Decided I can't stand Horizontal / Vertical splitters

I have a Dirty Hand Tools splitter that I bought in the fall, and I hate it. Nothing is wrong with it, but for me, the layout of horizontal / vertical splitters sucks. Spitting vertically kills my back and is still a lot of effort. The wheels are in the exact wrong place for splitting horizontally. On craigslist it goes. I ended up buying a used horizontal splitter and adding a log lift and output catch table. Now this is the way to split IMO! Big pile of splits and barely tired. Now it just needs some paint.

 

To each his own.

 

Nice log lift.

 

Owned a Speeco 20 ton horizontal/vertical with 8HP Tecumseh engine that I bought new in April 1996,always used it vertical.

It would handle anything I fed it,no matter how big or nasty.Though I did intentionally try to kill the engine couple times with some extra gnarly ones...... And it did.... But it was a very well made & designed machine at a fair price.

Last 3 years I had it,it sat in parents garage unused. Needed quick cash due to a pre Christmas temporary layoff,so I sold it in Dec 2005.

 

There's definitely a compromise when you go with a horizontal/vertical splitter. I like the layout of the Ariens splitter better, but I think the DHT was built better so that's what I went with. To get a comfortable hold on the lever though, I do find that occasionally I'll burn my leg on the oil filter.

 

I wish more companies sold vertical only models but they are very few compared to the dual use models. I have no doubt that is because the vertical / horizontal models are the ones that sell. I have to say, after splitting 2 cords with a log lift today I wouldn't want to go back to a splitter without one. Just like owning a pro saw after using a homeowner grade saw for years.

 

Lovin' my new Bearcat 22 ton. Haven't used it vertical yet, but, kicks butt horizontal. I've got some bigger rounds to split tomorrow.

 

I agree with you on saving the back and splitting horizontal. And now that you have the log lift you can avoid splitting vertical for the big ones altogether. What brand is your new toy and is the hydraulic lift aftermarket or part of the original setup?

 

The original splitter is a Iron and Oak 30 ton. The log lift and the tray is my own concoction. I installed an extra hydraulic spool since over the winter I plan on making the 4 way wedge that came with it hydraulic too. Maybe even a small conveyor if I have time.

 

Nice splitter you have there haveissues!

I have used my horizontal/vertical in the vertical mode since I bought it. I like splitting vertical. I just break up what I am doing by splitting for a while, then moving and stacking. I do not sit, I can split a lot of wood being on my feet and moving quickly.

I am going to try to save some work this year though. By trying horizontal this year, sometime soon, and see how it goes. The reason why is I plan on splitting and setting the splits right into the wood box I use on the tractor loader. So if I have the box on the loader/forks and set that box at the right height, removing some bending over, my son and I can stack it right in there and then use the tractor to move it to the stacks. That would be saving having to throw it into a pile as close as we can to where we want to stack it and then pick it up and move it again and stack it.

I definitely am going to figure out a way to save some work. I'll let you know how it goes in the horizontal mode. It seems I do remember the wheel thingy though.

 

I aim my splitter at the stacking spot. As the splits pile up they push themselves a little closer. I guess it takes one step out by having to throw the splits toward where you want to stack them.

 

I run all the heavy rounds through the splitter vertically 1 or 2 times to make them liftable and then convert to horizontal and stack right off the splitter. Granted I usually have a helper and my work area is right by my stacks. I like having the 2 options, I do prefer horizontal though.

 

I have used the tractor in the past and it worked pretty good. Last year I had some monster maple rounds, too big to fit in the bucket even. Used a set of tongs on the tractor bucket hooks to place them on the splitter. I had the help of a neighbor though and usually end up working alone.

I know a lot of people really like working in vertical mode but I just can't do it. Kills my back.

 

I like my Husky 35T horizontal/vertical...PLENTY of power and pretty good on fuel. I split mostly horizontal, but can quickly go vertical for the large stuff.
You can make a big pile of splits fast

 

I never saw a need for big ton splitters since a 15 ton I used to use split everything but this 30 ton splits most things without kicking down to low so it is quit a bit faster.

 

My TroyBilt is a better design in vert mode... engine/filter/hoses are out of the way from splits. Tip it down and your point about horiz/vert machines is obvious... IMO. Bottom line... working at bench height is better... lifting as little as possible is better... and 3 years of firewood ahead is the best ...

 

Yep...far more than what you need. I inherited this one from BIL a couple years ago

 

The biggest complaint with the Husky was the plastic fenders. They flex pretty good but were constantly getting thumped while splitting in horizontal mode.
I fixed the problem...took them off

 

I like my Ariens 22ton it splits my 8-10 cords that we burn/sell each year and my log lifter will out do yours every day.

It will pick up two to three rounds up to 600#. And it has a beer holder!