Opinion on used SuperSplit splitter

[ecfinn]

I've got a line on a 20 year old Super Split splitter that's for sale locally. It has a new 5.5HP Briggs Intek engine installed on it, but the splitting ram/etc are still original. I'm hoping to go take a look at it this weekend, but wanted to know if anyone has used or owns one of these that could comment on its operation,reliability. Also any idea what a fair price would be? It seems to cycle much faster than a hydraulice splitter. This model does not have the table-top shown in the videos/pictures on the website.

New ones can be seen here. http://www.supersplit.com/

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Harley]

Hi, Eric:

My guess is its probably not going to last long, depending on the price. I do have one (I bought used, maybe 6-7 years ago). They are amazing little splitters, and are surprisingly simple. I think I paid $1,100 or $1,200 for mine. I actually bought it from the guy who builds them - it was a trade-in, and he had just finished going through it.

As far as maintenance/wear, etc. and what to look for..... since they are pretty simple, there's not much to go wrong. Pull the cover, and you will have a pretty good view of the bearings... make sure the flywheels spin freely. look at the cam-mechanism on the ram, check the rack(ram) for any broken teeth. Extend the ram fully by hand.... there should be little to no side-to-side "play". If there is significant play, it is probably due to the I-beam being worn somewhat. That can either be replaced, or built back up by a good welder. Look at the top of the I-beam.... hopefully its pretty flat and smooth. If you see scoring, or a "track" running down the center, that means the roller guide underneath the ram is probably worn and needs to be replaced ($10-15)

Good luck on the puchase (I'd go look at it as soon as you can)

Any other questions, or something I left out - let me know.

EDIT: you'll probably want to get, or have someone build a "production table" for it.... It helps a lot

 

[Hogwildz]

Buy it and don't look back!!
You'll never regret it as long as its operational.
Used one for years and they blow ANY hyrdaulic splitter away.
Cycles so fast you won't believe it. Fast enough to make sure you pay attention to what your doing!
Wish I could get my hands on one these days. Might have to break down and buy new.

 

[kellog]

I've used one many years ago and they work well. I am also a great believer in mechanical splitting as opposed to hydraulic. If I had not built my own mechanical splitter I would have bought one of these. The weak link is the pinion. I would check it for wear and chipped teeth. Remember all the splitting forces go thru the teeth and the pinion only has about 8 teeth if I remember correctly.

Also be very careful with this machine. It is fast, yes. In my opinion too fast. Once you pull the lever you better have everything out of the way.

 

[Hogwildz]

One thing not pointed out is, that if for whatever reason you want to abort the forward ram motion, you push the handle back down, it disengages the the gear from the teeth on the ram, and the ram simply returns back to start position. At least the one I used to use worked that way. Still a very fast machine, and less room & time for error than a hydraulic gives.

 

[Harley]

Yeah, they are pretty fast, and really - I do think they are pretty safe... The "quick release", by hitting the lever, brings the ram back (as Hogz pointed out) in about 1 second (it returns by a spring). It looks like they did update their website from a while ago with some better videos. I'd have to say, that what is shown there really is the way it does work. I know I won't have to get another one or upgrade it (and I have the cheaper "J' series). If there's one out there used, in decent shape - I'd vote for grabbing it at a good price.

 

[kellog]

Hogwildz & Harley,

Don’t get me wrong. I think he should jump on the deal too and I think this design is a good one. However, every design has it good points and bad points.

The rack & pinion design has the draw back that is has to be fast.

Once you pull the lever you better have your hands and fingers in the right place as there is no way you can get them out in time to save them. No one is quick enough to hit the lever that fast or pull them away.

Also there is the tendency to have violent breaks of the wood more often than a hydraulic and much more often than my design.

 

[ecfinn]

Thanks folks for the replies. I'm currently trying to get to see it. Sounds like its in good shape. I've seen pics. Hoping it'll be in good shape when I see it in person. Will post pics if I get it. Thanks again.

 

[bigblue]

I bought a used Supersplit and it works quite well. I didn't get a manual. One issue I'm looking for feedback on is often times after the ram returns it does a bouncing around type of thing and it sounds like the gears make contact off and on. Looking at the clearance between the ram and gear it appears to be fine. Any ideas?

 

[Harley]

I bought a used Supersplit and it works quite well. I didn't get a manual. One issue I'm looking for feedback on is often times after the ram returns it does a bouncing around type of thing and it sounds like the gears make contact off and on. Looking at the clearance between the ram and gear it appears to be fine. Any ideas?

If the return spring is getting loose, that may be letting the ram bounce forward on return (some is normal, though). Firts, I'd probably try tightening up the springs a bit and see how that goes. If its bouncing up and forward, enough to make contact with the gear, it could be the rollers that hold the ram to the I-beam are getting worn.

 

[ecfinn]

I bought a used Supersplit and it works quite well. I didn't get a manual. One issue I'm looking for feedback on is often times after the ram returns it does a bouncing around type of thing and it sounds like the gears make contact off and on. Looking at the clearance between the ram and gear it appears to be fine. Any ideas?

In my experience most adjustments that must be made to the ram are done by ensuring nice tight tolerances between the guides and the edge of the I-beam. These are adjustable using the bolts on each side and the tolerances should be made as tight as possible but still allow it to move freely.

HTH,

Eric

 

[polaris]

I bought a used Supersplit and it works quite well. I didn't get a manual. One issue I'm looking for feedback on is often times after the ram returns it does a bouncing around type of thing and it sounds like the gears make contact off and on. Looking at the clearance between the ram and gear it appears to be fine. Any ideas?

In my experience most adjustments that must be made to the ram are done by ensuring nice tight tolerances between the guides and the edge of the I-beam. These are adjustable using the bolts on each side and the tolerances should be made as tight as possible but still allow it to move freely.

HTH,

Eric

Looks like you bought it. How do you like it? I'd never even heard of one before now. This place place is full of cool information.

 

[davidsparks]

How is the super split on knotty, forked pieces?

 

[ecfinn]

How is the super split on knotty, forked pieces?

The only type of piece I sometimes can't get it through is bent/angled pieces where I can't get it to catch on both the ram and the wedge. It'll usually shoot the piece out in one direction or another. Other than that I've gotten it through all kinds of forked stuff. For the tough stuff I sometimes have to cycle it twice, and very occasionally 3 times, but it is strong enough to cut through most forks and that includes oak and locust. I haven't had the pleasure of elm yet but I haven't found anything this won't go through just yet.

BTW, to answer the other post I do like this splitter. Its been quite convenient as it takes up very little space and when I do use it it flies through the wood. Only problem is getting heavy rounds up onto the beam. I had some 30" diameter oak that I could barely roll let alone lift. I ended up quartering them with sledge/wedges and then splitting the quarters on the SS. That's the only time I wished I had a vertical splitter.

Eric