In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Ruggedmade 28 vs 37 ton

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Rush Battle, Feb 26, 2021.

  1. Horkn

    Horkn

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    Messages:
    27,621
    Likes Received:
    154,724
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    The pics try to disguise it too. Marketing folk are good at this sort of stuff. :cool:

    Now, for the price, and what we see used splitters sell for, I might still entertain the 22 ton for that price. 2k is a lot less than back issues.:handshake:
     
  2. Rush Battle

    Rush Battle

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2019
    Messages:
    261
    Likes Received:
    1,137
    Location:
    WNC
    Thanks for the feedback and discussion all! I didn’t like the cylinder mount on the 22 ton, which I really wanted to think was acceptable. The splitter move is to get a log lift to save my poor back, and secondarily to get the push through with 4 way to speed up processing. I’d love an Easton Made, or Wolfe Ridge, but they take so long to get and they are a good bit more than double the price of the 28 ton RM. Even with the elevated pricing, the 28t RM still seems to be the best value for a push through with log lift, unless I am missing something.
     
  3. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    Any questions call them and ask for Paul. He has been with the company since they started.
    All parts on 28 ton are the same as the 37 ton except cylinder.
    Could always source a Honda engine to fit for less than they are selling them
     
  4. JRHAWK9

    JRHAWK9

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    672
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Not sure I would say that, as I know the 37 ton has the higher flowing filter compared to the others. It also may have larger hoses/fittings as well.
     
  5. JRHAWK9

    JRHAWK9

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    672
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    Location:
    Wisconsin

    crazy, there is Grede foundry just down the road from them too. Do you know if their filters made in house?
     
  6. Horkn

    Horkn

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    Messages:
    27,621
    Likes Received:
    154,724
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    I'd almost rather buy one with out an engine and add the predator to it. Since you have to put it together regardless, you could possibly save money. Possibly.
     
  7. Horkn

    Horkn

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    Messages:
    27,621
    Likes Received:
    154,724
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    I recall some things from them are made here. It was a big shock when I had to give the reason to management that the castings were coming from overseas. They didn't want to believe me. I forwarded them the email. Then they had to believe it.
     
  8. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    On their website all parts are listed and they show same for 28 and 37 I also called and asked
     
  9. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    They won't change package. If you add the Honda engine they charge more than you can buy it for and no $ taken off for clone you replaced it with.
    They just sell package splitters and parts.
    I will just get package and make changes in future if warranted.
    Many have said the clone is good engine too.
     
  10. Horkn

    Horkn

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    Messages:
    27,621
    Likes Received:
    154,724
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    Interesting. I wouldn't doubt that the clone is the same thing as the predator, but different paint or stickers.
     
  11. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    Paul at Ruggedmade said they were made in same factory
     
  12. JRHAWK9

    JRHAWK9

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    672
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    It appears you are right. They should probably edit this then. LOL

    upload_2021-2-27_18-50-47.png
     
  13. JRHAWK9

    JRHAWK9

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    672
    Likes Received:
    3,395
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    This is their filter housing I just put on my splitter:

    upload_2021-2-27_18-58-40.png
     
  14. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    Careless of them !
    They also ship filter separately from splitter.
    Some guys wrote they put the whole thing together, used it and then the filter came.
     
  15. Horkn

    Horkn

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    Messages:
    27,621
    Likes Received:
    154,724
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    That one should be then. I couldn't tell you which one it was, but I can tell you what I bought that was spec'd was delayed on a boat from china.
     
  16. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    I called and ordered the 28 ton yesterday.
    Looks like delivery in around 3 weeks.
     
  17. mikeward

    mikeward

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    603
    Likes Received:
    4,042
    Location:
    Long Island, New York
    After I get this splitter assembled, I will still have my 22 ton Huskee splitter.
    I would love to be able to modify the Huskee into a push thru splitter with log lift.
    I really have no idea how todo this but looking at new one to guide me it might just work.
    Source parts online. Modify full beam to work

    If somebody could come up with a kit or plans to do this it could be a moneymaker.
    There are a lot of these splitters out there.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
  18. jo191145

    jo191145

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2015
    Messages:
    6,331
    Likes Received:
    42,439
    Location:
    Ct
    I like. Best of luck with your new splitter.
    I’m considering building a box wedge splitter. The 37 ton looks like a good candidate for that.
     
  19. Rush Battle

    Rush Battle

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2019
    Messages:
    261
    Likes Received:
    1,137
    Location:
    WNC
    After looking into more splitters, I’m thinking a box wedge splitter might make more sense. What leads you to the box wedge design?
     
  20. jo191145

    jo191145

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2015
    Messages:
    6,331
    Likes Received:
    42,439
    Location:
    Ct
    I think they are easier on the operator with big rounds. Very little handling/wrestling once they’re on the table and the log lift gets them there. The retract arm does all the work if properly designed.
    That,,,,and,,,, I have the crazy idea that if it’s tweaked just right a trough could be built that would act as a conveyor to load a truck or trailer. No motor, no belt. The splits come out in a single layer under force. There’s play required in the splits/wedge but most factory built have a little more than necessary IMO. Even more in the outfeed table conveyor. A little tweaking on those tolerances and splits should/may push themselves right up a short ramp in a single layer. That would be my hope anyway because that would be relatively cheap and downright cool :) Just play with levers without spending $20,000
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2021