Great Deal (IMO) on a New Splitter

[JotulOwner]

I just tried the new Swisher 12 Ton splitter I bought online here:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=775734

I couldn't justify buying a $1400 splitter for my needs, but this one at $539.97 cost a couple hundred bucks more than my 5 ton electric and this one comes with a gas engine. I couldn't pass it up. You have to add $120 to the shipping cost because it is delivered by truck in a wood crate on a pallet, but there was no state tax ( I suppose unless you live in Minnesota).

I am sure there are some really large rounds this splitter would not handle well, but it did the job for me. Another thing I like is that it is made in the US by a company that has been making equipment since 1945.

 

[Kenster]

Looks like a pretty good deal even with the shipping, since you save on taxes. Definitely a few steps up from the small electric ones.
Strange that it's a vertical only, though. I've seen horizontal only but not vertical only.
I'm sure it will do a great job for you. You'll probably have to whack the big ones but it's good exercise, right?

 

[maxed_out]

Jotulowner, looks like a nice one. I think we'll all be curious on how 12 tons performs. I've often thought we can go smaller. please let us know how it works out.

 

[weatherguy]

I was just looking at that one a couple nights ago when I was browsing the catalog, I just bought a used 5 ton electric but would have tried this one if I didnt have the 5 ton, so far the 5 ton has split everything Ive asked of it.
How much have you split with it so far?

 

[DanCorcoran]

Swisher's website no longer shows this model (mentioned on the home page, but not on the individual descriptions) and it has been pulled from Amazon. I assume it's been discontinued, but if it works, you're lucky to have one! I've never before seen this powerful a splitter at this price point.

 

[JotulOwner]

Swisher's website no longer shows this model (mentioned on the home page, but not on the individual descriptions) and it has been pulled from Amazon. I assume it's been discontinued, but if it works, you're lucky to have one! I've never before seen this powerful a splitter at this price point.

That's what I thought. I figured the pricing (list around $1000) would make it less popular since you can get almost double the splitting capacity for a few hundred more. I don't recall seeing another 12 ton out there. Brave makes an 8 ton and I think it sells for more than this one. It really wouldn't matter either way, I guess, unless parts were not available and that shouldn't be the case for a long time.

 

[SolarAndWood]

My little splitter is somewhere in that range and has no problem getting it done. That is a nice price point.

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

I think I might grab one of these! I was looking for a compact gas splitter and was checking out the Brave 8 ton unit. I like that the Swisher unit has a 2 stage pump, and the vertical setup would take less room to store.

 

[DanCorcoran]

Let us know where/if you find one.

 

[JotulOwner]

Let us know where/if you find one.

Sportsmansguide.com has them. They also have excellent customer service.

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Well, I couldn't help myself....I ordered one. Heck, I NEED one since I'm having my insert installed in 10 days, right?

Lol.....




Greg

 

[weatherguy]

Well, I couldn't help myself....I ordered one. Heck, I NEED one since I'm having my insert installed in 10 days, right?

Lol.....




Greg

Let me know how you like it, your opinion may push me over the edge.

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Well, I couldn't help myself....I ordered one. Heck, I NEED one since I'm having my insert installed in 10 days, right?

Lol.....




Greg

Let me know how you like it, your opinion may push me over the edge.

I would have gone electric, but my splitting area is 150 feet from the nearest power source. If I have to cart my generator AND a splitter back there, it's going to be a real pain.

Once I get a chance to try it out, I'll certainly let everyone know about it!

Greg

 

[weatherguy]

I bought my splitter from a member here used, he gave me a good deal but I would like the option to move it around and not be tethered, it works great though, split 95% of what I threw at it.

 

[Joey]

Looks like a nice find, also American made....hope to see some reviews soon.....

 

[Joey]

Any updates Jotul??????? Just curious........

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Mine is due to be delivered on Monday.......and I have a nice pile of rounds waiting to test it's mettle.....

 

[RNLA]

I never thought there would be a possible alternative but @ about 200 pounds it sure would be nice to move around. My current splitter is @ about 900 pounds, it can be rolled by hand but you better eat your Wheaties! :smirk:

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Well, splitter arrived today. Got it put together okay, but there's a kink in the hydraulic hose. I talked to a customer service rep at Swisher who told me that I should be able to fix the kink myself by loosening, un-kinking and re-tightening the hose properly--if I have a problem to call them back. They do seem eager to help.

Any tips on working with hydraulic hose fittings? I've no experience with them.......


(broken image removed)



The unit seems very well built otherwise.....stay tuned for more......

 

[RNLA]

The representative is right, just find the correct wrench and loosen the fitting put the hose where you want it. If it weeps a little fluid just wipe it up with a rag or paper towel. If you are any bit mechanical it is a no brainer.

 

[bpirger]

Make sure the pressure is relieved by actuating the valve in all possible ways....

 

[weatherguy]

It looks a little sturdier than I thought, hard to tell from a picture though. Cant wait til you start some splitting.

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Thanks for the replies, fellas. Hopefully I'll have time to monkey with it tomorrow. Since the system hasn't had any fluid in it yet, it shouldn't be a disasterous fix..... More pics and some video to follow once it's operational.