Need a new log spliiter... thinking 37 Ton NorthStar?

[JohnTso]

I need to upgrade from my 3pt log splitter. I've been doing my DD and found the NorthStar line to be robust and made from quality components. The price of $1799.00 is really appealing and I doubt I could build it for much less. I won't have to pay for shipping, because I'll make the drive to pick it up at the nearest NT store.

I split mostly oak, cherry, locust and elm. The vertical will really help with the 30 - 36" rounds. The 30 ton version would probably work, but it's a little slower. All comments are welcome.

Specs:
Ram Force (Tons): 37
Operation: Horizontal / vertical
Max. Log Size L x W (in.): 25 x 16
Continuous Force (Tons): 34.3
Engine: Honda GX with idle control
Engine Displacement (cc): 270
Low Oil Shutdown: Yes
Wedge: Cast steel
Cycle Time (sec.): 14
Automatic Cylinder Return: Yes
Cylinder: 5in. x 24in.
Pump: Barnes 16 GPM, 2-stage
Max. PSI: 3,500
Oil Reservoir (gal.): 9
Log Cradle: Yes
Jack Stand: Yes

Here's the link to it: NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter 37-Ton, 270cc | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Blast Chamber]

I don't have anything to share about that NorthStar splitter, but I'm wondering what you are planning to do with your old 3-point splitter? I've been thinking about buying or building one.

 

[murphy1244]

Give Tractor supply a try. I bought a 35 ton around the same price and it is beefier than that one.

 

[JohnTso]

I don't have anything to share about that NorthStar splitter, but I'm wondering what you are planning to do with your old 3-point splitter? I've been thinking about buying or building one.

I'm going to sell it. Currently running the 3pt log splitter from the loader valve block on my B7800 - I don't have remotes. It's a heavy duty 5" ram and my B7800 just doesn't have the flow. As a result, it pretty slow. It a very heavy duty setup and works very well.

With the price of propane going through the roof, I've been burning more wood. I've got to speed up the process.

 

[JohnTso]

Give Tractor supply a try. I bought a 35 ton around the same price and it is beefier than that one.

Tractor Supply sells the Speeco and Husky (also made by Speeco) brands. They make a nice unit, but their 4-way accessory splitter is only for softwoods. Since I only burn hardwoods it rules them out.

 

[Blast Chamber]

I'm going to sell it. Currently running the 3pt log splitter from the loader valve block on my B7800 - I don't have remotes. It's a heavy duty 5" ram and my B7800 just doesn't have the flow. As a result, it pretty slow. It a very heavy duty setup and works very well.

With the price of propane going through the roof, I've been burning more wood. I've got to speed up the process.

Sent you a PM.

 

[hodge]

If the price is right, buy it. My dad has the 30 ton model. We looked at the Husky's, and the Northstar is better built. If for no other reason, the splitting wedge is better designed. It is curved, with a nib at the top- most others just have a splitting wedge with a straight cutting edge. The nib at the top keeps the wood from kicking up if the end against the base is cut crooked. We have used many different kinds, and this machine/design has been the best. Plus, the Husky splitters that I have seen had Briggs engines, while the Northstar has Honda engines. I highly recommend it.
Plus, in my humble opinion, Northern Tool is better to deal with than TSC when it comes to parts and service- at least in reference to the stores in my location.

 

[JohnTso]

If the price is right, buy it. My dad has the 30 ton model. We looked at the Husky's, and the Northstar is better built. If for no other reason, the splitting wedge is better designed. It is curved, with a nib at the top- most others just have a splitting wedge with a straight cutting edge. The nib at the top keeps the wood from kicking up if the end against the base is cut crooked. We have used many different kinds, and this machine/design has been the best. Plus, the Husky splitters that I have seen had Briggs engines, while the Northstar has Honda engines. I highly recommend it.
Plus, in my humble opinion, Northern Tool is better to deal with than TSC when it comes to parts and service- at least in reference to the stores in my location.

I like the Honda's better too. All the NorthStar splitters have Honda engines with the auto idle feature. Not have to run a higher RPM's continuously makes a huge difference in fuel consumption.

Does the 30 Ton NorthStar perform well on hardwood logs? I ask because the 30 Ton is nearly $200.00 less expensive.

 

[murphy1244]

Mine came with the Honda gx engine...

 

[SPYDERLK]

Tractor Supply sells the Speeco and Husky (also made by Speeco) brands. They make a nice unit, but their 4-way accessory splitter is only for softwoods. Since I only burn hardwoods it rules them out.

What makes it only for softwoods?
larry

 

[JohnTso]

What makes it only for softwoods?
larry

Larry,

You would have to ask them. They clearly state the 4-way splitter is for soft wood only. If I had to guess, it's because it looks to be made of light duty steel that slips over the regular splitter head and it's only held in place by a small diameter pin.

 

[hodge]

I like the Honda's better too. All the NorthStar splitters have Honda engines with the auto idle feature. Not have to run a higher RPM's continuously makes a huge difference in fuel consumption.

Does the 30 Ton NorthStar perform well on hardwood logs? I ask because the 30 Ton is nearly $200.00 less expensive.

We had (and still have) an old Northern Hydraulics splitter. I don't know the tonnage, but it is less than the 30 ton Northstar. That splitter did all that we wanted, except for splitting verticle. We split red oak, white oak, locust, hickory, maple, walnut- for three families. So, we split a lot of wood each year. The Northstar performs much better, and has never not split a piece of wood. We put anything on it, without fear. We would have no reason to spend the extra $200, in our circumstances. Saying that, we wouldn't want the 22 ton model.
As far as fuel, that Honda starts on the first pull in the coldest weather, and will split 5 truck loads or more on one tank of fuel, running at full throttle.
As I said, we looked at all the models available in our area- TSC, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Northern Tools. The Northstar was the best value, and after using it for two years now, there are no regrets.
We did have to get some parts for it. Someone (we don't know who) decided to help themselves to it, while my father wasn't home- they damaged the throttle-down cable, and tore the kill switch wires loose. It was a cinch to go online and look up the parts diagram posted on the Northern Tools website, and then call and order the cable. A very simple procedure. I have dealt before with TSC and Lowe's, and know that their procedures are not as painless.

 

[murphy1244]

Tractor Supply sells the Speeco and Husky (also made by Speeco) brands. They make a nice unit, but their 4-way accessory splitter is only for softwoods. Since I only burn hardwoods it rules them out.

Are you telling me I can only split soft wood?
•Reliable Briggs & Stratton 342cc (Non CARB compliant)
•Quick, 15 second cycle time for high production and enough power for the toughest logs
•Built in log cradle holds logs up to 26 in.
•Two-stage 16 gpm pump
•4.8 in. x 8 in. tires
•3 year warranty on material/workmanship; 2 year manufacturer's warranty on engine; 1 year warranty on hydraulic components

 

[dsb5610]

Have you looked at ramsplitter? You are not far from Rockford where they are made. I can't speak to the style you are looking at but I use the skid steer version on my Toolcat and am happy with it. Price was right too.

dsb

 

[jpm1]

Hi John. I have a 30 ton from NT and am very pleased with it.:thumbsup::thumbsup: Its i guess 4 years old now and processes about 100 cord a year. I have had only 1 problem with it and it was a faulty valve that leaked oil when it got hot. Called NT and 3 days later a new one was on and a PP slip to return the bad one. I put a filter on the return line and changed the front jack. As for the 4 way IMO it makes to much kindling wood but thats My opinion. We use big chunks for the most part. If your splitting dried hardwood above 20" in diameter its slow and under powered but. . . Works great in green wood. The wings bolt on with 5 allen bolts and lock nuts in about 5 minutes, easy on and off. I dont use the verticle feature but my uncle who is 80 years old now sure likes it. I would certainly buy another, for the price you can't go wrong. I really like the auto idle feature and the Honda is great on fuel, starts usually with 2 or 3 pulls and reasonably guiet too! Our wood cherry, maple, Yellow Birch, oak and some nasty Ash. I cut mine about 22" long and my Uncle's about 16-18" we heat with OSB and love em! When it came it was in pieces and took about 30 minutes to put together. All the bolts were there too! Nice Job NT!. We have several brands of splitters in our family and the NT out perform all of them. It's a good machine, hope this helps . . .John

 

[SPYDERLK]

Larry,

You would have to ask them. They clearly state the 4-way splitter is for soft wood only. If I had to guess, it's because it looks to be made of light duty steel that slips over the regular splitter head and it's only held in place by a small diameter pin.

I think they are making a conservative stipulation to cover themselves. The N/T item is probably quite similar but making a more aggressive claim.
larry

 

[jpm1]

I think they are making a conservative stipulation to cover themselves. The N/T item is probably quite similar but making a more aggressive claim.
larry

On the NT splitters the splitting wedge is on the cylinder and the 4 way bolts to it , one wing on each side of the wedge and is secured with 5, 1/2" allen bolts with lock nuts. You will have to go to great lengths to break them off. I have all ready tried and nothing happened. . . .John

 

[JohnTso]

Are you telling me I can only split soft wood?
紐eliable Briggs & Stratton 342cc (Non CARB compliant)
媛uick, 15 second cycle time for high production and enough power for the toughest logs
稗uilt in log cradle holds logs up to 26 in.
謬wo-stage 16 gpm pump
?.8 in. x 8 in. tires
? year warranty on material/workmanship; 2 year manufacturer's warranty on engine; 1 year warranty on hydraulic components

Murphy,

The 4-way splitter head, it slips over the regular splitter head, is for softwoods only - this is per Speeco.

 

[JohnTso]

I think they are making a conservative stipulation to cover themselves. The N/T item is probably quite similar but making a more aggressive claim.
larry

That good information... thanks.

 

[JohnTso]

Hi John. I have a 30 ton from NT and am very pleased with it.:thumbsup::thumbsup: Its i guess 4 years old now and processes about 100 cord a year. I have had only 1 problem with it and it was a faulty valve that leaked oil when it got hot. Called NT and 3 days later a new one was on and a PP slip to return the bad one. I put a filter on the return line and changed the front jack. As for the 4 way IMO it makes to much kindling wood but thats My opinion. We use big chunks for the most part. If your splitting dried hardwood above 20" in diameter its slow and under powered but. . . Works great in green wood. The wings bolt on with 5 allen bolts and lock nuts in about 5 minutes, easy on and off. I dont use the verticle feature but my uncle who is 80 years old now sure likes it. I would certainly buy another, for the price you can't go wrong. I really like the auto idle feature and the Honda is great on fuel, starts usually with 2 or 3 pulls and reasonably guiet too! Our wood cherry, maple, Yellow Birch, oak and some nasty Ash. I cut mine about 22" long and my Uncle's about 16-18" we heat with OSB and love em! When it came it was in pieces and took about 30 minutes to put together. All the bolts were there too! Nice Job NT!. We have several brands of splitters in our family and the NT out perform all of them. It's a good machine, hope this helps . . .John

Thanks for the great info John. I sold my 3pt tonight, so I'll call the NT store in Wisconsin tomorrow and see what the have in stock.