After hand-splitting for the past few years, I decided it was time to upgrade to a splitter. Following a fair bit of research and a goodly bit of indecision, I had settled on hunting down a small used splitter like the older 17.5 ton Brave splitters. However, I was recently presented with an offer on a new Timberwolf that I couldn't pass up: I could have either a TW-P1 or TW-5, at dealer cost.
I opted for the TW-P1, since I wanted a small, light, splitter that could be easily stored in my small garage. That and the fact that even at the tremendous discount I was offered, the TW-5 would still cost me a few thousand dollars more than the TW-P1.
For those who are not familiar, Timberwolf's TW-P1 is a 20 ton horizontal-only splitter that utilizes a 24x4" ram, 5.5hp Honda GX engine, 11gpm pump, and the ability to utilize a four-way wedge that can be set at one of two heights relative to the beam surface, depending on the diameter of the log being split. The pushplate has grease zerks on both sides, which is also a nice touch. Claimed cycle time is 13 seconds and I think that this estimate is accurate or maybe even a hair conservative. A manual log lift and table grate are also available, if desired. The overall weight and balance of the machine make moving it around by hand on the grass an easy task.
I've only run a bit of wood through it, but I'm pleased so far. It has split everything I've thrown at it, including some super-stringy stuff, knotty stuff, and funny multi-crotch pieces, all of which had refused to yield in the slightest bit to my 15lb Monster Maul. Most of the straight and semi-straight grained material has been easily splittable with the 4-way wedge installed.
My only complaint is the use of an in-tank filter system that required more effort to snug down than I thought (i.e. not just hand-tightening). After removing and inspecting the filter, I reinstalled the top and soon found that I had a small leak; I realized my mistake and grabbed some channel lock pliers and snugged the top of the filter body down and it appears that all is well now. This system seems like it will require more work and mess to replace the filter element than with a conventional auto-style filter mounted on the return line side of the valvebody. This system does make for a nice trim package and prevents damage to the filter assembly, though. Timberwolf's website shows pictures of this model of splitter with both filter systems: the return hose is gently curved as it leaves the valve and heads for the tank on the in-take models and aims directly down on the external filter versions.
I look forward to years of good service out of this machine, and consider it a definite step up from anything else available at the price I paid for it. At full retail it is on a par with Iron & Oak and other "premium" splitters, which makes the units from TSC/Speeco lor Northern Tool (assuming no shipping required) look more appealing for most users.
I opted for the TW-P1, since I wanted a small, light, splitter that could be easily stored in my small garage. That and the fact that even at the tremendous discount I was offered, the TW-5 would still cost me a few thousand dollars more than the TW-P1.
For those who are not familiar, Timberwolf's TW-P1 is a 20 ton horizontal-only splitter that utilizes a 24x4" ram, 5.5hp Honda GX engine, 11gpm pump, and the ability to utilize a four-way wedge that can be set at one of two heights relative to the beam surface, depending on the diameter of the log being split. The pushplate has grease zerks on both sides, which is also a nice touch. Claimed cycle time is 13 seconds and I think that this estimate is accurate or maybe even a hair conservative. A manual log lift and table grate are also available, if desired. The overall weight and balance of the machine make moving it around by hand on the grass an easy task.
I've only run a bit of wood through it, but I'm pleased so far. It has split everything I've thrown at it, including some super-stringy stuff, knotty stuff, and funny multi-crotch pieces, all of which had refused to yield in the slightest bit to my 15lb Monster Maul. Most of the straight and semi-straight grained material has been easily splittable with the 4-way wedge installed.
My only complaint is the use of an in-tank filter system that required more effort to snug down than I thought (i.e. not just hand-tightening). After removing and inspecting the filter, I reinstalled the top and soon found that I had a small leak; I realized my mistake and grabbed some channel lock pliers and snugged the top of the filter body down and it appears that all is well now. This system seems like it will require more work and mess to replace the filter element than with a conventional auto-style filter mounted on the return line side of the valvebody. This system does make for a nice trim package and prevents damage to the filter assembly, though. Timberwolf's website shows pictures of this model of splitter with both filter systems: the return hose is gently curved as it leaves the valve and heads for the tank on the in-take models and aims directly down on the external filter versions.
I look forward to years of good service out of this machine, and consider it a definite step up from anything else available at the price I paid for it. At full retail it is on a par with Iron & Oak and other "premium" splitters, which makes the units from TSC/Speeco lor Northern Tool (assuming no shipping required) look more appealing for most users.
