woodsplitter reccomendations

lee little · May 10, 2018

I am thinking about buying a new woodsplitter. I have a 3 point hitch one that runs off of the tractor hydraulics. It is slow and I hate the wear and tear on my tractor. I am considering buying a 22 ton splitter from Lowe's or Harbor Freight. I recently used a 22 ton Lowe's unit and was pleased on the job it did. I like the fact that it would turn up and split the wood on the ground without you having to lift it up. The reason I am considering the Harbor Freight unit is that it will split wood going in both directions. That would same time in splitting. I would appreciate any input and I am open to suggestions about other units. I know several of you split a lot of wood and I am hunting ideas. Thanks in advance for any help. Lee

Billy NY · May 10, 2018

Everyone will have a different view on this, give some of the variables with processing firewood for ones home heating needs. No doubt, a 3 pt splitter running off tractor hydraulics that are marginal for using one of these gets old real quickly. Same is true with the older style "low rider" splitter,as the work height is very uncomfortable.

The horizontal-vertical splitters offered today by current manufacturers are a big improvement from those low rider types.

Personally, I like the Speeco log splitter line, TSC's Huskee brand re-badged.
It's built with a full beam,(unlike many where the cylinder projects past the beam). Some are or were offered with a Honda engine, wedge is on the ram and when retracted with a jammed block of wood will clear the blockage. I thought the product line they make is a good value for what you spend for a homeowner grade splitter. What model, by what manufacturer is best for your needs will be your decision to make.

There are higher end manufacturers, custom builders and so on, these will cost you a lot more, but are also suited more for higher volume or production.

There are lots of peripheral tools and accessories you can add to your tools to make the work easier, Peavey - Timber jack, pulp hooks, pickeroons, log grippers etc. I use gardenway type carts for hauling the split wood to the stack, and blocks to the splitter. I try to work as little as possible off the ground and the 28 ton Huskee I've had since '12 works well for my needs.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Billy

Bob M · May 10, 2018

Last year I purchased a 25 ton Dirty Hand Tools splitter at Lowes. So far I am delighted with it - splits even the gnarliest oak crotches with ease. It also cycles quicker compared to my son in law's 27 ton Tractor Supply splitter. Further it can quickly be reconfigured for vertical operation and back.

I'm somewhat leery of 2-way splitters - especially if you are working with tough wood. Reason: The splitting force is off-center to the wedge. Results in a considerable side loading of the wedge and guide track. So unless kept clean and lubricated this can cause excessive wear to these parts. Further, for a 2-way splitter the splitting force in the "return" direction is somewhat less than in the "extend" direction.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Bob especially for the comment on the 2 way. I have not found anyone who has used one. I guess I will drop the 2 way.

Traditional Farmer · May 10, 2018

I bought a 30 ton splitter from Northern Tool about 3 years ago has a Honda engine so far its been real good with no problems.splits horizontal or vertical built pretty heavy
got it on sale for $2000.

Steve@Advance · May 10, 2018

No brand recommendation, but something I have found handy is to have "catchers" on each side.

That gives you a place to lay the unsplit log while positioning it, and keeps the split pieces from falling to the ground.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Steve

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks T F

grizz02 · May 10, 2018

mine is a troy built 27 ton I went from a 3 point style that I ran hyd. lines to the front loader where it attached that way I could lift it to a height that I did not have to bend over I sold that one. what I do now is pull this one up on a pair of car ramps, perfect height , mine has shelf's built on both sides and out front , also what I do is load a old pickup with a load of rounds back it up to the splitter and with the wife on one side just roll the rounds onto the deck no lifting and then just throw the splits into my wood shed . also go with a Honda engine

Billy NY · May 10, 2018

You ain't kidding, watch your feet ! Most offer a log cradle of sorts, pretty easy to fab one too.Must have like the ones with the wedge on the beam. The current TSC Huskee models seemed to have put the engine on the other side of the lever now. I don't see the sense it it, as when the piece falls off, it will land on the engine, + you have to go around the other side to turn off the engine now, older ones engine and valve lever are on the same side. Exhaust fumes don't seem to be an issue either. Only thing I don't like with these is the wheelbarrow size tires and not being rated for highway speeds.

Stephen Newell · May 10, 2018

I have a Yard Machine 26 ton splitter I bought at walmart. I've had it for five or six years and has been easy to start and has split anything I put on it.

FarrviewSouth · May 10, 2018

Look at super splitter. I have run several types over the year and unless you are splitting lots of huge chunks, and or very knarly wood the super splitter is so much faster, really no maintenance there is no comparsion to a hydraulic splitter

Cosmo Farms · May 10, 2018

Timberwolf has always been my fan of splitter by the time I finally bought one, although I am very happy with it as well as the fit and finish of it but I think I paid a lot more for the name of having a Timberwolf. After last years Woodsman show, I came across Easton Made Splitters and at some point I will upgrade to one of those.

Bob Harvey · May 10, 2018

I'm almost embarrassed to say that I have an electric 5ton unit (small hydraulic pump and ram). It does everything I need. I burn mostly Fir - rounds are 2-3' in dia., so they have to be hand split in order for me to handle the chunks - got nothin' else to do other than maintain the 'green stuff' (grass). Should have my 4 cords put away in a week or so.

JerryS · May 10, 2018

Like Grizz below, I have a 27-ton Troy Bilt from Lowe's equipped with a Honda engine. It has been trouble-free for six years now, and the Honda starts on the first or second pull after sitting for months at a time. Caveat: I live in the deep south, and my firewood requirements are minuscule compared to some of you polar bears.

parisspringstom · May 10, 2018

I have a 22 ton swisher bought from Race Bros (Like TSC) for $1000.00 5 or 6 years ago. It has split anything oak or hickory I have cut.

wrenchere85 · May 10, 2018

I used to work for an equipment rental and we rented out Split-Fire brand splitters. They are a two way splitter with a Honda Engine. They were very trouble free, and had a hitch and road wheels. Those things would work you to death trying to keep up with it. I beleave they are marketed towards rental places.

ed12345 · May 10, 2018

My guess is that the 3 point is a probably around 25 ton

You already have the valves and most of the hose

Just get a 3 hp electric motor 2 stage hydraulic pump tank suction hose from the tank to the pump and mount to the splitter. The 2 stage pump makes the cylinder move real fast. Much faster than the tractors hydraulics.

Comes out real nice and the best part it's very quiet. Use it in the shop when cold out or move it around the yard with a tractor - since you lift it up you don't have the wheels getting stuck in the wood fragments

When away from a outlet I put a generator in the bucket

1Plowboy · May 10, 2018

I have the 27 ton Troy bilt from Lowes also. I am lucky to have a concrete slab that I work on. I always use it in the vertical position and sit. Thats right split while sitting on my mecanics roller stool. Works excellent. Honda motor is like others said, starts very easy even after sitting for months. Had mine 7 years, do about 4 cords every year. No lifting. Set up a few rounds and work from one side, split stuff goes in the wheelbarrow on the other side. Or if your working with someone they take it after split

Adirondack case guy · May 10, 2018

Lee, Check out Northern Tool or Surplus Center and buy a 5HP motor with a splitter pump combo, and mount it onto your current 3pt splitter to power it. I am presuming that you have a horizontal 3pt splitter that you can operate at waist height.
Those vertical splitters are for the birds, as seen it other posters pics. Why would anyone want to set on a stool and wrestle blocks of wood on their butt and knees, and then push the split wood off to the side so they have to pick it up and move it a couple more times.
Build your splitter so you can raise it at waist height, construct a lifter and an elevator to load the wood into your trailer.
You need to elevate your wood operation to a comfortable working level.
Loren

Jegs · May 10, 2018

I also have a Dirty Hand Tools (Kohler power) brand 27 ton splitter that I got at Menards 3 years ago. The thing works like a charm, can go vertical or horizontal, haven't done anything to it but add gas. I will say that you don't have to add gas often either, gets pretty good mileage.

The best part about it? I paid $760 for this, un-assembled in the crate brand new and put it together by myself, with the help of a two wheeler and a couple of ratchet straps to move the beam, that thing is HEAVY!

SodBuster87 · May 10, 2018

I have a (off brand) Black Diamond that I have been happy with. With wood splitters there is no advatange to name brand. Look into those fleet farm, menards brand splitters. What Ive seen is the off brands are just as good or better than the name brand for as much as half the price. My two cents
Sod Buster.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Loren I have considered that idea and will now look at it again. The reason I didn't do that to start with was all the parts[motor,pump,and controls] would almost equal the cost of another splitter. I would keep the old one for a spare to use during breakdowns.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Sodbuster

1Plowboy · May 10, 2018

No need to wrestle anything. Roll them in with one hand. No knees bumping. No lifting of heavy objects. No lifting rigs. No fleet of equipment.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Plowboy

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Ed

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Wrencher

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Parisspringstom

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Jerry

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Bob

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Cosmo

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks farrviewsouth

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Stephen

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Grizz

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Steve

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Billy

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Jegs

Oliver 500 Wa · May 10, 2018

(quoted from post at 19:28:23 05/10/18) No need to wrestle anything. Roll them in with one hand. No knees bumping. No lifting of heavy objects. No lifting rigs. No fleet of equipment.

IMO 1Plowboy has it right for those not needing huge amounts of wood or selling it. I use the 28 ton Speeco set up vertical. Stage a bunch of rounds on one side, sit on one while working (sitting down on the job!

), throw the split pieces in a pile on the other side or right into the back of the truck. I'm putting up about 3-4 cords a year that way and have tried multiple different setups and this works best for me. Don't want to get into lifters, conveyors, and wagons for just 3-4 cords.

lee little · May 10, 2018

Thanks Oliver

GVSII · May 11, 2018

(quoted from post at 13:34:37 05/10/18) Timberwolf has always been my fan of splitter by the time I finally bought one, although I am very happy with it as well as the fit and finish of it but I think I paid a lot more for the name of having a Timberwolf. After last years Woodsman show, I came across Easton Made Splitters and at some point I will upgrade to one of those.

I recently read some reviews on the Easton splitter.Top notch machine!

GVSII · May 11, 2018

I have 2 splitters,a horizontal and a vert./horiz.If one of them goes down the road it'll be the straight horiz.I have no burning desire to hump 200 or 250 lb. blocks on to the beam.Much less effort to roll the block close to the foot plate and upend on to the plate.

Adirondack case guy · May 11, 2018

Well what got the wood to your splitter??? What cut the logs into blocks????? Did you just leave the wood laying on the ground after you split it, or did you eventually have to pick up thousands of split pieces off the ground and get them to where you burn them???? Any way you do it, that wood has to be handled. Why lift it up and drop to the ground and lift it up again.
I build machines to do the work for me work for me without busting my arz.
The pieces you were splitting in your pic appeared to be limb wood. You don't just reach over with your arm and pull a 50-100# block onto your vertical splitter either, and then you have to wrestle it several times to break it down to usable firewood.
I prefer to strand straight up where my back doesn't hurt when operating my splitter, and let my equipment do all the lifting
Loren

Oliver 500 Wa · May 11, 2018

Nothing against what works for you, it's just too much stuff for me to want to deal with storing, keeping up, or even setting up for the amount of wood I put up a year.

The wood I get comes to me usually sawn into rounds ready to split or in lengths up to around 6 feet long. Good friend with a tree service dumps it in a pile by the side of the shop from his small dump truck. Not a lot of moving the stuff around before splitting.

gears · May 11, 2018

Here's what I use since I don't have a dedicated fleet like Lauren's awesome contraptions.

Chopper1axeDOTcom

Managed to pick up 3 at garage sales and auctions after using one at a cabin in Canada on vacation. It does most of my splitting as it swings like an axe but splits like a maul. Anything it can't cope with gets set aside for my other splitter (15 hp 28gpm 6" cyl).

1Plowboy · May 11, 2018

Look at the pics again. Limb wood is not 15-18 inches across. I'm sorry that my way of processing wood does not please you. I live in a urban area. Yes I have to haul wood here to be split. Just like you. I saw the logs, load them into the truck and haul it home. Split it stack it cary it in the house put in stove light with kindling and match. Burn. Any other advice? Done. Goodby. You are the king. Done with this site too. Guys like you are not needed in my life. I got this far without you and I'll carry on without you.

1Plowboy · May 11, 2018

Forgot your award.

Adirondack case guy · May 12, 2018

Geezze Plowboy, you need to rub a little body oil on yourself so that things slide off your back better. I wasn't condemning your operation, I had the same setup, but have graduated from it to what I have now. I am also fortunate that I can do all the processing in the woods close to where the trees stood, and leave most of the debris there.
Besides that, wood cutting allows me to fuel my tractor and equipment addiction. He-Haw.
Loren

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