I built a 3 pt log splitter that I have been using for several years. Originally I ran it off the tractors remote hyd ports. I really like being able to set the height exactly where I want it and be able to move it anywhere I want to use it easily. A couple years ago I decided that I couldn't see running a 55 hp tractor to power what could run on 8 hp. So I put a motor , pump , and hyd tank on the splitter and made it self powered. Now it has the capabilities of the 3 pt but uses a lot less fuel. Running the tractor at a constant speed for many hours at a time without much load on the engine creates extra wear on the tractor as well. But with that said if I had a failure with the engine or pump I could move a couple hoses and go back to using the tractor remotes. I've never tried any of the new splitters that do vertical and horizontal use , but I can say having split wood since I was a kid with my dad , the 3 pt splitter I have now has been the most versitile design I have used yet.