Consumer log splitters, towable on roads??

adegiulio · Oct 4, 2004

OK, laugh at me if you must, but I have what some may consider a stupid question, but here it goes. Are the log splitters you see in Home Depot or Tractor Supply towable on regular roads at regular speeds? Obviously they have a hitch and wheels, but can they handle road speeds or are they just good for moving around on grass or around the property?

As you may tell, I am not very trailer savvy. I have a truck with a two inch receiver but I have never used it. I assume I just buy a hitch and connect everything up. Sometimes I wish my father spent more time with me on stuff like this!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

shvl73 · Oct 4, 2004

Most do not have wheels rated for high speed travel. Check the liturature where you buy it.

bczoom · Oct 4, 2004

The one I'm looking at to replace my older splitter says on the brochure "Road-speed tires for highway towing". It's a New Holland but I believe it's the same as what you're looking at.

Personally, I'd always load it up. Being relatively small, you probably won't be able to see it behind your truck. The way the weight is distributed on the splitter, it may not want to tow straight and pot-holes can send it flying all over the place.

I haven't seen anyone tow these more than short distances down the road and it was at low speeds (normally done with an ATV or tractor instead of a road vehicle).

You mentioned towing it behind your truck. Can you throw it in the bed instead?

eee · Oct 4, 2004

Cub Cadet wood splitters come with running lights,brake lights and blinkers and you can plug them into your trailer brake outlet on your vehicle. I tow mine down the highway 55 MPH,no problem.

bczoom · Oct 4, 2004

roughcut,

That sounds like a nice splitter. Is it of the same size/quality/price of the ones we're referring to? (approx. a 20-30 ton unit, weighs about 600-700#)?

Logan · Oct 4, 2004

The one that I have has the small 8" wheels and NO SPRINGS and althought it is supposed to DOT certified, I wouldn't pull it at highway speed unless it was a short distance and I knew the road well. I know that many boat trailers around here have gone many miles at highway speed with such tires and wheels, but they all have springs and are relatively light. They also have solid axles. Most, if not all of the log splitters that I have seen, incorporate axle ends into a sheet metal subframe for support, and in some cases it is part of the hydraulic tank. I think a good pot hole could really test your luck.

eee · Oct 4, 2004

It is a 9 hp 33 ton.......

rozett · Oct 4, 2004

I own a Yard Machines (MTD) splitter that is similar to the models sold at Home Depot. Mine is the 26-ton, 6.5 HP model. The owners manual says not to tow faster than 45 MPH. I bought mine (slightly used) thru EBay and had to drive from Maine to Poughkeepsie, NY (300 miles) to pick it up. I returned home towing it at 65-70 MPH without any problems. We stopped to eat about halfway home and I checked the hubs for heat and found only minor heating. So I would not hesitate to tow it again.

Dargo · Oct 4, 2004

I have the same MTD splitter from Home Depot and have towed it at 70mph out the highway. Ya know, I can't even feel it behind my 1 ton 4X4 dually! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's probably not rated for that speed, but my truck seems to pull it fine.

eee · Oct 5, 2004

( but my truck seems to pull it fine )

That truck should drag it upside down at that speed with no problem. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If I am not mistaken,I think the Cub Cadet splitter has a 2 year warranty.