Log splitters

[pacosperson]

I’m trying to decide whether I should buy or rent a log splitter. I’m concerned that I will wear out before the logs are all split. Renting a splitter for 10 days will cost me about $1700, so that number is my hope for a decent splitter. I need to have one that I can roll the logs onto. Any thoughts?

I’ve had a 30 ton for many years. Owning it, I could attach a large ‘tray’ to accumulate what I split. I park my bucket right there, even with the tray, and eliminate bending and stooping as I move the wood around, out of and back into the bucket. But, more critically in my view, as you age you can allow yourself to do less and less. I have deteriorated to the point where I tell myself I’ll do one tank of gas and then quit. That’s tough to do with a rental. And you WILL age.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Another alternative would be to use a tractor powered 3PH splitter. You could lower the splitter to load a log and raise it to split. I'm not a fan of running up tractor hours for uses like this, but it could work for you.

I'm 74 and just finished splitting 3 and 2/3 cord of hardwood by myself using a horizontal splitter. I never could have done it without the log lift as several of my logs were 12 to 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches long. I split one IBC basket per day and it takes three baskets to make a cord.

In addition to the lift I also added jacks to the splitter so I can raise it up to a comfortable working height that is much less back straining.

I have tried to use the tractor to load large logs and I just find it too slow and awkward.

 

[FERLING]

Bought a 25t County Line after moving onto the property. Paid for itself immediately. Keeps up with land maintenance splitting for heating and firewood.

Plus Spring and Summer prices should be at their lowest.

 

[FERLING]

I’m trying to decide whether I should buy or rent a log splitter. I’m concerned that I will wear out before the logs are all split. Renting a splitter for 10 days will cost me about $1700, so that number is my hope for a decent splitter. I need to have one that I can roll the logs onto. Any thoughts?

If you can buy on sale you can't go wrong with this. The few logs it won't split makes good bon-fire fuel. RuggedSplit 322-24-REX Log Splitter: 22-Ton, Raven 301cc, Log Lift, 24" Stroke

 

[qualsite]

We only heat with wood, so my splitter gets a lot of use, and I've had it for years. I've used many splitters over the years, but ended up buying a Yardmax 25 ton, which is easy to use and has been great. Yeah, I know, it's a made in China and a big box marketed unit, but I bought it online from Log Splitters Direct, and they had a great price and service. It's worked very well and split cords of logs for years the way it's supposed to, and for $1000 delivered, I didn't care if lacked the appeal of bigger and better units. It gets the job done the same way with no problems. It sits in the log yard, and when I feel like an hour of exercise, it and I get a workout... so it's so nice just to have it sitting there available to use when I have the time. I've used the tilt-up mode for some of those bigger heavy logs, and it works great. I have logs dropped off from a number of tree services, who are glad to be rid of them, so there has been a variety of trees, from redwood, to sweet gum that only shreds, not splits. The only caveat is that it came with a Briggs engine, and I would have much preferred a Honda engine, but the Chinese-built Briggs engines appear to be close clones of the Honda. But, it starts up when I want it to, and pushes that ram through the log just fine.

 

[bcarlson]

45+ years ago I bought a 3 point hitch type log splitter similar to the pic (not mine tho, but very similar).
Allows you to lower it to the ground for heavy logs, raise up for operation.
I run it off a Prince PTO 11 gal/minute pump.
Still working today as well as the first day I had it!
Still spliting 10-15 cords every summer.
It's one of my best buys ever!

 

[Hoho223]

I've been considering the Champion 27 ton. Any reason to talk me out of it?

I have one and it works just fine. Vertical and horizontal positions. Easy to handle. Outside storage? Remember to cover the engine

 

[FriendwithTractor]

If you can buy on sale you can't go wrong with this. The few logs it won't split makes good bon-fire fuel. RuggedSplit 322-24-REX Log Splitter: 22-Ton, Raven 301cc, Log Lift, 24" Stroke

I have the bigger brother of that, the 37 ton 30" stroke splitter.

I've only seen it refuse two pieces: A green gnarly maple log (About 20") and a nasty burl from an oak. Everything else it's cracked like an egg.

The log lift is a godsend, once the hydro oil is warm it can certainly produce. Especially with the 6 way slip-on wedge, it will split as fast as you can feed.
Only drawback is from storing outside mine is starting to develop surface rust, plan on grinding some of the paint/rust away and repainting with some tougher paint.

One thing to note about these: They come in a crate and you'll have to put it together yourself. Not a problem, but I wished I had my tractor for assembly as the main beam was very heavy even with three people.

Happy shopping!

 

[arrow]

Do the math. Purchase for $2000. Sell after splitting for half of that ($1000) :
$2000 minus $1000 = $1000 paid to split.
$1700 rent vs. $1000 to split = $700 saved.
Better off renting.

Or…$1300 to purchase. Sell after use for $1000.
$1300- $1000 =$300.00 paid to split.
$1700 vs $300=$1400 saved.
Better off buying. Plus they’ll deliver it to your place.

Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224 cc Gas Powered Hydraulic Wood Log Splitter w/Vertical/Horizontal Operation and Auto Return-with Hydraulic Oil 100424 - The Home Depot

CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT Log Splitter fully surrounds your valued machinery and protects it from harsh elements. Comes in charcoal gray color with CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT logo.

www.homedepot.com

 

[arrow]

45+ years ago I bought a 3 point hitch type log splitter similar to the pic (not mine tho, but very similar).
Allows you to lower it to the ground for heavy logs, raise up for operation.
I run it off a Prince PTO 11 gal/minute pump.
Still working today as well as the first day I had it!
Still spliting 10-15 cords every summer.
It's one of my best buys ever!

View attachment 3169186

The op seems that this may be a one off splitting experience.
He is way better off with a self powered splitter for resale purposes.
His market will be larger.