Log splitters

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Like Big Bubba said I just roll large rounds over to the splitter. You can move some really big ones this way, then if you’re good when you tip them flat they end up in the vertical splitter. I’ve also learned to use an axe to help for leverage for moving the rounds, just sink the axe head in. I also use a round to sit on when splitting the larger ones.

One advantage to owning one is you can just work a couple of hours a day, no need to rush.

A picture of how I setup for large rounds, tge round with the axe is the one I sit on.
View attachment 3165742

You bring up a great point. An axe works. The specialized tool called a pulp hook is almost an essential hand tool if splitting wood. It makes the job so much easier that you wonder why it took so long to realize what a gem of a tool it is for this endeavor.
The other tool you’d use as you use the axe is the pickaroon

https://forestershop.com/forester-log-pickaroon-usa-hickory-handle.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv_m-BhC4ARIsAIqNeBtmvw3OyJoCXNPagv-nIOCi8apNAJVC5OQexumT3VSXx-VejkTGy_QaAgPoEALw_wcB

 

[2515R Dude]

Just saw it in another thread. Another option:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1903242960776597955

 

[zzvyb6]

Like anything else, if you own one, it provides additional, frequent, and available uses as necessary. This gets you a frequent, light workout instead of a Major Paine when you need to tackle a very large quantity of wood in a short (rental) time.

BTW: A friend of mine was having trouble with the gas engine on a TSC splitter that I gave her a few years ago. However she recently acquired a Cushman TrailMaster with a hydraulic dump bed AND a set of auxilliary hydraulic ports (skidsteer type) on the side with a control valve !. Took 10 minutes to change the hoses and fittings over and Bingo! With the Cushman engine slightly above idle, the ram has even higher speed and pressure than with the splitter's builtin motor. Gas savings is huge. Plus, the "Cushys" gas motor is a small car engine. Started immediately in +5 F temps here a few weeks ago.

 

[kenmbz]

I split rounds up to 36" of Ash. I have lots of them in the 24-32" range.
Having vertical capability is big for me.
If they get too hard to move into place, I have a small winch on the tractor to help.

Those rounds are heavy and I have a bad shoulder, so sometimes I will use the maul or X27 first, but it's much easier to dump them by the splitter from the FEL and let it pop them.

This is just one of many piles.

 

[mini14]

bought a barreto log splitter used from home depot tool rental for $1000.00 to replace a 30y/o that needed everything. It is actually way overbuilt for me but for the price its a bargin, theres plenty of others i see for sale at the rental places.

 

[JeepHead]

I've been considering the Champion 27 ton. Any reason to talk me out of it?

It's been an awesome splitter for me and I split a ton of wood to sell. It always starts by pull 3 but usually on #2. I split a lot of hickory, oak, and ash and it will handle some massive rounds.

 

[terraformer]

Our 28 ton is 15 years old. We split about 14 cords a year. Needs the oil changed once a year. I think it was about 1200 new. '

 

[Fields_mj]

How much are you splitting? Do you split every year, or is this a one time deal? How big of a hurry are you in? Is splitting by hand an option?

If you split every year, rent one a few times first. Try to rent different models with different features to figure out what you like.

If you just need to rent it once (for several days obviously) how much can you split by hand? I went decades spitting by hand only. A Fiskars X27 splits most of my wood in a few easy swings. For a one time deal, I'd split what I could by hand and then rent a splitter for a weekend or two to finish what's left.

If you're not in a hurry, you can also keep an eye on the used market. I gave $475 for my (used) 27T MTD splitter in 2019. It was in great shape. Even if you just need to use it the one time, you can buy a used splitter and get most of your money back. Personally, I won't pay more than 50% of the new price for a used tool of any kind except for a tractor and that's only because tractors hold their value so darn well. Once the splitter has taken its initial 50% hit, it's pretty easy to get all of your money back on the resale (sometimes more).

 

[JohnTexas]

I have a Champion 27 ton and it works fine for my needs. A couple of things to consider are that it should not be used for an extended period of time without shutting down to cool off and logs should be 24" or less in length to fit in the channel. I use ethanol free gas since I do not use frequently and it can sit for lengthy periods. Can find on sale or slightly used to save money.

 

[olenjohn]

Do the math. Purchase for $2000. Sell after splitting for half of that ($1000) :
$2000 minus $1000 = $1000 paid to split.
$1700 rent vs. $1000 to split = $700 saved.
Better off renting.