Skid steer/loader splitter

[Crhall]

Anyone ever run these? How do you like them. After watching my guys wrestle around big hunks of wood to the gas powered splitter we have, then manhandling the chuck after each stroke. I'm looking into a skid loader mount splitter. We have 2 new hollands so I already have a machine, just the investment of the attachment I would get into, Most chunks are 18" diameter or above. the smaller stuff I could still use the small splitter. Now with another farm we have set up for OWB im going to need even more wood. This would all be for our own use, not selling. Just trying to make things easier and more efficient for my guys. From the vids I've seen they work well. And being able to split over top your pile or dump trailer is awesome as we split them pretty large pieces for the outdoor burners. My guys are pretty darn good operators, but if this is too awkward to use, I can see it being a pain as well. What are your thoughts?

[LAZERDAN]

Nope:  This is the CATs butt.  I would not be without mine.  You will not be disappointed. I don't run the 4way wedge.  would be ok if all your wood is perfect.  Mine is not.                   Lazerdan

[NWP]

I built one. Works great. I use it to quarter big pieces and then split them on down with the processor. I would recommend one.   Mine just has a single wedge. I think that is probably the way to go versus the 4 way. On the large pieces you'd use that on, it wouldn't quarter it but would just take off the top 3-4"

[Crhall]

Thanks for the feed back guys! I hear a lot of people have mixed feelings about this. One comment I always hear is, "why wear your skid loader out on this" Well for one, that why I own loaders, to use, not to sit and look at. for two, Doing this with it is ten times easier on it than the stuff I normally do with it, trust me, These things get ran hard and are used on the farm!

[Ivan49]

 A friend of mine built one several years ago and the wood he gets is all oak most being 24 to 30 dia. He makes short work splitting it after he made it  He cuts all his wood 24 inches long. I agree with you on using your Bobcat to split wood with I am the same way I bought mine to use not to sit and watch me do the work. If it wears out I will get another one

[Crhall]

Really leaning toward this, just need to figure out what one to get. Price ranges are from $1500-$3500. I found one that had interchangeable wedges, 2way, 4way, etc.. Its kinda nice.

[sam-tip]

I use the TM splitters for my boiler wood.  Works great for boiler size wood pieces.  Not so good on making fire place wood.   I like the single wedge unless you have perfect wood.  I would highly recommend the viewing window on the TM pro.   I had the warrior series but could not see the wood because of the beam.   He does take trades so ask about a used one.   My first TM was a used splitter.  The 4 and 5 ft diameter logs make lots of wood fast with a skid splitter.

Work smarter with equipment not harder.

[Oliver1655]

I have seen Sam-tips's TM pro splitter in action & have to agree, the gap between the two channel irons which allow you to see is much handier then having an "I" beam in the way.

[chuck172]

I see these splitters are used with skid steers, how bout regular tractors with the ssqa front loader. Any problems with manuverablility?

[Raider]

I have used one for 4 years. I have one that runs the width of the skid loader. I used one for two years that was like in the picture. there are pro-con with both. I have a 7810 Gehl not a problem with flow or power. I split 30" plus Red Elm (dead no bark). Stoped it twice with a Red Oak three limb crotch 25". But could work it down and got it split. Cylinder is 30" with 5" bore 2 1/2 shaft. Almost bomb proof.  Raider

[Windy_Acres]

that why I own loaders, to use, not to sit and look at

If you have money to set on fire, let-r-rip ! Id own one, but beings that Im the head mechanic, and accounts payable on the farm, the CFO in me, will not allow for such. Have you ever paid for, or performed any powertrain related repairs on your loader ? It gets hairy scary fast.

If your making too much money, and buy a new machine every couple years, then I would probably do it. If your cheap, and hold onto your stuff until you ring out every last penny, the math tells me its not a good idea.

Dont know what brand machine you run, but the amortized cost per hour on a loader, just does not warrant log splitting in my camp. I see it as a false economy, even if you think your saving labor.

Id rather burn up a disposable 23hp V-twin kohler with a 22gpm pump on a splitter than to let my machine, more or less idle all those hours.

Keep mind, while your machine is idling, everything but the wheel motors are wearing. Not to mention the fuel consumption / for the amount of work done.

I love using my loader for whatever job possible, but this is the one exception. If I was made of money, then it would be a no brainer.

[sam-tip]

https://youtu.be/xE00dEr6bPc


This is me splitting some small wood.  I like the really big oaks(100 to 250 years old).  Even this small wood is to big to move by hand.  I uses the skid steer because no one else wants the big wood and big wood is what I can find on CL.  Since I have the equipment I may as well use it to save my back.  Fuel consumption is cheaper than the neighbor kid.  Plus its never late.  Doesn't show up with a hangover and doesn't complain about being tired.

[chuck172]

Very impressive Sam-Tip, I have a Kioti DK, and wonder if my tractor would be as maneuverable as your skid-steer. Your very talented with that machine.