Pulling the trigger on a new splitter

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and sprung for a new splitter. Decided that when I retire I'll get into doing some firewood processing because I enjoy doing it, need the exercise, love being outdoors, can't stand sitting still, and love spending quality time with the greatest person I know...............me.

Since I had to have one knee replaced already, and the fact that I am aging quickly, although still getting better looking every day, I figure that using my fleet of m-a-n-u-a-l splitters will need to be reduced somewhat. So, let me introduce Arien's 27-ton Bad Boy. Like to looks of it and with the exception of the Subaru motor, it is North American made. Now............off to the wood pile to give er' a test run.

 

Bill, that is a NICE looking machine! I assume that the old 55 is giving you good service? And you are right, if you stop moving after you retire, the only thing you are headed for is the dirt.

Tim

 

Need pictures of you sleeping with it! You know you will!

 

Looks well made.
27 ton should be more than enough power to split anything you throw on it

I see you tested the towing position (horizontal) &
the splitting position (vertical)

All you need to put it to work is a milk crate & a pile of rounds !

 

That is a different design indeed.....looks like a good one . Im also curious to hear how it works out for you

 

Well, put er' to the test this afternoon. Waded into a pile (about 2 1/2 cords) of sugar maple that was cut @ the end of last winter. There were 4 trees which had a lot of knotty twisted blocks. I had researched this splitter prior to purchasing. The reviews from 72 users was 98% positive. The few cons listed were minor and have since been taken care of by the mfg.. The motor is a Subaru SP170. Having always been a GX Honda fan, it was the only item I was concerned about. First, I will say the overall fit and finish is A-1 on the entire splitter. The motor placement is far enough front to prevent any blocks from landing on it. It starts 1st pull and runs REALLY smooth thru-out the throttle range. Ran wide open the entire time and it used about 1/3 the tank of fuel. The control valve is mounted top center @ the splitting end, thus easily worked from either side. The horizontal height is just right. The bed will accept up to 25" blocks. The end plate has 2 rows of serrated stops which REALLY help to prevent jump-out both horiz/vertical. Cycle time is roughly 11-15 sec. and when you get into the really ugly stuff, the second stage steps right up and away it goes. Vertically, all is great. The only thing that I would like to see would be a larger end plate which would be better on the vertical side. All in all, I am one really happy camper with this unit. Ariens has a real winner on it's hands with this one. I can't imagine how much better the 34 ton would be. This unit offers ALOT of bang for the $$$$$$$, which by the way is similar to prices Home Depot, Lowes and TSC are getting for a lot less splitter.

 

Yeah Tim, I'm in a lucky stretch this month. First, the awesome old 55 came my way and now I was able to get a 1st class splitter as well. All is good for sure.

 

Nice splitter and great review!! I have the same thing only in 34 ton....and it's a Gravely. The only difference is red paint and it came with the work table. I ordered the 27t but got the 34t for the same price.

You'll love the Subaru engine. Always starts 1st pull and great features with full throttle control and fuel on/off. I'm very happy with my Ariens/Gravely.

 

I have a Subaru engine on my generator. Just as durable and reliable as my Honda engines !

 

Nice looker Rotti

 

I was just gonna say that...

 

Looks good Rotti. Bet the Sube engine will do just fine. The splitter design is very close to my Troybilt. Enjoy.

 

Congratulations !!
Good lookin splitter , I'm sure it will do the job
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement also

 

Thanks HD, 79 more shifts to go. Feb 15th is the last one. Time for a change.

 

After I put in for retirement time actually went by pretty fast.
I hope time flies for you

 

That's great Rotti. The retirement club is almost as cool these days as the FHC here... and, well, you know your choice of outdoor activity is as good as it gets IMO...