DHT 27 Ton Reveiw

[rollon]

I posted this on another site, but since there where a few request here it is.

Background information: I purchased this splitter in early June this year directly from DHT. Placing the order was very easy and shipping was fast. If I remember correctly the machine shipped on a Monday and arrived on a Friday. I don't recall where it shipped from but I am located in far NE California. Assembly took maybe 45 minutes. Engine oil and hydraulic oil was included.

Overall: The machine is built of heavy steel and makes the 20 year old MTD I borrowed from a friend look like a toy. Placement of the engine forward of the hydraulic tank/axle along with the included log cradle keep it safe from falling splits. Opposite side of the engine is the hydraulic filter, again being forward of the tank/ axle has kept it out of harms way.

I split green western juniper almost exclusively with the occasional lodge pole pine or doug fir cord. Western juniper when green is notoriously stringy and full of knots. I have split 8 cords of juniper so far.

Now I will try to describe the components individually.

Tank/Axle: This is about the same as other log splitters in the same class. This models may have a but larger reservoir then other companies at 6.5 gallons. The axle stubs are welded directly to the bottom of the tank. The welds seemed okay... I think they are fine as long as someone doesn't plan on doing consistent road towing. Better suited for movement around the property. The tires are rated at 45 MPH and I would assume if you asked the company they would say this machine was never designed for extended hours on a highway. Wheel bearings came with grease on them but not really packed. I packed with bearing grease I had on hand. The lower suction hose does hang quite close to the ground and becomes very soft after running for any time.

Beam/Frame: The frame is made of medium weight tubing with a non-adjustable swing down stand. It requires a 2" ball for towing that I appreciate over an 1 7/8" ball that I seen on other machines. The pin that the beam pivots on I'm sure is more the adequate however I would have liked one a bit larger. Not really an issue for me because 95% of the splitting I do is in the horizontal position. Balance is good and lifting or lowering the beam is moderately easy. I have no issue moving it but some may find it a bit difficult.

Wedge/Foot: The foot is large and and has "teeth" that really grab the wood preventing rounds from slipping. The wedge is of exceptional design. It is narrow allowing it to start the split soon and then drastically flares causing the round to split soon into the cycle. I think this design would be great in dry wood but I find with green juniper I have to run the full cycle because of how stringy it is.

Engine: Most everyone is partial to Honda engines as am I. Time will tell on the Kohler, I have never owned one. The Kohler Courage is 6.5 HP and starts first or second pull no problem. I did have an issue with 'pals' in the recoil mechanism not engaging. It only happened once and a light tap got me back in service.

Log Cradle/Log Stripper: The cradle and stripper work as designed however I feel they are made a bit light. I have bent a corner on the cradle with normal use and one of the stripper plates is tweaked. Easy to fix with a crescent wrench but annoying. A person could easily fab heavier ones and not have any more issues.

Additional Info: Another issue I had was the love-joy type coupler came apart. Not a big deal, I put it back together and tightened the set screws and didn't have any other problems. I spoke with the company and they said the issue has been address on the newer models.

Overall I am pleased with the unit, and would purchase again without hesitation.

Also, I don't ever post on forums so if this is log winded or not the information people are looking for I apologize in advance.

 

[mellow]

Thanks for the review. I had my power washer re-powered with the 6.5 HP Kohler Courage and it is doing great so far, the power washing company that did it has been using them for a while and has had good success with them.

I can't wait to see DHT's 4 way splitter in action.

 

[Machria]

PICS!!

 

[Jags]

Also, I don't ever post on forums so if this is log winded or not the information people are looking for I apologize in advance.

You did a fine job and thank you for the post. It can often be difficult to obtain honest reviews of new products (sometimes pride won't allow for it.). This will be an interesting company to follow in the future.

 

[rollon]

Let's see if this works.

These are what I happen to have on my phone. If anyone is interested I can get better pictures later.

 

[Machria]

Awesome, thanks for pics. Does it make yoru hands dirty?

 

[MarkinNC]

Thanks for the review. I will have to look up that engine. I am ye of little faith for the Briggs personally and I thought the DHT splitter had those. I am on the hunt at the moment but may wait until next season.

 

[Machria]

Thanks for the review. I will have to look up that engine. I am ye of little faith for the Briggs personally and I thought the DHT splitter had those. I am on the hunt at the moment but may wait until next season.

My advice, don't wait, just pick the one you like and go buy it. Wish I had bought mine a while ago.

 

[MarkinNC]

My advice, don't wait, just pick the one you like and go buy it. Wish I had bought mine a while ago.

And I want to buy one I can live with because they don't wear out easily. I am going to research the DHT models. I really want something with a japanese engine.

 

[Jags]

With the design of the slide on the beam - do you notice a build up of crud at the foot causing any issues? It looks like a place that is destined to get loaded up and jammed.

 

[rollon]

Juniper has shaggy bark so it may be more adept to getting bits and pieces stuck in the groove but, it doesn't effect the performance.

Everything gets shoved to the end where there are some holes that allow most to fall through. I just stop every now and again and clean the rest out.

 

[Machria]

And I want to buy one I can live with because they don't wear out easily. I am going to research the DHT models. I really want something with a japanese engine.

I'm far from an "expert" of any kind regarding small motors. BUT, I have about 8 or 10 of them now on different things, and have had my share of them over the years. I will say this, and many here wil not like or agree with it, but it is MUCH closer to the truth than not. In my opinion, it doesn't make a darn bit of difference which motors are used on these things 95% of the time. First, almost ALL of the small motors are made in China, even many of the "Japanese" units, are made in China. 2nd, one of the best small and large scale motors made today is a Kipor brand, Chineese specials! This company makes many of the "other" brand motors, as well as a few of their own brands one being Kipor.

Now for some of the "proof" it doesn't really make a hell of a lot of difference: I've had Chineese cheapo junk motors last forever. These are the kind that have most of it's parts made of plastic, it rattled and vibrated, it looked like it was put together by a 6 year old, and might have been, yet it always started right up, and ran like a champ. I've also had high end expensive Japanese motors (Yamaha, Honda) run like a champ forever. BUT, I've also had Cheap Chineese motors crash and burn shortly after being put into server. And I've also had expensive supposed high end motors crash and burn in short order. I've had to throw away expensive brand name motors, for the simple fact I could NOT get simple replacement parts for to get running. At the same time, I've gotten replacement parts for Chineese cheapo motors that allowed me to fix them up and get running. In fact, I've often found "cheapo" chineese parts, to fit and FIX my expensive brand name motor! However, I have NEVER been able to put a brand name part, onto a cheapo motor. Yet, the brand name motor, was likely made as an OEM motor, by the cheapo manufacturer in the first place. I've bought supposed USA built motors, and taken them apart only to find "MADE IN CHINA" all over the main parts of it. I've also taken apart foreign (both Chineese AND Japaneese) motors, and found lots of parts that said "MADE IN USA" on them. Lastly, regarding company support: I've had US companies deny warranty work/replacment parts when they should not have. I've had foreight companies do the same. And I've also had both foreign and US companies replace stuff under warranty, when the warranty was long gone and/or it was obvious it was not a warranty issue.

So I think you get the point. In my opinion, it doesn't make a dang bit of difference any more. Every dang last one of them is a crapshoot, it's that simple.

Happy gambling!

 

[HeatsTwice]

With the design of the slide on the beam - do you notice a build up of crud at the foot causing any issues? It looks like a place that is destined to get loaded up and jammed.

Absolutely true. You'd think that the builders of these units would have designed a solution to this problem. Although I am American, I bet you would not find such a flaw in the design of a German splitter.

 

[Jags]

Absolutely true. You'd think that the builders of these units would have designed a solution to this problem. Although I am American, I bet you would not find such a flaw in the design of a German splitter.

Just to be fair - these aren't the only splitters that use that design. Some of the box store splitters also use it.

 

[rollon]

I haven't seen it as a problem. It doesn't stop it from splitting or become enough of a nuisance to slow progress.

I think what is worth looking at is, the features you get for the price paid. Everything has a trade-off. If you want $5,000 features spend $5,000. If you want a well built $1,400 splitter with decent included features look at DHT. Or, whatever in your opinion is worth spending your hard earned money on.