Took the plunge...elec. Ramsplitter on the way.

[Bster13]

After a poor experience with my Harbor Freight 7-ton splitter (https://www.hearth.com/talk/bookmarks/?type=post&id=1491461) I decided to step up to a splitter I'll "never" have to replace...well at least not in it's entirety. I guess it's good there are parts for the splitter over time as well.


I decided on the 16-ton Ramsplitter:
(broken link removed to http://www.ramsplitter.com/pages/splitters/r16ton.html)

I never had a problem with the performance of the HF 7-ton, just it's build quality. So by more than doubling the splitting force I'm sure I'll be happy for years to come. The downside to this bigger splitter is it takes up more space in the garage. Don't tell my new splitter but it'll likely be stored outside.

Depending on who u ask I'll need to rewire a 15a circuit to 20a and get a slightly bigger extension cord (50ft 12 gauge to 10 gauge).

Anyway, another day, another extension of the payoff time for my wood burning endeavor. Blah!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Bster, please let us know how this splitter works out. I am confused though because this splitter shows a gas engine so why the electric upgrade?

 

[Bster13]

That's the manufacturer's website, which has something to be desired for. They are just showing the 16-ton model comes with gas or electric option. I went with electric. THis link may explain better:

(broken link removed to http://www.woodsplitterdirect.com/16-ton-ram-splitter-horizontal-vertical-electric-log-splitter/)

Bster, please let us know how this splitter works out. I am confused though because this splitter shows a gas engine so why the electric upgrade?

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Got ya! You'll have to update your signature line now!

 

[swagler85]

So I gotta ask, why go electric and not gas? For less noise? A gas was more practical for me so just curious, maybe you are always close to a garage or power source when you split.

That's the manufacturer's website, which has something to be desired for. They are just showing the 16-ton model comes with gas or electric option. I went with electric. THis link may explain better:

(broken link removed to http://www.woodsplitterdirect.com/16-ton-ram-splitter-horizontal-vertical-electric-log-splitter/)

 

[Bster13]

I picked electric for a few reasons (in no particular order):

- Replacement motor cheaper
- Quieter with close neighbors
- I split exclusively at home so electricity close by
- Less maintenance
- Less running costs (electricity vs. gas)
- Better for my lungs & ears

So I gotta ask, why go electric and not gas? For less noise? A gas was more practical for me so just curious, maybe you are always close to a garage or power source when you split.

 

[swagler85]

I picked electric for a few reasons (in no particular order):

- Replacement motor cheaper
- Quieter with close neighbors
- I split exclusively at home so electricity close by
- Less maintenance
- Less running costs (electricity vs. gas)
- Better for my lungs & ears

Very good answers, and if I would be in that situation would do the same thing.

 

[Bster13]

If I had to hunt for wood I might go for gas, though that would depend on how big the rounds were I was trying to haul home.

 

[NortheastAl]

You could also run a generator if out in the field. Electric 16 ton sounds interesting. Update us on how it splits those knotty rounds.

 

[bogydave]

Way to go

I looked long & hard at the same 16 Ton model a few years back when searching for a splitter.
Shipping was a killer to Alaska.

Looking forward to your pics & performance report.

Have thought if I need to replace the engine on mine (22 Ton Speeco) , I might go to a 220V Electric motor.

 

[Bster13]

I believe this motor can be rewired for 220v and folks in colder climates do so.

I'm wondering why folks are interested in how this splitter work out for me....I thought it was tried and true on the forums.

 

[oldspark]

I believe this motor can be rewired for 220v and folks in colder climates do so.

I'm wondering why folks are interested in how this splitter work out for me....I thought it was tried and true on the forums.

Not that one in electric I dont believe.

 

[Bster13]

Well a few youtube videos plus reading reviews here sealed it for me:
(broken link removed to http://www.woodsplitterdirect.com/gas-log-splitters/)

Will report back.

 

[oldspark]

Nice, dont think you will have a problem with your 50 foot 12 gauge cord as he said in the video he was using a 12 gauge 100 footer, the one in the video is too low for hortiz. splitting but you said you split verticaly and dont think that is the exact model you bought right?

 

[bogydave]

I'm wondering why folks are interested in how this splitter work out for me....I thought it was tried and true on the forums.

We are a skeptical bunch. Real world, real time & a real person giving a review of the pros & cons , well we trust it more.
Plus, we like this stuff.

Couple issues I thought about :
I worried about running it a long time & the motor getting hot. (Thermal shut dow switch ? )
wire size on the extension cord
low voltage out by the wood stacks.
Not sure the noise is a lot less than a gasoline engine.

I believe this motor can be rewired for 220v and folks in colder climates do so.

I'd be more worried of motor & wire over heating in warmer climates than colder ones, warmer ambient temperatures means hotter operating temps.

So I'll be watching for your review.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I believe this motor can be rewired for 220v and folks in colder climates do so.

I'm wondering why folks are interested in how this splitter work out for me....I thought it was tried and true on the forums.

Please don't take that as a negative Bster. Folks are interested in you and the machine and appreciate any new information and you will have perhaps different feelings in some points as others do. It is always nice to get more than one or two opinions. In addition, this will not be your first splitter so you have something to compare it to which is a plus.

 

[Bster13]

Yeah it's all good. I am confident this will be my "last" splitter (gosh I hope so, haha) and it lasts me for years. At most I'll have to do some minor rewiring, but I'll be sure to post up when I receive it. They are made to order so it will take a bit. I already purchased 3 gallons of ATF!

 

[pdhowell]

After a poor experience with my Harbor Freight 7-ton splitter (https://www.hearth.com/talk/bookmarks/?type=post&id=1491461) I decided to step up to a splitter I'll "never" have to replace...well at least not in it's entirety. I guess it's good there are parts for the splitter over time as well.


I decided on the 16-ton Ramsplitter:
(broken link removed to http://www.ramsplitter.com/pages/splitters/r16ton.html)

I never had a problem with the performance of the HF 7-ton, just it's build quality. So by more than doubling the splitting force I'm sure I'll be happy for years to come. The downside to this bigger splitter is it takes up more space in the garage. Don't tell my new splitter but it'll likely be stored outside.

Depending on who u ask I'll need to rewire a 15a circuit to 20a and get a slightly bigger extension cord (50ft 12 gauge to 10 gauge).

Anyway, another day, another extension of the payoff time for my wood burning endeavor. Blah!

I have had this splitter, 2 hp/ 10 amp motor for five years, countless cords. I noticed it has been often dissed on these forums, but always by people who do not have experience with it. It is quiet, starts instantly in the coldest temp, does not heat the oil, I run mine in the garage to make kindling in the winter. The relief valve pressure has been bumped to 3000 psi, because the valve allows it and it came with 3500 psi hoses. All this gives more splitting pressure than a typical 4 inch farm store splitter. I weld on welded on strap alonside the beam for more strength, and replaced the motor mounted switch with a heavier duty switch in a weatherproof box. I also replaced with tires with foam filled, wheelbarrow tires to make it easier to move around.

Would buy again. Dave Howell, Maryland

M

 

[Bster13]

The spec for the 16-ton splitter is 1.5hp, perhaps you have the 20-ton splitter from them? Do you have it wired for 110 or 220v? What amp circuit breaker is your splitter on? What is the splitter set to for relief pressure from the factory? Thx.

 

[oldspark]

Easy enough to figure out what cord you need at what voltage, take the info off the name plate on the motor (when you get it unless you have that info now) and the voltage drop can be figured out.
Dont remember any one not likeing a splitter like yours except for the lack of mobility, some like to take it to the field, I believe I could get by with an electric but every once in a while I might run into a problem if I was splitting for someone else (dont happen all that often any way).

 

[pdhowell]

The spec for the 16-ton splitter is 1.5hp, perhaps you have the 20-ton splitter from them? Do you have it wired for 110 or 220v? What amp circuit breaker is your splitter on? What is the splitter set to for relief pressure from the factory? Thx.

 

[pdhowell]

Bster13,

If your question is directed at me, my motor was rated at 2 hp/ 10 amp or 1 hp/ 20 amp depending on how you wired it. The 1 hp mode would trip 20 amp circuit breakers because of start up motor surge and pump drag. Rewiring was easy and solved all problems.

My factory valve was set at 2500 psi, but it migrated upwards on it's own, to it's present 3000 psi. Since the components were rated for 3000 psi and above, I figured that I would leave it. My pressure gauge is mounted at the cylinder, so it is measuring cylinder pressure, not pump pressure. But the splitter usually tears the wood apart typically around a thousands pounds or less.

The electric motor has more torque at a lower rpm that a gas engine, costs far less to operate, can be used indoors, like my garage in the winter. When I need to use it outdoors away from the wood area near my house, I just throw my generator in the truck bed. Works fine.

Hopefully useful, Dave

 

[SolarAndWood]

I'm wondering why folks are interested in how this splitter work out for me....I thought it was tried and true on the forums.

There are lots of skeptics about electric motors on splitters. I converted my splitter to electric 2 years ago and will never go back. I like the fact that the motor is always turning 3400 RPM and only drawing as much juice as I need torque. Seems efficient to me as I always split alone and it takes as long as it takes to get the next round on the splitter but when it does get there I want a fast cycle time.

I found the cheapest way to get 10 gauge wire was to wait for the 100' 10 gauge extension cord at Harbor Freight to go on sale. Good luck with your splitter.

 

[Redbarn]

Bster13,

Did your RamSplitter arrive yet ?

What are your initial impressions ?

 

[Bster13]

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/initial-review-on-ramsplitter-hv-16-electric-videos.113906/