I would like to get a log splitter . Witch do you all think is better hydro for tractor or gas tag along.
wood splitter
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Does you tractor a front end loader on it? If so get a gas pull behind. That if you some big blocks, you can use your tractor and loader to move them around. Thats what we do. We have 2 splitters. A 27ton troybilt and an old 2way splitter. Both with gas motors on them.
A dedicated splitter is the way I would roll. Much smaller, fuel efficient and all around cheaper engine to deal with. There will be a time that you will either want the tractor...or even NOT want the tractor around but it has to be because it is the power plant.
AND...most tractor hydraulic systems (onboard) are low volume/pressure compared to a typical splitter. In most cases the only real way to make a tractor work (well) is a pto driven pump that can produce the pressure/volume needed for good response time. Keep in mind that splitters typically run in the ~2500 psi range with an unloaded volume of 11 to 16 GPM.
AND...most tractor hydraulic systems (onboard) are low volume/pressure compared to a typical splitter. In most cases the only real way to make a tractor work (well) is a pto driven pump that can produce the pressure/volume needed for good response time. Keep in mind that splitters typically run in the ~2500 psi range with an unloaded volume of 11 to 16 GPM.
Agree with the others here. Get a standalone unit, saves the wear and tear on the tractor, easier on fuel, and easier to get into a tight spot if you need to.
+1 on all that's been said.
It's a PITA to swap out an implement just to run a splitter. With a stand alone unit, I can move it by large tractor, lawn tractor, pickup truck, car with tow bar, ATV, and even by hand. Moving it by car/truck comes in handy for splitting at a site off the farm.
It's a PITA to swap out an implement just to run a splitter. With a stand alone unit, I can move it by large tractor, lawn tractor, pickup truck, car with tow bar, ATV, and even by hand. Moving it by car/truck comes in handy for splitting at a site off the farm.
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OK that makes it understandable Ihave a5055E jd with a front in loader on it . I can see where this can keep your tractor freed up
to do orther things . Now what kind of splitter does everyone suggest. Iwill need to split about 4 cords a year.
to do orther things . Now what kind of splitter does everyone suggest. Iwill need to split about 4 cords a year.
The 22-ton DHT or Huskee model would be a good starting point. The DHT has a faster cycle time and a few more upgraded parts. These models operate in both vertical and horizontal (V/H).
From there, you spend more to get more. Log lift, fast cycle times, 4-way (or greater) wedge, more tons, etc. Note that log lifts and multi-way wedges are mostly found on horizontal only splitters like those offered from TimberWolf and American CLS.
If you need speed, look at flywheel (aka kinetic) splitters. The standard for these is set by Super Split.
From there, you spend more to get more. Log lift, fast cycle times, 4-way (or greater) wedge, more tons, etc. Note that log lifts and multi-way wedges are mostly found on horizontal only splitters like those offered from TimberWolf and American CLS.
If you need speed, look at flywheel (aka kinetic) splitters. The standard for these is set by Super Split.
Ram 1500 with an axe...
Minister of Fire
D8Chumley
Minister of Fire
I was going for a Huskee or Dirty Hands entry level 22-ton. I couldn't find a Huskee in my area but Lowe's had the Dirty Hands out front. By phone, I tried 2 Lowe's stores seeing if the manager would match a 20% Harbor Freight coupon. I figured they wouldn't since the DH 22-ton was already on sale for $1k. The first manager said - no dice. But the second manager said he would match the 20% coupon. So I got the 22-ton for $800 plus tax.
I got the Ariens 22 ton, with Subaru engine. Only split about a cord with it so far, but very happy with it..
I'm biased, seeing as I'm in VT and Timberwolf splitters are made here. But I have a TW-P1 and am very happy with it. If I had to get something different, I would get a bigger Timberwolf or a Supersplit. Also, the older DR kinetic splitters seemed to be very nice, but I think they lost some kind of patent infringement fight and their newer models are a lot different. Not sure how they hold up, but for four cords a year I'd consider one.
DR and Speeco took a bath on the first Kinetic series, mostly due to poor quality of materials used and less than adequate QC and no real world testing. Speeco got out completely and DR went back to the drawing board/ MFG sequence to hopefully correct problems. Haven't heard squat about the latest versions from DR.
Bad LP
Minister of Fire
I'm in love with my Super Split. It had Honda power but I converted it to 220 electric. Yes I have resplit some wood in the basement being nice and toasty warm. For me it boiled down to time and how much of it I wanted to waste it running the splitter. Fall is splitting and hunting season.
Not a cheap investment by any stretch but If I had to sell it I know I would retain most of the cost.
As for the DR there was not a lot of savings and I was rather happy to support a New England based company versus some more crap being shipped from god knows where. I believe you do get what you pay for and the money being spent on a SS is not in advertising.
Not a cheap investment by any stretch but If I had to sell it I know I would retain most of the cost.
As for the DR there was not a lot of savings and I was rather happy to support a New England based company versus some more crap being shipped from god knows where. I believe you do get what you pay for and the money being spent on a SS is not in advertising.
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