I have a Countyline 25ton splitter and I think it has a decent cycle time but I am in a need for a major improvement in output rate because of a large number of large oaks that I need to process this winter and it's just me, alone, or with an occasional helper. I would buy a much higher quality splitter, such as Eastonmade or Supersplitter right now but both are in backorder situations and I need something soon. I might get on the list for a better splitter for down the way and then sell whatever I could buy used now! So, looking at the used market, I see some higher HP splitters but what does that gain me? The 25ton I have splits pretty much anything I put on it, and as mentioned, seems to have a good cycle time. The only thing I can think of is IF a higher HP splitter could handle a 4-way wedge. Because I looked at one for sale that is a Huskee 35-ton, and watching a video, the cycle time was ridiculously slow. I don't think I could live with that. What to do? Would my 25ton push a 4way wedge? Mostly 20-34 inch red oak, willow oak (in red oak family) that were pushed down by an excavator in a clearing project. EDIT: I see that Tractor Supply also sells the DK2 and the D R Power kinetic, flywheel type splitters; I do not know if they are backordered. I am open to whatever is decent! (I would rather have North American made, high quality but back order situation is rough!) EDIT2: The DK2 is also sold by Home Depot and I found several reviews there and several are very negative; I don't like the negatives they are complaining about! I also watched a lengthy video of a guy using one.
With splitters, productivity doesn't necessarily mean more HP. If you want more output with the same or less labor, you need things like 4-way wedges, log lifts, output tables, conveyers, hydraulically adjustable wedges, etc. Decreasing cycle time only helps if the rest of the process is optimized. Of course, some of those accessories require some more hydraulic flow and/or force, hence a higher HP engine and bigger pumps tend to come on machines with these features. I'd look at modifying what you have. I'd give a drop-on 4-way a try in oak logs with a 25 ton. Especially if the wood is fairly straight. CountyLine 4-Way Wedge for 25T Log Splitter, YTL-008-900 at Tractor Supply Co.
