Had the timber cut here last year and I got all the butt cuts and whatever else that wasn't fit to sell. Last year I used the chain saw and ripped the wood because it was so big I couldn't get it on the splitter. So through this summer I cut the hitch off the splitter and welded 2 u shaped cuffs on the bottom of the beam so I could slide it over a fork on the front end loader on the tractor. I put the splitter on up sidedown and have the 2 hydraulic lines going to the back of the tractor to the remotes to operate the ram. I added a safety chain so the splitter won't slide off the fork. I operate the existing valve from the seat. I'm very pleased with it. It's a new learning curve but after a couple of hours I found what works for me and can move right along splitting. Once I get the large pieces open I also use the loader to move the last split over the pile and drop in the pile. It also comes in very handy for cutting up longer pieces with the chainsaw. I just grab the log from the side and move it to where I split which is beside the pile and saw those in 26 in. length. I call it my handicap splitter now.
I'll be 60 early next year and have a few health problems. This allows me to keep burning wood and hope for a long time.
I do see folks slowing down when they drive by to take a look. I'm sure some are shaking their heads.