27 vs 40 ton

Is there a real difference when operating a box store 40ton vs a 25 ton if they're the same brand. Right now I have a 27 ton but saw a deal on a 40. The 27 has split everything I put on it for the last seven years. Right now if I upgrade I would be most interested in getting the same power with a faster time. The 40 is listed at 9.5 seconds my 27 @ 11 seconds.

 

FWIW the Husky 20 ton I used to use was never denied. I did purchase a '30 ton' unit to replace it. Motivation was slightly shorter cycle, beefier build and a horizontal engine configuration. Work height is maybe a inch or two higher also, which helps me at 6'3".

If the gap isn't too far money wise I'd say go for it (assuming you will re-home your old splitter mitigating cost of new).

 

40 ton would run a multi-way head, which would be nice. That would save much more time splitting than the stroke cycle time.

 

Ok how are larger tonnage achieving Quicker cycle time ? Usually it is slower because of a bigger piston. Better pumps, bigger fittings?

 

Probably higher GPM pump. Better lines and fittings would probably just keep heat down more than they helped overall flow.

 

Before I got my own splitter, I borrowed a 22t unit and it split everything except gnarly crotch wood. I eventually found a smokin deal on my 35t Huskee. It stops for nothing. Now, if I had to criticize, I’d rather have the smaller unit for its ease of pushing it around by hand. When it comes right down to it though, I’d rather have a kenetic. If you want outright speed, look into one of those. 9.5 to 11 wouldn’t be enough of a difference for me to make that change.

 

Thanks lukem better pumps or engine HP . I roughly know the math formula.

 

FWIW, do you actually need the 40 ton? My 27-ton has split countless cords of hardwood over the last 15+ years and the vast majority of non-commercial firewood processers (homeowners) don't need the higher ton machines. The only reason I upgraded to a 35-ton is because it has a hydraulic log lift. And realistically, I don't think you'll notice a 1.5 second difference in cycle time. I agree with lukem that the biggest advantage of the higher-rated tonnage splitter would be the ability to run a multi-split wedge. That's how you really speed up processing time. If you could use a 4 or 6-way wedge on the 40-ton, then that would be worth it IMO.

 

I pretty sure I know which 40 ton you are looking at, as it's the one I have, CountyLine @ TSC. I was in the same situation 5 years ago, as I had a 12.5 sec 28 ton Speeco and wanted to upgrade just for the faster cycle time. The 9.5 sec cycle time is legit, as is the 40 ton rating. I put a gauge on mine and it will do 40 ton if needed. The 40 ton has the better Kohler motor vs what's found on your 27 ton. The 40 ton will also remain in the 1st stage more often as well, meaning it will power right through most splits. Keep in mind I split mostly all oak and maple, so it's easy splitting to begin with. I have split 70 cord with it so far and so far so good. It will use more fuel than your 27 ton due to the larger motor.

I was lucky enough to get that CL 40 ton splitter for $800 + tax, brand new, back in 2020. I then sold my 10 year old Speeco for $1,000. It was a no brainer for me.

Go -HERE- to read how I got it for $800.

 

For a couple of years, I would get "culled logs" at a much lower price from a wood yard. They were twisted, gnarly, knotty, crotchy and just plain large for one person. I had the OWB at the time but I still had to get them small enough to be able to lift into the firebox.

I chose a 37 ton splitter. It had a struggle getting through a number of those cull log chunks but there have been no regrets in getting that size.

I also grabbed the 4-way wedge for it. No way would it perform on those chunks! Years later, I would use the 4-way on more normal sized chunks. It ended up being more of a PITA than anything so it sits on a shelf unused for a few years now.

 

Would the higher ton be faster with the more difficult wood? Like crotches or hickory?

 

yes, as it would stay in the 1st stage longer. Although, the pump on that TSC 40 ton has a second stage that is pretty slow. So, if it were to need it's second stage, it's a sizeable difference in speed.

I adjusted the crossover point on mine when I first got it, as I wanted it to stay in the first stage as long as it could. The thought being I wanted to take full advantage of the power I had available of that big Kohler. It took a year or two for me to actually discover that I had gone too far, as it snubbed the motor once before the pump crossed over to the second stage. LOL I then backed off of it a little and so far so good, as it's been a year or two. It will literally shear the wood and still won't cross over.

 

Dennis the time can be much more than that
Full boar with log lift.. 17.7 sec down and back
Rugged made w/ lift .. 10 seconds
3 rounds a minute vs
5 rounds a minute is huge

 

Here's me with my 40 ton in action.

 

I like that engine guard.

 

Wedge design has a lot to do with how much pressure/force it takes to get a round to pop open...and there are some really bad designs out there!
I've noticed that a lot of the newer stuff (especially the better grades) are going to more of a knife design, instead of a big ole wedge.
A well designed 20 ton splitter will split almost anything you throw at it...heck, my little 5 ton electric splitter eats most rounds that I feed it!

What length rounds do you usually cut Ohio dave ?
If its much less than the capacity of the splitter, then you can gain a couple seconds just by putting a stroke limiter on it... or just using a shoestring, like TurboDiesel did. Splitter mods

 

14-15 inches for my indoor fireplace. 16-17 for patio burner or sale. My campground and one costumer 20-21

 

The one I use is a 27 ton and I show it no mercy.

RCBS posted a thread about a faster cycle time "standard" hydro. I looked into it and would consider it. I've considered a super split flywheel splitter, but am too cheap. They are real fast.