Does This Pile Justify Buying a Splitter?

So I cut down some trees in the backyard. This is the main pile and there are two others that are smallish. I can have a splitter delivered to the house and rent it for about $100 per day. I figure it will take me several days to cut what looks like what will be four chords, maybe 5 at the most. Should I spring for the $950 splitter that is 22 ton at the tractor store. I think it is a Countyline brand . Or should I rent for however many days it takes and working alone this may take a decent amount of time . So I'm on the fence......any opinions? I don't know after this how I would use the splitter. I think I will buy split firewood from one of the local sellers.

Money is not particularly tight at this point in my life, but I don't like wasting money either in creating a maintenance and storage problem.

prezes13 said:

Splitter is a nice thing to have. If you plan on heating with wood for long and will split your own wood I say yes. Better yet find someone or more than one person who would go partners with you.

Click to expand...

I'm not sure how I would use it in the future. I'm not sure if I can have unsplit firewood delivered if that is even a thing that is available. I do have access to a property that often has trees down and that will be free wood, but I would need to borrow a truck to get it.

mopar440_6 said:

Compromise and find a used splitter? Let someone else take the depreciation hit from new, split the pile you've got, then sell it for what you paid. If you find a good splitter that just needs a shave and a haircut (oil and filter change and some cleanup) you might actually be able to come out ahead with a little elbow grease...

Click to expand...

I'm finding that used splitters hold their value pretty well after looking at used ones. That surprised me. I'll take another look at Craig's list and the Bargain News.

BrotherBart said:

I got the new ad flyer today. It is on sale for $949. Full of hydraulic fluid.

Click to expand...

It seems like a decent machine, especially for the money. I'm tempted.....

claydogg84 said:

Buy the splitter for $1,100 with tax and use it. After you're done you can decide whether to sell it at what would most likely be a $300 loss, or keep it and have log loads of wood delivered to your house. A log load for me cost $800 and is guaranteed 8 cord. Either way, you most likely won't be able to rent a splitter long enough to finish all that by yourself for $300.

Click to expand...

I live in Connecticut......if I see that a delivery of logs is available, then that can sway me into justifying the cost. I will research this......this is a good idea....Thank you.

BrotherBart said:

Sale ends Christmas Eve.

Click to expand...

Thanks.....I'm off of work for the holiday, so I'll have time to go look......sounds like a good task for tomorrow.

BrotherBart said:

Start splitting it by hand. Somewhere along the way you will have your answer.

Click to expand...

I ruptured the disc at L5 S1. I'm one hundred percent okay after the surgery, but really don't want to swing an axe. So yes, the answer does lie in there.

BrotherBart said:

I have had a "shelf" at L5 since age 14. Diving board thing. But something in your body pays a little every time that maul hits the round. And it is cumulative. I have 67 years of those accumulations.

Buy the splitter if you plan on heating with wood. Even if you buy wood get the lil electric for that re-split that you only discover you need after you load the stove and it is taking off and you need that one more piece.

Click to expand...

I plan on heating with wood as much as I can. I just built the shed and installed a Regency I3100L. The heat this thing throws is amazing......I'm certainly in the honeymoon phase, but I've wanted to do this a long time. Thank you for the thoughts.