Splitter Advice

[Berner]

Howdy,

My dad and I are in the market to split the cost of a new splitter and are looking for some advice. We have a source that says he can drop logs that are too big for his chipper at our house. If all goes to plan we will access to logs "larger" than 26 inches in diameter for the foreseeable future.

I've done a lot of research on log splitters and I'm really interested in the Country Line 22 Ton, Airens 22 Ton, and DHT 22 Ton. I've read a lot of posts here about how these splitters " go through everything that is thrown at them." I'm sure these machines are beasts but given our wood source supplying larger logs would you recommend that we look at a bigger splitter? Maybe a Swisher 34 Ton or an Iron Oak 37 Ton?

Some other Info: We each burn about 3.5 cords a year. We also have a few local friends whose eyes will light up when they see that we have a splitter. I expect this machine to process 8-9 cords a year in total. My old man has a tractor to help move the logs and larger rounds which should help aid the process. I'm certain that I want a Horizontal/Vertical machine. Cycle Time is somewhat important as we are both pretty busy and want some speed to the process. Log table/cradles are important though it looks like each splitter offers these as a standard or add on. Price is always a factor but we are splitting it which makes it easier to swing a larger purchase. Especially if we get a machine that better suits our needs and will last a long time.

Thanks

 

[matt1@]

With logs that big i usually start at the edge and start splitting around in a circle. I never saw a need to have more than a 22 ton verticle/horizontal splitter unless you plan to use a 4 way or split bricks with it. Just my opinion

 

[Berner]

With logs that big i usually start at the edge and start splitting around in a circle. I never saw a need to have more than a 22 ton verticle/horizontal splitter unless you plan to use a 4 way or split bricks with it. Just my opinion

You share the same thought as many on this forum. However if you were cutting those big rounds exclusively would you still have purchased your DHT 22 ton? I don't plan on using a four way.

 

[matt1@]

I cut down a pine tree that had some real nasty knots and whatnot and the base of the tree was about 27" across and i really didn't have much trouble. Oak, maple, hickory, whatever i can get and cut i take. I borrowed a cub cadet 27 ton from my buddy a few years ago before i purchased my own splitter and it sounds weird but i really didn't notice a big difference. All i know is i paid 999 on sale at lowes for mine and i've split probably 7 cords with it and can't say anything but good things. I had my eye on the countyline 22 ton from tractor supply but once this one went on sale it was a done deal.....

 

[DodgyNomad]

22 ton will do you just fine. I have a 4 year old Speeco (TSC Husky) with the briggs engine that I've split about 60 cords with total, and it hasn't missed a beat. Still runs as good as new, starts within 2 pulls, and has been a delight to use.

My buddy bought the newer TSC Speeco (Country Line) and it's worked well. Has the Kohler engine, is a little noisier and has a bit more vibration and harmonics. We have used them side by side, and we both prefer mine for what it's worth. I'm not that impressed with the newer Kohler's.

Break it in right and treat it well and it will last you a good long time for sure.

 

[jeffesonm]

I have a 27 ton and it will push through anything if you hold it down long enough. In all honesty though I don't force the thing. If it's straining too much, I back it off and reposition the round. Splitting with a splitter is just like splitting by hand... if you hit the right spot it pops the log easy, but if you're going across the grain it's difficult. I try not to even bother with the really ugly pieces anymore. It's time consuming, hard on the machine and I end up with a gnarly, ugly chunk that doesn't stack nice uses up too much room in the stove. I am 3+ years ahead and there's plenty of wood to be found, so I would rather split two or three more straighter rounds in the time I'd be fussing with a difficult one.

 

[SCOTT S.]

I had a 22 ton mtd for 15 years served me well,my brother had the 35 ton mtd his was painfully slow when ever we spit together we used mine. I think in 15 years I had 2 or 3 rounds I couldn't split. After 15 years I sold the mtd for 80% of what I paid and bought the dht 22 ton love it so far. I also split alot of big ugly rounds I have noticed the shape of the dht wedge greatly reduces the force needed to split a round.

 

[Mike Fromme]

Get a splitter with a log lift and four way wedge.

 

[Jay106n]

I use an Ariens 22T. I have split rounds larger than 26" no problem. Keep halving it until you get to your desired split size. Not saying its the best, but I'm happy with my machine. I always hear good things about the DHT spliters too

 

[Berner]

Get a splitter with a log lift and four way wedge.

I'm not sure how necessary a log lift will be because we have access to a tractor with front loader and backhoe. This will help move the big stuff around. Also most of the splitters we are looking into are Horizontal and Vertical splitters. This will allow us to push the big stuff into the vertical position of the splitter.

The 4way I'm convinced I don't want. I've never used one but from everything I read it causes your splits to have a very uneven size. I like the idea of shaping the round into what shape and size splits you desire.

You have different thoughts? Anyone else share his sentiment.

 

[Berner]

I have a 27 ton and it will push through anything if you hold it down long enough. In all honesty though I don't force the thing. If it's straining too much, I back it off and reposition the round. Splitting with a splitter is just like splitting by hand... if you hit the right spot it pops the log easy, but if you're going across the grain it's difficult. I try not to even bother with the really ugly pieces anymore. It's time consuming, hard on the machine and I end up with a gnarly, ugly chunk that doesn't stack nice uses up too much room in the stove. I am 3+ years ahead and there's plenty of wood to be found, so I would rather split two or three more straighter rounds in the time I'd be fussing with a difficult one.

This is my fear. That we are going to push the machine too hard if all we have access to are rounds larger than 26". My gut tells me that a lot of splitters like yours will go through anything if you leave the handle down long enough. However wouldn't it make more sense to get a bigger machine if all we are going to do is split really big stuff? Remember that 26"+ probably means that we will have a lot in the 36" range. Maybe even some 40" or larger.

 

[Wildo]

Go big.

 

[Wildo]

You can always custom build your own to suit your needs with northern tool.

 

[Mike Fromme]

I'm not sure how necessary a log lift will be because we have access to a tractor with front loader and backhoe. This will help move the big stuff around. Also most of the splitters we are looking into are Horizontal and Vertical splitters. This will allow us to push the big stuff into the vertical position of the splitter.

The 4way I'm convinced I don't want. I've never used one but from everything I read it causes your splits to have a very uneven size. I like the idea of shaping the round into what shape and size splits you desire.

You have different thoughts? Anyone else share his sentiment.

I've had both types of splitters and also get my wood from a tree service. I split about 10 cord a year. I've also got tractors to move stuff around so my situation is very similar to yours.

Tree service guys tend to bring gnarly knot filled yard trees. And big ones at that since the small stuff is chipped. Splitting the stuff is not the same as a working around the edges of 18" piece of knot free maple.

I find it an extreme PIA to roll large rounds into place to split vertically. And I even have my own milk crate. So when I had a H/V splitter I mostly used it horizontally and lifted bigger pieces then I should have because it was so much quicker. I eventually added a log lift to the splitter which was a huge upgrade. But after 5 years of 10-15 cords a year the splitter was starting to show its age. Things were wearing out breaking.

As far as the four way wedge not being worth it... I agree. For the typical box store econo splitter the four way wedge is a waste of money.

It took me a few years to realize it but the best setup for my situation is a splitter with a log lift, wedge on beam, thin style wedge to slice through knots and an adjustable four way. And of course an auto cycle valve. I also went with a 36" stroke so I can split two rounds at once.

 

[Jags]

Once you use a horizontal splitter with a log lift and work table, you will never think about going back to vertical. Or at least I don't.

 

[Mike Fromme]

I would say 95% of the people on the forums reccomending the china import h/v splitters have never used a horizontal splitter with lift.

(They don't know what they don't know)

 

[Jags]

I would say 95% of the people on the forums reccomending the china import h/v splitters have never used a horizontal splitter with lift.

(They don't know what they don't know)

Agreed - but in all fairness this type of splitter is far more bucks if you intend to purchase a splitter.

 

[Mike Fromme]

True. But I'd say the best thing about the sub <$1000 splitters is they have pushed the prices down of older horizontal splitters. Right now on my local CL there are a 5-6 nice older splitters that are in the $500 range that would be far more attractive to me then new h/v splitters.

 

[Berner]

I've had both types of splitters and also get my wood from a tree service. I split about 10 cord a year. I've also got tractors to move stuff around so my situation is very similar to yours.

Tree service guys tend to bring gnarly knot filled yard trees. And big ones at that since the small stuff is chipped. Splitting the stuff is not the same as a working around the edges of 18" piece of knot free maple.

I find it an extreme PIA to roll large rounds into place to split vertically. And I even have my own milk crate. So when I had a H/V splitter I mostly used it horizontally and lifted bigger pieces then I should have because it was so much quicker. I eventually added a log lift to the splitter which was a huge upgrade. But after 5 years of 10-15 cords a year the splitter was starting to show its age. Things were wearing out breaking.

As far as the four way wedge not being worth it... I agree. For the typical box store econo splitter the four way wedge is a waste of money.

It took me a few years to realize it but the best setup for my situation is a splitter with a log lift, wedge on beam, thin style wedge to slice through knots and an adjustable four way. And of course an auto cycle valve. I also went with a 36" stroke so I can split two rounds at once.




View attachment 164491

Those are some good points. That also looks like a sweet splitter. I don't see any markings on it. Is it a custom build?

We might be able to stretch our budget for a hydraulic lift if it means easier processing of free large wood. Last thing I want to do is buy something that is underpowered for the job it is intended for. I'm going to open my search up for one with a hydraulic lift.

 

[Wildo]

Have you considered one for the back of the tractor? You can build a badass one yourself for cheap.

 

[Mike Fromme]

Those are some good points. That also looks like a sweet splitter. I don't see any markings on it. Is it a custom build?

We might be able to stretch our budget for a hydraulic lift if it means easier processing of free large wood. Last thing I want to do is buy something that is underpowered for the job it is intended for. I'm going to open my search up for one with a hydraulic lift.

I built that splitter. My father helps split sometimes. With my first h/v splitter I could cut the logs to length, bring them to the splitter and stack the splits while he ran the splitter. Now I have to work harder to just to keep him supplied with rounds to split...

Splitters with a lift are hard to find used and not cheap new. Rugged Made sells one reasonable.

This northern tool horizontal splitter for 1500 looks like a good starting point if you want a bit of a project. If you can weld you could add a lift for ~$300 or less. Or rugged made sells a bolt on lift for 490 plus the cost of a valve.
(broken link removed to http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/5218362262.html)

(broken link removed to http://www.ruggedmade.com/parts/splitter-parts/hydraulic-log-lift-kit-94-010-3030.html)

 

[Longstreet]

Splitters with a lift are hard to find used and not cheap new. Rugged Made sells one reasonable.

(broken link removed to http://www.ruggedmade.com/parts/splitter-parts/hydraulic-log-lift-kit-94-010-3030.html)


View attachment 164617

I cannot speak to their horizontal splitter specifically, but I have one of their h/v units. The only reason I didn't go with a horizontal splitter from them is because living in GA, I couldn't justify the added cost. They now have a smaller horizontal unit (22 ton) that I would have seriously looked at if it was available when I got mine - and added a lift.

They obviously lie on the tonnage. No way a 5 inch cylinder gives you 37 tons. Don't be afraid of the Lifan engine, it's a pretty good little unit. I did some research and feel very comfortable that it will last a while. The build quality and packaging is good. I didn't have a single issue with striped bolts, misaligned holes, or missing parts and I was putting the thing together in the dark. I would say the thing is a little over engineered, which does add to weight. Good and bad to that. I also really like the fact that they list most of the parts online for very reasonable prices.

For the record, I agree that splitting vertical isn't that great. Above a certain size, it's just a pain to position large rounds into the splitter alone.

 

[Berner]

Have you considered one for the back of the tractor? You can build a badass one yourself for cheap.

Initially I dismissed it for a number of reasons. The main reason is that the tractor stays at my dads place and would like the ability to split at both my house and my dads house. I also thought that it was too much for my needs. Now that I'm aiming for a larger machine maybe we should look into tractor mounted splitters?

Those who have a tractor would you prefer a standalone unit or a tractor mounted splitter?

Though I would love to build one with two little kids and a house list that's more like a book there is simply too much other stuff that I need to take care of. Someday in my life I will have time to tinker and build.

 

[Jags]

I want my log splitter and loader bucket to be two different pieces of equipment.

 

[Longstreet]

I don't see any reason to be running a 3 cylinder diesel tractor motor (guessing what you have) when a cheap 1 cylinder gas engine is plenty of power. Plus the mobility factor. Plus, as Jags points out, the inability to use your tractor to load/unload.