Ariens 22 ton log splitter

ironspider · Dec 30, 2013

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy the ariens 22t since home depot online said they'd match HF 25% off coupon making this a great deal. I also emailed TSC to see if they'd accept it too then I'd get the husked 22t which seems to be well regarded around here, but alas no response from TSC.

with tax that ariens is under 1k.

Any reason I shouldn't pull the trigger? Are the better options at similar price?

Kool_hand_Looke · Dec 30, 2013

At some point recently, HD had a Troy Built or something...that was a 32T that was cheaper than the 22T. Might be worth a look to see if that's still going on.

Kool_hand_Looke · Dec 30, 2013

They were same brand splitters as well.

ironspider · Dec 30, 2013

Kool_hand_Looke said:
They were same brand splitters as well.

What were same brand?

HD doesn't carry Troy they have cub which is more money and looks very similare to lowes Troy. Both more the the ariens but are 27t. I don't think I need more than 22t.

Then again, I never thought I'd need more than 300 HP in a car.

ChadD · Dec 30, 2013

You won't be disappointed with the Ariens. I used the 20% off harbor freight coupon. I didn't want to push it with the 25% since the actual policy is if it is the "same item" not a generic orange log splitter that harbor freight sells.

Machria · Dec 30, 2013

I've had the 22 ton for a while now, got it over the summer. Been very happy with it, runs nice, splits everything, and has the smallest footprint of any 20+ ton splitter out there. It's also very easy to hanlde as it's lighter than the others. Space was my biggest concern, and it has worked out awesome. With the 25% HF deal, you can't beat it.

I'm sure you read thru this thread:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/ariens-22-ton-splitter.112892/page-2

Good luck.... OH, PS, get the table add on, worth it.

ironspider · Dec 30, 2013

Machria said:
I've had the 22 ton for a while now, got it over the summer. Been very happy with it, runs nice, splits everything, and has the smallest footprint of any 20+ ton splitter out there. It's also very easy to hanlde as it's lighter than the others. Space was my biggest concern, and it has worked out awesome. With the 25% HF deal, you can't beat it.

I'm sure you read thru this thread:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/ariens-22-ton-splitter.112892/page-2

Good luck.... OH, PS, get the table add on, worth it.

I see that the table ( according to HD ) is for the 27 and 34.

Does it come with log catchers and fenders? I'm referring to the 22t not the larger.

Kool_hand_Looke · Dec 31, 2013

You're right. It was Lowe's.

Free BTUs · Dec 31, 2013

I got the Ariens 22 ton and I really like it. Like Machria said, it is much smaller and lighter than the 27 ton ones so it is a lot easier to store in the garage and to move around. I have not had a log yet that it hasn't been able to split. It's had no problem with white and red oak up to 32" in diameter. I do most of my splitting solo and I can't really handle logs bigger than that, so it does everything I need it to do. I paid about $1150 for mine and I am happy with it. If you get it for under $1k then that would be a sweet deal.

Make sure you follow the instructions and check all the nuts, bolts, and fluid levels. The Home Depot assemblers screwed up a couple of things on mine. Also, buy some extra hydraulic fluid while you are there. The HD guys should fill the tank, but once you fire it up and cycle it a few times (fill the hoses etc) you will have to add about another 1.5 gallons.

Also, if you don't already have one, Harbor Frieght has a trailer dolly on sale for $59 right now:

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-trailer-dolly-69898.html

It makes it super easy to move the splitter around and to get it in and out of tight areas for storage.

MJFlores · Dec 31, 2013

I've had the 27 ton Ariens for about 5 seasons now, and really like it. How much does the 22 ton go for? When I bought mine there was the 27 for 1500 and the 32 for around 1900. If the 22 is a lot cheaper than the 27 I'd do it. My 27 has split Black Gum logs very easily which is a real test as it can be stringy and knotty...and I've been amazed at how it drives right through oak with limb sections, knots, etc. There's not doubt that I'd get a long just fine with the 22. I have to say, the Subaru engine Ariens uses is top notch. Mine sits out side in the drive way, in the sun and rain all summer only getting put in the wood shed for the winter. It always starts very easily, and has given me zero trouble. They really are a quality machine. Word of advice about buying from Home Depot...the assemblers have no clue what they're doing. Buy from a dealer, even if it costs you a little extra. They'll service it if it ever needs anything, and knowing it got put together right, with no stripped holes, sliced hoses, etc is well worth it. I bought my Ariens snow blower from a dealer and have never had a problem, a buddy bought his similar model Ariens from HD or Lowes the same season. I was snow blowing with a smile while he was in his driveway working on his BRAND NEW machine. Not that putting together a splitter would be overly hard out of a crate but I bet you'd do a better job doing it than the box store assemblers would.

ironspider · Dec 31, 2013

I plan on building it myself, I don't trust HD installers.

ironspider · Dec 31, 2013

Free BTUs said:
I got the Ariens 22 ton and I really like it. Like Machria said, it is much smaller and lighter than the 27 ton ones so it is a lot easier to store in the garage and to move around. I have not had a log yet that it hasn't been able to split. It's had no problem with white and red oak up to 32" in diameter. I do most of my splitting solo and I can't really handle logs bigger than that, so it does everything I need it to do. I paid about $1150 for mine and I am happy with it. If you get it for under $1k then that would be a sweet deal.

Make sure you follow the instructions and check all the nuts, bolts, and fluid levels. The Home Depot assemblers screwed up a couple of things on mine. Also, buy some extra hydraulic fluid while you are there. The HD guys should fill the tank, but once you fire it up and cycle it a few times (fill the hoses etc) you will have to add about another 1.5 gallons.

Also, if you don't already have one, Harbor Frieght has a trailer dolly on sale for $59 right now:

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-trailer-dolly-69898.html

It makes it super easy to move the splitter around and to get it in and out of tight areas for storage.

I have a craftsman tractor which i'm modifying to pull the thing around.

ironspider · Dec 31, 2013

Wow that was a challenge. Getting HD to accept that coupon took a lot, they had to get a manager then another then another and finally agreed reluctantly.

Came to 899 plus tax, I'm picking it up Monday. Can't wait to put this thing together.

Backwoods Savage · Dec 31, 2013

ironspider said:
I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy the ariens 22t since home depot online said they'd match HF 25% off coupon making this a great deal. I also emailed TSC to see if they'd accept it too then I'd get the husked 22t which seems to be well regarded around here, but alas no response from TSC.

with tax that ariens is under 1k.

Any reason I shouldn't pull the trigger? Are the better options at similar price?

On TSC, rather than email, you need to go straight to the manager else you probably won't get much for results. The manager though will either say yes or no.

A 22 ton is an excellent size to get so no doubt you will be satisfied.

Paulywalnut · Dec 31, 2013

Got the Gravely 22. Identical to Ariens except orange is red. Subaru engine is great.
Starts first time even in very cold conditions. Highly recommend it.

Machria · Jan 2, 2014

ironspider said:
I see that the table ( according to HD ) is for the 27 and 34.

Does it come with log catchers and fenders? I'm referring to the 22t not the larger.

It comes with the log catchers/cradles on each side which is nice, no fendors but they are not needed since the wheels are way out of the way which is one of the best features of the 22 ton.

There is a table made specifically for the 22 ton. It is a different model # from the 27 and 34 ton units so make sure you get the correct one. I bought one from HD, and it was the wrong one, so I returned it and called Ariens and bought it from a different online dealer instead (forget who, Splitters direct or something?). It bolts on with a few bolts and works awesome.

ironspider said:
Wow that was a challenge. Getting HD to accept that coupon took a lot, they had to get a manager then another then another and finally agreed reluctantly.

Came to 899 plus tax, I'm picking it up Monday. Can't wait to put this thing together.

Funny, they didn't even blink an eye when I bought mine, scanned the coupon, it beeped, she typed some code into computer (probably to say it was a competitor coupon), it discounted $300 or so, and I handed her my credit card. Done! I was surprised....

Free BTUs said:
Make sure you follow the instructions and check all the nuts, bolts, and fluid levels. The Home Depot assemblers screwed up a couple of things on mine. Also, buy some extra hydraulic fluid while you are there. The HD guys should fill the tank, but once you fire it up and cycle it a few times (fill the hoses etc) you will have to add about another 1.5 gallons.

When I bought mine at HD, it was still in it's shipping crate from Ariens, tucked away on the top shelf of one of those really high shelves... I pointed it out to the HD associate (I could see it from the ground), so he pulled it down with the forklift, I checked it was the correct model #, and said I'll take it. I pulled the instruction booklet out, and read the "Assembly instructions", which listed the tools required. So I asked the HD guy to get me a couple of 1/2" socket wrenches, 9/16ths sockets, and a few other tools required... He went and pulled them off the shelf and brought to me, so I uncrated it and put it together right there in the isle of the store. Got some weird looks from people! Took about 1/2 hour, then wheeled it out to the cashier, paid and brought out to truck to drive away. When I got home I double checked my assembly, and checked the Hydro fluid. It came 100% full from Ariens which is really nice cause 5 gallons of that fluid can be close to $200. I gassed it up, started and cycled it a few times per instuctions, shut it down and checked fluid, still FULL. So Ariens made sure it was full before shipped.

Starts on 1st or second pull, suprisingly even after running it dry. After each use, I shut the fuel valve off and let it run out of gas so there is no fuel in the lines and carb to get gunked up. Ethenol is a killer in these small engines nowadays, EMPTY the fuel everytime or else!

Splits everthing, and I've had no issues with it. It's very fast as well. Split about a cord of Red Oak with it on News Years Eve....

Machria · Jan 2, 2014

Here is the table for the 22 ton: http://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/Ariens-71702900/p11057.html

Compatability:
•Fits Ariens 917011 22 ton log splitter
•Fits Ariens 917001 27-ton model (serial #11000 & higher)
•Fits Ariens 917002 34-ton model (serial #11000 & higher)
•Use #717029 for 27 & 34 ton models with serial #11000 & under

Ehouse · Jan 2, 2014

Machria said:
It comes with the log catchers/cradles on each side which is nice, no fendors but they are not needed since the wheels are way out of the way which is one of the best features of the 22 ton.

There is a table made specifically for the 22 ton. It is a different model # from the 27 and 34 ton units so make sure you get the correct one. I bought one from HD, and it was the wrong one, so I returned it and called Ariens and bought it from a different online dealer instead (forget who, Splitters direct or something?). It bolts on with a few bolts and works awesome.

Funny, they didn't even blink an eye when I bought mine, scanned the coupon, it beeped, she typed some code into computer (probably to say it was a competitor coupon), it discounted $300 or so, and I handed her my credit card. Done! I was surprised....

When I bought mine at HD, it was still in it's shipping crate from Ariens, tucked away on the top shelf of one of those really high shelves... I pointed it out to the HD associate (I could see it from the ground), so he pulled it down with the forklift, I checked it was the correct model #, and said I'll take it. I pulled the instruction booklet out, and read the "Assembly instructions", which listed the tools required. So I asked the HD guy to get me a couple of 1/2" socket wrenches, 9/16ths sockets, and a few other tools required... He went and pulled them off the shelf and brought to me, so I uncrated it and put it together right there in the isle of the store. Got some weird looks from people! Took about 1/2 hour, then wheeled it out to the cashier, paid and brought out to truck to drive away. When I got home I double checked my assembly, and checked the Hydro fluid. It came 100% full from Ariens which is really nice cause 5 gallons of that fluid can be close to $200. I gassed it up, started and cycled it a few times per instuctions, shut it down and checked fluid, still FULL. So Ariens made sure it was full before shipped.

Starts on 1st or second pull, suprisingly even after running it dry. After each use, I shut the fuel valve off and let it run out of gas so there is no fuel in the lines and carb to get gunked up. Ethenol is a killer in these small engines nowadays, EMPTY the fuel everytime or else!

Splits everthing, and I've had no issues with it. It's very fast as well. Split about a cord of Red Oak with it on News Years Eve....

View attachment 122528

That's a nice little rig you've got. Seeing that garden trailer behind it makes me think you could hitch it behind the splitter and train the whole works!

Machria · Jan 2, 2014

Ehouse said:
That's a nice little rig you've got. Seeing that garden trailer behind it makes me think you could hitch it behind the splitter and train the whole works!

Thanks, it's a 1971 GT14 Wheelhorse, 43 years young! She's all original and is a TANK. Runs like a champ. I only wish we in the US would/could make QUALITY products like this again. Intead, we are lucky crap lasts a 1/2 a year! That drives me nuts.....!

Bought it from alot of great advice I got from this site... she paid for herself in a couple of days of dragging back a few cords of wood.

Gboutdoors · Jan 2, 2014

I have only had my Ariens 22ton for about a month now but have put 5+ cord threw it and love it. I bought mind from a local hardware store that services what he sells and he matched the HD price with 10% off. I know I paid a little more but theses guys have been great over the years and to me that is worth it.

Machria · Jan 3, 2014

Gboutdoors said:
I have only had my Ariens 22ton for about a month now but have put 5+ cord threw it and love it. I bought mind from a local hardware store that services what he sells and he matched the HD price with 10% off. I know I paid a little more but theses guys have been great over the years and to me that is worth it.

Well worth a couple of beers to get good support for sure! Enjoy! We all tend to nickel and dime purchases like this, but when you really think about it, what is $100? I spend that in 2 minutes in a NY bar buying a round of shots. It's funny how we don't really think about that....

ironspider · Jan 3, 2014

Machria said:
Well worth a couple of beers to get good support for sure! Enjoy! We all tend to nickel and dime purchases like this, but when you really think about it, what is $100? I spend that in 2 minutes in a NY bar buying a round of shots. It's funny how we don't really think about that....

That 300 I got off makes a big difference, I'd probably gone with something else (cheaper) had the coupon not worked "budget" ya know.

Machria · Jan 3, 2014

ironspider said:
I have a craftsman tractor which i'm modifying to pull the thing around.

Head over to a tractor forum, there is probably somebody making the custom hitch mount you will need/want already. I got mine custom made from the Wheelhorse (my brand tractor) forum. I had him "customize" the custom hitch attachment, so I could also add a winch to the back of my tractor. Came out nice, and now I can attach any regular 2" hitch (1 1/2", 1 7/8" or 2" balls...), or regular garden tractor hitch accessories (wood cart...), and also have a 2000lb winch on the back. They built and shipped it for $120.

ironspider · Jan 3, 2014

The final mgr actually pulled up the HF website and took issue with them not selling ariens, they only had one gas splitter. So it was a challenge.

ironspider · Jan 3, 2014

Machria said:
Head over to a tractor forum, there is probably somebody making the custom hitch mount you will need/want already. I got mine custom made from the Wheelhorse (my brand tractor) forum. I had him "customize" the custom hitch attachment, so I could also add a winch to the back of my tractor. Came out nice, and now I can attach any regular 2" hitch (1 1/2", 1 7/8" or 2" balls...), or regular garden tractor hitch accessories (wood cart...), and also have a 2000lb winch on the back. They built and shipped it for $120.

View attachment 122648

I actually got one off eBay, just a hitch mount, I don't need a winch the lawn tractor is just for pulling a little trailer plowing and soon the splitter, I don't haul wood other than cut logs.

Ariens 22 ton log splitter

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