Buying Advice Log Splitter Sizing

[TractorBob1529]

Been needing to get a log splitter. Narrowed it down to a self-powered unit and not a 3pt. Been looking at the Northstar splitters, specifically the 22 ton and the 30 ton unit. Both have a 160cc engine, 160 GC and the 160 GX, respectively. I've used the 30 ton unit, powerful, but I though it drank up th gas. I've used a smaller unit, that seem to run all day. Can I get by with teh smaller splitter or do I need to go big? Suggestion and comments welcome, right or wrong its worth reading. Thanks.

 

[Axe Man]

Have no experience with Northstar products, but I've used Huskee 22 ton and Wallenstein 20 splitters on Ash, Maple, Cherry,Yellow Birch and Apple. Apple can get pretty knarly and twisted. No problems with anything put on the above splitters.
Have also used a 20 ton Splitfire that splits both ways. Pretty fast and again no problem splitting those species of wood. Good Luck!

 

[yankeerider]

I have a 5 hp Briggs powered 20 ton horizontal/vertical splitter built by Duerr and sold under the agway brand. Bought it brand new in 1991 for under $1000. If it has a log that won't split, it will either slice through it, or it splits it after I rotate the piece to attack it differently. IMHO, if you are working alone, the machine will mostly be waiting for you, not the other way around. I have to refuel about every hour and a half or so, although I've never actually measured, so that could be off.

 

[bigbull338]

either 1 of those splitters will do what you want it todo an more.the goodthing it only allows you to splitt 24in long wood.an that can be a snugg fitt.

 

[GregbkH]

I've been using this 25 ton Speeco that I got from Farm & Fleet. It has done everything that was thrown at it. It tilts vertically also.

SpeeCo Inc. - Log Splitter, Tractor Parts, OEM and Farm Accessory Contact information

 

[Diamondpilot]

I really dont think the size has as much to do with fuel usage as the motor. For example my neighbor has a 40004500 watt generator with a BS POS. It drinks fuel. As much as a gallon per hour.

He bought a Champion 3500/4000 at TSC with a Chinese Honda clone engine. It starts first pull after sitting for months and will run 10 hours on 3 gallons of gas. Yes, its a little smaller genny but not that much smaller and uses 1/2 the fuel.

I maintain outdoor power equipment as a part time job. I will not buy anything other than Honda, Kawasaki, and Subaru powered stuff from now on out. Yes, my Troy Built genny has a BS and my snow blower has a Tecumseh but never again.

Just was at Lowes yesterday and they had a nice Troy Built splitter with a Honda for $1300. I think it was 30 ton.



Chris

 

[crazyal]

I have a 27 ton MTD with the 5.5hp Honda from Lowes. I bought it 5 years ago(ish) and it's run great, haven't fund a log that could stop it, most don't even kick the pump down. I change the engine oil once a year in it. I got a Home Depot coupon for 20% off and Lowes accepted it without question when buying the splitter. After sitting all winter and then summer it started up on the second pull.

 

[jake98]

Just was at Lowes yesterday and they had a nice Troy Built splitter with a Honda for $1300. I think it was 30 ton.



Chris

That would be my vote too. When I bought mine (4 years ago?) it was just a grand. I think it's 27 tons, 2 stage.

 

[Mark Page]

I bought a MTD 24 ton 6.5 horse vertical/horizontal splitter for $650 brand new at Lowe's 5 years ago. It was in the spring and they had 4 sitting out from the winter. It's gone right through anything I've thrown at it including locust and white oak. I can't say how much fuel it uses, as it's never been an issue. Compared to a sledge hammer and splitting wedges I really don't care.
There isn't much to go wrong with the splitter except the engine. Look carefully at the engine, if no engine's listed keep looking.

 

[linus69]

I`ve been using a 27 ton Sears splitter for 5 years now, it has a 6 1/2hp vertical shaft engine that has split everything I have ever loaded onto it. That includes Cherry and Red & White Oak, but the "lion share" has been Maple.

 

[jake98]

That looks like a Troy-Built

 

[murphy1244]

I bought a TSC 35 Ton last year. I have split trunks of 36" across with hardly a wimper. How big of logs you splitten?/

 

[radioman]

I'd go with the smaller unit just for gas saving use. Most of the time if it won't split on first push, just a couple inches more to edge of log will split it or turning it around. Afterall, chances of this happening is what ? 1 to 5 % of all wood you split? its nothing ......:thumbsup:

 

[robpm]

Someone mentioned a Splitfire. I own one and I would take this splitter over anything and I have used quite a few splitters. It will bury by speed any splitter. It is built like a tank, comes with a Honda engine, starts first pull every time, will run a full day on a tank of gas and it will split a ton of wood. You can find their web site here. Manufacturers of high quality, custom engineered wood splitters, log splitters and wood chippers. | Split-Fire Sales Inc. Quality Built. High Performance. | Split-Fire - Your Best Choice

They are a canadian company and it is hard to find them here in the US. If I had a business selling chain saws and woodsplitters I would be selling Splitfire!:thumbsup:

I bought mine used and it has both a single and 4 way wedge. It was in excellent condition. The guy was selling it for $1500 and was going to Vegas because he could not find any work. he was in the construction business.

I purchased the lift table for it this year and had the welding done to put it on. It is a great thing to have. I made it so I can detach and retach real easy and bought the hydraulic fittings that have a flat face. They are real nice to use. No spill and no detents for dirt to get on and if it does you just wipe them off.

I will try to post a link to a video and some pictures. Again I believe that the splitfire is the fastest splitter going. When you have 2 or even better 3 people operating it you can really fly.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I bought a TSC 35 Ton last year. I have split trunks of 36" across with hardly a wimper. How big of logs you splitten?/

Wood size not so important as 2 way VS 4 way use. My home built 18T splits everything 2 way regardless of size. I have done up to 40".
larry

 

[jpm1]

I have a NT 30 ton with a honda motor on it. The first couple of tanks, it seemed to guzzle gas. It's well broke in now and with auto idle i get about 6 hours of work out of a tank full. My wood varies greatly in size from 8" in diameter to 38". I have Oak, Cherry, Beech, Hard and soft maple and ash on my landing now, all my logs are seasoned about 10 months before i process them for delivery to the woodshed. I also have 4 way on my splitter which i don't use because it makes to many splinters and all. I am very happy with my splitter, the price was right, it was new. NT is great to deal with. Called with a hydralic leak on the splitter valve, 3 days later a new valve was at the house, bad valve went back pre-paid, end of problem. Personally i wouldn't go below 30 ton model unless you do just a couple of cord a year. remember this is only my opinion now. . . .John