Posted: 3/6/2014 12:22:29 PM EDT
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Greetings,
I need a new log splitter. Something with a reliable engine, 27+ ton ram and the logs split in the vertical position. Any recommendations? I burn about 5 cord a year and after this horrible winter I am going to need more than that as I dipped well into next seasons' wood. Thanks, Cheese |
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I have two of them. One is custom made and the other is an MTD. I
am going to be getting one of These this year. They are much faster at splitting but I will keep one hydraulic unit as a back-up. |
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Pretty much the standard for log splitters is the Huskee/Speeco 22 ton log splitter from Tractor Supply. About $1000 give or take, before specials or coupons are taken into account.
This is considered the best deal in log splitters, hands down. Now, if you get into 27 ton territory, you'll probably add another $700-$800 to the price tag. You have to ask yourself, is the extra tonnage worth it. By all reports that I've read, the 22 tons is more than enough to split most wood. I've split really knotty black walnut that barely fit into my cradle (before my modified foot was installed - i.e. a full 25") and the splitter took care of business. Same with 22" black walnut rounds. For 5 cords a year, I bet the Huskee would do you good. In addition to Arboristsite.com, I recommend you look into the Firewood Hoarders' Club forums as well: The Firewood Hoarder's Club forum Either way you decide, Good Luck! Pics of my 22 ton Huskey after I modified the wedge and foot. 
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Thanks for the replies.
I had never heard of the Supersplitter before. It looks like a smarter mousetrap and it doesn't have hydraulics to worry about. My history with hydraulic lines is...not so great. 
Anyway, I will see what the budget allows. I probably don't need the added power of the 27 ton over the 22 ton. We have a local Tractor Supply company nearby. Thanks again, Cheese |
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Well now. I know what OSHA investigators see in their nightmares now!
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Quoted:
We called a few rental places and found one selling a 22 ton splitter. Have had it for about 12 years now and it works perfectly. Split 3-5 cords a year. I'd like one of the newer fast cycle ones but since this is still going... gonna keep it. Easy to replace the pump with a 2 stage. Literally 4 bolts and 2 fittings. |
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Quoted:
Well now. I know what OSHA investigators see in their nightmares now!
Quoted:
Well now. I know what OSHA investigators see in their nightmares now!
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Quoted:
What's your budget? I'll send you some links. 1500 bucks or so. I don't know why I heat with wood. I spend too much time worrying about it and dealing with cleaning the chimney. I think it is because I have a rugged pioneer spirit. What an unfortunate thing to have. I should have had a freeloading spirit with a taste for loose women and umbrella drinks. 
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Quoted:
1500 bucks or so. I don't know why I heat with wood. I spend too much time worrying about it and dealing with cleaning the chimney. I think it is because I have a rugged pioneer spirit. What an unfortunate thing to have. I should have had a freeloading spirit with a taste for loose women and umbrella drinks. Quoted:
Quoted:
What's your budget? I'll send you some links. 1500 bucks or so. I don't know why I heat with wood. I spend too much time worrying about it and dealing with cleaning the chimney. I think it is because I have a rugged pioneer spirit. What an unfortunate thing to have. I should have had a freeloading spirit with a taste for loose women and umbrella drinks. 5 Cord is a lot, your stove must be huge. My stove sucks and I can keep it hot in here most winters on 3, this year was almost 4. It does turn into too much work with something that hungry. |
http://omni-mfg.com/Speeco-25-ton-BS-1450-OHV-Vertical-Horizontal-Wood-Splitter-P945825.aspx
I have this one and have used it for years. No problems. I bought it at Coastal Farm for less than $1500. |
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http://www.woodsplitterdirect.com/iron-and-oak-22-ton-vertical-horizontal-log-splitter/?gclid=CK_85YTdg70CFaw-MgodJlcAaw I was going to recommend one of these but it's over your budget. Small engines typically the Honda GX series and Suburu Robin are great. Also take note if it has a good pump, 2 stage and gpm number. Good luck, google "arboristsite" and then log "splitter" and you'll read for hours. |
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That's the kind I'd like to build someday. |
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I've got a 28 ton Speeco which I believe has a faster cycle time than both the 22 and 35 ton units. It was $1,400 at Atwoods. I have never had a problem with it.
Keep in mind, the splitters are assembled at the retail store (usually by a complete dipshit), so plan on checking and tightening up everything before you try and use it. Tony 
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I've only ever rented them, but my very first experience with one was watching a 27 ton Iron and Oak model totally fail to split some oak rounds we had.
Also that very same day, I proved the value of the "log dislodger" accessory: 
The rental didn't have those little wings on either side of the ram. Log flipped back and landed behind the ram after I'd kicked in the automatic return. Log came back with 27 tons of force and dinged off the control box. *BOOM*, instant case of the greasies for ole WS. Hydraulic fluid everywhere. Lucky I took the insurance, and lucky the fluid wasn't hotter!
Rented that same machine a year later, and they bought the dislodger 
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| I have an Ariens that I bought at Home Depot. It works well but has some strange issue that where the vibrations cause agitation of the gas tank. When that happens the Subaru motor begins to pulse of the RPMs. When that happens, I shut it down and top it off with fuel. Then, if runs fine again. Besides that it's a great machine. |
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I use a 27 ton Troybilt splitter with a Honda motor. I probably paid $1,300 or so for it at Lowes or Home Depot while using a Lowes 10% off coupon. I've used it for 3 heating seasons and it still starts right up.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_116418-270-24CF572B711_0__?Ntt=troy-bilt+27&UserSearch=troy-bilt+27&productId=3806693&rpp=32 I'd be tempted to get a flywheel splitter for speed but they are pricey. I usually heat with wood and this winter has been the worst. Made the mistake of using the easiest to get to wood from the shed and the closest stacks first and with 14 feet of snow this year I haven't been able to get to the other racks of wood as they are buried. Oh well, less wood to cut for next winter. I have to build a wood shed away from the lake on my property to store wood that won't get buried under 8 foot drifts coming off the lake. This was my wood pile from 2011 about half done at one of the houses my father owns. I had to trailer that all over to a house I bought on a small island. 
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