wolf ridge log splitters (opinions)

   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #11  
I just ordered this Iron and Oak 30 ton unit. Came highly recommended by my BIL who uses one professionally. A bit overkill for me as it is just for my use but should be alright.

Edit: Cancelled the order. Need to do some more research.
 
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   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #12  
A bit overkill for me as it is just for my use but should be alright.
Same here. Overkill. But, there were a couple of other things I wanted. An education on hydraulics and welding, which hopefully I made some headway on. Otherwise, to the OP, some things to think about - these things can be really simple - what do you want, and how so.
 
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   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #13  
I was getting into the same position, older, small big box splitter for 10yrs, needed something with a lift and table. I chose to build my own. I gathered ideas from the TW-LS and WR-28C to create my version.

WR-28C & 35C – Compact Commercial Log Splitter
Tech Specs, and (my version)
Honda GX390 13HP engine (17.5hp vanguard)
12 volt electric start with Interstate battery
10 amp charge coil for running auxiliary 12V items (17amp)
22 GPM hydraulic pump (23gpm)
25 gallon hydraulic tank with cartridge return filter (20gal)
Prince auto cycle valve (prince, manual retract with detent)
Magnum big bore package with 12 inch tall push block (4.5" cyl, 12"sq push block)
Bronze self lube slides on push block (steel slides with grease fittings)
In-house welded & fabricated splitter beam (w8x40 I-beam)
31 inch beam height
24 inch stroke length (30 or 36 inch optional) (24in)
Hydraulic log lift included – 450lb lift capacity
Hydraulic wedge height adjustment
Optional sorting table extension available (43" x 43" sorting table, 1.5-2" open space between slats)
Optional hydraulic oil cooler package available (no)
Removable 4 way wedge included (no, 1045 bevel edge knife 12-24")
NEW! Optional Power Beyond package (yes/no, open center power beyond exits the auxiliary valves, into the main valve)
Includes 2 section hydraulic pump (2 stage)
Includes hydraulic oil cooler package (no)
Control valve with forward / neutral / momentary reverse (no)
20 foot hydraulic hoses with flat face connectors included (no)
Removable draw bar with 2 inch hitch ball coupler (hitch reciever both ends)
45 MPH recommended max towing speed
4.8″ x 12″ rims, 21” radial tires, Dexter hubs and spindles (old hay rake hubs, spindles and wheels)
Fits into pick up truck bed or small trailer, 4′ x 8′ over all size
Weight: 1400 LB (1900lb)

Things I wanted:

Electric start

Large hydraulic tank. 20gal tank with 23gpm pump, long sweep fittings, creates about a 30deg hyd fluid temp rise over ambient.

A large outfeed table 43x43. My stove handles 23" pcs. It's nice to have enough room to run a log through, yet also room to pile the splits temporarily. Slats and all other parts spaced 1.5" apart lets bark and debris fall through.

Heavy duty log lift, with a smooth surface and no braces to get in the way. Also acts as a work table. A heavy pc can be slid around easily.

Comfortable beam height. 31" is about right. No bending or leaning over.

Hydraulic controls that are centered. Can operate while splitting on one side, or while loading logs on the lift on the other.

Hydraulic main valve is not auto, but manual retract with detent. I didn't see a benefit going with an auto retract, with added cost and more plumbing. Walking away stacking or what ever while the thing is splitting didn't seem right.

An extendable blade that can be raised to sever a white oak round clear through. Blade is hardened 1045 bevel edge like we use on loader buckets. Previously I spent sooo so much time trying to get white oak and all it's nibs to break apart. At the moment not using a 4way, and not sure how that would work on white oak that holds together any way it can.

An area where a round can be cradled, like a work station, regardless where the lift is up or down.

A large push block size with something on it's face to grip with. No pcs slide away from it because it's too smooth or the grip is weak.

4.5 dia cylinder, a compromise between high tonnage and high speed. 2000psi = 16ton, 3000psi = 24ton, 3500psi = 28ton. So far the lower rate is working.

The machine is heavy. This isn't something to wheel around by hand. A WR-28c and TW-LS are 1400lb, mine is 1900lb, a County Line is around 600lb. I could move the county line by hand, barely, not the others.

View attachment 4434196View attachment 4434197View attachment 4434198View attachment 4434199
Gorgeous buildings. But Im an old swede. Did you make this entirely yourself or did you have some or any of it fabricated? I have an old John Deere PTO splitter to use as a base for a build.
The thought that went into this build is admirable. Thanks for the post. I drive by a dealer in VT, the Wolf Ridge do not hang around.
 
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   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #14  
I currently have a north star log splitter. Ive had it for 10 years and its been a great machine. As I get older im really thinking about getting a commercial grade log splitter for efficiency and ease of use as im older. Log lift and sorting table sounds great. Im pretty much sold on getting one but I was curious if any of you own one.

Thanks
I only have a box store splitter but have been researching the more commercial splitters for a couple of years now, getting older too. So far, if I was to purchase, it would be a Wolfe Ridge or Eastonmade (Canada). Would definitely have a log lift. No problems with our neighbor to the north but would most likely get a Wolfe Ridge unit.
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #15  
I currently have a north star log splitter. Ive had it for 10 years and its been a great machine. As I get older im really thinking about getting a commercial grade log splitter for efficiency and ease of use as im older. Log lift and sorting table sounds great. Im pretty much sold on getting one but I was curious if any of you own one.

Thanks
While I do not at present split wood, I did in the past. I have used a few different wood splitters. I was much younger when I did split wood, back then I liked a splitter that would rotate so I could split bigger rounds on the ground. Back then I thought that was the thing to beat all others. I have never used a Wolf Ridge splitter. However, the youtuber Outdoors with the Morgans has (or had) a Wolf Ridge splitter. Not sure how long since he has a video using it (but probably a couple of years. He upgraded to a firewood processor, so newer videos are using it. Best of luck with your decision.
If I were to buy a new (even new to me) at 64 I would want the log lift!
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #16  
A buddy of mine has a Wolf Ridge and graciously allowed me to use it for an afternoon. It's a beast!
I cannot say that it's better than any others because I'd never used one before, but the WR never had a hiccup.
If I was buying one, it would be a WR ... but since I have ready access to one ... well ....

CoyPatton,
PB is my home town. I lived there for the first 18 years of my life ... for someone who loves to hunt and fish, it was a great place to grow up!
GRR
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions) #17  
Did you make this entirely yourself or did you have some or any of it fabricated?
I ordered a lotos plasma/arc weld machine, and used freecad for the design. My hydraulic experience was very limited, but mechanical design was not so the fun was in specing parts at the edge of my comfort level. All built and assembled here, with the "granary/chicken coop" as the shop. Keeps the mind busy.
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions)
  • Thread Starter
#18  
I just ordered this Iron and Oak 30 ton unit. Came highly recommended by my BIL who uses one professionally. A bit overkill for me as it is just for my use but should be alright.

Edit: Cancelled the order. Need to do some more research.
Yea that's similar to what i have now. I think you will be happy you cancelled to do more research with the splitters that have options that many of us want. Especially if you burn a lot of wood
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions)
  • Thread Starter
#19  
A buddy of mine has a Wolf Ridge and graciously allowed me to use it for an afternoon. It's a beast!
I cannot say that it's better than any others because I'd never used one before, but the WR never had a hiccup.
If I was buying one, it would be a WR ... but since I have ready access to one ... well ....

CoyPatton,
PB is my home town. I lived there for the first 18 years of my life ... for someone who loves to hunt and fish, it was a great place to grow up!
GRR
good to hear. Ive been on the phone with my dealer here in indiana. Im looking at the 28 x pro but i do like the 28C. I can get it for 8995 (28 pro x). Which is a good price as I contacted the wolf ridge directly and got a shipping quote from them. It would be an additional 1000 for shipping.

There is a dealer in ohio that may have a 28c. Ill give them a call to see what they got. It looks as if they have higher pricing but maybe they are better optioned. Im not sure. Ill see
 
   / wolf ridge log splitters (opinions)
  • Thread Starter
#20  
While I do not at present split wood, I did in the past. I have used a few different wood splitters. I was much younger when I did split wood, back then I liked a splitter that would rotate so I could split bigger rounds on the ground. Back then I thought that was the thing to beat all others. I have never used a Wolf Ridge splitter. However, the youtuber Outdoors with the Morgans has (or had) a Wolf Ridge splitter. Not sure how long since he has a video using it (but probably a couple of years. He upgraded to a firewood processor, so newer videos are using it. Best of luck with your decision.
If I were to buy a new (even new to me) at 64 I would want the log lift!
My current splitter allows me to split vertically but i have never done that b/c it looks like more work than is necessary. Ive seen some videos as well.. My brother in law has a box wedge eatonmade splitter. Ive never seen it or used but I guess its fast. His family helps him. He runs the levers and his dad and step son do the gathering of the split logs to stack. his wife loads them up on the log lift. Id say he has it pretty easy
 

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