Log splitter options - 52 TEA20

motorv8N · Sep 13, 2009

Need a splitter for some occasional light duty work (re-splitting existing bigger chunks) and would like to make use of the tractor as opposed to buying a smaller free-standing unit.

What are the options? Is it possible to tap into the internal hydraulics (and if so, how)? PTO-driven only? Other? Quick cycle speed isn't really a necessity.

Ideas welcome!

John (UK) · Sep 13, 2009

You can tap into the hydraulic supply easily. When you get the machine, if you email me and tell me all about it I will be able to tell you how to do it. There is more than one way of doing it depends on the machine you buy....John
[email protected]

Klaus · Sep 13, 2009

Hi motorv8N.
I Just bought myself a so called Hycrack. A clever made British device. Driven by the PTO. I just fitted it onto my tractor. It just ripped through a pile of knotty dry oak I had.
Klaus

Hycrack in action

Anonymous-0 · Sep 13, 2009

I have 2 of these types, made in USA about 1979.

Jeff-oh · Sep 14, 2009

The Hydraulic log splitters commercially available at TSC do not save you much money for the PTO operated ones. I'd think the flexiblity of the independent engine makes up for the extra few $100.00. That's my opinion.

Now, a farmer friend of mine built his own out of a scrap "I" beam and welded up a follower, knife, and ram plate. Installed an off the shelp piston connected to the tractor and done.

Now If I could only weld.......

Jeff

Fred Hart · Sep 14, 2009

i would set down and do a cost review before i put a lot of money and time in building a wood splitter to be used on a 20.

i have a small 8hp trailer unit splitter, can pull it where you want, unhook and use tractor to pull logs or trailer fire wood away.

hyd system on a 20 may power a wood splitter, but it will have a very slow cycle.

the splitter (2 stage pump) is what allows a 8hp motor to run a hyd ram at speed then slow down to split the wood,

I have been very satisfied with my small trailer splitter. It is a Brave brand and I have had it for over 20 years, still runs like a top and will work you into the ground. (it never gets tired)

Ron in NS · Sep 15, 2009

Again, after seeing a friend almost lose his leg to a corkscrew type splitter, I'd stay away from one of these.
The tag along types with stationary engines driving a hydraulic pump are still my recommendation.

motorv8N · Sep 16, 2009

Thanks, gents -- I appreciate the feedback.

I have seen the Hy-crack in action on youtube and was impressed by how well it seems to work. I'm am, however, nervous enough about my spinning pto without adding a threaded spike to the end of it. :shock:
While it has some good safety features in the form of relatively short length and deep table, compared to others of the type I've seen, it still concerns me.

The cost benefit analysis between a stand-alone and a tractor-powered one is probably a worthwhile effort, but I'm cheap enough to hope that I can find something old, used and cheap.

It would be fun to make one though, however I'm with you Jeff -- no welding skill or equipment.

I'll be sending you that email, John -- thanks.

Log splitter options - 52 TEA20

motorv8N

Member

John (UK)

Well-known Member

Klaus

Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Jeff-oh

Well-known Member

Fred Hart

Member

Ron in NS

Well-known Member

motorv8N

Member