Log splitters

[jeff9366]

If the OP has access to a 220 volt circuit the larger electric log splitters are fast.

OP only plans to split two cords per year.

Most electric splitters can be stored vertically in a garage corner.

 

[vsteel]

I HATE having another motor to maintain but when I looked at my tractor and the hydraulic flow and took a realistic view, I got a stand alone unit. I bought a 35 ton and I love it. I only split about 2 cords a year but the ability to have it at the house and do a little at a time and not have to have a marathon session with a rented machine and having issues with the rented machine more than make up for the cost. I figure my time is worth something as well and the convenience is worth it as well. I got it because while I can split the pine and fir easily by hand, I get a lot of my wood from helping people remove trees. The worst (I think anyway) is the elm where it is so fibrous and fights the entire way. I can really load the engine down while splitting. It is banging and popping the entire length of the stroke (the wood is making the noise not the splitter) and you can tell it is really working the splitter.

 

[Working on Rust]

I should say I don't have a lot of experience with wood splitters but have worked with a few over the years. I would go with electric. Gas motors that only get used a few times a year are a bother to keep fresh gas in and also every gas splitter I have ever been near is uncomfortably loud without hearing protectors. Electric limits where you can split but is plug in and go and should be cheaper to run and less maintenance. We use a cobbled together electric hydraulic and it has good cycle time and good enough splitting power. Beech wood is the toughest I have ever found and have had gas splitters get stuck trying to split it. Also a 4 way wedge cuts the splitting time in half or less.

 

[jeff9366]

Bear in mind that the difference between electric and tractor hydraulic powered splitters is just the motor. The actual splitting apparatus is hydraulic in both cases.

To me, electric motors are simpler than hydraulic power and far simpler than standalone gasoline fueled motors.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

First - do log splitters do ok splitting dry/seasoned rounds? Assume oak; live oak and black oak for the most part.

I have a 35 ton Huskee. It has been splitting 30 inch and bigger dry oak rounds for about 11 years now. About 5-6 cords per year. It doesn't get fed much else.

I'm skeptical of a 20 ton unit holding up to a lot of oak, though. But 2 cords a year? Probably not a problem. Still, if you are in it for hte long haul, go bigger. At least 28 tons.

You aren't going to split much oak with one of the little weenie electric splitters. There ARE electric splitters that will do it, but not one of those table top models. You are talking about a unit just like a gas splitter with full size hydraulics and a 5 horse motor on 230 volts. If you have the electrical supply available, that's sure a nice way to go. Quiet, no exhaust, no fuel problems.+

If they do fine with dry rounds, I'll probably just rent a splitter once or twice a year; the local yard (which takes me about 1h20m round-trip including paperwork) charges $55 for 4 hours (of which I can get maybe 3 hours operating time) or $80 for a full day.

Otherwise, there's a semi-local craigslist ad that has this monster:

Apparently it's a 6" cylinder with an 18" stroke (not sure what the rod is).
My tractor has 9gpm to the implements, which means a ~28sec full cycle time if the rod is 2".

I'll echo what was said about cycle time. You will hate yourself. I don't think much of people who endlessly debate a 12 second vs. a 9 second advertised cycle time, because variations in your work style will make more difference than 3 seconds on the cycle time.

But 30 seconds? That's probably why he's selling it.

 

[ning]

OK, I'm convinced - that 6" cylinder is going to have an intolerable cycle time, I'll hate renting (already dislike it in general) and definitely would prefer having my own, and I'll get something at least 28 tons

I like the sound of an electric log splitter, but I'm not seeing anything above 10 ton other than the flywheel type splitters, and those are really pricey.

Looks like my local used market (loosely defining "local" as in my state and not over 75 miles...) is similar to the used tractor market - non-existent or just trashed old stuff, but I'm not in a hurry so I'll wait and watch.

Thanks for the input!

 

[MossRoad]

...
I'm skeptical of a 20 ton unit holding up to a lot of oak, though....

Our 20 ton is 30+ years old and the last 6 years have been primarily locust. Oak is like butter. :thumbsup:

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'm not so sure your Branson would lift that heavy splitter, sticking waaay out the back like it will...

SR

 

[Piston]

OK, I'm convinced - that 6" cylinder is going to have an intolerable cycle time, I'll hate renting (already dislike it in general) and definitely would prefer having my own, and I'll get something at least 28 tons

I like the sound of an electric log splitter, but I'm not seeing anything above 10 ton other than the flywheel type splitters, and those are really pricey.

Looks like my local used market (loosely defining "local" as in my state and not over 75 miles...) is similar to the used tractor market - non-existent or just trashed old stuff, but I'm not in a hurry so I'll wait and watch.

Thanks for the input!

Excellent call on waiting for a standalone! That 9gpm you are calculating the cycle time with, is assuming full throttle operation which you'd never be at. Realistically, you'd be at a lot longer cycle time.

I had a 3 point mounted splitter and figured it would be the best way to go. It wasn't. I ended up selling it and buying a standalone splitter.

Some guys like their 3 point version but I personally did not.

 

[LD48750]

My 22 ton (I think) gas splitter has split everything I have thrown at it for the last 5 yrs.
Mostly oak.
Friend that borrowed it a few times bought an electric (Harbor Freight) and is really happy with it. He splits a little of everything to heat his garage.