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20 to 25 ton log splitters...

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by KaptJaq, May 27, 2015.

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  1. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    It has been nice working out of home but I have to return to a desk job for a while. With the commute and everything I will not have time to hand split. I am considering getting a 20 to 25 ton log splitter. They seem to be all over the place in quality, features, cycle time, and price. Anybody have suggestions or comments on what to get or what to stay away from?

    Thanx in advance,

    KaptJaq
     
    KaptJaq, May 27, 2015
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  2. jetjr

    jetjr

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    Bunch of guys have the Dirty Hands Tools splitters and like them. Pallet Pete, jackel440 and I believe North woods are among the ones that have them.
     
    jetjr, May 27, 2015
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  3. Stinny

    Stinny

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    I rented splitters for years before I finally bought one. Got a rental place close enough to consider that? You might see things you like/dislike on those before you buy.
     
    Stinny, May 27, 2015
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  4. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    I do like mine but it isn't without issues... They didn't fill the hydrolic fluid completly or tighten the bolts at all and the beam pin did not have a pin from lowes. The first start was insane it took 30 plus pulls to get it going but that turned out to be a bad carb. It took a few weeks long phone battle to get them to give me fluid a new pin and a discount given how poorly it was installed. Stay away from lowes... It runs great now and starts one pull. Kohler sent the carb very fast and it was easy to install but still it shouldn't have needed that.

    All that said I would buy it again it was worth the trouble and is ( currently ) the best running engine I have owned next to the preditor on my homeade splitter. Nothing has touched it in performance but this comes very very close.
     
    Pallet Pete, May 27, 2015
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  5. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    This is a very common model around our area and is a nice splitter as well as easy to move around compared to some. The only complaint I had while using my buddies is the noise it rattles a lot by the way its designed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one non the less.
    http://t.tractorsupply.com/en/store/huskeereg;-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant



    My opinion this is one of the best on on the home user market it's actually what I wanted however I found a very good sale / deal on mine. I have experience with this splitter and it's very very reliable and powerful as well as designed well. It doesn't rattle like crazy and has a very good motor. Subaru motors are very very nice.

    http://t.homedepot.com/p/Ariens-174-cc-22-Ton-Gas-Log-Splitter-917011/204248703/
     
    Pallet Pete, May 27, 2015
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  6. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    If you like the predator engine would you consider the HF splitter? 20 ton, $700.

    http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-log-splitter-61594.html

    KaptJaq
     
    KaptJaq, May 27, 2015
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  7. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    My biggest concern with a hf splitter is the parts. It looks like they did an excellent job with it however the parts could render it useless if they didn't use common parts like the pump. For that reason alone I'd say no. The motors are Honda clones from what I can tell and are very good. That part would be very good quality.
     
    Pallet Pete, May 27, 2015
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  8. lukem

    lukem

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    The TSC 22 ton is a very good unit.
     
    lukem, May 27, 2015
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  9. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Kaptn, only comment is too say get one that goes vertical as well as horizontal... seems like most suggested do but thought I would clarify.. other than that tractor supply or Lowe's dirty but with either one from what I read make sure the person putting it together tightened everything...

    and of course pics of your decision!
     
    Canadian border VT, May 27, 2015
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  10. prell 73

    prell 73

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    I have a 22ton it splits what ever I throw at it .paid $800 for it on sale it's awesome.very good quality.
     
    prell 73, May 27, 2015
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  11. jetjr

    jetjr

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    I knew someone had theirs in their avatar. They do look nice, my old homemade rig is holding it's own for now though.
     
    jetjr, May 27, 2015
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  12. Horkn

    Horkn

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    From what I see, the pumps are all a standardized design. So you could bolt one on from a different manufacturer.

    It's nothing that a drill, a welder, and a grinder can't adjust though.
     
    Horkn, May 27, 2015
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  13. tskar

    tskar

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    I have a 22 ton gravely, which is now only made by ariens. It has been excellent. One pull starts since I got it. It has a Subaru motor on it. On the plus side it's sold by the local dealership that sells husky and Stihl
     
    tskar, May 27, 2015
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  14. 94BULLITT

    94BULLITT

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    I have a HF splitter and I am happy with it so far. The engine is great. The layout of the splitter is nice. I am not concerned if the pump goes out. It is probably a copy of a name brand pump. Worst case scenario I'll have to buy an adapter and a pump. Most of the other stuff on it could be fixed with a welder. I think it is a well built splitter, not quite as good as a split fire but it is 1/4 the price. The worst thing about the HF splitter is it has some kind of oddball hydraulic fittings.
     
    94BULLITT, May 27, 2015
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  15. bogydave

    bogydave

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    20 ton is strong enough to split everything for me.
    I like the 20 ton Speeco, (AKA Huskee, Oregon & the dirty hands looks real close too)
     
    bogydave, May 27, 2015
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  16. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    This is a slightly long term project. I am pretty much finished with my spring scrounging & splitting. I am going to watch Craig's list and store sales for the next month or so to see what comes up. Hopefully before mid-August I will have something for the fall work. I am leaning towards the dirty hands right now but that may change...

    Thanx for the advice,

    KaptJaq
     
    KaptJaq, May 28, 2015
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  17. lukem

    lukem

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    I wouldn't hold your breath as CL splitters seem to go for just as much as brand new ones.
     
    lukem, May 28, 2015
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  18. bassJAM

    bassJAM

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    I went with the DHT 22 ton, but that one along with the Ariens and Huskee are all about the same quality and similar in price. The Huskee and DHT are laid out about the same, while the Ariens is a little lighter with a smaller footprint and better operator ergonomics and probably about the best engine you could put on a splitter. I'm not sure that the overall build of the various parts of the Ariens is as strong as the DHT or Huskee, but it seems like their customer service has fixed any issues for people that own them.
     
    bassJAM, May 28, 2015
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  19. lknchoppers

    lknchoppers

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    Take your time on craigslist and you will find something better than you can buy in the box stores. There are some home made splitters that are much better than you can buy. Look for one with a Honda GX motor and bring some knarley wood with you when you demo it.
     
    lknchoppers, May 29, 2015
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  20. My IS heats my home

    My IS heats my home

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    A couple of us here have the 22 ton ariens (gravely) splitter. It's lightweight compared to the full beam models and I've had it for 2 years now and have put close to 10 cords through it. Only one gnarly yolk piece would not go through. It's got a Subaru engine that starts on one pull most times. When it's cooler it needs more choke and maybe 2 pulls.
     
    My IS heats my home, May 29, 2015
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