Looking for a new electric splitter?

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Machria

Minister of Fire
Nov 6, 2012
1,071
Brookhaven, Long Island
Ok, I have the cheapest, smallest splitter there is. It's from Home Crapo, I paid $300 for it about 4 years ago, and it has worked like a champ, abnd is still working like a champ. Although I have to work a few angles on some odd-ball nuckle peices to coax them apart, 99 out of a 100 logs I split split first shot, no issue at all. I stick to rounds I can pick up and carry, so they are always smaller than 30". Most are the 6 to 25" range.

So, I don't a monster splitter, I just want something a bit faster/stronger than the cheapo I have. Horizontal is fine, I'm fine how that works. I'm 90% I want another elctric unit. It's quiet, and more importantly I just have tooooooooo many small motors I have to deal with. I HATE trying to start motors that have been sitting around too long, they like to run, especially with all the ethenol issues.

So the last part of course is, I don't want to blow the bank on it. I love the 16 ton Ramsplitters I've seen on Youtube and their website, but I just don't want to spend $1400 for one. I'd like to be under a grand, and preferrebly 6-800.

Any other options other than the 5 and 7 ton $300-500 units? Isn't there any midrange units like 10 or 12 tons, a tad bit cheaper....?
 
I've seen that before, didn't relize it is a 10 ton. I've wondered if that thing is any good?

You guys should put a "Powerbuy" together for the site. Agree on a big discounted price from a manufacturer direct for a logsplitter, take orders for 1 week, and everyone wins!
 
Any other suggestions?
 
I assume you've checked out and rejected PowR'Kraft/WoodEze (same splitter) 7-ton models. I don't know if they'd provide a significant bump over your Homelite, but a lot of folks on this site, myself included, are happy with them. They have two-speed splitting, when extra ooomph is needed.
 
Yea, have checked them out. If I replaced my cheapo with another cheapo, I woudl go that route. But I'd like something with a bit more kick to it.
 
Ramsplitter makes really nice electric models but they're a bit pricey.
 
I LOVE the 16 ton electric Ramsplitter, it's electric, it goes both Horiz. (which I like) and Vert. (which is great for those big peices I don't normally take, I would then take them!), and it can be towed low speed..... BUT, if you add a log cradle (which is a must I think) and the hitch connection, all of a sudden your at $2k+. I would like to keep it under $1k.

That Dual action DR really seems to be a good deal at $1k. It does look to be s-l-o-w--- though! But I'm not sure that would bother me or not. I would love to hear from anyone that owns that DR daul action electric unit.
 
I LOVE the 16 ton electric Ramsplitter, it's electric, it goes both Horiz. (which I like) and Vert. (which is great for those big peices I don't normally take, I would then take them!), and it can be towed low speed..... BUT, if you add a log cradle (which is a must I think) and the hitch connection, all of a sudden your at $2k+. I would like to keep it under

I have a 16 ton Ramsplitter. It works great. Just love it.

Check out this link below. $1249.97 with free shipping. Not under $1k but close.

http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/...ric-Horizontal-Vertical-Wood-Splitter-HV-16-4
 
BUT, if you add a log cradle (which is a must I think)

Ok, dumb question - what does the log cradle do that makes it essential?
 
Here's what I'm eying up, just have to figure out storage. The 20 ton unit includes the hitch and high speed trailer tires for towing - http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/...l-Horizontal-2HP-20-Ton-Log-Splitter-HV20-4-2.

Some words of warning.
When the 20 ton spec calls for "2 HP Motors draw 25 Amps at 110 VAC and 10 Amps at 220 VAC", they mean it.
My 16 ton model spec calls for "1.5 HP Motors draws 15 AMPS at 110 VAC"
In reality, I need a good 20 amp supply to stop the surge currents popping a breaker all the time.
I suspect you'll need a 15 amp 240v supply to run the 20 ton easily.

I just love my 16 ton but it does need big chords and a 20 amp supply.
 
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The other problem with the ram splitters is, they do NOT look like they are ok to tow on the street! Look how low the axel,is, 2 or 3" from the ground...? That ain't going to work towing.

I've since given up on electric, looking for a gas model now.
 
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Some words of warning. When the 20 ton spec calls for "2 HP Motors draw 25 Amps at 110 VAC and 10 Amps at 220 VAC", they mean it. My 16 ton model spec calls for "1.5 HP Motors draws 15 AMPS at 110 VAC" In reality, I need a good 20 amp supply to stop the surge currents popping a breaker all the time. I suspect you'll need a 15 amp 240v supply to run the 20 ton easily.

This is part of the draw for me. I used to have an outdoor hot tub. That 240V circuit would be perfect.
 
Ok, dumb question - what does the log cradle do that makes it essential?

Hold logs being split, so you don't have to bend over and pick it up again to split again. Also holds the splits, so you can easily throw it onto the pile,or stack without having to bend over and pick up again. Doesn't sound like much, but after 8 hours of it, you'll see what we are talking about.
 
Hold logs being split, so you don't have to bend over and pick it up again to split again. Also holds the splits, so you can easily throw it onto the pile,or stack without having to bend over and pick up again. Doesn't sound like much, but after 8 hours of it, you'll see what we are talking about.

I'm thinking of using this a lot in vertical position, where I don't the the cradle would help.
 
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I'm thinking of using this a lot in vertical position, where I don't the the cradle would help.
Bingo. Cradle/table is a must for horizontal machines (except perhaps one that is particularly low-slung) but does little for a vertical unit.
 
Any of the under 20 ton or so gas box store rigs ( generally on sale for 799 or so somewhere) could be repowered with a 2-3 hp electric motor if can find one at a reasonable price. Check a local motor repair shop. Me, I stay with my noisy gas unit, can move it anywhere and do not trip over a big cord.
 
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I sent Wood Splitters Direct a note about the tires and clearance on the 20 ton electric, and here's what I got back:

The pictured splitter is the same splitter. Clearance is about 6" and the tires are 4—ply 480 x 8 High rated 45MPH for road towing.
 
Any of the under 20 ton or so gas box store rigs ( generally on sale for 799 or so somewhere) could be repowered with a 2-3 hp electric motor if can find one at a reasonable price. Check a local motor repair shop. Me, I stay with my noisy gas unit, can move it anywhere and do not trip over a big cord.

Where have you seen a 20 ton h/v splitter on sale for 799?
 
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