Ariens log splitter--should'a kept my old log splitter!

[turnkey4099]

When looking at log splitters, I compared all the different brands in the similar price and tonnage range and decided on the Troy Bilt sold at Lowes for the very simple reason of it having a Honda engine. I'm sure there are other differences with the hydraulics, but overall, I felt that all of them where pretty much similar in everything except the engine. For me, getting a small engine to start is what makes my day, or ruins it. Honda is the standard that every other small engine is compared to in the reviews. A good review of another brand will say something like, it's just about as good as a Honda, or they like it as much as they did their Honda, or for the money, it's a better deal then paying for the Honda. After awhile, I realized, Honda is at the top of the mountain for a reason!!!!

That goes way back to the early 80s if not further. Honda items are usually priced higher than the competietors but what sold me on buying a self propelled mower was the "Starts first pull every time" claim. It was right. I finally parked it two years ago and it was always 'first pull' all those years and acres. Wore the rubber off the drive wheels twice. Two years ago no start but at that point it was burning oil so bad it was a wonder it had started at all the prior year. It for sure didn't owe me anything.

Harry K

 

[ultrarunner]

I've got an old Duer 22 ton unit made in Washington State...

Can honestly say the little Briggs Engine just keeps on chugging along and easy to start.

Simple design and vertical/horizontal.

My biggest problem is everyone wants to borrow it... and I'm not comfortable because not everyone is carefull... both safety wise and equipment wise.

I would like to know who makes something comparable today as two people I know have asked me what to buy...

I guess Northern is still the place with lots to choose from?

 

[gwstang]

When I was a great deal younger, I would borrow an old splitter that an old fellow had. I would help him with some chores as he was ancient (at least to me when I was 27 or so...lol). He appreciated the help and I would borrow the splitter to take care of my wood heater. I could usually do it in a day or two and be done with it. That thing was huge. It was made out of a bull dozier ram and a large steel girder. He was a guard at one of the technical schools in town and some of the students in welding made that for a school project for him. It was awesome to say the least. He passed away some years later and the splitter went to parts unknown with a relative so I had to buy my own. I am not sure if you could find anything these days that stand up that behemoth back then. I always loved to talk to old Mr. French as he had stories from back in the depression about running moonshine and such. Stuff of legends! :thumbsup:

 

[oldpilgrim]

best bang for the buck out there. EXCELLENT machine...really performs well.

CountyLine 22-Ton Log Splitter - For Life Out Here

 

[ultrarunner]

Never thought of TSC... don't have a local one... but there is one about an hour or so away... depending on traffic.

 

[LD1]

Ditto the one at tsc. Made by speeco. I agree its the best for the money.

 

[s219]

When I shopped, the absolute best were the NorthStar splitters at Northern Tool, but they are pricey -- $600-800 more than other comparable units. But they have some nice features, and the better grade Honda engine (Honda has several grades of small engines, and many brands use the cheaper grade). Next best were the TSC units, but quite a bit below the NorthStars. And comparable to TSC were the Dirty Hand Tools splitters. Those three brands were all unique and fairly heavily built. Everything else on the market, including Ariens, is some variation on the same basic splitter sold under many brand names. If you look at the beam and ram design, the trailer hitch, the wheels, etc -- they are much lighter duty than the top three I mentioned.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I had a Northern, and gave it to my son. He needed one and I bought the TSC for me. Both were excellent. I can't say one was better than the other.

 

[TnAndy]

When looking at log splitters, I compared all the different brands in the similar price and tonnage range and decided on the Troy Bilt sold at Lowes for the very simple reason of it having a Honda engine. I'm sure there are other differences with the hydraulics, but overall, I felt that all of them where pretty much similar in everything except the engine. For me, getting a small engine to start is what makes my day, or ruins it. Honda is the standard that every other small engine is compared to in the reviews. A good review of another brand will say something like, it's just about as good as a Honda, or they like it as much as they did their Honda, or for the money, it's a better deal then paying for the Honda. After awhile, I realized, Honda is at the top of the mountain for a reason!!!!

Amen to Honda.

I converted a 3pt hitch splitter years ago to a stand alone by adding an 8hp Tecumseh engine plus a 16gpm 2 stage pump/tank and welded on a set of axles and tires to 'make' a splitter. The Tecumseh was the worst part of it, having to rebuild the carb several times over the years, I finally changed to a 240GX Honda with electric start. Went with the electric start thinking, I'm getting older and don't have the energy to pull on a start rope for 1/2 hr AND split wood.

I don't know if the electric start works or not, since I've never put a battery on it to try....it starts with a pull or two after sitting a season (with PRI gas preservative in the tank) without a problem. I turn the fuel off at the last use of the season and let the engine run itself dry.

 

[s219]

I have had a Honda mower since about 2000, and it has alway started on the first pull, even when neglected. The deck finally rusted out beyond saving last year, so I removed the motor and the important parts, and will either build a custom deck or just save the motor for something else. I was always smooth and ran well.