First Splitter

Afternoon Men. Hey in the market for my first splitter. Willing to go $15 -1800. Looking at the Rugged Made 37 ton w the Honda engine 270cc any thoughts? I'll take any recommendations to guys.

 

I've had my Dirty Hand Tools 27 ton with a 6.5 kohler for a little over 2 years now and would buy another tomorrow if something happened to this one. It hasn't met a log it couldn't split. Anything from straight grain 20" around oak, to the twistiest knotted of a mess of an elm the same size. It has a nice sharp wedge that will more or less cut or sheer its way through knots! I did't see a need for 37 tons. Many guys don't even see a need for anything bigger than a 22 ton.

Another plus is it came with the log catcher table and it was on black friday sale at Menards for $899, original price $1350 I think. Another thing was the warranty. 3 year parts/craftsmanship, 2 year engine, and 1 year hydraulics. I may not have that in the right order but it was something like that.

The honda engine is a strong one with a good following. I'd say go for it if you like how its set up.

 

If I was going to spend that much I'd go with a little less tonnage and a lot more log lift.

 

This, all day long.

 

No first hand experience but look at this thread for starters 'Rugged Made' splitter | Firewood Hoarders Club

For that kind of coin, I'd get something with a better street rep but maybe your needs are biggest bang for your buck and you can fix anything that ails it.

 

I agree with what's already been said about tonnage. Having rocked a 20-22 ton splitter in various form since I was 13, I've rarely run into a round I couldn't get split. I am however an impatient cull so for my next splitter I'm going to look real hard at the American made Brave Dual action splitter:

20 Ton Dual Split Horizontal Log Splitter | PCLS2013GC | Brave

They can be had for around 1500. If I can't split it with that I don't want to be splitting it!

 

I myself am intrigued with the Super Split kinetic style splitters. Your budget would allow for a mid range model by DR. I have yet to see these in action in person or get to try one.
RapidFire Log Splitters | DR Power Equipment

As others have said, don't get caught up with tonnage. I have a 22ton & a 30 ton. Both split anything I put on them. The 30 ton is a little faster on the cycle time though. More speed is never a bad thing on a splitter. A lifting arm is also very very helpful. A good powerplant should last as long as you want it to. Working height is also important for me at 6'3", something to consider.

 

I'm 100% happy with my 22 ton DHT and their customer service has been great. It's get's shared by me, my dad, brother, and BIL for the past 2 years and hasn't met a log it couldn't get through. For me cycle time was more important than tonnage, if by chance it ever can't split a log I'll just noodle it.

 

Agreed

 

A lot of happy people runnin Huskee 22 tons , AKA, COUNTYLINE 22-TON

 

To be honest. I've not heard much good about the rugged made brand. I've actually heard that it's not very well made, so kind of a misnomer.

DHT, ariens, county line /huskee, bearcat, mtd, iron and oak, lots of great splitters out there to choose from, for usually less money than the rugged made brand with no real store/ reputable maker backing.

 

Well guys I appreciate the input. This is my first pony ride and can't find the right color pony. If you guys were going to buy a new one in the $-15 - 1800 range what would ya get? Again thanks for the help.

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Well guys I sure appreciate the input. First pony ride just lookin for a big enough pony. What would your first pick be Horkn if you was gettin a new one. I'm all for a little bit of overkill 27 30 ton range. I was lookin at the 27 ton ariens. If ya feel like it let me know. Again thanks for your help.

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For just about 1000 you can pick up a Dirty Hands 22 ton at many of the big box stores. I have read nothing but good about them.
No personal experience because I just hand split.

 

Yea Brother I've heard all good about them to. I'm a hand splitter myself. Just got about 12 - 15 cord of logs to get split an the wife says get a splitter. Hah! ya don't argue with the warden. So many to pick from ready to flip that coin ya know. Thanx for the input Brother

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Thanks Master the log lift isn't really an issue Brother. I'm 6ft 8inches 330lbs I'll get the log up there. I ain't skeert. Just so many out there it's a hard choice. Anybody out there runnin those Ariens? Was just lookin at Wallenstein any days in this one? Thanks again Master

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man! somebody is giving that Huskee a work out!