Want input on splitter.

Well I have been using my dads brave 34 ton hv, and it’s a great splitter. But it’s so slow and it’s not available when I need it most times. I have a wonderwood/coal he has a new boiler. So I’m looking for my own.
I have read ever post and thread I have found on splitters. What he’d reviews and stuff on YouTube. And still want the input of you my peers.
I been looking at the Rugged Made 322 with lift, and several others. If I go h/v thinking 30 ton range, push trough(prefer) 22-35 range. I’m like everyone else I guess I like the $$$$$ ones but can’t swing it. Want to stay under2k seems like champion, dirty hands, yardmax, and black diamond. Are well liked.. but I prefer to stand ( less pain) when I split. Decisions decisions.
And I understand to some degree it’s a Ford, Chevy, dodge debate but I invite anyone to throw in their opinions. So warm up those typing fingers and break out the popcorn, because I value all y’alls wisdom. Thanks in advance!


Wood always heats you twice, unless you rehandle like I do then it’s four or five times!

 

I looked at the super split, but found it was too short for me to operate comfortably in a standing position. I found a used Yard Machines 25 ton h/v which works fine for the wood I have here. Alder, Fir and Maple all split easily and normally don’t require anywhere near a full stroke. This makes the speed less of an issue. This is an entry level splitter and probably wouldn’t hold up to the abuse some of the harder to split woods would throw at it.
What I quickly found out is I can operate this machine easily in the horizontal position while seated in a chair, which makes it a lot easier on my old back.
One thing to consider is too much power won’t be nearly as frustrating as getting one home and finding out it is marginal to handle the type of wood you have. Also don’t overlook the used market. There is a chance you could find a better machine for less money.



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I had a troybilt that i used for about 15 years. couple of hundred truckloads if not more through it. Used a friends DHT for 2 winters until he sold it. Ran fine. I was going to buy a DHT but got a super deal on a new TSC25 ton. It has the kohler motor on it which has been flawless so far. ( gotta remember to turn the switch on) Haven't found anything I couldn't split. The black gum did try. Used can be good but around here prices aren't far from new.

 

I own the 22 ton Huskee from TSC (Speeco) and it has split anything I have thrown at it, my opinion is, if it is too knotty to split it should have stayed in the woods or a quick start with the saw will solve it. As far as speed usually you don't need a whole cycle anyway.

 

Yes, try getting a chair, or any type of seat and use that while splitting horizontally. Use a hookaroon to grab rounds that are within striking distance. Ideally, you'll set up the splitter by a pile or stack of rounds so you can snag a while lot of rounds to split before having to reload and get up.

Keep in mind, usually the higher the tonnage, the slower the splitter speed. When looking at splitters, pay attention on the layout. Where's the exhaust poured? Where's the handle? Where will splits fall, will they hit the engine? What's in the way?

A lot of guys like the ariens 22 ton because it's really well layed out and quick.

 

Here is walt 's self built splitter...started out life as a regular ole splitter...
Live from Walt’s GTG

 

Walt’s is nice! I remember growing up the family had a homelite16 tom. It split anything you could get on it. I do a lot of green hard wood. The brave is a good splitter . Lot of power. But you could go brew a pot of coffee between rounds. ( weee bit of exaggeration) I like the idea of a lift. If I went with hv I would probably make a hoist and a extended table. But then again maybe just a milk crate and a platform around baseplate. I’m just kinda thinking out loud. But look forward to inputs.


Wood always heats you twice, unless you rehandle like I do then it’s four or five times!

 

Like this one. Any thoughts.
I have an electric tart 16 horse Honda engine. Guess I could always uppower. Something or build one but I’m gonna need something soon. Lol


Wood always heats you twice, unless you rehandle like I do then it’s four or five times!

 

I like the layout of that unit. The log lift would be very nice. Have you priced this one out?

 

Just under 1900$



Wood always heats you twice, unless you rehandle like I do then it’s four or five times!

 

That seems like a great price on that splitter.

 

I see that. I just was looking at their site, and noticed that the least expensive model has a "Raven" 212cc chonda clone with electric start. The next option is a pull start only Honda then the most expensive is an electric start 300 or so cc Raven. It would be nice if they offered a pull start 212cc chonda to cut even more costs.

 

I would go for lower tonnage and higher cycle speed. For me 20 tons would be plenty (I think, I use a 5 ton), I would even be interested in a 15 if it were fast.

 

Weeeellllllll.... I guess I found me a bargain today. My cousin called and we went a couple towns over to a buddy of his. Husked 22 ton paint still on the wedge, he guessed maybe 3 truckloads in two years. Still has breaking oil in the engine... 300$ so at least it’ll match my chainsaws then while we was talking he pulls out a less than a year old. Cut six trees( he got hurt logging) still smelled new husqy 372! Slobber slobber... excuse me! Said it all his chains and 3 bars..... 500$ definitely gotta sell something!!


Wood always heats you twice, unless you rehandle like I do then it’s four or five times!

 

Score!!!!

I'd be on that deal like flies on..

.. well, you know.

 

Exactly. You got a splitter and then a saw for 1000 less than what the splitter you wanted would cost. Now you'll need a log lift.

 

Have you gotten your 1st FHC "you suck" award yet? If not let me be the first to award you!
NICE score!

Stink?

 

It's poop.

 

Closely associated


Heck, I think Chazsbetterhalf would be all..

If I let a deal like that slip my grasp

I don't even need a new (used) splitter or saw.