Thanks Crista, I’m loving it more and more and so does my back. It has really made a difference in getting our firewood processed. Thanks for watching.
Jim thanks so much for watching. I have a lot of new videos over on my outdoor channel “OGA Outdoors” head over and check it out when you can. Take care, Ben. ru-vid.com
Shirley if I had a tractor of that magnitude I would have it doing as much work for me as possible . if they had an attachment that scratched my back while riding on it , I would buy it .
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes the 3403 is a nice machine. I have more videos on my outdoor channel if you’re interested. Here is the link take care, Ben. ru-vid.com
Even with the lift I do like the way you have to work the wood off the ground waist high & the control handle or joy stick you have to reach over to engage prefer vertical ,I do like the 4 way.
Thanks for watching. Yes the 4 way works really well on rounds 8” - 12” and does leave some scraps but like you said kindling. I prefer the 2 way for most things especially larger rounds. Thanks again
Yep...I did the same thing many many years ago. Thought it was the way to go also. Bought a 3pt hitch splitter for my tractor from Central Tractor store (think they went out of business 15 years or so ago....but it was like Tractor Supply). NOW, let me tell you WHY this is a bad idea...AND why I used mine as the 'base' for building a stand alone splitter: 1. You're putting hours/fuel on a larger hp tractor to run a splitter a 8hp gas engine will run better. 2. It ties up the tractor....End of the day, I leave mine sitting ready for the next time. Or someone else can be running the splitter while I'm moving logs from the woods to cut up. 3. The cycle time is slower (though having that one double action sure helps), because most tractor pumps aren't even close to the pump output on the average stand alone splitter. I put a 16gpm pump on my converted splitter, and run the 8hp gas engine at 2500-3000rpm. Tractors have a single stage pump. Wood splitter pumps are two stage...they drop into the 2nd stage when you hit a tough piece to split....volume goes down, pressure goes up. I bought a gas engine/pump combination, a 5 gallon tank for hydro fluid, wheels, stub axles, and welded up a frame under the splitter I-beam to make a stand alone one that works far better than the original. uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/003080452239/media/1686060396905414/large/1607952555/enhance
Ed thanks for watching and commenting really appreciate you stopping by. All good points but in my current situation the 3 point was the way to go. I may go a different route someday but for now I guess I’ll continue to put hours on the tractor. Heck if it wasn’t for the splitter the tractor hasn’t hardly been used since October. I like the splitter you built how high is it off the ground. Take care brother.
Thanks Thomas for stopping by for a while. Splitter does everything I need and helps keep the battery charged on the JD during the winter. Hope to hear from you again take care brother.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I have a lot more outdoor videos on my outdoor channel. I have another two way log splitter also here is the link. ru-vid.com
The main reason I’d not buy a three point log splitter is the tractor with its bucket can’t help bring rounds up to the splitter. Other than this I think they are better in a lot of ways, primarily having one less little petrol engine that could potentially be a real pain. Having the log lift is a great way to deal with the loader and bucket being effectively unable to bring rounds up. I’m tempted to buy an electric log splitter but they just don’t seem to be very heavy duty.
I don’t use the three point as much anymore. My firewood plan changed and I’m processing more. Split Fire makes some great equipment and they also have a smaller splitter with an electric motor. I have several videos over on my outdoor channel here’s the link if you’re interested. Thanks Ben. youtube.com/@OGAOutdoors
i am debating on a 3203 vs 3403, does the 4 way knife really add the extra $500 of value? I'd be splitting ~2-4 cords a year, doing mostly fir with some maple and western red cedar.
I’m not sure if there’s any other difference between the two splitters. I would just probably go with the 3203 if you’re going to just be paying for the 4 way. I rarely use the four way myself especially if you’re just splitting that small amount.
I know it's been a long time since you did this video, but can you show me how you store your 3403. I just bought one and it has the log lifter on it, which just makes it so heavy on that side, making it really unstable. I just had a storm blow it off the stand I built for it. Any guidance would be appreciated.
I have a small section of concrete and I put a couple of 4x4 down perpendicular to the splitter. I just lower it on those and unhook. It’s still a little awkward but it can’t fall or anything. Thanks for watching.
I’m up in Vermont and I’m looking to start a side firewood business. I’ve got new tractor and looking into 3pt splitters. Unfortunately I own only a 1/4 acre so I have no wood of my own to cut. How would you suggest I go about obtaining the logs for process?
I just started reaching out to different tree services. It’s really hit and miss but it has kept me with inventory. I also have people reach out to me about removing trees from their property. It just grows from word of mouth etc. I have a lot more videos over on my other channel. youtube.com/@OGAOutdoors?si=PcojkvCNy2oVMHzS
Thanks I mainly use this splitter for all the big stuff now. I use my SplitFire 2265 to make the smaller splits. I have several videos over on OGA Outdoors featuring it. ru-vid.com
I would love to get one of these, my father had one, well I still has his but it’s to worn. I worry my smallest tractor (Fendt 516) flow would be to high for it. These splitters are for small compact tractors. Nice video!
Thanks for watching and commenting. I’m not sure what size tractor would be too big for the splitter that would be a Split Fire question. I do know they make one larger than this one. Take care brother.
@@OurGreeneAcres I looked at them, one model is geared toward compact tractors and the other a skid steer. The flow on my tractors exceeds that of these splitters.
Thanks Pete for watching and subscribing. We started a new channel for all the outdoor stuff “OGA Outdoors”. Here is the link lots more firewood videos. Take care, Ben. ru-vid.com
I wouldn't know how to act with a log lift.... Man that's cool. I see a lot on youtube have them and I think it to be preferable to the ones that pull the pin and pivot to the vertical position, because then you're on your knees. Not good for an old guy like me. Good review and the points you make about the work table are spot on. I have wings welded on mine, and they serve the same purpose. I almost hate splitting that nasty stringy hickory. We have scaley bark up here and it splits just the same. Some call it shag bark. Great video, great review...but your tractor is a little too shiney for me....LOL. Actually its a sweet rig !!
After lots of looking I knew this was the one. I like being able to stand up and work. Like you mentioned being down on the ground not fun with the standup kind. Thanks for watching maybe the splitter will help wear the shine off of the JD.
Thanks David really appreciate you watching. All my new outdoor videos are over on our outdoor channel “OGA Outdoors”. Here is the link hope to see you over there take care, Ben. ru-vid.com
Hello, can you help me understand? Log splitters are usually sold equipped with an oil tank with pump driven by the tractor's PTO, while the model shown in the video is driven directly by the tractor's additional hydraulic outlets. It seems cleaner and smarter to me! and also cheaper. but how can your tractor provide continuous hydraulic power to the distributor fixed on the log stacker and what do you do manually? If I understand correctly, on my tractor and others that I have seen on the videos in youtube to have this function I would have to lock the distributor lever on the tractor by tying it .... but can it be done? how does it work on your j dheere?
Yes you are correct I just simply use a bungee cord to pull the lever forward to provide continuous hydraulic flow. Here is a link to another video I did on our outdoor channel “OGA Outdoors” that explains how the tractor works with the splitter. Take care, Ben. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OYiIvmZojHY.html
nice job man! You work that splitter real well. Looks like a great unit, very well built too. Im working on building a splitter for the front skidsteer coupler of my tractor
Thanks for watching and commenting Biff. Split Fire products are very well built for sure I’m very pleased with everything I’ve used from them. Stick around we’ll do more and good luck with the splitter build. Take care brother.
Nice splitter! When you add the 4 way wedge, that takes you to another level! New subscriber here! Thanks for sharing and ready for splitting action this spring!
Thanks for watching and subscribing. I really like the 4 way knife it just depends on the type and size of firewood as to which knife I use. The 4 way does tend to create more scraps though.
Andrew my tractor is 50 hp and I usually run about 1600 rpm. Here is a video I posted on my outdoor channel “OGA Outdoors” that gives more info about the tractor. Take care, Ben. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OYiIvmZojHY.html
@@OurGreeneAcres Hey Ben, I've got a 5045E and a 2038R. Do you think this splitter would work with the 2038? It struggles with the splitter I have now which is an old Bachtold brand. Thanks for responding and keep up the great videos!
James I’m not really sure about the 2038. It depends on hydraulic flow rate and pressure. 12 gpm and around 2900 psi are listed on the website. My 5045e works it fine but it has comparable flow rate and pressure to these numbers. I have newer videos over on OGA Outdoors. Take care, Ben. youtube.com/@OGAOutdoors
Hey good evening Ben! What kind of remotes do you have on the back of your tractor?I understand the splitter needs a continuous flow of fluid to operate . Do you have to tie your remote lever in position to run the splitter? Thanks.
Hey Gord evening as well sir. My tractor has open center hydraulic system with 11.4 gpm flow rate to the remotes. Yes I do have to bungee the remote lever because my only detent setting is in the float position no flow. It works great and the bungee cord is no big deal. Hope this helps take care brother.
James I don’t use this splitter much anymore just mainly for some bigger things. My situation has changed since I purchased this splitter. I wasn’t doing as much firewood and this was going to help me use the tractor more in the winter so it didn’t just sit. I now have a standalone splitter 2265 from Split Fire that I use most of the time. I have a lot of newer videos over on our outdoor channel OGA Outdoors. Here is the link head over and check it out when you can. ru-vid.com
Just found your channel and subscribed. I have a channel too called "Tractor Talk With Gary" I have a v idea where I show how we modified my log splitter to handle some really huge blocks that I have to split. I had a white oak last year that a nasty wind storm took down that measured almost 40 in. across at the base. Great video. Nice splitter for sure. Gary from Iowa
Hey Gary I actually watched that video yesterday about the log splitter mod. I just now found this comment it was in likely Spam folder. RU-vid must think you’re a shady character with your old John Deere tractors. lol thanks for watching brother
Thanks Dave really appreciate you stopping by and subscribing to the channel. I’m super pleased with this splitter does everything I need. Also I have started a new channel OGA OUTDOORS for all the outdoors and firewood videos. Here is the link to the new channel take care brother. ru-vid.com/show-UC-b-Z0yO8mxVq-yPWhy3edw
Several reasons. I don’t put many hours on my tractor so if I put 50 a year splitting wood that’s only 500 in 10 years not many hours for a tractor. I can adjust the height so I don’t have to bend over so much. Easy to move around take the splitter to the wood and it is a lot quieter than a stand-alone.
Just the normal 3 pt unhook. I did not get the legs that is an option that is available. I just set it on the pallet it was shipped on. When I ordered mine they asked if I would be using a quick connect and I said no, but I think it is a modification they build in if needed.
Awesome video! Im in the process of building one currently. Did you opt for the 24" (standard) stroke or 36"? Im just curious if that option is worth the extra $$
Ben I’m pretty sure I went the standard 24”. I would have to go measure to be sure. I split everything to 16” so I don’t think I would have needed the longer unit. When you say you are building one are you ordering on and adding options? Take care, Ben.
@@OurGreeneAcres Ya I’m just trying to figure out the options I want with it. I wasn’t sure if you could utilize the 2 way with two 16” logs side by side with 24” standard. Definatley opting for log lifter though. My back will be thankful
They are for sure quality machines who knows might happen across one someday. This Split Fire currently does everything I need and is top quality as well. Appreciate you watching and stopping by GA.
Nice splitter. I was at my tractors dealer 6 years ago and some people brought in a split fire 3203 and put it on consignment for $700. I almost bought it on the spot. I called back a few hours later to buy it and it had already sold.
That was a deal for sure. The log lifter is roughly that much on a new one, but worth every penny. Thanks for watching I’ll try to get over to your channel if I haven’t already.
@@OurGreeneAcres Adam/ Hometown Acres told me about your channel. I have an idea for a collaboration involving wood splitters. Could I have your email address so I could discuss it with you?
I think the flow rate is about 12 gpm. Here is a link to video I did over on my new channel strictly for outdoor content. I explain more about the tractor and splitter. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OYiIvmZojHY.html
I really appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Back when I did this video I had quite a bit of hickory on hand so I'm going to say it was, it was some really tough splitting. Thanks again.
I’m not running the tractor real hard normally about 1500 rpm. My tractor flow rate is 12 gpm seems to work pretty well with this splitter. I can increase the rpm and the cycle time will increase a little maybe 1 second.
I was a bit worried with a large number of fake reviews but I am very pleased with the results. Bit of background, ru-vid.comUgkxmKn8dCAXovWn8_cLYoosGLVrVrpwlIMc I need to split approximately 1.5 cords of wood and didn't feel like destroying my back. I purchased this anticipating to have a few issues splitting wood but have only come across a few logs of elm where the stringy nature of elm made it more difficult to split. Overall its not a necessarily fast process but it also isn't a very arduous one either. I came and went fairly often to do different tasks but once I stayed and got into a system I could easily split my pieces in a fairly timely manner.
No iron wood as far as I know. That’s mostly what I split in my videos oak and hickory. I sometimes have to piece it down if really stringy. Take care brother.
Thank you we have some 24+ inch pieces of iron wood seeing how well it cuts the hickory should be no problem I guess we'll have to try it and get a video of it
Charles I have roughly 34” from stop to stop. I’m guessing I upgraded because it looks like 24” is standard. I try to cut my wood 16” so two pieces will fit end to end. Thanks
My knife is 9” so that would leave 25” when it is against one of the stops. They sell different stroke lengths as options. To be honest I don’t remember if I upgraded or not. Kyle at split-fire sales is great to work with he can tell you anything about them all the way to making sure it will work with your tractor.