Light duty log splitter

   / Light duty log splitter #1  

Bedlam

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2005
Messages
1,870
I am considering purchasing a small electric log splitter
I already have a engine driven one but like the idea of easy portability and the use inside the basement. Year ago i had an electric one from sears it was along screw that would move the splitter 'ram' from one end to the other it wasn't too bad a setup. it wasn't hydraulic
if anyone has any ideas of which might be better from these links Id appreciate it.Lowes doesn't seem to have any to offer.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

These two are what HF offers. I notice that the larger one kicks into oversize freight so Id imagine it will cost more as for the freight cost

Here is the Home Depot offer

Ryobi 4 Ton Electric Log Splitter - RY49701 at The Home Depot

here is a video of one in operation .
YouTube - Ryobi Electric Log Splitter
YouTube - Ryobi electric log splitter from Home Depot

And of course Northern Tool which is 60 dollars shipping on top of the price

Northern Industrial Electric Horizontal Log Splitter — 5-Ton Capacity, 2 HP | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

I like the ryobi best so far. maybe from the videos.


Thanks
 
   / Light duty log splitter #2  
My buddy and I have each had one for the last 3 years, well not exactly, it is in
between 6 ton. made in china. have split with no problem poplar and birch over 25 inch butt have to rotate the split. but if wood is dry splits real good, I do not have a gas one so I use it for everything from birch, maple to oak, we split some by hand in winter when wood is froze to get a jump on it. Only thing I have done is modified two hand leavers to make them into one and raised it up by mounting it on a bigger dolly or cart to move around. My 2800 yamaha inverter just runs it, goes on overload briefly on start up
Bill
 
   / Light duty log splitter #3  
I bought one from Lowe's for $299 and could not believe how well it worked. So, don't think you need to spend a lot of money.
 
   / Light duty log splitter
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks for the replies.
I agree that the larger 7 ton one from Harbor Freight is maybe more than I need. It has larger tires and looks beefier but would cost 6o some odd dollars shipping so, it gets into the higher priced level for me.
I'll probably go with the Lowes one.
As I said it was for real light use. Mostly to have for the logs that I got lazy splitting on before I stacked them.
I generally will get the log that is just a tad too big to fit through the opening, so this would be a real help.
Ive also been know to have some of the average size wood a tad to LONG , and it starts burning and has to be taken out flaming, and thrown in the snow lol
Again thanks for the replies,and keep em coming.
Al
 
   / Light duty log splitter #5  
I bought a 5 ton unit from Princess Auto. It's hydraulic and made in China. Seems to work well but you need a decent power source near your wood. 16 gauge extension cords will not do the job.
The Ryobi looks good. Did you read the reviews? People seem to like it.
For mine a bigger cart like Bunt made would be handy to raise it a bit and make it easier to move. Mine moves nice in the garage but it the yard you are pretty much dragging it.
 
   / Light duty log splitter
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Tig,
Oh yea the cord is a factor .its amazing the voltage drop ,luckily mine will be used inside of just outside 12 gauge extension definitely.
Yes read some of the reviews but to be honest I'm not sure just how fair they are.
I have much more faith in what the TBNers think here. I know its not going to be better feed back. As the members grow, we have so many more opinions.
Al
 
   / Light duty log splitter #7  
I've had real good luck with the Ryobi splitter. I've got a Husky for the big stuff, but the Ryobi does great in front of the woodshed. Just wire for 20 amps and you'll have no problem.
The "two hands" control is great for teens helping out. It keeps hands out of the danger zones.
 
   / Light duty log splitter #8  
DR Products sells two electric splitters, a 4 ton and a 6 ton. They currently have a 20% off sale going on: 4 ton was $439, sale price is $351. 6 ton was $749, sale price $599. Check this link: DR Splitter

In general, they sell pretty decent stuff. Not commercial duty, but then that's not what you are looking for anyway.

John Mc
 
 
 
Top