Tractor Log Splitter

[otherguy]

What are the advantages or dis-advantages of having a log splitter that can only be used on the tractor vs having a gas powered one?

Thanks

 

[dragoneggs]

Well I will start...

Don't need a tractor with a gas powered unit... thus more portable.
With a tractor you don't have to have another engine to maintain.

 

[Rock knocker]

You can't take it off site
Your brother in law can't take it off site

 

[grnspot110]

I prefer vertical tractor mounted to save having the extra engine to keep up. I originally made mine for a 1958 JD 520 using the tractor hydraulics:

When I sold the 520 & bought an '04 790, I had to add a control valve to the splitter & long hoses to the loader bucket connections:

I tie the joystick off to the opposite fender with a tarp strap & go to work. This isn't fast, but neither am I & I work alone. By the time I get the splits stacked, it's up & ready for the next one. As for hours on the tractor, I put around 100 hours/year on it, the few hours spent on the splitter aren't going to add up very fast! ~~ Lowell

 

[kebo]

Advantages to using a 3pt log splitter:
as mentioned, one less engine to maintain
should cost a bit less since you are not buying another engine, pump, & reservoir
always cool to have one more attachment


Disadvantages:
cycle time will be based on the volume and flow of your tractors hyd pump
will require a rear remote, unless you plumb it from the FEL quick connects
will add more hours to your tractor engine to run it (but that's why we buy tractors!)
as mentioned already, it's not as portable as a standalone log splitter

 

[LouieJunior]

I tie the joystick off to the opposite fender with a tarp strap & go to work.

I read an earlier post about this approach being problematic -- the bungee cord one. Is it okay to do this? I think JJ authored that post. If it works, and doesn't damage anything, I'm in!

 

[grnspot110]

I read an earlier post about this approach being problematic -- the bungee cord one. Is it okay to do this? I think JJ authored that post. If it works, and doesn't damage anything, I'm in!

I checked with the local dealer's shop foreman, as long as the splitter valve is an "open center" valve, no problems! ~~ Lowell

 

[PHPaul]

I have a 3PH splitter. It has it's own PTO pump and is not dependent on tractor hydraulics, so it's MUCH faster. I believe it's also more powerful as it's a bigger pump.

Advantages: No extra engine to maintain. No tires to go flat. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty confident that it's more fuel efficient. With a 20 horse diesel running the pump, it's darn sure more powerful. With the 3PH, I can set it to whatever height is comfortable to work with. Or, lower it right to the ground to set a big round on it. Moving it to wherever is just a matter of hopping on the tractor.

Disadvantages: Initial price was fairly steep but not really bad for the power. It's a bit of a pain to put on and take off. It ties the tractor up when it's in use, but that just takes a little planning.

I usually have the splitter on the back and the forks and grapple on the front. With the tractor and a chainsaw, I have everything I need to turn tree length logs into firewood.

Works for me.

 

[otherguy]

the tractor does have rear remote hydraulics so I can just hook up there, the tractor is 45hp but I don't know the hydraulic flow pressure off the top of my head.

I was looking at the DR 3PH splitter which splits in both directions, so you don't have to retract the head every time, haven't decided on it, just seems like an interesting idea.

EDIT: DR is out, just realized its only 13 ton.

 

[/pine]

I prefer a stand alone splitter so I can use the tractor/grapple/carry-all when I'm processing logs into firewood...