Harbor Freight Log Splitter Review

[Charlesaf3]

Yep, like Charles I purchased a HF log splitter. Bought it just over a year ago. Unlike Charles I did go with the B&S because that's all they had in the size I wanted... a 24 ton, 8hp. A few months later they changed to the Robin engine.
A year and 8 cord later I have had no major issues with the splitter. My original thought was to pick up something at a reasonable price. The splitter I got retailed for $949. It was on sale for $899. With my good-old 20% off coupon I picked it up for $720. I had a friend who has a truck and they loaded it right on it in no time. Yep, the tough part was getting the thing off of it.

Small problems range from a loose nut (teflon fixed that) and recently a loose filter. The issue with the hydraulic fill is a problem. I used a long neck funnel and bent it. Seems to work... except how the heck do you tell how much is in the tank? It's a pain.

The manual states not to split anything larger than 8". HA! Try 3'. Vertical splitting definitely is a back saver. For the price this thing definitely takes the cake!

Keith
Kubota B7610

Wow, great price. And sounds like you got to avoid the fun of putting it together. I don't see how they can make any money on them at that, considering all the steel in the thing. And yep, you are right - the 8" is clearly a CYA number - the thing laughs at 8". That's just the size of the head.

I love skiing at Stowe btw. Hope the coverage is better this year.

 

[Propertymaint]

I bought one of the HF 24 ton 8HP B&S this spring. For the money it's split everything I put at it so far - about 5 cords. I had a similar problem with the hydraulic filter only mine just loosened up (the only thing i forgot to check if it was tight during assembly - quite a mess). I did run thru all the other connections and teflon taped fittings etc. I modified the location of the control valve to make it easier to operate. I did a small review in this section after I purchased mine but it was in conjunction with a cord saw review. Why do people not like the Briggs and Stratton engines. I will agree the Kawasaki and Honda engines are what I usually lean towards for a commercial piece of equipment but I have an old walk behind leaf blower with an 8 HP I/C engine and it just keeps running.

 

[Stoweski]

I bought one of the HF 24 ton 8HP B&S this spring. For the money it's split everything I put at it so far - about 5 cords. I had a similar problem with the hydraulic filter only mine just loosened up (the only thing i forgot to check if it was tight during assembly - quite a mess). I did run thru all the other connections and teflon taped fittings etc. I modified the location of the control valve to make it easier to operate. I did a small review in this section after I purchased mine but it was in conjunction with a cord saw review. Why do people not like the Briggs and Stratton engines. I will agree the Kawasaki and Honda engines are what I usually lean towards for a commercial piece of equipment but I have an old walk behind leaf blower with an 8 HP I/C engine and it just keeps running.

1. I didn't realize they still sold them with the B&S engines. Thought they were all Robin at this point.

2. Any chance I could get a few picts on how you relocated the control valve? I'd really like to see that especially since whenever I use the thing I need to stand IN FRONT of the muffler... can be quite hot!

3. When and if my engine goes I'll be sure to purchase a Honda engine. A friend has one that he bought to replace a B&S and the thing was silent compared to the B&S!

3. Charles... Actually my splitter was in the crate which they loaded in the back of a Toyota pickup. I did have to assemble it which was a pain especially with the I-beam they had on it. Good kindling wood for my firepit!
And yes, you caught on to my username. Stowe is my favorite mtn. If it weren't for the weekend liftlines on the quad I'd be skiing Liftline and National all day! Oh, and if my quads could take that punishment too. Pray for snow!!!

Keith
Kubota B7610

 

[rambler]

8" wood????? Sheez, that fits in my stove as is, I've never split wood that small! Why make kindling out of good wood????

If one hasn't needed 30 tons, one must not have elm trees......

Thanks for the review, alway curious about the engines & such.

Could an elbow be threaded onto the oil fill? Probably an odd size or not threaded or some such....

--->Paul

 

[Charlesaf3]

Threading an elbow onto the hydraulic fill might be a thought of genius. Of course, finding that elbow... I just bought a funnel with a flexible insert yesterday, which I think will solve the problem.

A couple of other issues - I'm using it a lot now, so I have a lot of time to contemplate... The hydraulic hoses had enough slack in them that they tended to rest on the extremely hot muffler. I'm pretty sure that was going to cause problems one day - solution, 3 cable ties tying them together, so they support themselves well off the muffler.

Other modifications I'd like to make are making a cradle of sorts so the log doesn't have to be held in place - this would have to be mounted on the bottom of the I beam. I just saw this on a Yard machines. I'd also like to mount some sort of bumper beam around the engine, so logs can't fall on it, and so I don't accidentally bump up against the muffler

Also, I'd like to rig a long enough handle that I don't have to stand next to the muffler while cutting. The yard machines splitter had what looks like the same system as HF, but reversed so the handle was closer to the splitting area. Just flipping the HF assembly might be the easiest.

Re the muffler exhaust - the port on mine could be angled by removing and putting the screws in different holes - I now have the exhaust firing down and a little forward, which is nice. There is a spark arrester.

Other thoughts on checking out the YM splitter at Home depot ($1300+) against the HF machine. YM splitter had a bunch of the tweaks mentioned above already done - looked like the same design updated. Engine was a 5hp honda compared to my HF 9 hp subaru. Much more steel in the HF splitter - the design philosophy seemed to be spare no I beam. YM splitter only had an I beam under log, rest was 2" square tubing. So lighter all around. Hitch of the YM was at a much less PITA height.

All in all, the YM had the nice design modifications, but the HF was much better/heftier built, and cheaper. I was pleased to see this.

I find Briggs engines to be loud and lousy - great for keeping mechanics in business. The general quality of the subaru just kills it. And the 9hp subaru is quieter than a 5 hp briggs.

 

[Charlesaf3]

oh, anyone ever replaced the wedge with a 4 point on any splitter?

 

[Propertymaint]

Stoweski, I basicly rotated the control valve, heated the lever and bent it to fit my needs. Here are a couple of pictures. I also built a quick cradle for the far side - keeps wood that requires a second split from falling to the ground. All in all a decent machine with a few mods.

 

[Stoweski]

Yep, I think I see some mods coming in the near future! Used the splitter for about 2hrs today and now have a nice pile of wood ready to be stacked. Now if the significant other will get out there and start stacking!!!

Thanks for the picts!
Keith
Kubota B7610

 

[Charlesaf3]

Yep, I think I see some mods coming in the near future! Used the splitter for about 2hrs today and now have a nice pile of wood ready to be stacked. Now if the significant other will get out there and start stacking!!!

Thanks for the picts!
Keith
Kubota B7610

Forget the splitter, I want to know how you get the stacker to work!

 

[Stackwood]

We have a 20 ton splitter for ten years that can be stopped with knotty oak 16" and up. Not all the time, but enough to be bothersome. I don't imagine this would happen with a 30 ton splitter.

What psi do these things operate at?

The worst part about a gas powered splitter are the exhaust fumes. Somebody seems to get gassed in any situation. We're going to go with a tractor mounted splitter to avoid this. Should be quieter and easier starting, too.