Wood Splitter

[garbageman]

I was looking to buy a splitter (not a 3 Pt) to split 4-5 cords of wood a year. I don't require anything heavy duty, just dependable. Any recommendations?
Ray

[jim_wilson]

You can do a search here on Tractorbynet - there have been a few threads on log splitter recommendations. If you are looking for something that is reliable , fast and easy to use check out the Super Split Log splitters - my father bought one of these probably 20 years ago and has pretty much no problems with it - he got the electric version but you can also get a gas version. If you are handy you could probably even rig one of these to run off of tractor hydraulics. The stuff they claim in the website is pretty much true - this thing will split wood as fast as you can load the logs in - every hydraulic splitter I have used you always have to wait for the hydraulics. Not sure on the pricing - I think they are more expensive than hydraulics but the long term reliability should more than make up for that extra cost.

[rozett]

I have an MTD 6 HP, 23-ton splitter and I am very pleased with it. I bought it used on Ebay for $800. I was less than a year old when I bought it. I have split about 50 cord of wood so far this season without any problems. Although the 18 second cycle time is a little slower than some of the more expensive units, it has no problem with any of the oak or maple I have run thru it.

I was originally looking at a Timberwolf splitter, but I can buy three of the MTD machines for the cost of one Timberwolf.

[Youare]

The type and size of wood you normally harvest for fire wood is going to be one factor. If it is fairly straight easy splitting stuff and you have all the time in the world to split it then look at some of the less expensive models.

Home Depot rents the splitters they sell so you can get a good idea of how it will perform. I purchased a Super Split wood splitter this past spring, it is a fantastic unit.

The price of this unit is equal to the high end hydraulic wood splitters but then it is a high performance splitter. There are no hydraulic components to worry about leaking. The splitting cycle time is 3 times faster than the faster hydraulic units. My son and I split a cord of hard wood, maple and oak, in 20 minutes.

One thing to keep in mind when you own a splitter it is intresting how many people would like to borrow it.

Randy

[bobholland]

I purchased a Brave Products splitter in the spring and have been pleased with it. Bought it through Baileys who remark it with their label. After talking with the factory guyz at Brave, I did upgrade to the Honda GX engine. I am splitting about the same volume of wood as you on a yearly basis and this machine seems perfect.

Bob - Oregon

[garbageman]

I was looking for a 20-27 ton splitter for $900-1200 dollars. Looked in Home Depot, Lowes and some tractor suppliers who
sold "better quality" but were big bucks. I would like a dependable machine, no rush splitting.
Thanks for the replies,
Ray

[Logan]

I bought a 30 ton splitter with an 8 hp Briggs OHV engine for $998 about three months ago from Harbor Freight. Free shipping. It seems well made, very heavy, and has plenty of power. It is $1098 now, and that's what it was when I ordered it. They sent out a flyer just after I ordered and before it arrived, dropping the price to $998. I called them and they refunded the difference. I was leery of buying it sight unseen. I am happy with it.

[GregJ]

I have the Yard Machine (MTD) 6hp / 25 ton model that Home Depot sells. I think it was $899. I've used it for 2 years and it seems very adequate for my use. I've done about 10 cords with it so far.

Greg

[CTyler]

Logan and Grej......What are the cycle times on you units?

I've been looking at HF and HD units as well.

Thanks
Chris

[GregJ]

CTyler,
Here is the link to my splitter MTD Yardman Splitter . As far as cycle time, I never let it go full cycle. I stop the ram around the length of the logs I am splitting, so I limit the amount of travel. This machine works plenty fast enough for my 52 year old body. I wouldn't want to go any faster. A friend of mine was using a fast cycle unit years ago and lost the end of his thumb. I guess I really shouldn't blame the splitter for that, but it is nice to have a second or two to watch what's happening.

Greg