Electric Splitters ....Might be a better Choice Right Now ...

I had a ryobi that was flooded in sandy, I used that to split the big splits delivered. Never on a 20-30" round.

I just remember it being a pain, extension cord in the cold (hate that) , working on your knees, and believe it or not, difficult to lug around, plastic wheels suck.

I had a 7 ton Powerhouse electric which I liked for a few years till I bent some of the internals. Keep in mind, these things won't just do anything forever. The way mine was, if something bogged it down, it would keep straining to split till it kicked the breaker or till you hit the motor switch, even if you had already let go of the levers. So be ready to hit the switch when this happens to keep from damaging it.

One thing I would advise when buying one is make sure you get one that you can operate the ram with one hand and be able to hold the log down with the other. The ones that make you use two hands to extend the ram leaves you helpless when a log flies off and hits your forearm or maybe worse. I know the Lowes brand splitter was like this. The Powerhouse had two levers but you could still work them both with one hand.

One thing I use to like about an electric splitter was, when it was real cold out and even at night, I could back my trailer in the garage, unhook it and shut the door, where I had lights and a wood stove going. Then proceed to split from front to back of my trailer load of wood which was nice. Can't do that with a heavy gas splitter.

I would get the stand, even though they are a bit cheesy, they can be adapted to different brands with a bit of creativity. They sit too low without it. I might get another one someday. Their alright for what they are. Just my .02

Hey fire fans....long time reader first time poster. Quick question that I think I know the answer to....do you run your electric splitters in temps below 30 degrees?

We have a small electric, won't run much below freezing, the hydraulics freeze right up and it doesn't move well. Otherwise, it's great. Supposed to be a two hander, but it can be run as a one hand and one footer. They way I can hold the logs down before they fly at me - which they try to on a regular basis.

velvetfoot said:

Not sure how long the little electrics last, not that they can be repaired.

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My Ryobi is going on 6 or 7 years, knocking out 1 to 4 cords a year with no problem.

Don't do it, get the Huskee 22 and be happy....

I just read the owner's manual and follow their instructions.

wahoowad said:

My Ryobi is going on 6 or 7 years, knocking out 1 to 4 cords a year with no problem.

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Same here. 5 ton I bought used for $50. I've seen lots of 7 ton in the stores on sale for $250.
If I get a really big, tough round of oak or locust, you have to start by taking slices off the edges and working your way to the middle. Takes time but I'm talking about stuff that would stall a 22 ton. I put mine on a piece of plywood on sawhorses and it's just high enough so I don't have to bend over. I use it one handed too but it is slow.
The only problem I found is that you can't use a longer 14g extension cord. Need to go heavier if you need the length. It does draw the power if it hits a tough piece.

Agree on the danger. I've had a few pieces go shooting out and scare the sh*t out of me. The colder the wood is, the more that seems to happen.

I used a 5 ton electric for a few years and it split pretty good. They are more temperamental than a big gas splitter. They don't like the cold. And you really want to have a dedicated 20 amp plug and a 50' or less 12 gauge extension cord for it. The start up of the motor takes a lot of power and it will split better with more power also. I bought my generic Chinese made splitter for a little over $200 at a Menards store on clearance and sold it for $125 on Craig's list a few years later. I kept it outside and I covered it when not in use. It worked good until I got into big Maple and oak stuff... Also, I kept a 3 lb hammer handy to help with the stubborn splits. You will also have to turn the rounds if they don't split at first. It gets old if your into hard stuff...

BrotherBart said:

http://www.amazon.com/Pow-Kraft-65556-Electric-Splitter/dp/B002JFCSUO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1389670012&sr=8-13&keywords=log splitter

Just do it. I bought the stand for it too. Love that lil sucker. I make big ones out of bigger ones with the gas smacker. And make those ones I need for a firebox fit with the electric. With dry oak slabs it is fun to watch the halves launch across the breezeway when they pop.

Scares the hell out of the cat.

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Is this the model you have? I'm seriously considering buying one instead of renting a hydro-splitter. I love splitting by hand, but need to get caught up and have something for the gnarly pieces. I looked at the Ryobi, but it looks like they don't make it anymore.

BrotherBart said:

Yep. Had it for two years now. I use it for re-splits. Ain't gonna be able to handle gnarly stuff though.

I use the 1988 gas jobbie for big stuff first splitting.

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Thanks. I think this might be a helpful tool to add to the collection.

Does anyone use/have a "Boss" electric? They make them from 5 to 10 ton. They have dual direction single handed operation and you can get 4way drop on wedges. I don't mess with the big stuff much and my splits are 12" to 14". I'm thinking with a four way on each end so no waiting/wasting the return stroke I could build a mountain of splits in a jiffy. They look well built in the pics. If only it would stack and dry!

The double action 8ton is $599 now at Woodsplitters Direct.

Ehouse said:

Does anyone use/have a "Boss" electric? They make them from 5 to 10 ton. They have dual direction single handed operation and you can get 4way drop on wedges. I don't mess with the big stuff much and my splits are 12" to 14". I'm thinking with a four way on each end so no waiting/wasting the return stroke I could build a mountain of splits in a jiffy. They look well built in the pics. If only it would stack and dry!

The double action 8ton is $599 now at Woodsplitters Direct.

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If you only mess with small stuff then this is overkill. 600 for an electric for doing little stuff, while you can get electrics for 300 easily. Yes, with the 4 way wedges you'll make quick work of it. I just can't see spending that kind of money on an electric when a nice gas model you can get for a couple hundred more.

When i had an electric, i only used it for little logs and resplits. And it was a pain in the but, with the cord.

Ehouse said:

Does anyone use/have a "Boss" electric? They make them from 5 to 10 ton. They have dual direction single handed operation and you can get 4way drop on wedges. I don't mess with the big stuff much and my splits are 12" to 14". I'm thinking with a four way on each end so no waiting/wasting the return stroke I could build a mountain of splits in a jiffy. They look well built in the pics. If only it would stack and dry!

The double action 8ton is $599 now at Woodsplitters Direct.

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Like I've said on another thread I got a new 22 ton splitter for a little over $700 but that was after a in store credit of $200. I shop at the store often so for myself it worked good.

So, I have at least 2 cord of wood that needs to finish being bucked and I'll soon split.
All different size rounds.

Do most here think I can get through that by purchasing a decent electric or will I be better of renting a hydro? (I don't want to buy one -not only cost but space issues). Thanks!

for two cords I'd rent a gas depending on how big the rounds are.

Have you used an electric before?

ironspider said:

for two cords I'd rent a gas depending on how big the rounds are.

Have you used an electric before?

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No, that's why I have no frame of reference. I borrowed a gas before and it worked great, but I no longer have access to it.

yeah, some of the rounds are small, but some are pretty big.

This is just the opinion from a newb.
Like i said, i used to use an electric ryobi, it worked well but it worked well for small logs and re-splits. The problem with the thing was it's heavy with horrible wheels and pulling it where i needed it was a chore just because of the design of it. Then i had to stay on my knees to operate it, get up, get another piece and back down again. Plus, I hate extension cords in the cold weather, lug a long extension cord out everytime and then try to roll it back up, it stinks.

Thankfully???? That electric was ruined in a flood (sandy), so i had nothing. My parents had some trees taken down and then i rented a real splitter, well, I was sold. Went out a few months later and spent 900 on a 22 ton that is super easy to use, will cut through anything i throw at it, is horizontal and vertical, moves around easily, etc.

I'm not saying you should throw your money away but if you are looking at a 600 electric splitter, do some homework and you'll find you can get a gas powered for just a little more. A couple examples.

Home depot Ariens 22ton, and they will accept harbor freight coupon, brought mine down to 900 plus tax. There is a smaller earthquake model that is 799 and some champion models that are under 1000. With my gas splitter, the only thing i'm missing is more wood, splitting is no longer a chore, it's pretty easy now.

BillLion said:

No, that's why I have no frame of reference. I borrowed a gas before and it worked great, but I no longer have access to it.

yeah, some of the rounds are small, but some are pretty big.

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Oh and to answer this direct question, for two cords with some real rounds, rent a gas for 90 bucks, you'll be done in a day.

BillLion said:

So, I have at least 2 cord of wood that needs to finish being bucked and I'll soon split.
All different size rounds.

Do most here think I can get through that by purchasing a decent electric or will I be better of renting a hydro? (I don't want to buy one -not only cost but space issues). Thanks!

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My apologies, I see you said you "don't want to buy one" for specific reasons. That's different. I keep mine in the garage now and then will move it outside with a cover when the weather gets a little better. Maybe i'll build a lean to off my shed to shelter it.

If that's the case you decision is made, but a cheaper electric but definitely rent a gas for this job you have coming up.

I used to split some pretty big rounds with my electric. If it was Poplar that is. I didn't work on my knees, I sat upon a round of wood by the splitter. I split all of the wood in the picture with the electric and more that you can't see.

I see used electrics on CL for $150 or so often and I don't think there but a few years old. And up here people have there own gas splitters on CL for rent. One day is around $50.