Skid steer inverted wood splitter. wedge on ram vs on beam

[msmith]

I'm looking at purchasing an inverted wood splitter for my CTL. My Timbewolf TW3HD has been great but I'm at the age that those 20-30 inch rounds are a bear to wrestle to the splitter especially since I cut them 30' long for my OWB.

I know the advantages of wedge on beam vs wedge on ram for regular horizontal splitters but have no experience with the inverted splitters for a skid loader. From watching videos I can see some things that create questions. It looks like for large rounds that take multiple splits, the wedge on ram seems to be advantageous as it SEEMS like it takes less moving around to make several splits. The wedge on beam seems to be more productive if you have smaller rounds that you are going to squirt the splits straight into a trailer, tote, or just a big pile.

However, I digress. I have no experience with them and want to hear from those that either have them or have used them.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I cut over a wagon or trailer,

Then roll the big rounds right onto my 3HD's beam using a board,

It works perfectly to get big rounds split,

SR

 

[msmith]

Well, that didn't answer my question and looks way more cumbersome than just rolling the rounds to my log lift.

 

[sean donato]

My uncles neighbor has a splitter for his skid loader, wedge is on the beam it's a 4 way. He basically chases big rounds around after each split, grabbing the big pieces and re splitting them. It's kinda funny to watch. Almost like a hurky jerky tractor dance, lol. Would be more efficient with a second person. I'd amongst be will to bet a traditional splitter with a lift would be faster, given the splitter could handle 30"+ round splits.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Well, that didn't answer my question and looks way more cumbersome than just rolling the rounds to my log lift.

Really? That's too bad, as I worked so hard making that post just for you...

SR

 

[mudrat2]

I have a 35 ton wedge on ram that can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical is good for getting all the big stuff down to a size that can be handled, then swing to horizontal for final split to size. And a small 5 ton electric wedge on beam for handling the smaller pieces.

I also use a trailer next to the splitter to hold the wood until I move it to the stacking areas.

I really like the 2 stage wedge on the large splitter, narrow to start the split then wider to force the wood apart.

 

[fields_mj]

I think that the OP is talking about a splitter where the beam is normally positioned above the ram, wedge, and wood. On a skid steer, you would drive up to the round, lower the splitter over it, and then either split the round, or close the ram up enough to be able to pick the round up and transport it to the desired location and THEN split it. Seems like an interesting concept that could make a lot of sense for splitting a lot of large rounds. I split some big rounds, but not enough to warrant owning something like that.

 

[mudrat2]

I just looked up inverted splitters and watched a youtube video about a Wolf Ridge splitter. NEAT!

No way the other half will allow me to get a skid steer just so
I can play more with the wood pile....

 

[msmith]

I think that the OP is talking about a splitter where the beam is normally positioned above the ram, wedge, and wood. On a skid steer, you would drive up to the round, lower the splitter over it, and then either split the round, or close the ram up enough to be able to pick the round up and transport it to the desired location and THEN split it. Seems like an interesting concept that could make a lot of sense for splitting a lot of large rounds. I split some big rounds, but not enough to warrant owning something like that.

This ^^^

Most of my wood is blow downs that I drag in. A lot of which has been red oak, maple and hickory. Since I had back surgery several years ago, I am just wanting to bust up those big rounds, say the 18-30 inchers, knotty stuff, and crotch wood. Even the 16 inchers are rather heavy as I cut them 30 inches long. I'll still be using my Timber Wolf cause it's definitely more efficient with those rounds that can go through the 4 way in just one pass.
Overall, I'm just looking at making life a little easier, not more efficient. I mean, who wouldn't want to split firewood in the AC or heat while listening to podcasts? I used an axe or maul pretty much exclusively from 1976 to about 2004 when I bought a cheap 3 point splitter. Not going to go backwards for sure lol.