Tractors and wood! Show your pics

[Happy Gilmore]

I figure this is as good a thread to ask this question as any (haven't read all 4000+ posts). I've gone through several cheap log splitters and am looking to buy my next and hopefully last. Need a heavy duty model to split large diameter hardwood and welcome suggestions.

That question begs how much are you looking to spend?

 

[s219]

I figure this is as good a thread to ask this question as any (haven't read all 4000+ posts). I've gone through several cheap log splitters and am looking to buy my next and hopefully last. Need a heavy duty model to split large diameter hardwood and welcome suggestions.

If money is no object, the high end Northstar models at Northern tool are very nice. Next down the scale, for a good bit less money, are the Countyline models at TSC and the Dirty Hand Tools models at Lowes. All three of these splitters are fairly heavy duty with good construction and you can tell them apart from lesser machines. Almost everything else that you can buy at a store is a variation of an MTD/Troybilt splitter -- they make them for a whole bunch of brands, including Cub Cadet, Ariens, etc. Not very good from what I have seen, and I would avoid all of them.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

When I was looking for a splitter to last me for the rest of my life AND split everything I threw at it, I stepped UP to a Timber Wolf brand splitter...

WE absolutely love the thing!!

It's one of my all time BEST buys!

SR

 

[TomSeller]

If money is no object, the high end Northstar models at Northern tool are very nice. Next down the scale, for a good bit less money, are the Countyline models at TSC and the Dirty Hand Tools models at Lowes. All three of these splitters are fairly heavy duty with good construction and you can tell them apart from lesser machines. Almost everything else that you can buy at a store is a variation of an MTD/Troybilt splitter -- they make them for a whole bunch of brands, including Cub Cadet, Ariens, etc. Not very good from what I have seen, and I would avoid all of them.

I'm in the want to upgrade mode myself and want a Honda GX engine. The Northern Tools models have a GX but the motor seems undersized compared to Oregon and Speeco brands. I can't get up the courage to step up to a Wallenstein or Timber Wolf with the GX. Dirty Hand gets lots of good reviews and the price is very good but I'm not so crazy about the Kohler engine.

 

[blackdog2086]

That question begs how much are you looking to spend?

I'd like to stay in the 4 to 5K range but looking at the heavy duty duty models from several manufacturers I may have to adjust that a bit. My last 2 were low end ($1500 approx.) MTD type and just weren't up to the task. First one was used and I thought I might just have gotten someone else's problem but the new replacement wasn't any better. I'm hoping to find something in my price range with a hydraulic lift since many of the rounds I split are pushing 300 lbs. and my back isn't what it used to be.

I agree with the Honda engines being some of the best and fortunately that seems to be what most of the heavier duty splitters come equipped with these days.

 

[blackdog2086]

When I was looking for a splitter to last me for the rest of my life AND split everything I threw at it, I stepped UP to a Timber Wolf brand splitter...

WE absolutely love the thing!!

It's one of my all time BEST buys!

SR

I've looked hard at the Timberwolf splitters and they do look nice. I think I might have to up my budget considerably to get one though as the HD models they have are pretty pricey. I don't like that you can't price check them on their website but have to email them or contact one of their dealers for pricing. Yeah, I know, same as tractors but at least you can get an MSRP on tractor websites.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Thing is, the mfg price will be higher, so I called several "dealers" and got the best price, which was a long ways from the mfg suggested price.

SR

 

[ultrarunner]

I've been more than pleased with my used 22 ton Duerr Splitter... decades of use with a small 5 hp Briggs Engine. Gave $500 for it back in 2000 with the new Briggs Engine and split exclusively Oak with a little Pine/Fir.

With Wood Heat fast becoming outlawed here I'm sure it will last my lifetime.

 

[motownbrowne]

I've looked hard at the Timberwolf splitters and they do look nice. I think I might have to up my budget considerably to get one though as the HD models they have are pretty pricey. I don't like that you can't price check them on their website but have to email them or contact one of their dealers for pricing. Yeah, I know, same as tractors but at least you can get an MSRP on tractor websites.

Check out Wolfe Ridge manufacturing. I just bought my splitter from them. I think they're gonna be about 25% cheaper than timber wolf for a similar specced machine massive more. They're made in Eau Claire WI, but he can ship nationwide. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[blackdog2086]

Just checked out the Wolfe Ridge models on their site. They look as beefy as the Timberwolf's, maybe even a bit heavier. Now I just have to wait for a response on my price inquiry.
most of my family is from Wisconsin so I could even do a pickup if the price and features work out.