NEED FEEDBACK ON WOOD SPLITTERS!

If you want a lot of feedback, get one built before the Spring GTG and bring it with.

 

Now there's a plan! You coming this year Horkn ?

 

I don't have any plans getting in the way. I don't see why not.

 

I've been looking into a new splitter and I've noticed (as others have said) that there is a huge gap in what is available. I fall into the above #2 scenario. I heat 2 buildings with wood via a CB 760HDX. This is my 1st year with it, and estimate 12-15 cords will be used annually. I've been researching splitters for awhile, and this is what I've come up with for my needs. In no particular order:

1. Approximately 30 ton. I split mostly standing dead, large (20+) red oak cut at ~ 22" length
2. Log lift. This is very important for safety and usability, particularly for large rounds and old backs/knees
3. 4 way wedge. Adjustable height would be fantastic, but seems to be outside my price range (see below)
4. Usable work table that doesn't get in the way.
5. "Fast" cycle times. This is user defined, but I think we all know roughly what that needs to be in order to be productive. I would give up speed for ergonomics and ease of use. I'm not spitting for money, just personal use.
6. Good work height for comfort
7. Auto cycle would be great, but not likely due to our litigious ways.
8. Push through design. I never understood having the wedge push into the wood, and then having your splits falling around your feet, motor, etc.
9. Trailer hitch on OPPOSITE side of where splits fall.
10. Reliable motor that starts when I want it to. I've had Hondas that worked and some that haven't. I currently have a Harbor Freight that I mounted to my old splitter and it starts on 2nd pull each time, even in Michigan winters. It may or may not continue to perform that way, but for the past 3 seasons I've been impressed, especially for the price (~$100).
11. Speaking of price, all these features don't come cheap. I would target the $4-$5000 range including adjustable wedge. I know that is a huge goal, and don't know if it's possible, but you asked.

So far I'm not been able to find all of the above in one splitter. The closest I've come to it is the 37 ton Ruggedmade. For about $4,000 I get everything above EXCEPT for the adjustable wedge and the trailer hitch properly mounted on the correct end. Yes, it is Chinese made, and I'm not happy about that. Yes, I do have to assemble it myself. The hydraulic tank might be a tad small for it, but it seems to work fine. amateur cutter has pointed out shortcomings for it also.

Country Boy Chronicles, I am going to pull the trigger on the Ruggedmade within the next month. If you are serious about this, and if you are at a point to move something forward, please let me know soon. I would be happy to be a tester for your product.

 

Spring GTG ?? Whats that ?

 

Oh boy. It's probably the best opportunity you'd have to market this

 

Sounds awesome! Whats the date??

 

Here's the official thread.
Spring GTG 2021

 

If you can get a prototype together by May 1 & get it to Chesaning you'll have a really good handle on a good size segment of the "market hole" most manufactures are missing. We're a pretty diverse group of serious firewooders. Most of us fall into the "middle" category between full time sellers & casual burners. I make 40-60 cord per year for reference.

 

Exactly. This would throw a pretty wide net, for "only" a 6 hr or so drive.

 

Yep, & I'm in the market for another splitter & a real sucker for new stuff. Don't tell Country Boy Chronicles lol.

 

You ain't no sucker Adam, just a firewood Hoarder with a bankroll and an appetite for equipment!!

 

This is the group that came to the 2019 GTG in Chesaning MI at Backwoods Savage place. About 65-70 great folks were there by Saturday. And we played with saws, wood splitters, cut firewood for a couple folks and ate some great food.
Here is Scotty Overkill showing us climbing skills. He took out several big limbs from this huge white oak, making it easier to drop.
And then walt went to work on the trunk, using a Tree Monkey built (I think) MS661 with 36" bar. That tree was about 42-44" dia.

 

22-Ton Push Through Gas Log Splitter w/ Log Lift (RS-322)

I would buy something like this made in the USA in a heartbeat.

 

And now you have two sold!