Timberwolf Wood Processing Equipment, Log Splitters, Firewood Processors, Conveyors

Compact Equipment - August 2007

Reprint of their article "Fall Implements. Rounding Up Brooms, Disc Harrows and Log Splitters for the Season"

The Great Divide

Fire is one of man�s greatest discoveries, but to feed those flames, it takes a log of firewood. Today, making firewood is still work, but modern splitters are more productive and faster than ever. With a good source of raw materials and the right machine, you can keep you and the family warm without spending all of your time working up the woodpile.

�There are plenty of advantages to a tractor-mounted log splitter,� explains Peter Hincks, sales manager at Timberwolf Mfg. Corp., a wood processing equipment company in Rutland, Vt. �lower intial costs for its power and speed. It also saves wear and tear as it comes with its own pump, the 3HD is a self-contained system and as such does NOT use the hydraulics of the tractor. Its easy to get around the woodlot, and the tractor can usually run at idle to save fuel if the splitter has its own hydraulic pump. Not to mention, it�s easy to attach and detach.�

Some log splitters that attach to tractors can be used in a horizontal or vertical position. The cheaper models don�t have separate engines or hydraulic pumps and rely solely on the tractor�s power plant and hydraulic system. That results in much lower power to the piston of the splitter and universally slower cycle times. Another issue is the length of log that will fit in the splitter trough. A few select manufacturers build splitters that will accommodate logs 4 to 36 in. long � perfect for outdoor furnace owners.

A good example of a PTO-driven splitter is the TW-3HD manufactured by Timberwolf. It runs on any tractor, 16-hp and up with a Category 0 or 1 PTO hookup. Available in lengths up to 48-in., the TW3-HD offers labor-saving options like a six-way wedge, auto-cycle valve, hydraulic log lift, hydraulic wedge lift and table grate. This unit comes standard with a 20-gpm PTO pump and a commercial grade Honda engine, yielding 22 tons of splitting force.

One could expect to pay around $2,000 or more for a log splitter depending on the size of the machine. The pricing equation will revolve around speed, durability and options. For example, some manufacturers offer four- or six-way splitting wedges as an option. By just upgrading to a four-way wedge, you immediately double your production with the same amount of work. Some units can change positioning simply by pulling a pin, pivoting the unit and replacing the pin. Another excellent back-saver is the table grate. The table grate catches the split logs at waist level, so you don�t have to reach to the ground to pick them up. A hydraulic log lift can take the load off when you have to hump those big chunks up onto the splitting bed. Ask for a hydraulic log lift, and let the machine do all of the work.

Keith Gribbins is managing editor of Compact Equipment.