johnsopi said:
So Hogwildz the Ryobi worked well. Is it as good as you thought it would be? I'm going to have do spmething soon some of the wood I can splitt with a maul some just not do any thing.What happen when it did not splitt the log. Did it just stop and did not go any futher. I've been waiting to see if you got one and if you were happy with it.
Paule
I am completely satisfied with it. I did not buy it with unreal expectations. The log it would not split, first off is greener than green LOL. It would push it about 1/2" onto the wedge then stop and not go any further. It appears to have a safety mechanism to keep the motor from overheating, cause the motor if I remember correctly cuts out.I Tried to cycle it several times to work through it, and it didn't work on that one. On another note, I had a cut with several crotches on it. It took a lil while and some strategic placements, but did get that sucker split. Just took a lil while. To test it, LOL I put a 1/2 of a 36" cut on it, and tried, but that didn't work. I bet if these were seasoned and dryer, that it might split them. I also tried a few I couldn't get with the maul, and it split those suckers like butter. All in all, giving I came in with realistic expectations, and it is faster, I am very satisfied with this splitter. I am tall, and my back being not the greatest, it did hurt my back some. But as with everything, I will devise a system that works for me. Prolly coax the OL into operating the controls and me lifting & steadying the cuts.
I used to use a "susper split" when I worked for a landscaping/ firewood company in my younger years. It was a counterweight gear driven mechanical shaft. No hydraulics. By far the fastest, easiest splitter ever made IMHO. One "t" handle on top pull it up, the arm drives out splits, let "t" handle go, self returns. Fast.
The rod would extent out fully in about 2 seconds. return even faster. They are expensive though. I got to use it since my old boss was a dealer for them.
For what I have and need to use it for. The Ryobi price wise & performance wise, is just fine. Now I just need a generator to take it out to the barn so I don't have to cut & split here at the house and then transport to the barn. I like to get away from the house though. The barn is about 500-600 feet down the driveway, so its a il break from the chaotic family here. Spent all day there yesterday, cleaning her all out to get ready for wood. Was quiet, serene and in the middle of the woods...... Its just heaven.
Just need electric there for a lil fridge full of beer