Please recommend American-made splitter

I may buy another splitter and I am thinking I want something American made. I dread researching all of this but I'm close to diving in. What splitters are good circa 2021? I don't know what type I want. I have used my a 25-ton hydraulic for four years now, so, that is really the only type I have experience with. But I have also seen those flywheel type. I always wonder if those (Supersplit?) are ok for hardwoods. If so, hmmm.

I cut only hardwood and the rounds vary in size. I split some real big rounds but I do it vertically so I don't have to pick up a big round and also, I can sit. I also have started noodling bigger rounds to quarter size. If I were to get one where I stand, I would probably insist on having a lift to put the big pieces on it.

Things are crazy high, inflation is driving me nuts, too, so, if it's gone out of sight, I dunno what I'd do, lol. Even the Countyline 25-ton I have, I paid $699 four years ago (on sale from $899) and now, it's $1399. How's that for inflation? I guess I will have to bite the bullet and spend some money. I am not up on prices but I would think a good one would be $3k to $7k? Oh well, I am tired of dealing with this. Hopefully, I could get one that is good, and that has parts availability. Please recommend.

EDIT: Someone said Eastonmade is from Canada, so, that made me realize, I should have said North America!

 

I've had an American made 27-ton Ariens for about 10 years now and have had no issues. Motor is a Subaru made in Japan. Not the cheapest or the fastest but a solid and reliable splitter

 

Timberwolf, Wolf ridge, supersplit, Ram, Built rite are all US companies. Eastonmade and powersplit are nice too but from Canada.

 

From what I have read, yes...would have to try one for myself to be a believer...

 

+1


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The flywheel type(supersplit)actually work better than I ever thought they would on big ugly wood. They have a very thin and sharp wedge so they simply cut through the fibers. Ive seen em split some nasty Elm, crotchy Oak and Ash and they did it quite nicely. I had to hit it a couple times to go completely through.

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I have had good luck with Iron and Oak. Ran a fast cycle 22 ton for 10 years with no issues.
Brad

 

If you are planning on a log lift, might as well get a horizontal splitter. You mentioned that you split the big rounds or noodles chunks vertically. To me, splitting vertically when you have a log lift is illogical. The whole reason to splitting vertically is so you don't need to lift the wood. You do however need to wrestle the Biggun's into place.

So at this point just go horizontal with a log lift. About the only way that using a log lift on a vertical splitter makes sense is if you have a "Walt style" trailer splitter. Those are technically splitting vertically.

What's your budget?

 

Subaru got out of the small engine business in 2017. Some were made in Wisconsin actually. Subaru Industrial Power Products - Wikipedia

 

No, I would not be buying one with a log lift for vertical splitting. The reason for vertical is so I don't have to pick up rounds. If I were to go for a log lift, that would be a horizontal splitter.

As for budget, I mentioned that $3k to $7k is what I am guessing it would cost.

First video I have watched checking out various machines is for an Eastonmade Ultra and was impressed with the machine and its speed. It's their cheapest model, lol. Cost looks like $4,000 + $250 for an extra wedge + $1,500 shipping, so, $5,750. Plus tax. So, around $7,000. Yikes on the shipping, ugh. But, they cut out the middleman, maybe it evens out. FWIW, their site says...

If you're looking for all out performance with an affordable price tag than this machine has your name all over it. The Eastonmade Ultra features a mind blowing 4 second cycle time. You will not find a faster hydraulic splitter on the market. This machine is built to compete with the rack an pinion splitters on the market, but with a lot less maintenance. There are no bearings, springs, gears, or belts to maintain. The wedge stands 12" tall to bust through the large pieces. This is the best happy median available on the market to get kinetic performance with the power of a hydraulic splitter.

14hp Vanguard Engine
16gpm Pump
Straight Wedge
Auto Retract
4 Second Cycle Time
20 Gallon Hydraulic Tank
Weight 800lbs

 

I too like (and only) split in vertical. I sold my DHT splitter to buy an American made splitter last year at this time. I didn't have the need (or budget) to go full on commercial so I narrowed it down to the Swisher 34 ton or Iron and Oak 37 ton. I really liked the Iron and Oak torsion axle setup but then again, I never road tow. The Swisher 34 ton has a Vtwin electric start Kawasaki which was a bit of a break from the norm that peaked my interest. After a lot of going back and fourth between the two, I ended up with the Swisher. I have been very satisfied with my purchase over the last year. Build quality is top notch. Big hydro capacity so it runs cool. No regrets.

PS: One last American made brand I found that does a very nice vertical/horizontal splitter is American Made Conveyors and Log Splitters. They are a small company out of NY and build to order.

 

I looked at Eastonmade and Wolfe Ridge splitters a month or so ago. Watched a ton of videos and called and talked to both companies. Ended up ordering a Wolfe Ridge 28 ton Compact Commercial with autocycle valve, and 6 way wedge. I had been wanting to order the high output or Eastonmade 12-22, but long wait times and parts not being available made me choose differently.

Eastonmade was upfront with a 53 week lead time on any order right now. They have moved into a much larger facility, but haven't been able to ramp up production yet. They were working on hiring new people and training, and motors were often the reason for long lead times.

Wolfe Ridge was similar with lead time when I talked to the headquarters, but ended up contacting a dealer in Vermont, who put in an order and said it should be here around Christmas. They didn't have the motors for the high output, and the autocycle valves are sometimes hard to get.

I think if you are ok with the wait either company makes a great machine. I was a little shocked at the super long lead times as I have 15 cords or so of butt ends left from logging to tackle this winter. Most of it is red oak, some ash, and some maple.

 

These are my two threads from last year when I went through deciding on what to upgrade to.

DHT 35 Ton value?

New Splitter Day...

 

I bought an American Woodsplitter new in 1991. Yes that’s the actual name of the company. They are or were in black river New York. It is a horizontal only machine. It’s been a great wood splitter. I’m not even sure vertical splitters were an option then.

 

G

 

Everything you could want to know about the Super Splits. I've had mine 10 years and love it. In the video I discuss the different models, options, upgrades, and show it in action with big hardwood rounds.

 

I ran a American splitter. It was very nice. 6 second cycle time, big 11 or 13 hp Honda engine. Only thing I didn't like was the 4 way wedge was slip on, and not height adjustable (at least the one I ran) so lot's of sliver pieces.

 

Yep that’s sounds like my splitter to a tee. Mine only has an 8hp. Honda but it runs gray. I have the slip on 4 way & can relate to the sliver pieces. Guess I never ran one with adjustable 4 way so I don’t know what I’m missing.

 

I remember that but I still see Ariens with Subaru engines for sale. Are these NOS? Does Ariens still make log splitters? I see people selling them but I can't find a manufacture's site. Just lawn and snow equipment.