Need a recommendation: log splitters

[MAX-24-Dean]

Splitfire

The Splitfire I use has about a 4 second cycle time. makes for some fast splitting if the wood grain is straight, which most is. The only problem is to keeping up with the splitter it takes two people to move the wood.

 

[Farmer495]

The Splitfire I use has about a 4 second cycle time. makes for some fast splitting if the wood grain is straight, which most is. The only problem is to keeping up with the splitter it takes two people to move the wood.

15.4 GPM pump on tractor running wide open will keep three men busy and the wedge never stops

 

[terraformer]

Our biggest pieces are sometimes 20-24" diameter and are too heavy to lift so vertical mode is a must.

This is a typical pile of wood by fall.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I just have a cheap "homeowner grade" splitter myself. It will go vertical or horizontal, but I've never tried it in the vertical mode. Like others have said, I need to work while standing and not bending over and wrestling rounds on the ground to split. Picking a round up off the ground to set on the table isn't near as bad as long term bending over to work the splits on the ground. Most of the time I have the pre cut rounds sitting in my fel bucket at a comfortable height next to me while I'm splitting on the small table. Then I toss the splits into either my garden cart, or hopefully into an IBC tote frame. If I'm lucky and have access to an empty IBC tote, then that will be the last time I have to handle the wood until it's time to carry it from the garage into the house to burn it (I'm fortunate enough to be able to bring a tote all the way into my garage and stage it inside to pick wood from).

My splitter. Nothing to get excited about, but it works...

 

[EddieWalker]

Found another picture of my splitter. I bolted on some plywood to the sides to hold the wood that I'm not splitting. I split it in half, put one half on the plywood, work the other half, then work that first half.

If it's a really big round, I might drop the half to the ground, and then split the other half and put that quarter on the plywood. I try to avoid messing with really big rounds, they wear me out.

 

[ultrarunner]

I can’t lift but have a long reach so bringing the rounds to the splitter with the loader and then reach and roll with splitter vertical works well for me…

A few are so big I could never lift and it’s all I can do to roll but the 22ton spitter takes all the Coast Oak I can get under the wedge.

 

[terraformer]

We have a round about 10" high that we squat on and work the machine vertical. Have a foam pad. My wife and I tag team. One person throws the wood and keeps unsplit close at hand for the other who is doing the splitting.

Repeated lifting of 100 pound (or even 50 pound) rounds are not a good solution for us.

 

[dodge man]

I also sit on a round when splitting vertical. I also keep an axe handy if you have one that is a little stringy. It seems easier to roll a large round to the splitter and the flip it on end and rock it into position than noodling or lifting a heavy one up with the end loader.

 

[aesanders]

So, Beowulf, did you ever decide on a new log splitter?

The new log splitter bug has hit me with a vengeance. Really liking the looks of Wolfe Ridge splitters. Maybe a 28 pro model. Eastonmade Ultra looks really nice as well. Both are overkill for my needs, but I believe I want a quality splitter, that will last the rest of my life.

Split fire has a new small verticals model. 1165v that looks really nice also. Decisions, decisions……

 

[Advil]

He said on page 2 of the posts he pulled the trigger on a Champion 27.

We have just finished putting another year on ours. Filled 12 totes stacked over the top so 4 cord. It didn't seem to care at all no issues. Engine oil change is a nothingburger, only about 1qt. Usually starts first pull.

The Wolf Ridge are beautiful and look well made, but their cost is kind of out there. I think their cheaper horizontal units are getting close to the cost of an entire import firewood processor with a lot of options that will saw for you and has conveyors.

 

[m7040]

Here is my splitter. It is fast can the lift big logs or many smaller logs. Also has a table for the splits

 

[m7040]

 

[beowulf]

So, Beowulf, did you ever decide on a new log splitter?

The new log splitter bug has hit me with a vengeance. Really liking the looks of Wolfe Ridge splitters. Maybe a 28 pro model. Eastonmade Ultra looks really nice as well. Both are overkill for my needs, but I believe I want a quality splitter, that will last the rest of my life.

Split fire has a new small verticals model. 1165v that looks really nice also. Decisions, decisions……

Yeah, the Champion 27. It seems to be a perfect fit for our needs. I have to say, I did in some ways enjoy swinging the mall - there is a unique kind of satisfaction connected to that - even at 80. But you should see my smile as I split log after log with this splitter with a simple handle pull. Love it.

My daughter has taken to splitting logs this way, but she lets me use it sometimes.

 

[oosik]

For the first ten years here on the property we burned wood. Didn't take long to learn that our ancient Ponderosa pine were just too large for efficient splitting.

First it was getting the round up onto the splitter. Then balance this round while working the controls. I moved down to 24 inches or smaller on the butt.

 

[aesanders]

Sorry, I missed the post about the Champion 27. Sounds like it is working out well for you!

m7040, that Wolfe Ridge sure is pretty. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ponytug]

Here is my splitter. It is fast can the lift big logs or many smaller logs. Also has a table for the splits

View attachment 1664135

Nice looking barn! How old is it?

(Really nice splitter!)

All the best,

Peter

 

[m7040]

Nice looking barn! How old is it?

(Really nice splitter!)

All the best,

Peter

it is over 200 years old

 

[Bearsixty7]

View attachment 1664136View attachment 1664137

I didn't see where you posted what Brand/Model it is and don't see it in any of the pics.

 

[m7040]

I didn't see where you posted what Brand/Model it is and don't see it in any of the pics.

Wolfe Ridge splitter

Wolfe Ridge MFG – Professional Grade Firewood Equipment

wolferidgemfg.com

 

[JeepHead]

Yeah, the Champion 27. It seems to be a perfect fit for our needs. I have to say, I did in some ways enjoy swinging the mall - there is a unique kind of satisfaction connected to that - even at 80. But you should see my smile as I split log after log with this splitter with a simple handle pull. Love it.

My daughter has taken to splitting logs this way, but she lets me use it sometimes.

I have had this same splitter for a year now and love it. It starts on the first pull every single time. I have split many cord of hickory, oak, cherry, and ash with the splitter and it's not failed me a single time. I bought it on sale last fall for $999 which I thought was a great deal!