Wood Splitter

[Logan]

The advertised cycle time on mine is 15 seconds but like Greg, I only use about half a stroke and the ram automatically retracts when you let go of the lever. I guess they all do that but I'm not sure. HF also has a 24 ton model, also with an 8 hp Briggs engine. I don't know if it is the same engine model as mine. It is $899.

I looked at the MTD splitter at Lowes (like Greg's) and mine is built with what looks like the same heavy material. Both are well built. The MTD has a log cradle, mine does not. Mine holds five gal. of hyd. fluid and the MTD looks about the same.

The MTD 6 hp model was a verticle shaft engine where the Harbor Freight is horizontal. I don't think that would make any difference. The MTD model has fenders, that might be necessary for road use in some states. Mine has no lights and I don' think the MTD splitter had them either. I will not be towing mine on the highway so that wasn't a issue.

Another thing, the wheels on the Harbor Freight model don't use lug nuts. Not sure on the MTD model, but from the picture they appear to be the same as mine. The wheel and hub are one unit. You have to take the bearing out to change the tire. Still not much of a concern for me because I will slime them if I start getting leaks and I will not be pulling it on the road.

I went with the Harbor Freight model because of the extra hp and 16 gpm two-stage pump, plus no sales tax and free shipping, but I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

I have split some well seasoned oak (about 16") that I couldn't split with a maul, or sledge hammer and wedges last season when it was green. A lot of it had limbs. Really tough to split for a 53 year old with a bad back. This thing split it like butter. It also has NEVER failed to start on the first pull of the rope.

You have to assemble the HF model. You have to mount the beam and put the wheels on and pack the bearings, and you have to bolt on the coupler. Pretty easy but its a two man job to put the beam on and line it up for the bolt. Did I say this sucker is heavy? Plan to have help unloading it when the freight company brings it. Luckily I had a front end loader.

[CTyler]

Thanks for the info guys.

I have pallet forks. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[KiotiWarhawk]

Garbageman, I would have to agree with you. No need for rush splitting. 15-18 second split time for the "slower" hydraulic models? Heck, it takes me that long to hit the wedge the first time with the sledgehammer!

[greyhound]

Hello,
Bought a used wood splitter today.Its a lickity splitter made in piqua ohio in the 1970s.Would like to find a manual for this wood splitter or maybe some pictures.Would like to know more about the controls and levers.Thanks Rick

[wolc123]

There are a lot of good splitters out there. Two things I would reccomend is that you get one that can be operated horizontal and vertical, and that is powered by its own gas engine. The ones that are only horizontal are usually too low to operate comfortably standing up, and too high for getting real big pieces up on. This is a recipie for a sore back. With the horizontal/vertical ones, the height is perfect while horizontal for standing up working on smaller stuff, and when you move them vertical, you can easily roll the big pieces into them and sit on a chair as you split them. When I am splitting, I hook the splitter up to a front bumper hitch on my Ford 8n and pull it out of the barn to where the wood is. I then back the tractor up to the spliter and load a 3pt caryall as I split, using the tractor to haul it back to the woodshed when it fills up (aprox 1/2 cord capacity). This is sure a lot handier than when I had one that operated off the tractors hydraulics and it cuts way down on the fuel usage. Other nice features are a 2-stage pump and an automatic return.

[WayneB]

This is the log splitter I bought about three years ago. Not a single problem with it so far.. I like the 13 inch tires for moving the splitter around, also came with a four way splitter head that is nice for splitting some chunks of wood up. The height of the splitter is also good and easier on the back (I think)

http://www.americanmsr.com/Images/AM24H-big-2.png

Home page: Log splitter, wood conveyor and firewood processor by American CLS

[JoelD]

How much you have to split and the size of the logs and frequency will all impact the decision.

I purchased a Ryobi electric splitter for $299. Pro's and Con's.

1) Price
2) Electric - no maintenance other than change hydraulic fluid once in a while
3) Size - small ,will fit anywhere
4) Power to size - rated at somewhere around 4-5 ton, I've not hit a log yet that I could not split, I've split up to 18 inches or so in diameter hardwood
5) Super Safe - must use two hands to opperate, very slim chance you'd hurt yourself.

Con's
1) It is very low to the ground, some have set up a little stand or put on blocks
2) Need electricity - I can run off of my generator if need be.

This machine has been perfect for me, I'd recommend to anyone. Others have given superior reviews as well.

I am just happy not to have another gas motor to worry about.

Good luck,
joel

[ka81504]

has anyone here ever built a log splitter from scratch?

[ka81504]

I am looking to build one and could use the help with plans or designs with this project. Nothing to heavy duty, I have an idea just need help with getting started.

[JoelD]

Search and you'll find a number of threads.

I considered the same, but the amount of work invovled for something that I'd not be using all that much just did not seem worth it when I could purchase a new machine for $299 that does a great job.

This is one of those projects that seems like it would be interesting to build but just not worth the effort unless you are going for something very custom for a particular application.

Even if I needed industrial strength and volume I'd probably purchase something used.

The parts can add up fast.

Joel