What wood splitter do you use?

The nice thing about the wood I cut here is for the most part it splits very easily. Most of the time a 4” cycle will pop it open so cycle speed isn’t important here. My biggest complaint about running a splitter is the low height because it hurts my back to work bent over. Fortunately I’ve found I can successfully run my splitters while seated.

25 Ton Yard Machines. Works well in my type of wood. Over the years there have only been a couple of pieces it wouldn’t bust through. I did have to replace a leaky valve on it. Relatively light and easy to move around by hand.

27 ton Champion. A little higher work surface than the Yard Machines. The wedge starts out thin, then widens out so it takes a longer cycle stroke. Heavier than the Yard Machines but may work better on wood that is harder to split than what I have available here.

Would like to hear what splitter you use and the pros and cons of it.


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I have been using a 25 ton Speec o for over 25 years. I had to replace the motor once. It has split everything I have thrown at it. The height works great for me.

 

I have a 22 ton Huskee from TSC. it's done all I've asked of it for 23 years now. runs just like a new one. plenty tall enough for me. I did add a table to it after picking logs back up off the ground.

 

I’ve been using a 34t Huskee (speeco). Got it for a great deal probably 13 or so years ago. Just recently replaced/upgraded the pump. It does the job. Wish I had a kenetic.

 

Partner (Lefty) had a Liceity-Split, sorry for spelling, when got together. I picked up a Huskee 34t in 2009. Been a great splitter but replaced the motor in 2023. After getting rid of the L-S I picked up a TSC Country Line 25t in 2016 for the house. After it got burned up in a fire (1-1-2022) I replaced it with the TSC C-L 30t fast splitter. Both work great and my only complaint is they moved the axle forward so it gets in the way when using plus the jack stand is overly complicated. I need to work on getting the old 34t brought in so I can change fluid, filter and a collapsed hose, plus some good old TLC that is very past due. I would say that for the money they are hard to beat.

 

I've got a Northern Tool 37 ton. Works like a clamp but it's heavy and very hard to move without hooking it up and pulling it.


My name is Mike, and I'm a hoarder in Ok.
Lopi Endeavor and Republic 1250

 

I have the 25 ton county line from Tractor Supply. Picked it up in 2017 on end of year close out for $599. They had 2 and I should have bought them both. Not the fastest splitter on the planet, but starts every time with a couple pulls and I have not found a log that it wouldn’t split or shred….that is saying something since 80% of the wood I get is elm.

 

I have a 22 Ton County Line from TSC, It's must be over ten years ago. I replaced the carb last year, I have no complaints I think it's been a great machine. (edit..added pic)

 

6.5 ton yard machines electric. The tailgate of my truck is the perfect height for it. I have zero complaints.

 

Forest King (Chinese clone DHT etc) 30 ton. Like the working height and the table that I initially did not think I'd like (it's 'slick' not grippy which turns out to be a plus). Cons? Could be 2 seconds faster in cycle. Rubber strainer gasket failed and leaked after 8 years.

No regrets.

 

my screw and my speeco

 

27 Ton Champion never any issues had to add a little hydraulic oil once and thats been it. Change the motor oil once a year and call it good.

 

I made my own. Full size tires, slip on 4 way, good working height, nice big table, and it’s electric so no pull cord, engine noise, vibration, or fuel/oil to worry about. Flip the switch and go.

 

We started out with the same Yard Machine 25ton splitter in probably '98-'99, bought it from my FIL. Tongue got bent and tires got bad, made a frame to move it with tractor.
In Sept '18, we bought the TSC County Line 30ton. We used it with the 25 ton to handle big rounds. We still use 30 ton on big rounds.
In Sept '22, we found a deal on a barely used Wolfe Ridge 28HO. It's our main splitter now.

 

I use a 27ton Performance Built hydro. Mostly horizontal which I prefer while standing. Im guessing the height is standard for most "generic" splitters. I use my back brace when splitting as I'm 6' tall. It handles anything I throw at it, although I'm picky about how pretty the finished split will be and its my main criteria when I'm scrounging logs. I show it no mercy when i encounter a knotty chunk it has to shear through. I go back and forth about buying a pro model splitter. I've heard the Champion splitters are faster than generic hydros.

Pros: reliable always starts right up. Cons: slow cycle time. Small size table.

 

Look into getting a larger rod on your cylinder. That will really pick things up. Your return flow will increase proportionally though…

 

Same here only 35 ton. Don’t even remember how old it is. Seems some folks are down on the B&S engine but mine has only failed to start one time and that was yesterday! Seems my “Southern” splitter doesn’t much like our recent sub freezing temps I think it may be the cold hydraulic oil when trying to start rather than the engine oil?

 

My Briggs has never failed to start. I put an on/off valve on the fuel line. After every use I run the carb dry. And I’m a religious Stabil user.

 

Reloader my quick and dirty way of raising splitter so as not to bend over in horizontal is oil ramps under tires and cinder blocks under tongue

 

Good idea