Log Splitters

GrumpyJoe · Dec 25, 2016

I've narrowed it down to these two.

http://https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dirty-Hand-Tools-27-Ton-Hydraulic-Gas-Log-Splitter/1000096980
or
http://https://www.lowes.com/pd/Champion-Power-Equipment-25-Ton-Gas-Log-Splitter/1000126583

I see good in both and also some bad. The Dirty Hand some say runs really hot. Not too many reviews on the Champion. Reviews are mostly good on both. I burn roughly 6 cord a winter and will split year round. I'll end up getting it within the next couple weeks. Just thought I would ask you guys if you had experence with either. Thanks.

GrumpyJoe · Dec 25, 2016

Well that didn't work out the way I wanted it to.

It's the Dirty Hands 27 ton Log splitter and the Champion 25 ton splitter.

bcp · Dec 25, 2016

Extra http:// in your links.

Bruce

Code54 · Dec 25, 2016

Seems the links are not working correctly due to the HTTP: at the start - here are a corrected set for you.
Shop Dirty Hand Tools 27-Ton Hydraulic Gas Log Splitter at Lowes.com
Shop Champion Power Equipment 25-Ton Gas Log Splitter at Lowes.com
I have an older (3 years old) one from Lowes but neither of those makes - it is a standard MTD type and works pretty darn well. Only 27 ton but never had a problem with it splitting anything. Good luck

GrumpyJoe · Dec 25, 2016

Fixed it. Thx Bruce.

TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark · Dec 25, 2016

No idea on the quality of either unit. The Dirty Hands unit looks like a poor copy of the Speeco, sold by Tractor Supply under the Huskee label. (Now they are calling them County Line, and I don't know if they are still Speeco. It matters!)

As far as the configuration, I think the Dirty Hands unit is much better. The engine on the Champion is going to get in your way a lot. A lot. Also, take a close look at the wedge on both units. The DH looks much stronger, to me. OTOH, the log stripper (the guards that knock a stuck log off the wedge) look a lot stronger on the Champion. The DH's look pretty wimpy, really, and yes, it does matter!

I suggest you take a good look at the Tractor Supply units. Their 28 ton unit is a bit more, but it's a much better unit, and the 25 ton is also a much better unit.

And don't take those tonnage ratings too seriously. Most manufacturers run their splitters at 2500 psi, but rate them at system maximum of 3500. In other words, if it says 27 tons, you are getting a lot less.

The Speeco (Tractor Supply) units are rated and run at 3500, so you are getting a true tonnage rating. Make sure to ask the TSC folks about that, though. It's possible they have a different supplier now. Can't hurt to ask.

I have had the 35 ton Huskee/Speeco for about 11 years now, and I once bent the toe plate on it on a very nasty old oak crotch. Turns out they had a run where they slimmed down the toe plate, and had a lot of problems. They beefed it up again and have been fine since. The customer service with Speeco was terrific. I am a big fan. The bent toe plate happened under warranty, and it didn't cost me a dime. They replaced the whole beam.

Speaking of the beam, take a good look at it. The Speeco/Huskee/County Line has a built in log cradle, and it's really nice. No trying to balance a round of oak on a flat beam! The DH follows this design and I can't really tell with the Champion.

Those side mounted log cradles are really a nice feature. You'll want that on any unit you buy.

I think it would be worth your time to make the trip to TSC and Lowes, and make an up-front-and-personal comparison.

s219 · Dec 25, 2016

I bought the DHT 22-ton model last year, and it's been outstanding so far. Very solid build and quality.

I spent a long time shopping, and the DHT models and TSC/Countyline models were about the same and the best mid-line values I found. Below these two were a whole bunch of MTD/TroyBilt/Etc machines that are much lighter duty and all clones of some common design. Above them were the Northern Tool Northstar splitters, which are very nice but real expensive.

I was going to get either a DHT or TSC model depending on which came up for sale first, and the DHT ended up the one. It was on sale for $100 off, and I had a 10% Lowes coupon on top of that.

rmk700 · Dec 25, 2016

I got this one simply because of the Honda engine. It's been great.

Shop Troy-Bilt 27-Ton Gas Log Splitter at Lowes.com

oldpilgrim · Dec 26, 2016

Tractor supply units are excellent and the best bang for your buck. I have the 22 ton version and it gas never failed to split anything I've fed it

turnkey4099 · Dec 26, 2016

rmk700 said:
I got this one simply because of the Honda engine. It's been great.

Shop Troy-Bilt 27-Ton Gas Log Splitter at Lowes.com

I have the same one. Only problem is with the rewind starter, Idt doesn't pull the cord back if the weather is at all cool. Could stand another wrap of cord on the rewind spool but I am leery of trying that. My experience with rewinds usually winds up with the spring coming off.