I am going to get a new log splitter. My 22 ton Huskee has done everything I have asked of it. The only log it would not split was a 24" oak round with 4 big branch stems on it kinda like a plus sign at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. I noodled it and then it split fine. I will keep it for now just in case for a while then give it to my daughter. I have replaced the love joy and engine, but it works fine. I guess I have been COVID isolated for too long. It's been a year now. I saw a couple of posts on here about log lifts, electric start and 4 way wedges. That got me thinking... So far I've researched Swisher, American, Eastonmade, Wallenstein, iron & Oak, Brave, Wolf Ridge and Ruggedmade. I know I do not need high tonnage since my 22 ton has gone great for over 15 years. Prices are much higher than the TSC Huskee cost. I thought of modifying the old splitter but thing starting might be best. I think the Ruggedmade 22 ton would give me the biggest bang for my buck. ($2264 with 10 hp elec start). I know its parts put in shipping box in US, not made here in US. Assembly is not a problem but it's not a full beam splitter. The trunnions on the hydraulic cylinder seem like they would be a weak point. So move up to the 28 ton with full beam($ 1,200 more) go all in with the 37 ton ($500 more than 28 ton) comments... suggestions...
Mike, my thread(s) explain how I came to my decision. I am very happy with the Swisher. The Iron and Oak was just too expensive for what it was and while I'm sure it's an absolute tank, I couldn't justify the price. Your other options are all solid too and I really don't think you'd go wrong with any of them. It's kind of like the Chevy vs. Ford thing. Pick your flavor and you'll be fine. On tonnage, I agree that you don't "need" a higher rated unit. For me it comes down to this... the closer you are to pushing any machine to it's max, the shorter its lifespan will be. So, while I didn't need the 34 ton rating of the Swisher, I'm sure the overkill will buy me some longevity. I really like the big tank and electric start Kawi too... Anyways, keep us posted on which direction you take. It's always interesting hearing how someone comes to a decision on a purchase since no two people have the same priorities or do things the same...
System last week I read your thread on the DHT splitter and the new one on the swisher. I really like your choices and the Kawasaki engine looked really good. I was thinking if I make a change I would like to try a push thru splitter with a 4way wedge and log lift. Boy they are pricey! Not going to do anything but research and learn for now. I want one year warranty to start when I start splitting. I have the old Huskee and it's working fine and will not sell it. I agree with all of your logic as it is very similar to mine. Bigger engine pump and cylinder all mean less stress on machine for sure I turned 70 last November so I want to make a change this season while I can still enjoy it
If you're a horizontal splitting guy, then I can 100% understand the appeal of a log lift. It would slow me down but I've come to understand from reading here that my method of splitting is the exception and not the rule... I'm sure however, that when my body won't take my method anymore, a log lift unit will be in the barn...
I've split mostly vertical for 20 years since the logs were mostly big. I even have a favorite log that I use every year to sit on. The top is egg shaped like a bicycle seat and it now has a blueish look from my jeans over the years. I made a shelf to hold logs when splitting vertical and it's worked well. I still had to break up the big rounds to lift them though. Using a push thru splitter also seems interesting especially with a 4way wedge. Not wild about the Honda clone engine but they want $900. additional for an electric start Honda. If the clone doesn't work out I can source one for less than 900 probably in the 700's. We will see I still have time to think about things.
What is it you are splitting the most of? Why do you require so much tonnage? I totally agree with the push block set up. I don’t know if you are concerned with cycle time but as a general rule as tonnage goes up cycle time does too.
Splitting mostly Oak. I do not need high tonnage since my 22 ton has gone great for over 15 years. The Ruggedmade 22 ton would give me the biggest bang for my buck but it's not a full beam splitter. The trunnions on the hydraulic cylinder seem like they would be a weak point. See second pic below of 22 ton. If the 22 ton had a full beam I would buy it. Don't trust how its mounted to half beam. Compare it to 37 ton in first pic. Log lift, push thru design and 4 way wedge are what I am looking at
mikeward , I've got the big rugged made & it's been solid. The Lifan engine has actually been quite reliable. The splitter design has some flaws as far as ergonomics. Too heavy on the tongue, jack support is difficult to get the pin in, Catch tray has to be removed to hook & unhook, splitter trash ends up being in the way of moving the machine when done. It does seem to be a well built machine, broke a knife off the 4 way pushing too hard on a knot, but 15 minutes with grinder & welder took care of that, no other malfunctions in about 200 cord on a used machine. It started this morning at 12 degrees, let it warm up for 10 mins & split about a cord by 11:00. The log lift has picked up some stupid heavy rounds with no issue (think 32" X 2' green Oak rounds). Best "cheap" splitter in it's class that I've seen. Good luck & keep us posted.
amateur cutter I read your posts on the Ruggedmade that you bought. Moving the the trailer tongue to the engine side made great sense. I started looking closely at the 22 ton model to see how to do it. Short beam? That led me to notice the hydraulic cylinder trunnion mount and didn't like it That left the 28 and 37 ton with full beams. I guess I'll get one of them. No Honda engine offered with 28 ton but they want too much extra for engine. Eastonmade has a square tube receiver for trailer welded to the engine end of beam to pull splitter away from splits. It looks like you welded on a tongue to the engine side your beam. Great idea! The catch tray should be solid metal like Eastonmade. I'm pretty much sold on this splitter. Just have to decide if it's worth money to jump from 28 ton to 37 ton. I don't need the 30 in stroke of cylinder. Everything else seems the same. Question for you does the clone engine have a manual choke or the bulb you push 3 times before starting?
Did some more research today comparing the 28 and 32 ton splitters They seem exactly the same except for the hydraulic cylinder 32 ton has 5 x 24 or 5 x 30 cylinder 3.5-inch rod 28 ton has 4.5 x 24 or 4.5 x 30 cylinder 3-inch rod The Honda clone engine seems to have a fuel shutoff and manual choke with electric start.
