What to look for in a Rental Logsplitter?

[dholly]

Ok, I got a little firewood splitting project that in the past I probably would have tackled with the maul. But some of the stuff is a bit knarly and runs up to 4' across so, in another sign old age may be catching up slightly, I've decided to rent a splitter.

I know cycle time may be more important than HP, but how big (HP) should I rent? Can you get fast 2x backstroke hyds? I know a combo vertical/horizontal stroke is more flexible and friendly on the back. So what else should I be looking for to get the best bang for my rental dollar and make the job go quick 'n easy?

Oh, and here's the catch... I'm also kinda interested in evaluating a splitter for potential future purchase, so I do not want to just rent some little weekend handyman special. I would rather rent a more substantial unit with the features I'd be happy to live and work with for many years. Any particular brands models stand out? If you were buying, tell me what features would you want so when I call around I know what to ask for!

Thanks much.

 

[HGM]

Ok, I got a little firewood splitting project that in the past I probably would have tackled with the maul. But some of the stuff is a bit knarly and runs up to 4' across so, in another sign old age may be catching up slightly, I've decided to rent a splitter.

I know cycle time may be more important than HP, but how big (HP) should I rent? Can you get fast 2x backstroke hyds? I know a combo vertical/horizontal stroke is more flexible and friendly on the back. So what else should I be looking for to get the best bang for my rental dollar and make the job go quick 'n easy?

Oh, and here's the catch... I'm also kinda interested in evaluating a splitter for potential future purchase, so I do not want to just rent some little weekend handyman special. I would rather rent a more substantial unit with the features I'd be happy to live and work with for many years. Any particular brands models stand out? If you were buying, tell me what features would you want so when I call around I know what to ask for!

Thanks much.

I really cant answer your questions since I just call and ask for one... Dont care to own one myself so if its good enough for a rental unit, its good enough for me to rent.... Anyhow, the reason for my reply is to recomend that you rent over a holiday weekend.. I try to rent a splitter for Labor Day weekend, I pick it up Saturday after noon, then dont have to return it untill Tuesday morning, all for the one day rental price.. Thats my recomendation for the best bang for the buck ..

 

[Cord]

Most of the splitters to be found are built with one thing in mind: cheap is better. If you want speed or power you'll have to open the wallet. Northern has a handfull in midline units. Timberwolf has a bunch of midline and top end units. The better units are identified by the larger pumps, non Briggs engines and hydraulic wedges. You'll also notice that the pro units go to log lifts instead of making the splitter convertable.

 

[Highbeam]

Convertible horizontal to vertical is really nice. Larger tires for trailering is nice too. Decently quiet engine that is mounted out of the way of falling firewood. Oh and a large gas tank so you can leave the can at home.

The only odd ball thing is the wedge part. Some have a single splitting widge and some have a four way splitter that will split the wood up into many smaller pieces rather than just in half. This would seem to cut your work time in half.

 

[schmism]

i like the version that has a stationay wedge and you push the log into it as opposed to the other way around.

the down side is that version dosent come in a stand up kind.


as to cycle time, its nice if the return is quicker than the push as more is going on durring the spliting/push cycle.

The one my uncle has is a home built version that you get tired of listening to after 20 min even WITH ear plugs. ie, the quiter the better.

 

[dholly]

Well, lots of little B&S horizontals, this is the best I could come up with for Honda/vertical...

Iron & Oak Model #BHVH2202FCH

* 20 ton splitting force
* 8 second cycle time
* 8 HP Honda engine
* 3.5” x 24’ clevis type steel cylinder
* 25” log opening
* Heavy-duty 6” H-beam rail
* 6” Compound angled wedge, high carbon steel
* 9.5 gallon hydraulic system capacity
* Shipping weight 660 - 690 lbs.

$60/24hrs @ Orange Box

 

[hockeyhead]

check out, www.arborist.com for alot of info about splitters

I have 2 splitters, the first homemade from the early 70's, this was given to me about 7 years ago, 18", 3.5" cyl. 5hp B&S, horizontal only. I have no idea what tonnage or pump flow rate. The 5hp B&S finally gasped its last gasp this spring, with about 4 cord to go. In searching for a replacement engine, I bought a splitter from TSC, $999, 22 ton husky, 14 sec. cycle time, vertical/ horizontal 6.5hp B&S vertical shaft, 4" by 24" cyl., 11 gpm 2 stage pump. It has done well on 3 cord of hickory and a couple of ash. My only complaint was the noise from the pivot pin vibrating, and some heavy grease quieted it right down.

I'm still looking for the B&S 5hp hort. shaft 3/4" dia. replacement engine.

 

[MarkStewart]

check out, www.arborist.com for alot of info about splitters

I have 2 splitters, the first homemade from the early 70's, this was given to me about 7 years ago, 18", 3.5" cyl. 5hp B&S, horizontal only. I have no idea what tonnage or pump flow rate. The 5hp B&S finally gasped its last gasp this spring, with about 4 cord to go. In searching for a replacement engine, I bought a splitter from TSC, $999, 22 ton husky, 14 sec. cycle time, vertical/ horizontal 6.5hp B&S vertical shaft, 4" by 24" cyl., 11 gpm 2 stage pump. It has done well on 3 cord of hickory and a couple of ash. My only complaint was the noise from the pivot pin vibrating, and some heavy grease quieted it right down.

I'm still looking for the B&S 5hp hort. shaft 3/4" dia. replacement engine.

Hi, I just bought one of those chinese knock off engines off ebay. 6.5hp 3/4" shaft, to replace engine on old log splitter I found. Hope it lasts for a while without any major failures. 135$ delivered to my house.

 

[ehchvac]

as far as looking at a rental to buy later goes,...
I bought a iron and oak 30 ton splitter with a 4 way wedge and it has never failed to split what I put in it.
$1600.00

 

[Botabill]

I wouldn't buy one unless I planned to make a living or some money wood cutting. I rented a split-fire for one day and my wife and 13 year old split 4 cords with a one day rental. The split-fire cuts going both directions so two people can similtaneously load/unload while one person operates the ram switch. Very efficient. Here's a picture. Split-Fire
I used my tractor to lift massive maple and elm blocks onto the splitter so I would get a 3 PTO splitter.