Timberwolf vs American log splitter

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Pete -

It's interesting (and good) that the American comes with 13" wheels. Mine came with 8" wheels that made it pretty tough to move around - switching to 12" wheels made a huge difference.

Lastly - I had the luxury of buying my 8HP American "used" for $750, and I know that money doesn't grow on trees, but ... maybe just try to make sure you're going to be happy with 5.5 HP instead of the next size up. For the relatively small amount of splitting you'll be doing, you should be just fine with the 5.5 - but don't forget to take into account the possible needs of all your friends who'll be borrowing it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John

 

[arthr31]

hi Pete,

I haven't found anything that the TW hasn't be able to split. The worst / toughest thing I've split to date has been a really gnarly mid-trunk (2 - way Y section) of rock maple. Before the splitter I only split using hand tools. This particular peice had been on the bench for over two years- I tried to split with maul (many times it'd bounce off and cause real bad vibration in my body!), flat wedge, and a wood grenade. The wood grenade broke in half trying to split this guy.... The TW struggled for about 5 or so seconds and popped it in half.

The biggest (small) problem I have with the TW splitter is the smallish wheels too... I was told that I shouldn't go over 45mph with it attached to my truck, and it is a bit low... Right now I have it proped on some blocks to raise the height 18 inches or so... I also liked the idea of buying a product made in NE, especially from VT. And it helped that it (as a product) was about as good as I could/can get... good luck !

 

[escavader]

HI PETE
One thing id like to mention is the design.If your gonna tow this splitter behind an atv,tractor or what not,you want the wood to come off the back of it,so it doesnt land between the splitter and tow rig,or you will always be throwing it out of the way.I pull mine with my atv,it now comes off the back,It will actually push itself up into a pile,and when it wont no more,i simply pull ahead a couple ft.I dont handle the wood only to load the splitter,im chasing the next peice while the ram is returning.Its the kids job to haul it to the shed,let them pick it up /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif it gives them a chance to play truck driver with moms atv :grin
Personally u wouldnt want one that worked vertical,alot of being bent over,id go all horizontal.Get one with a log lift,if you think your gonna do big stuff.A nice big v tray for the wood to SLIDE in is nice ,so they dont fall on the ground[in CASE YOU NEED TO RESPLIT] the next peice will push em off.
Personally i dont think ,id like a 4 way wedge either,it would never come out the size id like it.AUTOMATIC DETENT,a must,2 stage a must,but im sure you already know this from experience. Also high enough so your standing up straight when you are splitting ,easier on the backI do 5 cord a year,if i was gonna do as much as you,id have an inclining conveyor belt,easy to build one.Good luck
ALAN

 

[Boondox]

Alan -- I agree with just about every point you made, and have already configured it mostly that way. No log lift, as it takes up so much space I could only work on one side, and I'm getting a 4-way that slides over the wedge for easy on and off. Off for the big or small pieces. On for the majority of my wood, which is about the diameter of a telephone pole and quarters perfectly with a 4-way. It'll split off the back onto a tray so I can split smaller if need be...and with the splitter backed right up to the woodshed the ready pieces will simply drop right next to where they need to be stacked. My little Cub Cadet splitter (which sold last night -- yeah!) was 18" from ground to frame so I was always bent over. The American MSR I ordered is 25" tall to save my aching back.

Thanks for all your input! Pete

 

[GregMVT]

Art, I was told not to go over 45 mph too when I picked up my TW. However the reason for it is that there is no suspension, the axles are attached to the hydraulic tank. Not something I would want to crack. It hasn't left my property since I brought it home 2+ years ago and I only move it with the tractor or atv now.

Greg