looking at a new splitter and want some opinions

I had about 2500 into this one including the lift, four way wedge and auto cycle valve. It started out as a 30 ton h/v northstar.

 

Looks like that new splitter will have no problem getting the job done

 

Lots of interesting discussion here guys!
Like I said earlier it's not a perfect piece of equipment. I needed a splitter to use now as I don't have time to repair the other one that wore out. (Which is my fault for waiting).my future plans is for a build of a Timberwolf style splitter in the future with log lift, adjustable 6 way wedge, auto cycle valving.I have already began to source parts for that.I still thought it would be nice to have a vertical machine to split the big round into manageable sizes.im not a fan of vertical splitting but man sometimes you can't get big rounds on a horizontal machine.
I did manage to break the mount on the control valve that master link goes to for the handle monday while splitting vertically. I had a round stuck and as I retracted the ram it hit the handle and busted the casting.NOW THIS WAS MY FAULT Not the machines.I thought the wedge would come out when it hit the stripper bars before the valve but the split was spread out enough it missed them and hit the handle.
So I called The company Monday at 5 pm and they are sending me the parts free of charge.2 day shipping and will be here today from Colorado. The lady on the phone was knowledgeable and great to talk to.
Now as far as working around thmachine.I too thought it might be awkward the way it looks but in reality it's not.I don't mind how it Is at all so far.
The axle and tank are where they need to be for the machine to be balanced enough for easy beam lifting and lowering.Too also alow for enough tongue weight but also be easy enough to move by hand.
The debris getting on the engine is not that big of a deal.(i got a punctured fuel tank on my other splitter where the engine is on the other end by a piece of flying wood)No wood has hit the engine or even came close to the filter location.The tray on side of the splitter is more likely to cause a piece to slide and fall toward the engine.I have thought of maybe modifying it at some point.
Cycle time is not overly fast.Not going to win any races here but I'm not in one so it's fine.I have wished it was faster when holding some big awkward chunk waiting for the ram to get to it a couple times.lol.
I have ran it through some nasty crotches and knots.So far nothing has stopped it in its tracks.So I'm extremely pleased with that.
So I'll use it and in the future build my horizontal splitter. keep this one for doing big rounds on the ground or as a backup.

 

You have to put thing into perspective. If you are only planning on doing it a few years, then it really is not worth investing much $ into the process equipment. The amount you are using also comes into play here.

When I started planning my heating system I knew that I was in it for the long haul so I didn't want any "I wish I woulda's". Didn't go with cheap stuff as I wanted it to last. All the cost of my OWB and supplies for radiant floor for the garage would take 3 1/2 years to pay for itself based on previous owners heat bill. I am disregarding my labor, time and equipment costs to get the wood so there are hidden costs to but I overlook that. 10 years online with the system so I'm well into the money well spent mode.

I've always taken the approach of trying to put some of the savings of using wood heat back into upgrading things to make the process easier. This is a win/win as it also enables you to use wood for a heat source longer and saves you time by making the process quicker. Be it a better/bigger saw, a backup saw. splitter, splitter with lift, etc. Plus having nice toys to do it with just plain makes it fun!

If your process equipment makes it easier/faster you can also make the equipment pay for itself buy selling some cords on the side. Find a few good/easy customers close by and sell a little cheaper than the going rate. In no time that out of reach tool suddenly becomes reality and keep building from there.

No wood sources? Check with tree trimmers, farmers and excavators. Do a good job, keep you word and show and do the work and you'll be turning jobs down. If you are near an urban area, check with golf courses too. I was told by a friend that a golf course near me had some wood they wanted to get rid of. Turns out they had about well over 75 cord, ALLREADY CUT and was looking for someone to haul away as they didn't want to pay a dumping fee!

I'm in a semi rural area and farmers are always looking for a fencerow cleaned up. Walk in cut when wet, haul when frozen or dry and don't mess up their land and they will pass the word around till you have people contacting YOU. Heck, normally they will even help you burn the brush around here by providing a tractor to push it onto the burn piles. The wood is out there. EAB around here has upped the ante even more.

Your method of working wood will have to determine what splitter is best for you. We are all different and what is the perfect set up for one guy is horrible for another. Look at your options and decide. Forums like this are a great place to see your options. I spent years thinking about things I wanted in a splitter, long before I was online. Weighing the pros and cons of different ideas led me to what I have now. I LOVE it.

I have a 4 way option for mine but I really don't use it as much as I thought I would. I basically sort while splitting and avoid the pieces that I can just 1/4. Once the big ones and 1/2 splits are done I switch it over. Again, depends on if I'm splitting for my own boiler or going into a stack which me or Dad will be using, meaning, I split it smaller. I find using the multi wedges all the time makes too many small pieces. Again, preference thing.

Sounds like you have a good plan. Build what you want and keep weighing your options.

 

Yup 22 ton wood splitting machine.

 

picked up the DHT 27 ton Friday ran it over the weekend, man what a difference !!!!

 

There easy to use and quality made.