Several members have the DHT and I don't think I've heard a bad comment about them. Kohler makes a good engine, but don't get hung up on engine manufacturers. You may put 10-20hrs a year on the machine. In my case the gas tank was full of rust after me not storing properly so I threw a HF predator on it then I broke the wedge on the dual splitter.
Tonnage is highly overrated. So is speed. So is room to work. We bought an MTD (major brand before Huskee and others) a long time ago. 20 ton and it splits extremely well and we are totally happy with it. Plenty fast and we don't even run it at full throttle. Whatever you buy, be sure you can use it vertically, which is the way God intended wood to grow and split. Why stand and have to lift logs to split? Make your work as easy as possible. That is why we buy splitters. It's okay to stand up once you are done splitting. These things are super for making kindling. It is fun and fast doing this.
A few things I really like about the Ariens 22 ton. Light enough to move around by hand, central control, engine mounted away from falling splits, has log cradles. Also has some nice engineering features. Handle built into the hitch, angled wedge (puts down-pressure as it enters the log), a fold down plate on the back of the machine to stabilize when splitting vertical, very easy on gas. The engine runs really well too. Haven't encountered a log yet that it wouldn't bust thru. It's a little more expensive than some other brands but I think it's a good investment. Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk
Get some cash and watch CL daily. You have to act fast when you see a good deal. They tend to sell fast. This is a great time of year! Good luck.
Welcome soundboy - You're gonna like it here, I guarantee it...Lots of fine folks always eager to share knowledge and experiences. We like pics, dogs, beer and spending your money on accoutrements to feed your addiction,,,er, I meant hoard. Like others have said, think more motor quality than tonnage...I ended up with a Cub w/Honda engine, I like the design and log cradle better on the Dirty Hand Tools...just my .2 Nice to meet you . And may you have the wisdom to split horizontally, the way it was intended and exercise your upper body....
I went to Tractor supply last week and they had a monstrosity County Line 30 ton out front. It looked like a well built machine. I think it was $1900? I could be wrong. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
As an ariens/ gravely selling dealer, I'll say they didn't cut too many corners on those splitters. Good investment Is right.
I could be wrong, but from what I remember during my research phase, it seems as though most manufacturers have dropped the 22 ton units in favor of the 25 ton, negligible difference. I ended up with a 25 ton County Line for $879.00 a couple months ago. I am quite happy with the purchase. It has split everything I have thrown at it so far. I only run it at about 3/4 throttle, and it has gone through everything....just slower on the gnarly pieces.
Yes, welcome aboard soundboy And the quote that I’ve included above shall be your introduction to the timeless FHC fun disagreement.... horizontal vs. vertical splitting.... both have their place. Anxious to see what you end up with- my wife and I bought a Champion 22 ton 6 years ago and it hasn’t missed a beat... vert or horiz.
I really don't think that splitters need filters, although is a good idea. There's really not too much to a log splitter hydraulically. The Didier we have had no filter, and it's never needed one. No issues in 40 years. The original engine went out 2 winters ago. What a POS. Lol
Kohler engines are good. I'd keep trying to get ahold of that person. You could probably get it for $550, but 600 would be a good deal too.
I have a 22 ton Speeco that has not ever had a problem splitting anything I threw at it. I run it just bumped up from idle which matches the speed of which I chuck splits and fetch rounds. Makes the work very efficient that way. Stand at the prospective splitter and envision how you would work with it. Lots of good models out there and a little preventative maintenance will make them last a very long time.
I agree. They have some nice features that they obviously thought out. Simple things but they work really well. A real sturdy unit in a nice small package. Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk
No, I went to an engineer that used to work for Briggs and Stratton and told him it was a pos. It's my woodcutting, AR building buddy's dad. He razzed me back by saying that actually at that point in time he was working for Evinrude, and that he didn't start working for briggs until the 80's so that crappy engine had nothing to do with him. Even funnier is that I roached that motor all on my own. I forgot to check the oil level and I just ran it until she seized the crank bearings. Lol. It was tired and worn out and a pita to start in the cold weather, so the $99 chonda was a welcome addition.