Log Splitter: Log cradle or no?

Any of you guys that have operated the larger log splitters (15 ton and up) with AND without a log cradle/table, how much of a difference does it make?

My little 5 ton has no cradle, but I'm operating it from on my knee's, so it's not that big of a deal, the worst case the splits fall 8" to the gound and I reach over and grab them. But it seems to me if I get a 15 ton or bigger, and I'm at waste level, every split will fall to ground without a table requiring me to bend over and pick up. PLUS, the 1/2 round that needs split again, would be even more if a pain.

Am I right? Do I definitely need a cradle on a new splitter?

I don't have one on my splitter, I use my hands to catch the wood and toss it on the trailer.

Used a vertical/horizontal splitter this past summer that had a cradle setup and I found it was more of a hinderance than an aide.

I'm going to enlarge my small cradle . I don't like picking up heavy splits or even small ones for that matter

For horizontal use a cradle can only help.

Thanks for asking the question. It seems crazy that cradles and/or some sort of work table, if not standard, are at least readily available accessories.

i use mine vertically so I don't use the cradle. horizontal use, I think the cradle is a good idea

As others have said, if you intend to work horizontally, it's a big plus. If you're going at it Dennis style, skip it.

MM, aren't you supposed to be on your way down here to adjust the linkages on my Wheelhorse?

I have 2 splitters. One is huge and horizontal only and set at waist high. It has wings on both sides, plus I built a wooden table so I can slide the round half onto it. I built a boom lift as not to have to lift the rounds onto the table. Recently been getting 3-4 foot logs that I can't get thru this set up. Sooo I bought a Iron and oak and use it vertically. I set the spitter up on railroad ties and bring the blocks to it on my tractor forks with a plate on it. This way I can stand and split,the bending over kills my back. The iron and oak is a quick cycle and works real good. Tim Answer is yes to cradles!

Yes it is, that's the 22 ton Fast Cycle. 16 gpm pump makes it an 8 second machine. Yee HAW!

Now that's what I call working smart! Way to go Tim!

I made a cradle to shoot wood into my boxes and to hold big splits for a second split as needed

Excavator, dig that box, that would work great for the ugly chunks....

Where do I attach the cradle to my splitter??

I like the cradle or a table for horizontal.
I made a table for one side of mine. A bungee holds it on.

Don't worry about it, the Dr.'s and Nurses will take care of the "cradle" attached to your gurney at the hospital,.... when you are in for back surgey to repair the damaged, compressed and painful discs from pounding wood!

I know I will break down soon and buy the toy that will save me, but for now after spending a small fortune on building my garage this is what I can afford and it is much better than that stupid maul, sledge and wedge I was swinging last year.

Don, that quad in the avatar looks awesome!

I have used both with and w/o cradle. I had somebody weld a bolt on cradle for me. Easily removed with 3 bolts. Would not want to split w/o it. Surprisingly it really does not get in the way when I go vertical.

Quad in avatar?

HAHAHA Stupid me....I just realized you meant Quadrafire....I was thinking Quad as in ATV.... sheeeze..

I have a 35 ton Huskee that I use mostly in vertical mode. Sometimes in horizontal for smaller rounds. When I'm doing horizontal I set up my own 'cradle.'
I place two saw horses next to the beam on the 'away' side. I then place a heavy duty half pallet on the saw horses and tilt it slightly toward the beam.
The table does double duty. It holds a bunch of rounds in easy reach for splitting and it catches pieces that need another pass through the splitter.
Works for me and no cost involved.

modified the splitter a bit

I got one from a fellow in Montana off ebay a little while ago. It is built strong and it goes off and on easily. I did about 6 cords with it and it held up great to some big rounds. It looks like he's still selling them (link below). I can recommend it.

I mostly spit vertical now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOG-SPLITTE...S_Outdoor_Power_Equipment&hash=item3f2256e323

That looks like the 33flame table.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOG-SPLITTE...S_Outdoor_Power_Equipment&hash=item3f2256e323