Cone splitter for mini excavators: which model fits your machine?
A mini excavator is often already in use in forestry, landscaping and on the farm – with a cone splitter it becomes a log splitter. With small carrier machines the right attachment matters: weight, hydraulics and equipment have to match the machine. This guide shows which BLACK SPLITTER cone splitters are suitable for mini and compact excavators and what to look for.
Why a cone splitter on a mini excavator?
A cone splitter is driven by the hydraulic circuit of the excavator. The hydraulic motor turns a threaded cone that pulls itself into the wood and forces it apart as the diameter increases. The excavator positions the attachment – heavy logs do not have to be carried to a splitter by hand. On some models other attachments such as augers, stump drills, weed brooms, a mixing drum or a screening basket can be run in place of the cone. The basics are explained on the page What is a cone splitter?.
BLACK SPLITTER cone splitters for small carrier machines
The overview lists the models whose range starts with small carrier machines. The figures are taken from the technical data on the product pages (without excavator mount, back plate and hydraulic hoses).
| Model | Carrier machine | Weight | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 cone splitter | 0.8 – 6 t | 106 kg | Light entry-level model, max. 2,338 Nm, 200 mm cone; other attachments can be run in place of the cone |
| S2 cone splitter | 1 – 6 t | 119 – 128 kg | Proven cone splitter for mini excavators, also available in combination with grab or tree shear |
| SG1 cone splitter with grab | 1.5 – 6 t (optionally up to 8 t) | 166 – 178 kg | Grabbing and splitting with one attachment, grab made of Hardox steel, 2 cylinders with 3,500 kg pressing force each |
| SB cone splitter with planetary gearbox | 3 – 12 t | 240 kg | Planetary gearbox with max. 12,000 Nm, four-edged 300 mm cone – for fibrous wood such as poplar |
| SG3 cone splitter with grab | 3.5 – 8 t | 400 kg | Three functions: splitting, grabbing and 360° rotation via two hydraulic circuits |
What matters when choosing
1. Weight of the excavator and the attachment
The carrier machine range is the first guide. On mini excavators the weight of the attachment is particularly important because it affects reach and stability. A light cone splitter such as the S1 at 106 kg suits very small machines; an attachment with grab and rotation such as the SG3 offers more functions but also weighs more.
2. Hydraulics: pressure, oil flow and circuits
The cone splitter runs on an auxiliary circuit of the excavator. Check the operating pressure and oil flow available on your machine and how many auxiliary circuits it has. The SG1, for example, is available for excavators with one or two auxiliary circuits. The SG3 uses two circuits for splitting, grabbing and rotating.
3. Type and quantity of wood
A compact model is often sufficient for occasionally splitting firewood. Anyone who regularly splits tough or fibrous wood benefits from more torque: thanks to its planetary gearbox, the SB reaches up to 12,000 Nm.
4. With or without grab?
With a grab, the excavator can pick up logs, position them for splitting and put down the split wood. This saves time but adds weight and hydraulic demand. For the S2 there are also combinations with a log grab or a tree shear.
5. Mount and quick coupler
The mount has to match the quick coupler or dipper arm of your mini excavator. BLACK SPLITTER offers suitable mounts and adapters. For an enquiry, have the make, model and quick coupler of your excavator to hand.
This information helps us make a recommendation
- Make, model and operating weight of your mini excavator
- Number of auxiliary circuits, operating pressure and available oil flow
- Quick coupler or existing mount
- Which wood you want to split, and how much
- Whether you also want to grab or use other attachments
Send us these details via the contact page. For an overview of all models up to 40 t, see the guide Which cone splitter suits your excavator? and the list of all cone splitters for excavators.
Frequently asked questions about cone splitters on mini excavators
From what excavator size can I use a cone splitter?
According to the technical data, the S1 starts at 0.8 t and the S2 at 1 t. Whether a model suits your machine depends not only on weight but also on the hydraulics and the mount.
Do I need two hydraulic circuits for a cone splitter with grab?
Not necessarily. According to the data sheet, the SG1 is available for excavators with one or two auxiliary circuits. The SG3 with grab and rotation works with two circuits.
Which model is suitable for wood that is hard to split?
High torque matters for tough, fibrous wood. The SB with planetary gearbox (max. 12,000 Nm) is designed for carrier machines from 3 t.
Is this guide an operating manual?
No. This text supports product selection. For mounting, operation, maintenance and safe working, the documents and specifications for the specific attachment and carrier machine apply.