Unicorn splitter (was Re: [Farmall] Some items from the 1/6 Lancaster Farming

[Mike Sloane]

Yes, the Unicorn hooks up to the PTO of virtually any standard 540 PTO 
tractor (obviously, not any of the Cub types) and a three point hitch. 
As you can see in the image 
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/tools__equipment/unicorn2.html>, I 
also use stabilizer bars to keep the arrangement somewhat rigid, as you 
don't want it bouncing around. When I use mine, I leave the engine speed 
just a little above slow idle, as you don't need to have the splitter 
running fast. You grab the log by both ends and press it on to the 
spinning screw in the middle. The screw will drive itself into the log, 
splitting it as it does. The log is kept from spinning by the rigid arm 
on the lower right. It does the job fairly quickly with little fuss. The 
two limitations I have found are 1. it doesn't do well on twisted 
fibrous wood like Lombardy poplar or green elm, and 2. it doesn't do 
well on very large pieces (more than about 2'. I have had it jam when I 
got the screw into a big knot, and when it does, the engine just stalls 
(which is why I keep the speed set low). Then I de-clutch the PTO and 
back the screw out using a bar in the U joint - not difficult or lengthy.

While it looks dangerous, the Unicorn really is quite safe, as long as 
the obvious safety measures are taken: firm footing on a dry surface, no 
loose clothing or long hair, no alcohol, no kids, and take a break every 
hour or so to relieve fatigue. I generally do a load of splits that fill 
my 1-ton cart and then take the wood to where it is being stacked. That 
relieves the boredom and gives my back a break (since all the work is 
done only a couple of feet from the ground). One minor problem with the 
Ford 860 in the image is that the exhaust is routed under the chassis 
and out behind the rear axle. To avoid breathing fumes, I hang some 
pieces of old metal downspout over the pipe to route it back forward. 
When I use the Farmall 340, I don't have that problem. The only part 
that is likely to be damaged on the Unicorn is a roll pin that secures 
the hardened steel tip to the rest of the aluminum screw. It is just a 
standard hardware store  roll pin and is easily driven out and replaced. 
(The only time I had to replace mine in the dozen years I have had the 
splitter was the first [and last] time a neighbor borrowed the splitter.)

Mike

James Moran wrote:
> MS- I might just be interested in this splitter.  The one that I have
> (I have told you about) is a "free-stander" up on rubber with a 5
> horse  kawasaki.  Does this thing (Unicorn) run off of a tractor
> PTO?  I don't know too much about such items. JM
> 
> Mike Sloane <mikesloane at verizon.net> wrote:  Some of the more
> interesting ads from the (free to subscribers) Mailbox Markets
> section of the weekly Lancaster (PA) Farming newspaper for 1/6/2007.
> For the full listing, go to . [my comments, if any, are in brackets]
> 
> For Sale: Old barn beams to 26, poplar boards, 3 pt pasture
> renovator, 8, $300. 3 pt unicorn log splitter, pto, $80. Montgomery
> Co. 610-754-6032. [I have a Unicorn log splitter, and it works great.
> They aren't made any more, but if you buy this one, I can send you
> the manual. See: ]
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
<mikesloane at verizon.net>
Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who
want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm but the harm
does not interest them. -T.S. Eliot, poet (1888-1965)