Northern Tool log splitter advice requested

[BillSz]

I am new to this forum and am hoping to get some advice about log splitters. I realize this has probably been discussed before so please excuse the repetition. I am a homeowner that splits 4-5 cords of wood a year, mostly white oak, and am looking to buy a log splitter. I have narrowed the choice down to either the NT 30 ton or the 22 ton. I am wondering if it is worth it to spend the extra $400 for the 30 ton? According to the salesman at NT the 30 ton has a better engine, cast iron cylinder, auto low oil shut-off and auto throttle. Both unit have Honda engines, GX vs. GC.

For a homeowner is it necessary to step up? For those of you with the 22 ton I am wondering how you like it and if you have had any issues?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Bill

 

[mike van]

I have two of those GC engines, one on my splitter and the other on the Trac Vac. Both run fine, no problems. I split 30 cord last year. If 22 tons won't split something, rip it with the saw.

 

[Driver]

I was going to by a NT splitter but with all the add on expenses I didn't feel was worth it. They charge to assemble or if you buy the extended warranty assembly is free, hydraulic oil not included. You can buy it in the crate and put it together yourself but I wanted a splitter ready to go. I bought a Huskee 22 ton at Tractor Supply for $899.00 ready to go just pulled it home and put it to work. I split 10-15 cords per year, had a 20 ton before this one and it split anything I had, this one works just as well if not better. Hope this helps.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I am new to this forum and am hoping to get some advice about log splitters. I realize this has probably been discussed before so please excuse the repetition. I am a homeowner that splits 4-5 cords of wood a year, mostly white oak, and am looking to buy a log splitter. I have narrowed the choice down to either the NT 30 ton or the 22 ton. I am wondering if it is worth it to spend the extra $400 for the 30 ton? According to the salesman at NT the 30 ton has a better engine, cast iron cylinder, auto low oil shut-off and auto throttle. Both unit have Honda engines, GX vs. GC.

For a homeowner is it necessary to step up? For those of you with the 22 ton I am wondering how you like it and if you have had any issues?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Bill

Salesman is right, however, not telling the whole story.

Why would one want to buy a 30 ton when a 22 ton is more than enough splitter? Ours is a 20 ton with a 5 hp engine. A Briggs & Stratton engine at that. Nice parts is that it uses less gas and less oil. It is plenty large enough to split all our wood including elm. We've split somewhere around 300 cord with it so far and our repair expense is exactly zero to date. The cost between 30 ton and 22 ton is substantial so unless you are one who just has to have the biggest and baddest machine out there, I see no good reason to buy that large of a splitter. Better to put the extra dollars somewhere else.

 

[osagebow]

Bought my huskee 22 after consulting those on here. Very happy with it. Several splitter threads on here for tips once you get one home.

 

[lindnova]

I have the Huskee 22. Great machine. Couple things could be better, but price and quality is right. Try to lift and move the bigger machine. The smaller ones are better that way. I wouldn't push around a bigger one. Cycle time is faster on the small ones anyway unless you are splitting some really narly stuff.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

I love my Huskee 22, it can do any and all that I ask of it..... Check this out before you pull the trigger on what ever your heart desires...

 

[Fifelaker]

I will cast another vote for the Huskee 22 ton. Mine has split some large rounds as in the 48" range without a problem. Lite and easy to move if you need.

 

[mstoelton]

I do not personally own a splitter yet, but in doing research on this forum, the Huskee 22 ton has a tremendous following.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

I do not personally own a splitter yet, but in doing research on this forum, the Huskee 22 ton has a tremendous following.

Equal to fiskars 27.....

 

[MrWhoopee]

Here we go again.....

Why buy a 22-ton when 5 will do the job?

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If you're splitting at home, get an electric. No gas, no starting problems, no fumes, MUCH less noise, no oil changes, etc.
There are electrics up to about 16-tons, but I have split a huge amount of wood (12 cords last year alone) with my $300 Homelite.

I feel like a broken record.

 

[JP11]

I'm just a honda engine fan. That's why I went with the bigger one from Northern. My dad back in 85 or so bought a honda push mower. I still have that thing.. and will still start within 3 pulls of taking it out of winter storage.

JP

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Honda is usually good but other engines can be good too. Case in point is our 20+ year old B&S. Many said it was junk. Maybe it is but it has done a great job for us so far with no repair cost either.

 

[Soundchasm]

Here we go again.....

Why buy a 22-ton when 5 will do the job?

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

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If you're splitting at home, get an electric. No gas, no starting problems, no fumes, MUCH less noise, no oil changes, etc.
There are electrics up to about 16-tons, but I have split a huge amount of wood (12 cords last year alone) with my $300 Homelite.

I feel like a broken record.

Hey, is your splitter telepathic? What did you rig up to work it with your feet? Love the table-splitter-gate thing. I feel the same way about my electric.

 

[JP11]

Honda is usually good but other engines can be good too. Case in point is our 20+ year old B&S. Many said it was junk. Maybe it is but it has done a great job for us so far with no repair cost either.

Sometimes you just get lucky. Of course care and feeding has a lot to do with longevity. I like that Honda setup. The auto idle down, and the fact that it's not very loud even when wide open.. Was a good purchase.

JP

 

[Jags]

If you're splitting at home, get an electric.

As the owner of both (gas/electric) I like my little 5 ton unit, but it in no way replaces the gasser. Slower, far less power (I get some ugly wood) and much less versatile. It works great for my intentions, but I sure as heck would not be happy if someone took my gasser and told me to split 5 cords on the electric one.

 

[yooperdave]

I bought the 37-ton from Northern tool a couple years back. I also got the extended warranty and the 4-way attachment.
I waited until black friday and saved an additional $100, if I remember correctly. Worked out a deal with the manager and got the 4-way thrown in for free!
I bought ATF for the hydraulic fluid...you are able to do this and still not affect the warranty per the instruction booklet (and a conversation on the phone. I chose ATF because it has ratings for operating in a lot colder temperature than the hydraulic fluid that was recommended.
I was told by the guys that did the assembling at the store it would take almost 4 hours to assemble it so I allotted that amount of time before I started.
The assembly was straight forward and easy-they had suggested absolutely 2 guys, but I did it myself at a leisurely pace and had it running in just under 2 hours...even had a couple gnarly pieces I had been saving for the occasion.
I would recommend the splitter to others. It has always started with no more than two pulls; but I do use ethanol free gas only.
If you have any other questions or concerns, you can PM me and I will help.

 

[quartermeter]

Here we go again.....

Why buy a 22-ton when 5 will do the job?

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If you're splitting at home, get an electric. No gas, no starting problems, no fumes, MUCH less noise, no oil changes, etc.
There are electrics up to about 16-tons, but I have split a huge amount of wood (12 cords last year alone) with my $300 Homelite.

I feel like a broken record.

Which model is that. I want that model. Did it come with a foot switch?? Great setup.

I"m in the SE so I hope it will split Seasoned Hickory.

 

[MrWhoopee]

Which model is that. I want that model. Did it come with a foot switch?? Great setup.

I"m in the SE so I hope it will split Seasoned Hickory.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homelite-5-Ton-Electric-Log-Splitter-UT49103/202019865
The foot controls are my own mod (you've been invited to a converstation).

Seasoned hickory might be out of its league.