Browsing FBM and found one almost new for $3000! Are they worth double over a generic splitter? Looking at the pics it doesn't seem to be anything special IMO
base model 20T $2999.00. supposedly made stateside, but having not seen one in person can't say where parts are sourced from.
I have never even been able to consider any splitter that is multiple thousands of dollars. $3k will buy you a lot of ready made splits where I am. Would I like to have a fancy splitter? You bet. I remain unable/unwilling.
I kinda agree. Im cheap and cant fathom the extra money as it seemed to look like any other generic splitter. I do like the speed of Super split flywheel splitters if I was to spend that much.
MasterMech had one when he lived nort of mason Dixon line sold it to a member here when he went south
I owned an Iron and Oak 22Ton Fast Cycle. I loved that splitter. I sold it when we had to move into town for my sons health services. When we moved back into the country five years later I bought a Yardmax 30T from a hardware store. Here is my take: The Iron and Oak is high quality. The beam, foot and construction of the wedge and how it rides on the beam is excellent. Never had any issues with it. The fast cycle was pretty darn fast. The YardMax has also been trouble free for five years. It isn't made as stout and the welds aren't as pretty. I have to clear the junk off the beam after a split with a sweep of my hand. It is slower than the Iron and Oak but not by a huge amount. Overall production isn't that much different. Most of the time is spent moving the round into various positions because it is a single wedge. Cost-wise there just isn't enough difference to choose the Iron and Oak unless you want to buy American. Heck, I don't know if they still make them here or outsorce mfg? If money is the prime motivator I would look for a good box store splitter with a decent cycle time. Some >30ton units can have very slow cycle times, stay away from those. Build a nice log table. I like a large one opposite me for staging and a small one right in front of me to catch the splits. I also use a U shaped piece of steel to limit the stroke of the wedge. Your rounds are super consistent so you might get good results from a multiple wedge.
My county line 25 ton is all the splitter I want or need. Bought it 5 years ago at Tractor Supply on clearance for $599. Haven’t found a log yet that it won’t split and I process mostly elm. Cycle time is faster than I want to work anymore. I hope it lasts me the rest of my days as a burner/hoarder.
I have put over 2000 cords through my I&O splitter. Love the 4 way on it and the faster cycle time. If you have the right size wood, you can pile up at least twice as many splits. I have replaced the guides that slide along the beam once, the control valve twice and the honda engine twice. I will admit, one of those was probably due to me not changing the oil often enough. I would not hesitate to buy another.
