log splitters

[Jammar9082]

Does anyone have advice on hydraulic log splitters? I want a trailer type that works in both the vertical and horizontal positions with a gasoline engine of about 8 HP and rated at about 28-32 tons. I have searched the WWW and found some info. but not as much as expected. MTD seems to make a few different brands and there were a couple of others that are available in the midwest area. Cost estimates that I worked up for construction amounted to about $900. 00 for the hydraulic system and the engine only. Is this estimate in the ball park? What are the better brands of the manufactured machines? Thanks.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Go to site below and do search for log splitter. They have several different styles and prices. There is a store in Texas called "Tractor Supply" that has them too but I don't know if they have a web. bg http://northerntool.com

[This message has been edited by B. G. Smith (edited 03-11-2001). ]

 

[willyslover]

I have a ready made. . 25 ton paid a little over $1000 for runs very nice and will blow thru a crotch in hard wood no problem... only problem is once you have one the neighbors find out and then the problems start... returned broken with no "oh by the ways" and not repaired. . when you go to use it 3/4 months later you find out and then have to order the parts... #ad

 

[Jeff H]

A couple years ago. We borrowed a really nice set up. It had a Honda powered engine. That Honda was nice and quiet too with lots of power. There was a hydraulic hoist built on too. It was cool too lift these big oak peaces with that. This splitter was over kill though. I just for the heck of it once split a peace of oak going accross the grain. That Honda just walked right through it.
My neigbor has a really neat splitter also. He has one where it can split forward and reverse. You need three guys to work that one. But boy you can really get a lot done with in a very short amount of time.

 

[Whitmore]

I have a sears 2 stage pump pull behind type and it great,I bought a detent valve from northern hydrolics and put on it that way when you split and realease from the handle the ram goes back by itself. I havent found any thing yet that it would'nt split #ad
Kevin

 

[Jammar9082]

Thanks to all for the quick replies.

 

[John]

I didn't purchase based on price alone... I purchased on quality irrespective of price. I bought a 26 ton Iron and Oak brand log splitter two years ago with the optional Honda 8 hp. engine. Man is that one sweet machine! I've thrown the biggest, burliest pieces of wood at it and it has NEVER given up. I even recommended it to my sister who owns a tree service... she purchased one (identicle to mine) and her crew uses it almost on a daily basis. She's 100% satisfied too. #ad


Oh, and the best part, it splits both in the horizontal and verticle positions.

[This message has been edited by John (edited 03-12-2001). ]

 

[FATCAT]

James,
I have been using something called a Super Split Jr. for over 12 years. Nothing can match this type of maching. My father-in-law willed it to me and he had 4 of them at on point for renting purposes. It is not hydrolic and works with two large fly wheels, a ram arm, two fan belts, and small 5hp gas moter. It will cut up to 5 to 10 times faster than any hydrolic machine. You pull a lever, the ram comes shooting out and splits the wood on a welded wedge on the end of the steel I-beam, then the ram draws back into the maching in about 1/2 second! Ready to go again. Check out this site:
http://www.ripsaw.com/gfx. ihtml
I can split over a cord of wood in about 1 hour, toss it into my dump trailer and I'm ready to deliver it to my customers or where ever. These are the best logsplitters made ... period ... worth every penny, simple to maintain, no hydrolic fluid, lines to leak or rupture and its light enough for one person to move around.

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[Papa Joe]

In my younger years I had a sweet little 5hp unit that served all my splitting needs. Gary is right, though, about the neighbors. After a year of my "I don't loan it, but I'll help you" system, I found myself drinking a lot of beer and splitting a lot of wood for other people.
So... ... ... . I stenciled in 3-inch letters on the both sides of the frame, "No, he11 no, so don't even ask !!!"
Problem solved #ad
For those who had the audacity to ask anyway, I'd ask, "Can't you read?" #ad
Joe

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[Jammar9082]

Thanks to all for the good information. I have checked the sites and brands and learned some new and interesting things. Now the BIG decision on which one.

 

[BigDaddy]

James,
Tried to post this last night, but could not. Here Goes:
I cut and split about 6 cords a year for home use only. After 10 years of splitting by hand, mostly splitting my back #ad
I broke down and bought a Log Splitter #ad


I spent a lot of time looking around knowing that what ever I got would probably be around for a lifetime with my limited usage.

I have to agree with FATCAT, his Super Split is the best I have seen. A coworker has one similar (don’t remember it’s manufacturer) that was given to him from his grandfather. It is quick (I think FATCAT is underestimating it’s speed/cord) and MEAN #ad
A LITTLE TOO MEAN FOR ME #ad

As B. G. Smith mentioned, Northern has some real nice Log Splitters and I would have bought from them if it were not for the high shipping costs #ad


To conclude this excessively long post, I bought an MTD A550C000 from LOWE’S. It is vertical/horizontal, has a 2 stage pump, auto detent valve, 26 ton rating, wheels, fenders, and a 6 HP Tecumseh. Everything you’re looking for #ad

Do not let the 6 HP Tecumseh fool you. I was skeptical myself until I used it. The 2-stage pump makes a difference. I normally split Oak and it has not failed to split one single piece the first time, everytime. I just installed a 4,000-psi pressure gauge and it comes close to hitting max.

You can find the same MTD splitters at The Home Depot, but equipped with the Briggs engine and White Outdoor is their professional line.

Hope this helps, good luck, and again sorry for the long post.


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[Jammar9082]

Thanks for an excellent response, Big Daddy.

I am gratefull to all for your information.

I like the sounds of the Super Split(SS) and would like to see one in operation. I think it is probably the best long term splitter I have heard about but I suspect the shipping to SW Missouri could get expensive. I had some concern about the cycle time on the SS and wondered about the dangers involved.

I think I will look strongly at the type of splitter you have, even though the hydraulics can require more maintenance. Home Depot(HD) has the same brand but with a Brigg"s 12 HP IC engine. It caught my eye last week and appears to have similar characteristics as Oak & Iron and some other brands. Home D's price was $1300. 00. I don't know if this is a clearance price or regular price since I have not looked at them before.

 

[Chad Sheets]

Call your wife "pork chop" and hand her the axe. She will either split the wood or your head. 50/50 chance you could save youself some money and never have to worry about log splitters again. 50/50 chance you could never worry about anything at all ever again #ad


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[JTBMC]

Chad, I tried that my head still hurts, along with my back. So I Built a 3 point hitch spliter w/ a 5 inch x 36 inch ram,on a 4 in. I beam pinned to split vertical or horizonal. Works great but slow even behind a 95 HP tractor. Ford 7810 6 cyl diesel. She really did hit me head broke off the split mall an she was just helping me by throwing handle on wood trailer. Said she felt so bad about it that she would drive the 30 miles to town (WALMART) and pick up a 12 pack for my head ache.