Follow Up: is this much wood worth buying a splitter for?

[davidmsem]

Well I left off saying that I was going to purchase an electric 5 ton splitter, Harbor Freight, split what I could of the 4 or 5 cords worth of wood I have, then rent a splitter for the big stuff for a day. Total cost would be $325 and I'd have the electric splitter for the future.

So yesterday I purchased the 5 ton and it cut up to 14" no problem. Then I tried some larger and the shelf broke off. I looked at the stack of uncut and said this isn't going to work, and returned the electric 5 ton.

Today I heard chain saws going next door. I figured I would see what was up. It was my neighbor, an ex-pizzaman, having trees cut to fire his outdoor pizza oven. So we shared our angst about rent or buy. I offered, "would you want to split one?" He said if you can store it for us I'm in

I went to Tractor Supply and purchased the 22 ton County Line! So for $500, only $175 more than I was going to spend, I'll have an easier time splitting that mountain AND have the 22 ton for many years to come, AND not have to rush through a fun job.

I'm not sure I could have fallen into a better outcome.

 

[matt1@]

That's sweet. I've had my eye on that splitter in the near future, did you use it yet and if so how do you like it so far? The huskee 22 ton got good reviews. I believe this is the same splitter with Kohler motor and different name.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

That's awesome!

 

[Hogwildz]

Good decision. If your planning to do serious processing and burning, a splitter is a great decision.
Enjoy.

 

[davidmsem]

That's sweet. I've had my eye on that splitter in the near future, did you use it yet and if so how do you like it so far? The huskee 22 ton got good reviews. I believe this is the same splitter with Kohler motor and different name.

I did not use it, drove home in the dark and parked it in the garage. I'm off of work the next two weeks so I will let you know. The tractor Supply guy was great.....he was trying to start one and encouraged me to start another. One pull, she started, she's mine.

Price was $950. I've been having fun this fall, built the woodshed, got into burning for heat from this website and purchased a Regency I3100. Sometimes life has periods when things go well.

 

[davidmsem]

Good decision. If your planning to do serious processing and burning, a splitter is a great decision.
Enjoy.

Thanks Hogswildz! I always enjoy your terse information filled comments!

I don't think I'll get into chainsawing, but if providers deliver unsplit wood I will definitely do my own splitting.

 

[Hogwildz]

Make sure they put oil in it... better to be safe than sorry.

 

[1kzwoman]

I did not use it, drove home in the dark and parked it in the garage. I'm off of work the next two weeks so I will let you know. The tractor Supply guy was great.....he was trying to start one and encouraged me to start another. One pull, she started, she's mine.

Price was $950. I've been having fun this fall, built the woodshed, got into burning for heat from this website and purchased a Regency I3100. Sometimes life has periods when things go well.

Go through it check all bolts, fitting and such before you put it to work is my suggestion.

 

[davidmsem]

Make sure they put oil in it... better to be safe than sorry.

I will be doing that tomorrow. No work and new toys!

 

[Hogwildz]

You should be able to find someone willing to deliver rounds.
I predict you will have a chainsaw in the future.

 

[davidmsem]

Go through it check all bolts, fitting and such before you put it to work is my suggestion.

I've got it parked right next to my tool chest in the garage. What a great idea....Will do! Thank you!

 

[davidmsem]

You should be able to find someone willing to deliver rounds.
I predict you will have a chainsaw in the future.

LMAO........maybe next fall.....in that case would I have logs delivered?

 

[Hogwildz]

Yes, if you do get a chainsaw, you're ready for pole length logs.
Less expensive, but more exercise.

 

[Kevin Dolan]

Well I left off saying that I was going to purchase an electric 5 ton splitter, Harbor Freight, split what I could of the 4 or 5 cords worth of wood I have, then rent a splitter for the big stuff for a day. Total cost would be $325 and I'd have the electric splitter for the future.

So yesterday I purchased the 5 ton and it cut up to 14" no problem. Then I tried some larger and the shelf broke off. I looked at the stack of uncut and said this isn't going to work, and returned the electric 5 ton.

Today I heard chain saws going next door. I figured I would see what was up. It was my neighbor, an ex-pizzaman, having trees cut to fire his outdoor pizza oven. So we shared our angst about rent or buy. I offered, "would you want to split one?" He said if you can store it for us I'm in

I went to Tractor Supply and purchased the 22 ton County Line! So for $500, only $175 more than I was going to spend, I'll have an easier time splitting that mountain AND have the 22 ton for many years to come, AND not have to rush through a fun job.

I'm not sure I could have fallen into a better outcome.

Dave,
A log splitter is one of the best investments you can make, especially with a good neighbor . We share all repairs and maintenance which is minimal.piece of advice-don't lend. We made that a rule and it has been a little tough but we have a great splitter that still works and doesn't go wandering.

 

[1kzwoman]

I've got it parked right next to my tool chest in the garage. What a great idea....Will do! Thank you!

LMAO........maybe next fall.....in that case would I have logs delivered?

With a neighbor who split cost of spliter maybe you will only have half a saw!

 

[Kevin Dolan]

With a neighbor who split cost of spliter maybe you will only have half a saw!

Liz what half of the saw do you want ???lol

 

[davidmsem]

With a neighbor who split cost of spliter maybe you will only have half a saw!

Lol......I stand corrected, I will have half a saw next year!

 

[Poindexter]

Nice piece of serendipity for you there. I don't think I would have passed up that opportunity either.

 

[Charles1981]

It can be worth it for sure. I would have more wood split by now If I had one.

I purchased 11 cords last year. Bucked half of it. Rented a splitter from home depot for 90$ and got through about 5 cords in 1 day. I have been bucking the rest and splitting by hand. In the past 2-3 months I have gotten through half of the leftover half. I have also scrounged another 2-3 cords and split half of that by hand. If I can steadily split by hand little here and little there. There shouldn't really be a need for renting a splitter at all again as I have 6 cords split and stacked right now (thats 2 years about of burning) and have another 4-5 cords to split and stack by hand. A little bit each week or every few weeks...ect.

But would I rather have an gas powered splitter? for sure.

 

[prezes13]

I am glad you went that route and it's working for you. I did that with my buddy from work and it's working great for us.

 

[Jags]

For that new splitter - remember to change oil very early in the game. Like after a couple of hours of run time. It might very well be the best thing you can do for longevity.

 

[davidmsem]

For that new splitter - remember to change oil very early in the game. Like after a couple of hours of run time. It might very well be the best thing you can do for longevity.

Thanks. I'm think of switching to synthetic oil after the 25 hour break in.

 

[Jags]

Thanks. I'm think of switching to synthetic oil after the 25 hour break in.

May I suggest an oil change even prior to 25 hours. For one quart of oil and a few minutes of time changing the oil very early (say after a couple of hours of run time) will flush the block of any casting/finishing particulate matter that may not have gotten flushed out at the factory. These little engines don't have a filter so anything in the oil just gets circulated.

 

[davidmsem]

Dave,
A log splitter is one of the best investments you can make, especially with a good neighbor . We share all repairs and maintenance which is minimal.piece of advice-don't lend. We made that a rule and it has been a little tough but we have a great splitter that still works and doesn't go wandering.

Based on your reply I reached out to my neighbor this morning and made the suggestion of no loan. He agreed and says it works for him. I appreciate you putting that thought in my mind. It was there but I needed to articulate it to him. thank you !

 

[davidmsem]

May I suggest an oil change even prior to 25 hours. For one quart of oil and a few minutes of time changing the oil very early (say after a couple of hours of run time) will flush the block of any casting/finishing particulate matter that may not have gotten flushed out at the factory. These little engines don't have a filter so anything in the oil just gets circulated.

Perfect. I was thinking the same thing but wondering if they had some special lightweight oil in there for the first 25 and one of the rings to seat before proceeding. I'm comfortable with going after a few hours if people think it's a good idea.