Wood splitter's Tractor 3-pnt- verses- stand alone splitter's

[KennyG]

Stand alone is probably best for most people which is why they are the bigger seller. I like my 3 point splitter because it's zero maintenance, doesn't take a lot of storage space and the tractor is a lot quieter than those little gas engines.

 

[Buggs67]

My 2 cents.

If you don't put out 11gpm at idle you won't be happy with the speed of a 3 pt splitter. My buddy has the TSC model and his Kubota L3010 doesn't have enough GPM even at high idle to make it nearly as fast as my Northern Tool 22 ton splitter (horizontal/vertical with 5.5 hp Honda). And he had to buy the rear valve and quick connects and hoses. That brings it up to the cost of a tow behind. And it's more versatile than a 3 point. I don't have room in a shed or garage so it lives outside covered (usually) with a tarp. And I've never done anything to my 17 year old Honda engine except change the oil, spark plug and drain stale gas.

 

[winston1]

Stand alone is probably best for most people which is why they are the bigger seller. I like my 3 point splitter because it's zero maintenance, doesn't take a lot of storage space and the tractor is a lot quieter than those little gas engines.

I imagine in the 27 years I have had the splitter I average only 3 cords a year of splitting. I have changed the fluid and filter one time in 27 years on my pull splitter. Is that recommended? Probably not. It uses atf. I change the oil in the engine once a year. That is all I have ever done to the engine other than blow the air filter clean. I changed the suction hose because the old one cracked with age. I can pull it anywhere with my truck. I conclude there are plus's and minus's for either. Buyers choice. :thumbsup:

 

[Msamt]

Can you tow a splitter on public roads? Been thinking of getting one, been wondering if i have to put it in the truck, or just tow it home.

 

[winston1]

I don't know the answer. Probably different from one state to the next. I do tow mine. Here is a thread hashing it out. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/162157-legal-tow-log-splitter.html

 

[clemsonfor]

i think you can tow anything as long as it meets the trailer deffinition, like it either has lights or does not block the vehicle lights, which makes it legal here. Also has highway approved tires.

 

[winston1]

Tractor Supply has a sale for $100 off. Tractor Supply Co. - Enjoy searchingATLogsplittersAndChainsaws

 

[deepNdirt]

Yeah! I received their sales paper this week and see 2 models on sale, I've always wondered why? Never having owned a wood splitter before,
( always borrow one ) Why the higher ton ratting means so much? I know it means has stronger cylinder pressure, But is it really necissary to have one with 28+ ton to split wood, Isn't paying the extra $$ a bit overkill if a lesser unit can do the same job?
Heck my BIL has a cheap electric one I use to kid him about, One day he decide to show me what it could do, he put 18"x18" chunk up on that splitter, It went through it effortlessly, it was rather slow but did split, I kid him no more,

Not that I would go out for one like this, But it would beat slinging an axe/maul at wood for a couple hours,

 

[mus302]

Why the higher ton ratting means so much? I know it means has stronger cylinder pressure, But is it really necissary to have one with 28+ ton to split wood, Isn't paying the extra $$ a bit overkill if a lesser unit can do the same job?

I have wondered that myself. I assume that there are some wood species that are really hard to split and that is why there is a need for higher ton units.

Not that I would go out for one like this, But it would beat slinging an axe/maul at wood for a couple hours,

I spent a couple of hours earlier this evening swinging a maul and a double bit ax on some red oak. I hope this is the last year I have to do it by hand.

 

[grnspot110]

It all depends on your needs! I have a 3-pt splitter that I made for a 1958 JD 520, using the tractor hydraulics:

When I sold the 520 & bought my '04-790 I had to add a splitter valve & long hoses to reach the loader bucket connections. I tie the joy-stick off to the opposite fender with a tarp strap & use the splitter valve.

I bring my wood home from the farm & stack it along the fence about 20' from the woodshed. When I get ready to split, I just park the tractor between & go to work, No, it's not fast, but I work alone & it keeps up with me just fine! As for putting hours on the tractor, I put around 100 hours/year on the 790, another 5 or so/year isn't going to wear it out!

The splitter originally cost me $250 to build with a new cylinder & used iron, the new valve & hoses doubled that. So I now have a whopping $500 invested in it with several years of use!

BTW, I split a lot of my firewood a Gator load at a time with a Fiskar's splitting axe, good exercise & I enjoy it!