First time splitter purchase

I agree with the majority here on a "box store" type splitter. Higher tonnage usually = slower cycle time though. Best speed enhancement modification I've found on my small splitters is a cycle return stop plate. If you're cutting 16" logs, make something that kicks the auto return out at 17". Wedge is right there while you load the next log.

 

Reason I mentioned push through is the possibility of a lot of this:


Push through would slice right through. (pics borrowed from another forum)

 

I've used push through and personally, I dislike them. I hate chasing the wood all the time...and push thru can't do vertical, in case you get some huge rounds that need busted up a lil before actually making splits.
If you are splitting stringy stuff with a standard splitter, a wood block or another split stuck between the foot and "the problem" will finish it off.
Anything 20 tons and up will split about anything you throw at it...heck my 5 ton electric splits most rounds I put in it...it does stall occasionally though.
My opinion is that for most people, anything much over 25 ton is overkill...nobody needs 40 ton, unless maybe you plan on shearing limbs to length before splitting them!

 

We just got the same splitter at work ‘cepten it’s a 37 ton. Took me about a year of belly aching and twisting the boss’s arm. Got it on a Black Friday sale for damm good price for what it is.
The one you linked should serve you well.
200-400 cords a year is a lot of wood and work

 

Log lift for the win on many push plate style splitters.

Or if it's low enough, just roll the rounds up, using a small ramp or splits.

 

Or running the splits thru a box wedge and into a conveyor. 2-4 hundred cord per year is about 395 more than you wanna handle any more than you have to.

 

If I were you and you are not in a rush, I would scour Facebook marketplace and Craigslist and auctions. I have to imagine with high fuel prices, lots of non hoarders bought new splitters only to realize they do not like the work. I paid a lot for my American cls, with hydro lift, but I love it. Tons of options, good luck!!!!!

 

X2! I still see some great deals occasionally...I just missed one about a month ago.

 

X3 on that.

I just saw a nice newer H/V 20 something ton for $700.

 

Yup, I just looked...took 2 minutes to find a nice low hour 22 ton Huskee for $725 OBO
And a Champion 27 ton for $600...
Edit: and a Countyline 25 ton "fast" splitter for $700...looks really nice too!

 

Winner winner, splitter dinner!

 

I just bought a county line 25 ton two days ago. 1450$ from tractor supply. Split about a cord of oak and apple with no problems.

 

I bought a County Line 25 ton today. Thanks for all the input.

 

Congratulations! There isn’t anything that splitter won’t do for you.

 

Congrats on the new toy. Any pics?

 

Not yet. It's a soggy mess between where it is and where the wood to be split is. I need some January weather.

 

Gonna buy a new saw this week too. Looking at the Stihl 311. My tree guy said it is a really good saw and he’s the one that will be dropping me off all the wood I want.

 

I guess the 311 is a 60cc saw. One thing you might consider is that you can, literally, own and run a high quality saw for the rest of your life. Most dedicated hoarders prefer a pro-level saw. For not much more money, you could own one and the cost/use would be within pennies versus a non-pro saw. In the Stihl line, I'd look at the ms261. It's a 50cc saw, has a great reputation, especially with firewood folks.