I was at Tractor Supply this past Saturday and they were demoing the new SpeedPro splitter (Super Split clone). This splitter was high on my "want" list but I came away disappointed.
First, to engage the ram, you have to push a large button with one hand then push down on a level with the other. It's a rather awkward motion, combining a side-step to the right with a twist and push. It keep the operator out of harm's way, which is the point, I suppose. But it also interferes with the flow of handling the wood.
Second, the ram is really really fast. In fact, it's just too fast for me. When the lever engages, you can hear the gears grind briefly before they mesh. And the ram flies out so fast that you just wouldn't have any time to pull your hand back if it were in the wrong place. Some machines operate with a smooth precision that enables a rhythmic work flow. This is not one of those machines. The gears grind and the ram smashes into the wood with a fury. Splinters and wood splits go flying. Perhaps I would get adjusted to it after a while but I split with my sons (ages 11 and 14) and I see this as a crucial safety issue.
I really wanted to like this splitter as I've been watching the local craiglist ads for a Super Split for the past year. But the combination of it being a new splitter design for Speeco, awkward operation motions, and the safety issues from the super-fast ram are pushing me back toward the tried-and-proven hydraulic designs.
First, to engage the ram, you have to push a large button with one hand then push down on a level with the other. It's a rather awkward motion, combining a side-step to the right with a twist and push. It keep the operator out of harm's way, which is the point, I suppose. But it also interferes with the flow of handling the wood.
Second, the ram is really really fast. In fact, it's just too fast for me. When the lever engages, you can hear the gears grind briefly before they mesh. And the ram flies out so fast that you just wouldn't have any time to pull your hand back if it were in the wrong place. Some machines operate with a smooth precision that enables a rhythmic work flow. This is not one of those machines. The gears grind and the ram smashes into the wood with a fury. Splinters and wood splits go flying. Perhaps I would get adjusted to it after a while but I split with my sons (ages 11 and 14) and I see this as a crucial safety issue.
I really wanted to like this splitter as I've been watching the local craiglist ads for a Super Split for the past year. But the combination of it being a new splitter design for Speeco, awkward operation motions, and the safety issues from the super-fast ram are pushing me back toward the tried-and-proven hydraulic designs.