Recent Hydro Splitter Experiences and Thoughts

TheRiverMonster · Feb 20, 2015

prell 73 said: ↑

Mine came with it.
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No way! Really?! The 27 ton came with one, but I had read that the 22 ton units don't, and of course mine didn't. Darn! I wish it did.

prell 73 · Feb 20, 2015

Go to dht wed site if I remember right they are 60-70$ that shipping included.

TheRiverMonster · Feb 20, 2015

I'm headed there now!

TheRiverMonster · Feb 20, 2015

Ordered! For all of $69.00 shipped.

I noticed that my plastic, foldable saw horses sit just about an inch lower than the log cradle. I have a big oak desk top that would sit nicely on the horses and would maybe make a nice, huge table to set splits on, as well as providing the ultimate protection to the engine and vent cap. I might have to try that tonight.

prell 73 · Feb 20, 2015

Sweet you like that splitter for sure I have not had any trouble with mine .

Stinny · Feb 20, 2015

TheRiverMonster said: ↑

Ordered! For all of $69.00 shipped.

I noticed that my plastic, foldable saw horses sit just about an inch lower than the log cradle. I have a big oak desk top that would sit nicely on the horses and would maybe make a nice, huge table to set splits on, as well as providing the ultimate protection to the engine and vent cap. I might have to try that tonight.
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That splits "table" sounds perfect. Man, anything to reduce having to bend and lift heavy splits again and again, is the best tool in the yard.

Shawn Curry · Feb 20, 2015

Welcome to FHC! I remember you from the other site - you're the one who inspired me to build my holzhausen! You're going to like it here. Good to hear you finally got a stove - looks beautiful too! Enjoy that heat!

TheRiverMonster · Feb 20, 2015

Hi Shawn! Your holtzie looks great, and it's huge! I had read a number of your posts with that stack in it. The snow looks good too, but I wouldn't know anything about that stuff.

I decided to forgo the round stack this time around, and stack in rows as a way to experiment. I do love the HHs though, and I have a couple left standing so that'll keep me satisfied for a while. One thing about HHs is they make a very convenient place to throw chunks and shorts. I miss that with stacking in rows.

jetjr · Feb 20, 2015

Nice setup. Welcome Aboard.

Chopy · Feb 20, 2015

Not knocking any of the other splitters on the market, I went through a couple of splitters in the $1100.00 to $1600.00 range about 10 years ago. Then when I talked to a Timberwolf Rep. and asked how many tons the TW-P1 was he said we don't rate in tons, there is no Regulation governing what anyone says their splitter is but it will out last and out work any 27 ton splitter out there and if you aren't happy you can return it. Back 8 years ago with the split pieces cradle and log lift I spent $3500.00. Have to tell you the best money I have ever spent. Made in the USA, in Vermont (I don't work for them) pricey but then in 8 years other then oil changes, spark plugs, grease and general TLC I have never had a problem. It now has my home built 16hp splitter to help easy the work load. We average splitting 35 cord a year.

Backwoods Savage · Feb 20, 2015

Welcome to the forum RiverMonster

Sounds like you went through a lot just to get the splitter you needed. It is a shame things go that way but it appears we're stuck with this trend. On the tonnage, I've heard several folks mention that the larger units are a bit slower but a 2 second difference would not be enough for me to be concerned with. Besides, I've always said that stroke time is relevant only if you are doing the work commercially. I have no idea what our time is but do know it is fast enough for us and in fact, I do not run the engine at full throttle either.

One more thing that you did not mention but there is an alternative to splitting wood with these units that do not require a table and that is to split with the splitter in vertical position. That in itself is a huge body saver because you don't have to lift the logs. Of course if splitting off the back of a truck or trailer then horizontal is okay but then again, we do things different. I would hate to get the splitter out every time I cut wood. Instead, we just sort of throw our logs into a pile then in spring we get the splitter out to do it all at once. Then we go to the stacking right where it was split. It works well for us and does save time overall but the big thing is that it helps this tired old beat up body of mine.

One more thing when people buy splitters, I would ask if you can buy it in the box then put it together yourself. I saved around $50 by assembling the splitter at home. It was not difficult to do.

Chopy · Feb 20, 2015

Backwoods Savage said: ↑

Welcome to the forum RiverMonster

Sounds like you went through a lot just to get the splitter you needed. It is a shame things go that way but it appears we're stuck with this trend. On the tonnage, I've heard several folks mention that the larger units are a bit slower but a 2 second difference would not be enough for me to be concerned with. Besides, I've always said that stroke time is relevant only if you are doing the work commercially. I have no idea what our time is but do know it is fast enough for us and in fact, I do not run the engine at full throttle either.

One more thing that you did not mention but there is an alternative to splitting wood with these units that do not require a table and that is to split with the splitter in vertical position. That in itself is a huge body saver because you don't have to lift the logs. Of course if splitting off the back of a truck or trailer then horizontal is okay but then again, we do things different. I would hate to get the splitter out every time I cut wood. Instead, we just sort of throw our logs into a pile then in spring we get the splitter out to do it all at once. Then we go to the stacking right where it was split. It works well for us and does save time overall but the big thing is that it helps this tired old beat up body of mine.

One more thing when people buy splitters, I would ask if you can buy it in the box then put it together yourself. I saved around $50 by assembling the splitter at home. It was not difficult to do.
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You are so correct in that the first splitter I bought from Home Depot I had them assemble. Had to tighten and align everything myself before I used it (how dumb of me to check) they get paid even if it was done wrong. The second one from Lowes I assembled saving the assembly charge and did it right the first time. My Timberwolf came assemble and I had no option. Something to be said for buying American made.

Chopy · Feb 20, 2015

And yet I am so impressed with my Kubota, I guess you get what you pay for.

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Recent Hydro Splitter Experiences and Thoughts

TheRiverMonster

prell 73

TheRiverMonster

TheRiverMonster

prell 73

Stinny

Shawn Curry

TheRiverMonster

jetjr

Chopy

Backwoods Savage Moderator

Chopy

Chopy