log splitter

[tstex]

Hello to all,

Have about a 100 acres and use firewood, BBQ smoking wood and other....looking to invest in a log splitter and was seeking advice on any reliable make and models and features that you guys feel are important, as well as anything to avoid? With more bells and whistles, it just more to break or replace over time.

Here are a few things to consider whether it's a gas or PTO Driven log splitter:
- Have a tractor w 60 PTO, no hydraulics
- 95% of the wood I will be splitting is live oak, mostly after being freshly cut or partially cured.
-5-10% is vary old aged oak [very, very hard] but many times has age splits in it already
-will store it in a garage but it is not climate controlled.

Thank you for your advice,
tstex

 

[Citydude]

A good starting point to your question is how many cords a year do you want to split?

 

[ericm979]

I have some woods like coast live oak and Eucalyptus (Blue gum) that can be very difficult to split. I wound up with a splitter with a 4.5" cylinder (4" is common for low end homeowner splitters) so it's got more splitting force. The "ton" rating on many splitters can be wildly optimistic. My Oregon splitter is pretty close to what I get when I calculate force using the factory relief value psi and the piston size.

I got a horizontal/vertical splitter. I don't like vertical mode as it's hard to manuver large rounds when they are on their cut face. I'd rather "noodle" rounds into pieces small enough to pick up and use the splitter in horizontal mode. Some people like vertical mode. I think it uses a lot more upper body strength than lifting rounds up to a horizontal splitter which uses mostly legs and back.

H/V splitters usually have the road wheel partially in the way of the splitting station. (Oregon makes one that doesn't) I can work around mine but it'd be better to not have the wheel there. H/V splitters always have the wedge on the cylinder. More professional splitters have a stationary wedge and push the wood past it. I've not tried one of those but I think I'd prefer it overall. Log tables or grates are a must with either type.

If you're going to split a lot of wood you might want a high end homeowner/low end commercial unit like a Wolf Ridge. They can be had with log lifts which would be great if you have a lot of big rounds to process but then you're looking at $6k or so.

 

[4570Man]

The standard horizontal/vertical splitters work sufficiently well for most homeowners. If you want to spend a lot more money for something commercial grade than there’s a lot more options. I used to have a Swisher horizontal/vertical splitter prior to it getting stolen and it was one of the better quality ones I’ve seen.

 

[TMGT]

I have an older Brave horizontal/vertical, been very happy with it but if I was going to buy other splitter it would be horizontal with a log lift, stationary 4way wedge, and a outfeed table/catch area as I have to re-split a lot due to size.

I like a stand alone splitter as it can stay with the wood pile and not tie up the tractor.

 

[etpm]

I have a bad back due to injuries and a genetic condition that is causing my spine to fuse. So lifting log rounds causes a lot of pain. Because of this I really like using my splitter in the vertical position. I stack rounds on my left, move them into position on the splitter, and chuck the split pieces to my right. All the while sitting on a round. If my back would allow it I would use the splitter in the horizontal position. I'm glad that I have a choice. Also, because it folds down for horizontal splitting it is also easy to tow to the log when needed.
You need to decide on how much pressure you need for your wood. For the same horsepower engine a lower tonnage cylinder will move faster. So getting a splitter with a larger cylinder which can apply more force, higher tonnage, will end up with a slower moving ram unless the horsepower of the engine and the displacement of pump are also increased. I hate waiting for the ram to descend.
I looked at PTO driven log splitters but they aren't any cheaper than a splitter with its own engine. And your tractor can be used for something else while the splitter is working.
4 years ago I bought a Dirty Hand Tools brand splitter. I think it performs as well as any other brand. It starts with one or two pulls, runs well, and the ram moves as fast as any other comparable splitter. I bought it because the price was good, it came full of hydraulic oil, and was assembled. I'm sure there are other brands that are just as good for the same price.
Eric

 

[LD1]

Yup, lots of questions need answered.

Maybe first question is budget. You can spend $1000 on a splitter or you can spend $6000 on a splitter. They both split wood.....

The TSC Huskee splitters (made by speeco) are hard to beat for the money.

Dont shop for a splitter based on advertized tonnage. Look at cylinder sizes and compare apples to apples. There are 3 common sizes, 4, 4-1/2, and 5. The 4" cylinders usually rated 18-22 ton. The 4.5" usually rated 24-28 and the big 5" cylinders I have seen range from 32-37.

Just dont want you to look at one splitter and see an 18 ton rating and another and see 22 ton and think it is gonna be more powerful. Odds are they are exactly the same.

(actually wouldnt mind seeing a class action suit against logsplitter MFG's to put them back in check...similar to the lawnmower HP thing a few years ago).

Also consider the GPM of the pump. (cycle time). Usually 11gpm is paired with 4" cylinder, 16gpm/4.5" and 22gpm/5". This usually gives ~16second cycle time. IF speed is important.....some of them do put bigger GPM pumps with smaller cylinders.....so look for that if its important.

 

[Boss 302]

Tractor supply sells a good unit, 34 ton horizontal/vertical split and it has enormous power. I have yet to see anything that it won't split. The manufacturer has done an excellent job of sizing everything so it gives optimum performance. Bought it 4 years ago and cost $1800.

 

[Midniteoyl]

The TSC Huskee splitters (made by speeco) are hard to beat for the money.

These are my very first recommendations as well. Quality for dollar is pretty good and they are usually readily available. If all you need is a trailerable horizontal/vertical splitter of good quality, look to these first.

 

[shooterdon]

A huge unit that will split everything is not a good choice if it is 25% slower on the 99% of rounds you split.

Also, there are advantages to a stationary wedge. Watch some videos.