looking at log splitters: what's good?

[bob_s2]

I've got oak, walnut, pine, and other stuff - many cords of wood total. I'm looking at used log splitters that are in really good condition. I'm looking in the 22-27 ton range, gas powered. Definitely looking for a horizontal/vertical unit. Which ones are good/bad? Any suggestions on what to look for when looking at a used unit?

Troy Bilt ?
MTD ?
Blue Max ?
others ?

Thanks!
-Bob

 

[bob15]

I really like the Timberwolf.

http://www.timberwolfcorp.com/

That being said, I use a TSC splitter to do about 10 cord a year and it's on year 4. No complaints other than the control placement isn't the best, IMHO.

 

[tdkkart]

Speeco is one that most of the farm places around here sell, I've had a 10hp model for about 5 years, so far very happy with it.

 

[bobcatdan]

Personally I hate the horizontal/ vertical ones, never saw one that wasn't a wobbly pieces of junk. Did they spilt wood, yes they did, but I will take a good old horizontal one any day. The bed is lower and is much sturdier. Never saw a point for the vertical anyways. If it is too big for two guys to get on the splinter, chop it down with a chainsaw.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

My hydraulic splitter works good but if I ever need to get another one it will be the flywheel/inertial type.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Personally I hate the horizontal/ vertical ones, never saw one that wasn't a wobbly pieces of junk. Did they spilt wood, yes they did, but I will take a good old horizontal one any day. The bed is lower and is much sturdier. Never saw a point for the vertical anyways. If it is too big for two guys to get on the splinter, chop it down with a chainsaw.

Having a vertical option has saved my bacon many times. Being older and getting free wood from my Son's tree service, I take what I can get. Sometimes I have to roll the piece under the splitter and no way could I pick it up. No help on the farm and cutting wood down like that is hard on the chain, not to mention more work.

I like the vertical position.

 

[chevyred55]

I have a Brave splitter 22 ton that i have used and abused for twenty one years.
Just this year had to put on new engine Honda 6hp had BS 5hp. I probably split
5-8 cords a year with it.

 

[bob15]

Personally I hate the horizontal/ vertical ones, never saw one that wasn't a wobbly pieces of junk. Did they spilt wood, yes they did, but I will take a good old horizontal one any day. The bed is lower and is much sturdier. Never saw a point for the vertical anyways. If it is too big for two guys to get on the splinter, chop it down with a chainsaw.

What about those free oak logs that are 30-36" across? Try putting those pieces on the back of a pickup. Take the vertical splitter and quarter the log into manageable pieces. A lot faster and easier than trying to do it with a saw.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

From what I've seen they are like white girls--pretty much all alike. The parts are mostly generic and they all work the same.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have an old Poulan splitter. I took the wore out Briggs off and replaced it with a Honda engine. Like most of them out there, I'm pretty sure it's just a rebadge from somebody else.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Super splitter was I think the first manufactured flywheel splitter, but DR has copied them. Biggest problem is if the blade becomes stuck, there is no way to pull it back out, as you do with a hydraulic one.

No flywheel but you probably could get your wife to ride the exercise bike..... NOT!

Charles

 

[tomahawk_25]

The Old man and I use a North Star, 37 ton horizontal, with a lift arm, it's on year 6, and still runs us into the ground, we split 30 to 40 cord a year. we went with the lift arm because it meant less bending over and picking stuff up, we roll the log over to the arm, the arm lift its up, slides it into place, then we lower the arm until it's horizontal with the ram, so when the logs breaks, you have only one side to catch, and you just put the other side onto the arm and let it rest there, until you are ready for it.

 

[walrus]

I have a super split jr., had it over 20 years. Thing is awesome. 3 hp briggs, sips gas, 2 sec split cycle if it splits first pull, which most clear pieces will. Big knotty stuff will get stuck on wedge some times. But I'd take it over a hydraulic unit any day of the week

 

[bob_s2]

Anyone have a Troy-Bilt 27 ton? Or Forrest King? I've seen both those names on craigslist recently. Any features 'must have'? Any features to avoid?
Thanks!
--Bob

 

[SteveCh]

I have a Wallenstein I really like. Made in Canada, by a forestry-equip. co. Honda engine, high quality construction.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Anyone have a Troy-Bilt 27 ton? Or Forrest King? I've seen both those names on craigslist recently. Any features 'must have'? Any features to avoid?
Thanks!
--Bob

I used a friends 27T Troy Built, it did really well against some 100yr old gnarly-*** maple....I could not stop it! I was quite impressed when it went through knots when the wood did not split.
Around here Timberwolf is regarded as top notch though.

 

[kenfain]

Anyone have a Troy-Bilt 27 ton? Or Forrest King? I've seen both those names on craigslist recently. Any features 'must have'? Any features to avoid?
Thanks!
--Bob

I've got a northern unit, I think it's a 37 ton. What I really like about it is the way it idles down, when not pulling a load. Two things happen here. It sips expensive gas, and the noise level goes way down. The splitter itself, is un-remarkable, other than the four way wedge. But it does have a lot going for it like the Honda commercial engine, the wedge, the idle control, as well as horizontal/vertical split. I've always said, "If you're man enough to lift it up on the cradle, it'll split it ." Of course that's only true of the wood we get around here. It will, however power through knots, and forks, with the four way wedge attached.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd look at a wood processor. Yup,they're expensive, it all depends on your wood requirements. But you put in a log, out comes the split pieces!

 

[SwampCat]

Use a old Brave myself.From before Iron & Oak was a gleam in daddys eye. The OLD Brave looks like the NEW I & O, go figure.

 

[David Jackson]

I don't do much woodsplitting any more and so might be looking for a home for my userbuilt (not by me) horizontal splitter with a Ford Pinto motor. If anyone is interested I can take some pics. It needs some TLC; motor turns over but no sparkies and I have not had time to troubleshoot that; though it should not be too complicated to fix. I used to call it my "little buddy"; could split everything from cedar into toothpicks to oak rounds as big as I could carry. Only trouble I really had was blowing out the ram seals trying to show off cutting wood across the grain. Changing the seals is not hard, but is messy.

 

[fordbroncodave]

we have a northstar unit from northern tool and equip. it is 30 ton, does horizontal and vertical. have been using it regularly for the last 7 years or so until this spring the pump wore out. It is fine for what it is but not very efficient.

I ended up building another one since we could really use another. I built it as 11hp honda gx340, 16gpm 2 stage pump, prince valve, and a 30"X4" ram. I have broke the slide on it but fixed that quickly. I have split at least 6-8 cordes with it already now the pump is whining for some damn reason