Need to find a good log splitter.

Thanks, Eli- Conyers, GA.

I figure there is never a perfect one without modification. I installed a lift pan with a hydrolic cylinder on it. I then plumbed it with a JD valve so it lifts the pan as fast as a cow swithches her tail.

Actualy the lift pan many times server as a storage area--I leave it horizonal so the kids can pile some on deck, PLUS catch the 1/2's that need another trip through the splitter without bending over and picking it off the ground.

We load most wood with a loader with a tine bucket, dump it into a big trailer. The wood splitter is parked infront of the celler wood chute, split wood goes direct into basement from splitter with out handeling again. Lift pan is horizonal with trailer floor so kids can roll the big chunks onto the lift pan.

Just some ideas to save time and wear and tear on your back. The older you get the less fun it is and sore backs make you smarter. I don't see fuel prices coming down so I will probably never retire from burning wood. Dave NE IA

Personally, I would never own a vertical splitter. Bending over everytime you need to set or adjust a log is no good, and they are not set up to use comfortably when in vertical posistion.

Do a search of this bulleting board for "log splitters" you will see many discussions of the the years that will give you some idea what to look for.

Then search the web to find the splitter. My number one recommendation - get a splitter with the wedge on the piston, not one with the wedge on the end of the splitter (i.e., pushes the log onto the ground). Good luck.

Those rare occassions are what the wedges and sledges are for - splitting wood is a production job. Look for a machine that is set up for comfort and speed. I have been looking on the internet at vertical rigs - without exception, when they are horizontal they are all too tall, and you are practically standing on one of the wheels. And the pile of split wood you make opposiste where you are standing will be falling all over the other wheel, fender, and engine.