Using a horizontal-vertical log splitter

[bubbas45]

Howdy, folks. As mentioned in another thread, I am looking into log splitters. I've never owned one before.

Having one that can switch from horizontal to vertical splitting is appealing to me because we have some large trees that I just cannot maneuver up on a horizontal splitter.

I suppose I _could_ spring for a log handler, but that's extra money I'd rather spend elsewhere I think, and I'm not sure how big a bolt of wood one could handle anyway.

I was looking at a Husky yesterday at TSC, because a surprising number of folks here seem to be happy with them. When you place one of these splitters in the vertical position, you've got that metal plate on the ground on which you place your wood, so your wedge can have at it.

With a smallish diameter log I see no problem, but I was wondering (okay, the spousal unit was wondering) about what would happen when you try to plit a big log, that metal plate would be just under the edge of the log and tipping it away form the wedge.

Is that realistic? Does that create any extra hassle? I was thinking I'd just slip have a board done one the ground and rest the log on that so it would be straight up and down. Does that make sense or am I way overanlyzing this (and displaying remarkable ignorance).

thanks, bws

 

[Ductape]

You are certainly overanalyzing. In the vertical position, slide the chunk of wood in place and split. Once the wedge puts pressure on the wood, it holds it there between the wedge and toe plate till the the piece splits. I've never had to put anything under the end of the wood sticking out of the splitter to make it level prior to splitting ....... and i split plenty of large pieces.

 

[WayneB]

I agree with ducktape, just this one time. But, when I purchased my splitter I decided on one with larger tires. Mainly because it would be easier to move around in the woods. The load height is a bit higher and it is only horizontal, but there is nothing I haven't been able to split with it.

Not sure where you are located, but suggest you take a look at this splitter.

Log splitter, wood conveyor and firewood processor by American CLS

 

[IXLR8]

Not sure where you are located, but suggest you take a look at this splitter.

Log splitter, wood conveyor and firewood processor by American CLS

Do you have any idea who in New England carries these? I have looked into them online, they seem well made, lots of good feedback. I have sent emails and left messages with the company but no response.

 

[Ductape]

Wayne...... agreeing with the likes of me can only drag you into the gutter! Beware!!!

 

[Ductape]

IXLR8..... MB Tractor here in NH sells American. They make nice equipment.

P.S., and as you know...... sales tax free !!

 

[Sukee]

IXLR8

I see you are in mid-coast Maine. Hammond Tractor (locations in Union, Fairfield and Auburn, ME) carry the American CLS log splitters. I know the have several of the horizontal splitters at their Union location.

What dealership did you buy your Kioti tractor at?

 

[sandman2234]

My brother worked for a guy seasonally that split wood for resale. Everytime they would get a new splitter, my bother would figure out some way for me to end up putting a larger plate on the bottom of the splitter to either go around the existing foot, or to go over the top of it. I gathered the reason for this was due to large pieces of wood, when they split, would "hop" off the small foot, and would require being picked up again and placed on the small foot. When splitting pieces several feet in diameter, picking them up could be a major problem. With the larger foot, it allowed for the piece to be spun on the plate, instead of in the dirt where they always worked.
It does require a piece of steel at least an inch thick, which messes up the balance of the unit. Takes a little more effort to get it horizontal, and a lot less to get it vertical.
David from jax

 

[SPYDERLK]

I agree with ducktape, just this one time. But, when I purchased my splitter I decided on one with larger tires. Mainly because it would be easier to move around in the woods. The load height is a bit higher and it is only horizontal, but there is nothing I haven't been able to split with it.

Not sure where you are located, but suggest you take a look at this splitter.

Log splitter, wood conveyor and firewood processor by American CLS

I disagree in principle with any singleton use splitter that pushes the log rather than the wedge. Splitting and placing appropriate pieces off the stationary wood right in front of you is less work.
larry

 

[WayneB]

I disagree in principle with any singleton use splitter that pushes the log rather than the wedge. Splitting and placing appropriate pieces off the stationary wood right in front of you is less work.
larry

Each to their own, I have had very little problems with the splitter and also have a four way adapter that splits wood into four pieces. I do have the side trays too so once the block is spit the two sections are right there waiting to be put into the splitter.

I only do about ten cord a year and it has been faster than I desire to go.

Ducktape, I hear you and will be careful about agreeing with ya....lol. I bought it at MB tractor in Tilton. Not sure what they are selling for right now, but a couple of years ago I bought it for 2K.

 

[bubbas45]

Thanks for the info, guys.

bws

 

[IXLR8]

IXLR8

I see you are in mid-coast Maine. Hammond Tractor (locations in Union, Fairfield and Auburn, ME) carry the American CLS log splitters. I know the have several of the horizontal splitters at their Union location.

What dealership did you buy your Kioti tractor at?

I bought my Kioti used at Upper Valley Tractor in NH.
Hammond tractor in Union is 11 miles from my house. I didn't see any splitters last time I was there... guess it is time for a quick road trip and to pick up some BioD next door while I am there.

 

[Happyman]

I've been researching splitters for about a month now and have chosen one from Brave Products: Brave Products, Inc. - Products
Specifically the VHO626. Price, quality and service seem right for my needs. My first choice was the Timberwolf: Log Splitter Product Line ...but my wallet said no .
I'll report back on its performance this fall after running a few cords through it.

 

[frwinks]

I made a switch to a vertical a year ago... just roll the rounds on and let 'er rip
I think this one was around 36"...

 

[SPYDERLK]

I made a switch to a vertical a year ago... just roll the rounds on and let 'er rip
I think this one was around 36"...

Yeah, H/V is great for the big ones. My home made is H only. Ive done big [39"] oak ones like that using tractor and pallet forks for a platform. I weighed the pieces -- 886 pounds.
larry

 

[Highbeam]

I have split and burned lots of large diameter cottonwood trees. Anyone that knows about these trees knows that they are big and solid and full of water when green. This makes for silly heavy rounds near the bottom that are almost impossible to split by hand. After bucking off a pancake (18" long round 36+ inches across) we roll it to the standard issue vertical splitter and try to flop it over so it lands on the foot under the raised wedge but tight to the I-beam of the splitter. I've never split a round sideways like the photo a couple posts back. Anyway, I sink the wedge into the rounds endgrain and it will usually split the round about half way through. The only purpose for the smallish foot is to keep the round in place for the wedge to push through so size does NOT matter. Leave the wedge buried in the half split round and then finish off the split with the 8lb maul. Then repeat with the halves to make quarters and then chunk it up.

If you flop the big pancake over and you miss the splitter foot then you are in for a gut buster fight to put it back on but it has to happen.

 

[CurtC]

I made a switch to a vertical a year ago... just roll the rounds on and let 'er rip
I think this one was around 36"...

Nice looking splitter, what brand model?

 

[CurtC]

I've been researching splitters for about a month now and have chosen one from Brave Products: Brave Products, Inc. - Products
Specifically the VHO626. Price, quality and service seem right for my needs. My first choice was the Timberwolf: Log Splitter Product Line ...but my wallet said no .
I'll report back on its performance this fall after running a few cords through it.

Did you consider the cheaper "Huskee" splitters sold at Tractor Supply?

 

[Sukee]

Has anybody used/does anybody own one of the Troy Bilt splitters available at Lowe's? (I know, Troy Bilt is now owned by MTD which makes alot of crap!).

Lowe's has a Troy Bilt splitter that can be used both horizontal or verticle. 33 ton splitting force with a Honda 270cc (9 hp?) GX engine. It looks somewhat well made and costs around $2100 I think. 12 second cycle time I believe.

Lowe's also sells a smaller Toy Bilt splitter for about $1600 (27 ton, B&S 5.5 hp, also horizontal/verticle combo.) I'm kind of guessing from memory on the smaller sized one's specs!

 

[Johnbro]

I have a vertical log splitter that mounts on the 3pt and uses hydraulics for power (no separate motor). We split Doug Fir rounds up to 3-feet in diameter. If they were oak or hickory I wouldn't be able to muscle them on to the unit as easily, but for hardwood that size you probably need some added log-handling help as well.

The nice thing about it is we can back the tractor up to the wood, instead of having to move it in order to split it. The bad thing about it is I have to run the tractor to split wood...

Having used both horizontal and vertical splitters over the years for my own firewood consumption, I'd never go back to a horizontal one. Much easier to sit on a round and just roll the wood onto the foot of the vertical splitter. My back doesn't hurt after a day of splitting.