New (to us) Splitter - planning a couple of mods

[Oaktree]

@Oaktree - Cycle time refers to the time it takes for the splitter to complete a full cycle, all the way out & then all the way back. As @ericm979 mentioned it is determined by cylinder & bore size & the pump output. The Timber Wolf has a more than expectable cycle time for our use (3-4 cords a yr), but if I was purchasing something new I would have looked for a little faster.... The splitter we purchased is close to $ 3900 new & we purchased this one for under 2K... so I think we did ok... (& it's Timer Wolf quality)

The 4-way wedge was a definite want for us... & the Timber Wolf's slip-on 4-way is reversible, each way gives you a different split size. It slips on & off in seconds to allow you to spilt using the single wedge for larger pieces or the 4-way.

Interesting. Wouldn't mind if mine was a little faster, but it's not too bad. Got it on CL, think I paid $450 for it. Don't know what brand, it doesn't say anywhere. According to the guy I bought it from, it's 80s vintage. Had to replace the engine, but otherwise it's been solid.
Never seen one with a reversable wedge...every one I've used just had a single one that wasn't easily removable.

 

[workinonit]

I took my new trailer to haul a Farmall 130 that my cousin bought from a lady whose husband passed away. She told me she had a log splitter she wanted to sell. I don't need a log splitter. I split a little oak wood every year to BBQ with and that's it. When I looked at the splitter it was a Northern Hydraulics 30 ton horizontal/vertical splitter. But it was brand new. Never had gas in it. He bought it, never had a chance to use it and passed away. She wanted $1000 for it. I now have a log splitter.

 

[dlctcg]

@Oaktree - If you look at the attached pic you will see what I mean... The 4-way just slips on to the regular single wedge. If you look closer you will see both sides are different heights, so you flip it one way for one size... flip it & it is a different size... It really is a great feature...

@workinonit - Nice buy... even if you don't keep it you definitely won't lose anything on that deal... My brother has a Northern Hydraulics 24 ton that is at least 20yrs old (it's one that I was lucky enough to borrow for the past many yrs..) great machine. We almost bought a new one... but I really needed the log lift & really wanted a push thru design to split directly into a pallet box that we move with the loader. You will not be disappointed with that splitter... Nice grab...

 

[workinonit]

Now I'm going to have to add a log lift to mine. I didn't know that existed.

 

[Oaktree]

@Oaktree - If you look at the attached pic you will see what I mean... The 4-way just slips on to the regular single wedge. If you look closer you will see both sides are different heights, so you flip it one way for one size... flip it & it is a different size... It really is a great feature..

That is one fancy splitter!!
Don't think I've ever seen that wedge arrangement before.

 

[dlctcg]

That is one fancy splitter!!
Don't think I've ever seen that wedge arrangement before.

I think it is a Timber Wolf thing... but it is a nice feature...

I grabbed some parts to start mocking up the receiver hitch for the rear... Not sure I'm sold on the layout that is in my head.... hopefully will have time this weekend to do a mock-up...

Still working on the height issue...

 

[dlctcg]

Now I'm going to have to add a log lift to mine. I didn't know that existed.

They are definitely not required... but was a definite want on our list for a splitter. I split a lot of our wood by myself & although I consider myself younger I know as time progresses I want a vertical splitter with a lift... I've use the vertical / horizontal splitters & they are just not my preference. I have a tractor with a grapple but it is not how I want to split wood.

There are kits out there... for hydraulic log lifts if you don't want to completely fab your own.... but if your only splitting for the BBQ pit, it might be overkill....