additional tonage on log splitters (?)

[jj3500]

i've been shopping and doing research on many many different types log splitters. hydraulic and kinetic.

i think i see the value of the kinetic splitters, speed - speed - speed, i cannot justify the additional cost.
so with the hydro...i see/read lots of satified folks with tonage at 22 and have zero issues with them. So my question is, why do i need or should i spend more $ to get the +30 ton version? if anything, they are only 1-2 seconds faster....if any at all.

there is a two way splitter i saw from harbor freight. after watching some owenr videos, that wedge moves like a caterpillar. Slowwwww. so the time you gain with the dual direction, you probably lose with the ram speed.

so back to my question....do i need the extra tonage?

thanks for all the owner responses.

 

[claydogg84]

I've used a Huskee 22 ton, my Troy Bilt 27 ton, and the Ariens 27 ton. I think my favorite was the Huskee. Nothing I attempted to split stopped it and I believe it had the fastest cycle time. I picked up my Troy Bilt used on Craigslist and it has done the job for me as well. I've actualled nearly stalled the Ariens on some big sugar maple. I think you'll be satisfied with a 22.

 

[Rock Crusher]

I have the 22 ton Huskee also and it has a very good cycle time. They use the same hydraulic pump on their 27 ton, but with a 0.5" larger cylinder, slows the cycle time down to where it was a decision point. After approx. 15 cord of oak, locust, ash, cherry, and hickory, the 22T split all but 2 pieces. Never actually tried to split them as they were very ugly and had no need for those 2 pieces-plenty of "good" wood here. My splitting buddy has a 35T and praises the 22T often, we don't ever use his. FWIW. Good luck-also zero issues with the Huskee.

 

[triptester]

Tonnage needed depends on type of wood you will be splitting. Straight grain hardwoods like oak split relatively easy while crooked and stringy wood like elm are more difficult to split. The design of the wedge has a lot of effect on the tonnage needed to split. A narrow wedge requires less tonnage than a wide wedge but will require greater travel into the wood to complete the split.

What is often over looked is the combination of pump gpm and cylinder size. Many of the larger tonnage splitter will use the same size 11 gpm pump as the lesser tonnage splitters ending up with a powerful but slow machine. The better hard to find splitters will have a 16 gpm or larger pump with a 4" bore, 20-22 ton, cylinder.

 

[Jags]

20-22 ton units will get the vast majority of wood split. You might have to work on some stuff, like splitting off the edge or rotating a round to get it to split - but it will split most.

That said - you want to see a 22 ton unit shiver and run for the shed? Show it this picture:

 

[kennyp2339]

JJ3500 - I was in the same boat as you, you need to figure out how many cords a year your going to split. There is nothing wrong with the Lowes, Home depot, tractor supply splitters, they will get the job done, if your a 5 - 6 cord a year kind of guy. I went with a little bit better setup because I split around 15 cords a year, I have an Iron and Oak 22 ton fast cycle, I have not found a piece of wood yet that I cant split. We both live in the same area, so our tree's are relatively the same species. I would just wait for a good sale if your going to do the box store purchase, I believe tractor supply runs a good sale for the 22 ton huskey ($999.99) and if you get the credit card you can knock another 10% off. My splitter after tax was around $2,600.00, but I need the speed and something a little bit more geared to commercial duty due to the amount I split, I'm very very happy with my 22ton unit, anything more would be a waste unless I have the 4-way wedge then I would save more time.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Huskee 22 is the way to go, unless you plan on opening up a firewood business.....

 

[lindnova]

The Countyline (Huskee) 22 ton will go thru nearly everything. It will be operating in 2nd stage a lot of the time in tough stuff, which doubles the cycle time on those tough pieces. Cycle times are measured without a load; a 35 ton wouldn't go into 2nd stage as much and would likely be the same amount of time in operation if it had a slower cycle time. DHT splitters are very similar and have a little faster cycles.

Also, the 22 ton is lighter and can be pushed around easier.

 

[blades]

The standard box store $1000 splitters are about all the avg person needs. Plenty fast enough for one person. With a helper you can double your production. Spend more time get and clearing splits and rounds than actual splitting. Best upgrade on any of these 20-30+ton is Princes auto cycle valve. Another option is to install a short stroke stop on the ram depending on how you cut you rounds. Uglies, crotches, and such put a starter slot in them with your saw, at least a couple inches deep, lot less stress on the splitter.

 

[Corey]

Depends some on what wood you split. If you're into the easy stuff like oak, then ~20 tons will likely split everything you ever want. If you're into the harder stuff...elm, etc, as a majority of the wood you burn, then you might want to consider additional tonnage. Though as with most anything, there are some diminishing returns. A 20 ton may split 95% of all wood you have...50% more power of a 30 ton may split 98% of your wood...100% more power of 40 ton may split 99%, though there may always be those few uglies you have to noodle through.

 

[Hogwildz]

Simple answer, no, you don't need the additional tonnage.
22 will be more than enough for the majority of what you split.
Even those gnarly pcs can be done with patience and working your way around the round strategically, if so inclined.

 

[Osage]

I have a 25 ton that will shove the wedge through a piece of mulberry cross grain. Just finished splitting some green sycamore that laughed at my fiskars, was the stringest wood I have ever split. On the crotch pieces it would stage down.
Don't see any need for more tonnage.

 

[triptester]

Tonnage required depends on wedge design. A narrow sharp wedge needs less tonnage then a dull wide wedge to split the same piece of wood.

 

[jeepmedic]

My 20 ton splitter has split every piece of wood I have ever been able to lift onto it. An auto return is a nice feature.

 

[Kenster]

I was ready to buy a new Huskee 22 a couple of years ago. Then I saw a Craigslist ad for a "Brand New" Huskee 35 Ton for $1000! I jumped all over it. The lady assured me that it had never been used. It had been purchased seven years earlier and had been in storage since Day One. Her husband had run off with another woman and she got tired of paying the storage locker fees. I had my doubts but when I went to pick it up it was, indeed, brand new. Not a scratch or rub anywhere on the beam or wedge. No wood had ever touched that splitter. In fact, no gasoline had ever been put in the tank. When I got it home, I checked the fluids and tightened all the connections. Added gasoline and it fired right up on the second pull. Major score!

But, getting a new 35 Ton for the same price as a 22 Ton was the ONLY reason I went for the bigger unit. I don't know if the 22 would handle 36 inch rounds of oak like the 35 but the 22 would certainly have met most of my needs.

 

[firefighterjake]

I have a bit larger splitter . . . probably could have done OK with the 22 ton to be honest . . . and I think it may have even been a bit faster . . . but since the price wasn't much different and we were splitting a lot of elm at the time my wife suggested I get the next size up. Again, I suspect the 22 ton would have been fine for most of what I split.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

A 22 ton would be probably be just fine. The 28 ton I bought is just heavier duty and has a much larger oil reservoir to aid in cooling. Buying on sale and with incentives the Speeco 28 ton was $1250 so why not for little additional money.

 

[zig]

my wife suggested I get the next size up.

She have a sister?

 

[firefighterjake]

She have a sister?

She does . . . but you wouldn't like her. She's the complete opposite of my wife.

 

[jdinspector]

FWIW, I have a 16 ton splitter (electric, but still hydraulic). It splits everything I have, but does stall frequently. I have to work at many pieces to split them. Oak and Ash split easily, but any crotches I have to whittle away at. I would think a 22 ton would work on most anything.

It's all I need for my use. (Personal use, 5 +/- cords per year)

 

[whatsgnu]

I'm very happy with my 22ton Huskee. I do about 8-10 cord a year and I's a BIG step up from hand splitting. Has split anything I've asked it to.

 

[Plow Boy]

love my huskee 22T. Bought it two years ago and has given awesome service. Splits everything I ask it to

 

[Mike Fromme]

I borrowed a little box store splitter. It was awful.

 

[ChipTam]

My 20 ton splitter has split every piece of wood I have ever been able to lift onto it. An auto return is a nice feature.

Yes, that auto return is a nice feature. My buddy's splitter (the one I use) has that feature. It goes through everything with ease. I forget the brand name but it was listed at $2,000. and he got it on sale for around $1,500. If you're looking for a splitter I would recommend whatever kind your buddy has.

ChipTam

 

[razerface]

I replaced the pump on my splitter last year. I went with a bigger pump. It gave me a very fast cycle time. You can speed up your cycle time for under $150.

Usual pumps are 9,11, or 16gpm. Just buy a new splitter, upgrade the speed and power by getting next larger pump for $150,, sell the new smaller pump you just took off for $75, and be upgraded for $75

My splitter is quick. You must pay attn. I split very fast.