I'm seeing a common theme across the threads, regarding those that don't mind elm and those that are on the fence. It seems the folks that like the elm are splitting very dry elm, seasoned or frozen rounds or fallen dead logs. Those that don't like it, seem to be splitting more green elm. I've not had a problem with 95% of what I harvest, but I only harvest elm that is bark-less, fallen on it's own and is suspended off the ground. Except the rare occasion when clearing a fence line when I have to drop a standing dead one. In addition, I stay away from the big nasty crotches and stupid chit. I've cut green a few times when clearing pastures, but won't touch the stuff other than dragging it to the burn pile. As for the smell, white elm stinks like cat pizz especially when green. I've not noticed the smell when it's bone dry nor when cutting red elm.
Elm is great firewood. I think you need to reserve your judgement until you burn some nice and dry elm. Also, the kind of hydraulic splitter makes a difference. You need a push plate/ push through style to make it easy to split. Those H/V ones with the wedge on the ram can get boogered up on elm if it's being cranky.
buzz-saw certainly has the splitter for it. Check out his thread regarding the modifications to the RM37. Horkn, weren't you considering the RuggedMade37 at one time? I think we discussed you coming over to see mine.
There are elm haters but you take it to a whole new level Jason! Dont blame you! At the rate you're going when you post a reply it will take up the entire page!
Well I fought my way through it and done splitting. Funny that even my saw apparently doesn't like elm either. I had brought the MS250 . it just ran terrible last Sunday with BRAD. Took it out back last night to cut some oak and maple I had in the stacks and ... well and it ran perfect ! a tank and a half without skipping a beat. Hmmmmm go figure. Can't explain that one. Lesson learned !
Despite the issues with the elm it made some nice looking firewood. How big is the "cage"? Youre looking to get more of those right?
That cage is 38 inches square and 4 feet high ' I threw that together last week from some gates they were throwing out at my work. Working on version # 2 that will be 4 x 4 x 4 and is much nicer. #2 will have 4 sides with a gate that opens on the front side. Cost for each of them was $4 each , cost of spray paint from the big store with the orange roof. Yes still looking for a couple IBC tote crates as well. I think I have a couple lined up.
I get my IBC crates from local cheese factories (they grow wild in Wisconsin) and agriculture liquid fertilizer/chemical distributors. Yup, it looks like you got into some nasty pieces. Perfect size. It'll dry down fast and burn great. As gnarly as some of it looks, I bet your RM37 didn't even break a sweat.
