HF 5 ton Electric review - 06/14 update

[Jags]

A minor failure has happened. The "click to on/click to off" push button power switch has failed. It will no longer click to on and stay on, so now it acts as a momentary switch (only on if you hold it on).

I can't say that this really hurts my feelings. I did not like that switch from the beginning as it is impossible for me to operate with a glove on. This will now prompt me to put a proper on/off switch on the unit. Pics to come as I get to the project.

 

[velvetfoot]

I had a small leak..for years. Took off end cover and tightened hydralic line nut. I think it fixed it.

 

[Jags]

Good news, the switch did not fail. It was an adjustment issue. From the factory the switch had been installed in a manor that just barely protruded from the box enough to allow the switch to work properly. A loose plastic retaining nut allowed the switch to go inboard the one billion of an inch it took to render it useless.

Finding the issue:


Adjusting the nut back several turns (white nut internal to box):


Note the push button safety guard (the silver part outside of the box). That is the part that wont allow for operation with a glove on.

Fixed: (I cut that part off )



Back up and running with my mod - priceless.

 

[Gareth96]

Anyone notice any significant difference between the 5-tons out there.. Home Depot vs Lowe's vs HF? My local Lowe's has the Blue Hawk, wondering if it's any different than the one/ones discussed here so far?

 

[Jags]

I think the biggest difference between most is the method of operation. Some have the two handed "safety" features and others are simply on/off.

 

[johnpma]

was at HF yesterday here in Mass they had the 5ton electric for $279.99 and were offering 25%off if anyone is interested

 

[billb3]

I got what appears to be the exact same splitter from TSC on sale for $199.00 two years ago.
I've had a pine split break the switch so now it is on all the time any time it is plugged in and I broke the original handle which has been replaced by a threaded rod .
I have three rounds it wouldn't split.

Using it on the ground or on a picnic table isn't ideal and some day I might get to make a comfortable height table for it but it sure is nice to be using in the garage on a rainy day.

 

[johnpma]

started splitting wood I cut last fall last night............fired up the 5 ton unit and in about 40 min I had 1/2 cord split.......love the splitter