Cutting and splitting firewood by hand is a chore. But with the right processing attachments, you can make your skid steer, excavator, front-end loader, telehandler, or tractor do the work for you.
We’ve created this guide to help you find the best option for your needs. Let’s take a look at some common firewood processing attachments and how they work.
The Basics of Firewood Processing Attachments
Firewood processors take the backbreaking work out of cutting and splitting logs. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they work:
- Functionality: Firewood attachments come in various types, each serving a specific function in the workflow. Common types include log splitters, saws, and grapples.
- Connection: Attachments are quickly and easily connected to machines using a quick attach, 3-point hitch, or standard trailer ball mounting system.
- Power Source: Depending on the type of attachment and machine, the power source may vary. Hydraulic-powered attachments utilize a machine’s hydraulic system to generate the necessary force for cutting and splitting. PTO-powered attachments, on the other hand, harness the rotational power from the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) shaft.
- Operation: Once the attachment is connected and powered, operators can engage the attachment’s operation using controls located in the cab of the machinery or directly on the stationary units.
Benefits of Firewood Processors
Firewood processors are revolutionizing how the job gets done. These rigs deliver heavy-hitting advantages that put old-school manual labor to shame, such as:
- Production: Processors crank out more firewood than cutting and splitting logs by hand.
- Safety: Processors keep you out of the danger zone for a much safer work environment.
- Versatility: Whether you’re loading, cutting, or splitting, there’s an attachment for each job instead of single-purpose tools.
- Consistent Results: Auto-processing ensures all your firewood pieces come out uniform in size and quality.
- Year-Round Availability: Comfortably process firewood year-round from the climate-controlled cab.
Types of Firewood Processing Attachments
From wood processors to grapples, there’s an attachment for each step of the workflow. Here are two common types of firewood attachments:
Cutting and Splitting Attachments
Processing attachments often combine multiple functions in one machine. They allow you to load wood onto the legs, roll it into position, cut the log, and then split it.
Grapple Attachments
Grapple attachments feature hydraulic-powered tongs that grip and secure logs, enabling easy movement from one location to another. Certain types also include saw blades to cut or trim whatever is latched between the grab arms.
Key Features To Look For
When choosing firewood processing equipment, there are several key features to look for. These include size and capacity, efficiency and productivity, durability and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.
- Size and capacity are important factors to consider, as the machine needs to be able to have the right hydraulic flow for the chosen processor.
- Efficiency and productivity are also crucial, as the equipment should be able to process logs quickly and effectively.
- Durability and reliability are important for ensuring that the equipment can withstand heavy use over time, while ease of use and maintenance can help to reduce downtime and repair costs.
The Best Firewood Processing Attachments
When you need wood processing power that’ll outwork anything else, there’s only one name to know — Halverson.
Our American-built machines are truly in a league of their own. Whether running a full-time operation or just cutting for a hunting cabin, our attachments bring best-in-class performance and reliability to knock it out quickly. Check out our lineup to find the right attachment for your needs.