Two way log splitters

cmhyland · May 16, 2012

Gil,
I really don't find my 13 Ton Powerhorse to be slow. That's why I just run a little above idle.

For me we have Jotul Firelight stove. It will take 24 in logs... I usually try to burn 16 to 18 in logs... You'll never get a 24" log in the stove if it's more than half full.... so you really have to buy a splitter that can provide the size wood you need... Mine works for me but may not be optimal for you... Good Luck.

Regards,
Chris

KennyG · May 16, 2012

Actually, I think the capacity of my 13 ton is 19 inches which works out great for me. My stove takes a maximum of 16 inch wood. Also, at my age, if the logs are much over a foot in diameter, I don't want to cut the rounds any longer than 16".

cmhyland · May 16, 2012

My Powerhorse 13 Ton has a 19" capacity as well...

Splitter Mike · May 17, 2012

If your dead set on a 2 way splitter (splits both ways) then the split-fire is a great unit. A bit pricey but they are Canadian made and not imports which is a bonus. Just know that all these two way splitters on the "return" have less tonnage in splitting force. One side pulls and the other pushes.

For 3 pt units we always recommend a flow rate on 3" or 3.5" cylinders (12 or 16 ton) 5GMPM or higher. 4" should be at least 7-8 GPM otherwise the cycle time will be deadly slow and you will be disappointed. You could of course go with a PTO driven unit but they are much more money.

Personally I think the 2 way splitters are a bit over rated because the valves on regular splitters are auto return anyway. By the time you pick up another log its ready to split again anyway.

If your talking horizontal/vertical this comes down to personal choice. Some like to go both ways and other are dead set on horizontal. The wedges are on opposite ends and some people just have to have the wedge on the end having the plate pushing through the wedge on the end which is my favorite as well as there is never a need to dislodge stringy wood etc. If you get a 3 point Iron & Oak Splitter this unit has the adjust-ability to go flat on the ground where most can get low but not flat like this.

Sorry for the rambling

Michael Hirsch

KennyG · May 17, 2012

I'm sure Mike has a lot of experience with splitters, but with just over 3gpm available, my 3 inch cylinder PowerHorse has a 10 second stroke time, which is pretty good. I will agree that the two way wouldn't be much of an advantage if you had to pick up another log every time. However, with decent size logs, I will split a single round 3, 5, even 6 or 8 times. With the log tables, the two way splitter lets me fly through them.

Gil Case · May 19, 2012

Splitter MIke, I guess you are with Wood Splitter direct. I see that 16 ton you sell for $664 on Ebay, I am surprised that all your 16 ton units are only 20" log capacity.

Splitter Mike · May 19, 2012

Gil Case said:
I am surprised that all your 16 ton units are only 20" log capacity.

Nice talking with you. All 16 ton splitters only have the 18" stroke cylinder regardless if its 3 pt, gas or electric. I think you will find this true with most log splitters on the market until you get into the 20 ton category.

Splitter Mike · May 24, 2012

KennyG said:
I'm sure Mike has a lot of experience with splitters, but with just over 3gpm available, my 3 inch cylinder PowerHorse has a 10 second stroke time, which is pretty good. I will agree that the two way wouldn't be much of an advantage if you had to pick up another log every time. However, with decent size logs, I will split a single round 3, 5, even 6 or 8 times. With the log tables, the two way splitter lets me fly through them.

Your cycle or stroke time is one way since you have a two way splitter, so in your case is 10 seconds. So at 3 GPM this is great for you since your cycle is only one way. A regular splitter would be double that at 20 seconds. We always talk cycle time for a complete cycle in and out so I see how we can mix them up

.

Jeff Quinn · May 25, 2012

I was all set to order the DR 3-point 2-way splitter, but just did not want the tractor tied up while splitting. I like moving in a log with the grapple, sawing and splitting, then going after another log.

I also wanted to split vertically if needed, for the big stuff.

So, I went with a Champion horizontal/vertical 22-ton unit. Glad I did. Got a great deal on it. While researching, I could not find a video of use on this splitter, so I made one. Hopefully, it will be of help to others who are considering a similar splitter. Here is the link to the video:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efReah9Jefo]Jeff's New Toy - Champion 22-Ton Log Splitter - YouTube[/ame]