we can afford a Honda.

Run the engine dry when you're done at the end of the year, put fresh gas in it to start the new season, and you won't have a problem.

 

[Indygunworks]

in my case a part of the reason for wanting a 3ph is the cost factor.... no motor = cheaper splitter, or more splitter for the same money..... and then I don't have to worry about as many people wanting to borrow it.

 

[FredH]

20 ton Log Splitter

At $699 , $400 cheaper than the PTO model that was listed . Same engine that I have now . Not a Vertical model , But not sure about the previous listed PTO model going vertical either , ( just did not read it entirely ) . No real maintenence on the motors . Check the oil before use and run it out of gas before shutting off for extended periods of time , ( pretty easy to do since the Predator engine has a fuel shut off ) .
I Thought about a PTO model before I bought my current splitter , had a previous self contained unit that I sold when I switched to a pellet stove for awhile . But as a few others have listed in previous posts and threads , I like the ability to use tractor for other things while spliting wood . Set it up were I need it and leave it there till done .

Fred H.

 

[vsteel]

I went through this as well and what it really came down to is I didn't have the tractor to run it. If you look at the tonnage and the speed you want you will then be able to find out how much PTO power or hydraulic flow you need. I wanted 30 to 35 ton and I found out my little tractor would only be able to do about half or I would have to take 30 seconds each way. I went with a stand alone.

 

[msmith]

I have a 3ph splitter that uses the remote hydraulic valves. My pump is rated 12.8 gpm @ about 2200 rpm. I run it at 11 - 1500 rpm. I got it at tractor supply years ago and I have split many many cords with it. I took the legs off so that I could get it closer to the ground for the big rounds. I also would do something similar to Sawyer Rob and load the rounds in my trailer with the front end loader then level the splitter with the deck of the trailer. I would then roll the rounds right off on to the splitter. There isn't much that it won't go through even at the low rpms that I run it. If you can swing it, go for something like Sawyer Rob has if you go 3ph. I am going pony up and get a Built Rite stand alone. The 11HP model runs a little over $8K. I normally split 15-20 full cords a year.