DR RapidFire Log Splitter

[Piston]

Not really sure if this belongs here or not, but does anyone have any experience with the DR log splitter? Seems like the same idea as the Super Split. I wonder how it compares?

I'm thinking of building my own splitter but also looking around at whats out there. I've read a lot about the super split and especially the Split-Fire. Right now I'd ultimately like the Split-Fire but due to cost I'm thinking of building my own.

A lot of this is just thinking out loud and looking for other opinions. I've never seen the DR one before.

 

[LD1]

It is new. They just came out with it. It is almost identical to the supersplit, with a few improvements, like the handle.

I started another thread about 2 weeks ago, but didnt get much response to it. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=2514080

I think think these things would actually be cheaper to build than a hydraulic unit, but for whatever reason, they are 3x's the cost. I dont know when, but I am definatally going to build one in the future if the prices dont come down.

 

[Piston]

LD1,
What do you think about the SuperSplit/DR style splitter vs. the Split-Fire?

I've read a lot of good things about the SuperSplit over on Hearth.com but I don't know what I would prefer, seems like they work really well. I'm sort of stuck on the dual acting style (I saw one on DR's site as well) like the Split-Fire, not sure why but I really like that style. The flywheel/cam style seems very simple though and is also intriguing. Have you used one before?

 

[LD1]

LD1,
What do you think about the SuperSplit/DR style splitter vs. the Split-Fire?

I've read a lot of good things about the SuperSplit over on Hearth.com but I don't know what I would prefer, seems like they work really well. I'm sort of stuck on the dual acting style (I saw one on DR's site as well) like the Split-Fire, not sure why but I really like that style. The flywheel/cam style seems very simple though and is also intriguing. Have you used one before?

I am not a fan of the dual acting. I just dont see the benefit vs a conventional splitter. Because it STILL splits SLOW.

What I am saying, is that out current conventional hydraulic splitter, splits slow in one direction only. But once the peice is split, and I hit the valve to return, it is already returned before I am ready with the next peice. So no time gain there.

And also, for probabally 75% of what we split, does NOT require a full stroke. So 75% of the time, you have the peices split and the wedge is half way, so if you had a split-fire type, what way would you go to split the next peice???

I like the Supersplit/DR style because they actually split faster, where as the splitfire doesnt "actually" split any faster. It is still a slow hydraulic unit.

 

[groundcover]

The DR looks like a Super Split with a different cover, I saw it in the catalog today and thought they made some deal with or bought the rights. I love the Super Split, sure wouldn't want to go back to an oil splitter !

 

[Piston]

Groundcover,
Do you have a supersplit? If so what size engine do you have? I didn't think the price for the DR was too bad when compared to other quality splitters.

LD1,
I see your point about the splitter types and it's a good one. My only gripe with the supersplit type is that it pushes the wood away from you (just like my current splitter setup) rather than have the wedge be the piece to move.

All in all though, my decision for a log splitter is so difficult because they all seem to work really well, just different. I was on a supersplit kick a couple years ago and almost bought one but held off. I'm interested in the DR one now because it seems to be a bit cheaper for a similar sized engine, although I know that still isnt' comparing apples to apples.

I think I spend too much time comparing the 'numbers' on different internet sites :laughing:

 

[crazyal]

I quickly looked at the Rapidfire but it's built wrong for me. Having the splitting wedge fixed on the end and pushing the wood off the splitter means you'll have to keep picking up wood until it's split to the right size. That's fine for the smaller pieces but on large stuff it'll add too much extra wood.

They say it can split a cord an hour, that's about what a hydraulic splitter will do. Also because it's going to push the wood out the end of the splitter you'll need to move it often as the area gets filled up. Right now I split, resplit, and once to size I toss it onto the pile.

 

[groundcover]

Hi Piston, I do have one, 6hp just like the DR . I have the work platform and haven't had any trouble with large rounds. Wack off a piece,stand the big piece on one side and split up the other one ,chop off another piece,split that up, a thing of beauty ! I love that you are not hunched over, a lot easier on the back. For the really big rounds I will use one as a staging table,lift a round to that ,then to the splitter, faster than using the FEL. It will out split any other splitter that I have ever used ! I don't run the engine wide open, nice and quiet and plenty of power, a well thought out machine, just keep your soft pink body parts out of the like of fire, it is fast !:thumbsup:

 

[dstig1]

I have a SS. They are very fast and can work you to death. The biggest issue you have with these is the same as with any high speed equipment - in feed and out feed. It is hard to keep up with feeding it rounds at the rate it can chew them up, and then you make a huge pile of splits that is in your way just as fast.

There is a huge thread going over on ArboristSite in the Firewood forum on this. There's lots of love for the SS there, and there was some grumbling about the copycat. The design is over 30 yrs old and the patent is long expired. Speeco has also apparently copied the design also, but a bit differently, and it appears less successfully (at least at first blush).

 

[Piston]

It is hard to keep up with feeding it rounds at the rate it can chew them up, and then you make a huge pile of splits that is in your way just as fast.

That's exactly what I was thinking, I am curious what people do to maximize efficiency for in feed/out feed?

Have you found any good ways to make this easier? I like the height of the work table, but I don't like how you have to lift the rounds up to the table.
However, I imagine it would be easy it grab a load of rounds with the FEL and leave them at waist height to move onto the splitter.