log splitter

[firhead]

Need one. I'm a homeowner, do nothing commercial, but do split a lot for a big house. Had one that worked off tractor remotes but this was less than ideal. Any reason I should NOT go to Lowe's, Tractor Supply, Home Depot, and just get one of the $1500/$2000 ones?
Thanks,
Cliff

 

[timcasbolt]

No. No reason at all. I liked the idea of building my own, but everybody's different.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

Kids got me one for Christmas after my shoulder replacement, can't swing the mall any more. Works fine and saves some time but it's still work.

 

[Steve in VA]

I've used a TSC unit for years with no issues

 

[Mule Meat]

Engine, pump, valve and cylinder are what makes a splitter. The rest is just cosmetic.

My only advice is that you buy the largest ton splitter that you can afford. A 22 ton will go through logs with ease while say a 11 ton will struggle. Less wear and tear on the whole unit.

 

[hoghollow]

Cut for 3 households Have skidsteer mounted logsplitter Most wood is handled by hand the first time is when we throw it in outdoor woodburners. Cut most into 16 ft lengths and haul home with dump trailer Chunk it up using splitter to lift logs no bending over and running saw into dirt Once you get the hang of splitter can stack pretty well with it. Have skid steer for use around farm. Would be lost without it

 

[Steve in VA]

Sound advice.

 

[IaLeo]

I have a TSC splitter, 22 ton for twenty years. had to replace the BS engine about ten years back as old one nearly caused me a stroke starting the darn thing...no choke! New BS engine ok...just let it run the gas tank dry. It will run an hour or more on one tank of gas and by that time I need a break. Hydraulics never gave problem or needed more oil. Alwaus stored inside. Nice feature is that you do not have to lift the bole up, just tilt the ram vertical and roll the bole over to it. A short stool of some kind allows working without bending over. Little slow, but then I am too at 88 yrs! Leo

 

[Steve@Advance]

They work ok, it will be noisy though!

Look for one with catch tables on each side, otherwise the split log will be falling on your feet!

 

[Bob M]

I purchased a 25 ton Dirty Hand splitter at Lowes about 5 years ago for about $1,000. It's nearly identical to splitters sold by TSCO, Home Depot, Runnings, etc. The only differences are paint color, decals and the engine. Mine has a Kohler though I see others offered with B&S, Honda and CPC (Honda clone....) engines.

Mine's been absolutely bullet-proof. It's been heavily used by myself, my brother and 2 of my kids. And none of us has yet to find a chunk of wood it cannot split.

I'd buy another like it in a heartbeat.

 

[gears]

+1 on buying one of the stand alone 22 ton units.

 

[cjunrau]

I like the ones that come from the top and press down. I have watched them on utube and think that is how I would make my next one. Pieces never fall on the ground and easy to split it again if its to big. Also I can't bend down so with that system I can sit on a chair to do it as well.

 

[gtractorfan]

Park it in the shade during hot days and notice which way the breeze is blowing if there is any to avoid the exhaust fumes. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[sandcastle1]

I have a small electric splitter, it is probably 10 or 12 years old. it has split a lot of wood. I think it was about $100 bucks back then. You do not need hearing protection as it is pretty quiet.

 

[Dopp Creek]

We bought a 27 ton Champion from Home Depot and it has served us well. It will push through some nasty stuff (oak). I only run non-ethanol fuel and it has a fuel shut-off so I run it dry when we are done. It will start on the first or second pull each time. This model tilts from horizontal to vertical. The only improvement I need to make is a second table to catch the stuff on the left side. Thats where the fuel tank is and the right log could do some damage if it fell. If you pay attention it isnt an issue but would be easier if a second table was present.

 

[cityboy]

Based on recommendations given on this site, my neighbor bought a 37ton, Honda powered splitter. He got the 4 way wedge as well. Only been a few years, works real good.

HTH...Don.

 

[Traditional Farmer]

I bought a 30+ ton splitter from Northern Tool about 5 years ago,love it.Has a Honda motor and is a lot better built than the ones at TSC and other places around.

 

[DanielW]

Can't go wrong with the Split-Fire two way ones - it's what everyone who's serious uses up here. We've had ours with the Honda engine for over 20 years now - has split all the wood for three old farmhouses that burn tons of wood as well as 4 or 5 customers who buy all their wood from us. Still performs like new - never had any issues with it.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

If I was going to spend money on one I think I'd get the Eastonmade one with the log lift and the conveyor.

 

[Butch(OH)]

There is no real reason for a homeowner who is just splitting his own wood to purchase a high end commercial splitter. I have a nice H-D splitter BUT I built it myself for 25% of the cost of the high end units. For many years I split all of our 12 cord a year wood supply with a 22Ton TSC splitter, was $800 back then. After a few years I did upgrade the pump and motor to speed it up a bit. Splitters are like any other tool. What will get the job done vs what is easiest and what will impress your buddies is 3 different things. A 22 ton tilting beam splitter will do what you need done and will split near anything that will fit on it.