PapaPerk: I'm considering the screw type over hydraulic for the following reasons: (some based on things others have done - I haven't, they just sound like good ideas.)
1: I don't think there's a hydraulic splitter capable of splitting much over 2 foot lengths, screw type can.
2: Small stuff I'm happy splitting with an axe - good workout and frankly I'm faster then a typical hydraulic splitter, I want a splitter for the more difficult stuff and the really big stuff.
3: Big stuff is a pain to man-handle onto a hydraulic splitter, a screw type on a post hole digger I can not only just back up to it, but the big stuff you can get started onto the screw then relocate the log with the tractor instead of moving it by hand, and the longer logs you can get them on the screw to the point the log is partially split, then while the log is held up in the air you can cut it to fireplace length - so you end up only having to split a log in one action while you cut it x number of times - more efficient this way. (vs 1:1 ratio cutting/splitting with a hydraulic splitter)
4: My tractor isn't big - so most hydraulic splitters will run slow on it while a screw splitter doesn't need a lot of power.
5: While I use a reasonable amount of firewood I don't split wood for a living so I don't have a need for a wood processor.
6: I like a tool with multiple uses. (Post hole auger/screw log splitter)
Quite frankly a screw type splitter designed properly and used properly is actually safer then a hydraulic splitter - consider one option you stand next to, have your hands near a press capable of 20+ tons of force, that same force can cause logs to spring or jump hitting the operator. Screw type option doesn't use huge amounts of force to split the wood, only potential issue is the log spinning if not used properly but while in operation you're sitting on the tractor seat making it impossible to be anywhere near the spinning log anyway... I won't be using a screw attached to a vehicle wheel, now that's giving Murphy plenty of opportunities!
E.
1: I don't think there's a hydraulic splitter capable of splitting much over 2 foot lengths, screw type can.
2: Small stuff I'm happy splitting with an axe - good workout and frankly I'm faster then a typical hydraulic splitter, I want a splitter for the more difficult stuff and the really big stuff.
3: Big stuff is a pain to man-handle onto a hydraulic splitter, a screw type on a post hole digger I can not only just back up to it, but the big stuff you can get started onto the screw then relocate the log with the tractor instead of moving it by hand, and the longer logs you can get them on the screw to the point the log is partially split, then while the log is held up in the air you can cut it to fireplace length - so you end up only having to split a log in one action while you cut it x number of times - more efficient this way. (vs 1:1 ratio cutting/splitting with a hydraulic splitter)
4: My tractor isn't big - so most hydraulic splitters will run slow on it while a screw splitter doesn't need a lot of power.
5: While I use a reasonable amount of firewood I don't split wood for a living so I don't have a need for a wood processor.
6: I like a tool with multiple uses. (Post hole auger/screw log splitter)
Quite frankly a screw type splitter designed properly and used properly is actually safer then a hydraulic splitter - consider one option you stand next to, have your hands near a press capable of 20+ tons of force, that same force can cause logs to spring or jump hitting the operator. Screw type option doesn't use huge amounts of force to split the wood, only potential issue is the log spinning if not used properly but while in operation you're sitting on the tractor seat making it impossible to be anywhere near the spinning log anyway... I won't be using a screw attached to a vehicle wheel, now that's giving Murphy plenty of opportunities!
E.
