Yeah, those vertical splitters are awesome, and I was tempted. But at over 4K more than what I bought, and not processing to sell or being concerned about speed, I stuck with the horizontal. If I was doing this as a business, I may have upped the ante for the 17VS. The 28Pro is still about 8 or so seconds faster than the Full Boar and the Troy-Bilt, so that will be a significant upgrade in speed for me (plus with the auto-cycle). After having the Full-Boar, the hydraulic log lift is still the biggest game-changer out of all the options. I'm thinking about doing something like that with my Troy-Bilt in the vertical position.
I just watched a you tube video on that. Is it foot or knee operated? Have you yourself used it much?
They have some that are a little faster...but for probably less than 500, you and the other buzzsaw could speed your existing machine up dramatically...just need a larger engine and pump...I know a place that sells new surplus pumps (same brand your machine has on it now most likely) for $100, and you can buy a new Predator 8hp engine for $300, or much less if you shop FBMP, plus a few incidentals...BAM, you just cut your cycle time by ~1/3 (more if yours is real slow) Since it seems you usually split by yourself, and not usually all day (I think ?) I don't believe you'd have any oil temp issues.
I limit the large sized rounds I scrounge and will section them up for ease of handling so a lift not a big thing for me. With the "hard labor" way of my firewooding it limits what I can do. Tractor/Bobcat not an option. Doing 4-6 hour days on a regular basis my limits. Be interesting to see the build of converting your Troy built.
Yeah, buzz-saw is my mechanical genius! I don't work on machines as you know other than basic stuff. He will be changing hoses and fluids next week on current hydro. If I split a full cord in a day that's a lot. I try to mix it up in terms of tasks to lessen the boredom factor. Couple hours to split a Brad PU full (half cord plus) of rounds usually my average. Doing any firewooding task for a full day would put and end to my firewooding days. Its a hobby (obsession) that makes me SOME money.
Foot, or hand. I have, I like it a lot. He opted for a longer 24" stroke, which upgraded the cylinder from 3" (3.5"?) to 4", so it went from 4 second cycle time, to about 6ish...but also bumped it up from 17, to ~22 ton power...plenty with that knife "wedge".
Well with this machine and your determination Splitting will no longer be slow part of process.. See I am personality wise like Brad, minds all over the place.. BUT I started burning wood to be warm because I had trees and a saw; and wife and daughter used more heat hot water than myself and 2 boys.. I was trained in finance My mind does a cost benefit analysis of every thing. After our house fire (Halloween) we were off grid for over 3 weeks with snow storms house solely heated by wood and girls cracking windows to cool off.. That’s a win.. I like winning I distinctly remember my wife telling my MIL mom we are good we have heat cooking hot water it would be cheaper to buy cords Cut Split for decade years then to buy splitter BUT it gives you enjoyment do that’s a win win
As much bundle wood as Brad sells, some type of vertical splitter would benefit him greatly. Walt's design is good, ran one several times, the lift really helps out.
IIRC it was Dok440 who regretted selling his Champiom splitter and mentioned it was faster. What are the odds of this just popping up on FBM a couple hours ago? I made an offer. https://www.facebook.com/share/1CukfB8tir/
Well it looks like I bought a splitter! Champion 25 ton. Used twice and stored indoors. He accepted my offer of $700. He was asking $750. https://www.facebook.com/share/1CukfB8tir/
Well it's mine. Pick up on Monday sometime. I could probably flip it and make a few bucks. IMO worth over a $1000
I had an older one like that...it was a red n black 23 ton...looked identical otherwise...11 or 12 second cycle time IIRC
I have some elm rounds I can bring along to test it. Ive been wanting to get one thats actually mine.
Unpacked and ready to go. OD Green color is perfect. One thing I immediately noticed is that this thing is much heavier than my other two splitters. Probably won't be moving this one much by hand.
I'm still using my old faith full Yard max 35 ton. It's not real fast but get's it done! It's busted us some NASTY stuff! EODMSgt , just a thought to put in your mind. Honda's are tough motors and I believe I see that's what you have on there. I've been using Amsoil oils in everything I own, cars, mowers splitters, etc... with outstanding results. MY yard mowers have Honda motors on them and my lawn mower is 20+ years old. It doesn't own me a dime. I don't know what kind of oils you use, but with that new Beauty, it be getting the best there is!!! I run a 15W50 down here in the summer, and a 10W40 in winter. This stuff IS the Best there is!!! It's not cheap, but they Guarantee your engine if any oil failure!
Appreciate the info. My 17yo Troy-Bilt has a Honda motor and is way overdue for an oil change, so I'll look into the Amsoil (I need to replace the hydraulic valve assembly and the pull cord assembly anyway and might as well do a full service). My standby generator for power outages is a Honda as well.
