That's a fact. People who are breaking 4 way wedges and splitters use NO COMMON SENSE. If you have to ask, "what's that". You don't have it. Wood will still split along the grain and attempting to run wood with very large branches or crotches through will break something or get it stuck.
I bought a "standard" splitter for around $1200 dollars from a big online splitter seller. I have since "Blinged" it out with an over size log table/motor protector, hydraulics protector, fenders with armored lights and eventually a small, load side table. Also added a wheeled, tilting jack stand. The oversize table is a necessity. Easily halves your picking up splits from the ground because you can push an unfinished half round to the end of the table while you work on the first half, otherwise, it would fall to the ground. Also protects the motor and gas tank from falling halves. Next important for me is a tie between the hydraulics protector and the wheeled jack stand. I store the splitter inside and have to push it to the work area. Have to have the wheels. On the other hand, I would hate to lose control of a split and have it hammer my pump and hoses. A tie for those two mods. Next comes fenders and lights. Required to tow in WA St. Of course now you have to license a splitter so any towing of any distance will be in my wood trailer. Last, the aux small table. Added as an afterthought. Not really necessary but ok since it is already there. I can't foresee ever having a need for a bigger or "better" splitter with my modest fire wood needs. But, If I did get another better splitter, I would have some definite wants. I would want a horizontal machine with a log lift and a push through the wedge system similar to a Timber Wolf splitter. The wedge would have a hydraulic adjustable wedge with a four way. Factory plumbed with lights and highway tires and torsion suspension. A pipe dream for sure, but fun to contemplate!
I bought a speeco and fab'd it up with a log lift. the parts for the lift cost about $100 plus some time. works well as a staging table too.
