Splitter suggestions...

Hi guys. New to the site and a second year wood burner. But I’ve been splitting with the Fiskars by hand for several years, knowing I’m going to need to stock up on dry seasoned wood. I have a lot of red oak, ash, birch, and cherry lately and some maple. But with 3 boys all under 5 yrs old I’m busy and can’t get that wood pile where I want it.

Which is why I’m shopping for splitters. Any suggestions? I’m debating ordering a Champion 25 ton from TSC but I also really like the Yardmax 25 ton. And there are some others that are nice but I’ve been between those two. The Champion is on sale at TSC. Honestly, I’ve never used a splitter so just looking for some advice. Trying to cut my firewood prep time down so I can de vote more time to my family.

Thanks,

Nate

 

Nate, gathering info is generally a good idea. This bunch of folks are very knowledgeable and willing to share. If they lean towards either one you have available, get the one you want, that way when you are working on it (you will have to work on it eventually) you aren't mad at the decision you made years ago.

 

Service after the purchase is what to look at- particularly if not a DIY type in this area. That said any box store unit is not going to be serviced by the store but farmed out somewhere. Which may or may not be convenient for you. Speedco and DHT have decent customer relations over the years . as evidenced here and other forums. Still a matter of finding a servicing dealer with in a reasonable distance or one that can come to you. splitters are, in the scheme of things, pretty simple machines ( too some of us any way, to others not even close to their comfort zone).

 

I don’t have a brand recommendation ,as that is dependent on what works best for you ,and the dealers in your area that you are comfortable with . I do however recommend finding one with a log table . It will limit the amount of bending that you have to do while splitting . Also check the height of the working area of the machine . Too low ,or too high can make the work more tiring .
Edit ....
Welcome to FHC !

 

Thanks! Yes the work table seems like a must. And both of the splitters I like have them but the Champion didn’t look as strong to me... but I haven’t seen any of these in person. I definitely want one that is not assembled. I just feel better about putting everything together and adding fluids myself.

 

Welcome Old Nate !!! I know one of our moderators WeldrDave just picked a Yardmax not long ago. They are one sweet looking splitter. I have also seen some really good reviews on the Champion as well but have no personal experience with either.

 

I like my counytline from TSC, I've heard ppl like the champion as well.
I like a full beam profile vs the half beam. The only real issue with my countyline is a slight leak in the splitter valve and
they warrantied it no questions asked.
The "surround" weld on the beam can be a bad design, someone with a DHT recently had theirs come apart.
Another user returned theirs due to metal on metal wearing. Mine is doing it too but I think that is part of the design.
I spray mine down with red grease occasionally, doesn't last long, the bark/dust cleans it out after an hour or so and the gloves
get covered in grease trying to sweep the debris out as recommended in the manual.
At this price range, they basically are all made by the same company, just painted/decals are different.

 

Thanks Dave! I saw that deal on log splitter direct for both full and half beam yardmax 25 ton splitters... the Champion is $900 which is nice but I am leaning Yardmax... and would buy it, but I honestly don’t like the wedge setup on the Yardmax. I could be wrong...

 

I have the CountryLine from TSC for a few years now. Not a perfect splitter but priced right, starts right up and has not given me any trouble so far. I'm sure either unit will give you years of service with little to no problems.
Good luck with your search and we want pictures when you get it.

 

Yeah, I’ve inspected a few DH splitters at Lowe’s and read a few things that I didn’t like. I’m at the point where I’m going to make a decision by this weekend. 99% sure it’s either Yardmax or Champion. Just from YouTube observations it looks like the Champion powers through logs a little better but I can’t be certain of that or anything having not run either machine.

I really like some things about yardmax like the hydraulic oil filter being in the reservoir, the oversized pump, faster cycle time (by 2 seconds)... but one thing I don’t like is how the wedge rides flat on the beam and it looks like it pushes each log up a half inch or so causing some movement with each split... most other splitters wedge ride in beam channel (that’s what I’m calling it) this only the blade of the wedge is making contact with the wood and not the welded bottom plate of the wedge.

Very likely I’m over thinking this...

 

I’ve thought about going w the 30 ton but told my wife this purchase is going to be about $1000 so she won’t like seeing $300-400 extra leave the account.

I was going to order through home depot if I can get my veteran discount and have it sent to the store to avoid shipping charges... if I go Champion I’ll try to do the same thing

 

I got a 27 ton Ariens a couple years ago and it's served me very well. I think overall it's designed well. At first I wasn't a huge believer in the Subaru engine it has but it seems to run better now after more than a few tanks of gas through it vs when I first got it.

 

My neighbor purchased a splitfire wood splitter & he says it’s far better than the last 3 he had. Don’t know if anyone else here has experience with them.