Log Splitter Advice

jejeosborne · Aug 6, 2014

I second the Swisher models. They have a big advantage of being belt driven. When the fluid is cold, you can disengage the pump until the engine is started and stable.

David P · Aug 7, 2014

Just like every other piece of gear on the farm, log splitters all have their strengths and weaknesses. A log lift would be really nice for working with large pieces of wood although I just roll mine into my loader bucket, pull up to the table and roll them back out. I gave consideration to a 3pt model but thought a stand alone unit would be more economical over the long term plus I don't put all the hours on the tractor engine. Additionally, as I mentioned, I use the tractor for bringing large pieces to the splitter.

One additional feature that the Super Split has is the ability to swap out the gas engine for an electric motor. Remove a couple of mounting bolts, pull off the gas engine, put the electric motor on and you're in business. Now you can listen to the ball game while you're splitting or if you needed to split wood over the past winter as I did, you can do it inside the barn and out of the elements.

Electric model: ELECTRIC SUPERSPLIT LOGSPLITTER - YouTube

Pretty fast splitter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQf16bGKgo

I read somewhere that it split a half cord in 19 minutes at the 2009 Sawmill firewood competition

This was split over the past couple of nights in around 1-1.5 hours or so. I split and my three daughters stack the wood and my wife tells us all what to do. :thumbsup:

oldpilgrim · Aug 7, 2014

I've had a couple of splitters over the years and I have not found more bang for the buck with more functionality than the 22 ton from TSC. It splits everything I've thrown at it up to 36 inches or more. Don't let the 22 ton rating throw you. It just keeps splitting away...anything you can feed it. It is one heavily built mother.

The recyle time is good, but that is a number that really isn't too important as it's for full retraction and most of the time you only need to put it a few inches into the log before it splits and then you only do about a 1/2 retraction or less.

This is an excellent machine. I've split more than 20 cord with it and it's still running strong.

just pull up the nicely upholstered seat and split away, relieving your back of all unnecessary bending and lifting.

Huskee® 22-Ton Log Splitter - Tractor Supply Co.

Pilot · Aug 7, 2014

One more thing about selecting a splitter is where you need stand in relation to the axles, engine, etc. On the good ones you set the log directly in front of you, i.e., you can stand about midway along the rail and can even step backwards without tripping over a tire. On the poorly designed ones you stand near the end of the rail because parts of the machine are in the way and have to twist to set the log in place--can't be good for your back. You want a clear working area. This Speeco (Google Image Result for http://images.palcdn.com/hlr-system/WebPhotos/81/819/8191/8191660.jpg%3F_v%3D5a94e708-b43a-47fc-b9d2-56110847a5a6) is designed for you to only work from the side closest to the camera; if you want to operate the valve with your left hand and stand on the other side, you have the engine in the way. You can do it, but it isn't as good.

Piston · Aug 7, 2014

El Wood said:
Budget is around 2k Any recommendations??

I believe this puts almost any of the "quality" splitters out of the question, such as the Supersplit and Splitfire mentioned.

Just about every type of splitter has been recommended in this short thread, so, does that help you decide?

If you can bump your budget up, or find used (harder with quality splitters) then you may be able to broaden your choices.

My advice though, think hard about lifting heavy oak onto where you will be splitting (especially with the tall splitfire style)

Recommended splitter threads are hard to answer, there are so many variables and so much personal preference that what works for others isn't the best for you.

Pilot · Aug 10, 2014

Here's what I've been talking about regarding poor design. Where are you supposed to stand to load the log? Off the end of the rail? You need to be able to stand squarely in front of where you want to place the log, not off to the side. http://greerandgreer.com/images/equipment/34.jpg This Speeco is much better in that regard, you have a clear work area. http://images.palcdn.com/hlr-system...0.jpg?_v=5a94e708-b43a-47fc-b9d2-56110847a5a6