Hi Guys The seasonal company I work for is looking into purchasing a heavy duty splitter. After searching around for a few weeks I think we are going to purchase one of the timber wolf models. Does anyone have experience with them?
Seen many running in the field for commercial guys. I just picked up an American and I have to say it appears to be equally solid as the TW
American, Timberwolf, or the "commercial" Iron and Oak would be where I'd look. I worked for a dealer that rented the Timberwolf units. Nice splitters but the price tag matches the build quality. What size/model are you looking for?
I looked at Timberwolf, American,Northstar and Allwood. I was ready to pull the trigger on an Allwood when a craigslist deal came up and I snagged it. Needed some work but I'll be into a HD splitter built exactly like I want for under $1800 (when done building) instead of $5K+. I also considered the Northstar for the price and thought I could do a lot of "beefing up" for the savings.
Hi fellas, first post on this site. After back, neck and shoulder troubles I had borrowed an old Brave for a year but needed something bigger and faster. I found a TW-5 on craigslist that a small tree company was selling in NY State. The price was more than I wanted to pay but I was blessed to be able to swing it. It was an older one with the auto - cycle feature so I wanted to snag it. It was in very good shape and after 10+/- cords through it I have had 0 problems. I even called TW before I bought it and gave them the serial # to see if it was a good model year,etc. The guy talked to me for 20 minutes about the machine and I was not even a "customer". Definitely gave me a good feeling about the company. A tree guy around the corner from me has a TW-1 to help feed his OWB. My cousin has a Built Rite splitter and conveyor for his firewood business and he's very pleased with the setup. For a business I'd consider a conveyor now or in the future because it is true that some of these machines will split faster than you can feed it...
TW-2HD here. Awesome. I think they only sell them now with the lever that you need to hold down to split. Mine i can throw both levers and it cycles automatically. If its a real hard piece or big knot it will require me to hold the lever. I got the pictured job done by myself in five hours. Rounds were all better than 18", and too many as high as my tailgate! You really need a conveyor or at least a second guy clearing splits. I have done 12+ cords in seven hours with two helpers, one tossing into chipper box and another on the saw and staging some rounds.
If you knew more about about them, you'd be glad you didn't get one from them. I took mine back and had one custom made that had none of the issues I had with mine. Good call on the CL deal!
TW-6 here. Awesome machines. Third one I've run. Only issues are pump seals...well that's wear and tear item so not really an issue. The newer TWs do not come with the auto retract valve...but prince still makes it and you can retro fit it. And I suggest you do it. Makes it a much more usable machine. Also newer models have torsion axles for long hauling. Older ones tend to sag on the axles after much use and travel.
Hey there Heavyiron! Welcome to da best forum on the 'net Now, let's get down to brass tacks- pics.... Where they at? New thread started on your splittah- go! Stacks, saws, aerial views of your setup- you still sitting down? Come on now! Oh, and if Ashwatcher starts in your window....... Hey really, glad you're here
Good to be here. Been following the site for a bit and I've seen what a good community it is. I won't post as much as some but I'll chime in if I can be helpful.. pics will come shortly. I should get back at the woodpile in a few weeks or so. Most of my processing happens in the colder months. I hate bugs. My purchase was opportunistic. I was going to make the trip and look at a new Hud - Son splitter in NY but the TW came up. The same guy also had a TW6 for 3K more but I drew the line.
I found this the other day. Don't know much about them but looks like a lot more splitter than you can get from Timberwolf for the same money: RS-737-LE (Type 2) 37 Ton, 420CC, 22GPM, Fixed Blade, Push Through Log Splitter - Includes Log Lift & Log Catcher Tray You can get a B&S motor for a little more money, which is what I would do.
There was a thread on these a while back; IIRC the only first hand review was far from positive. 'Rugged Made' splitter | Firewood Hoarders Club
I picked up an American a week ago. My wife even likes the thing as it is quiet, the pans catch the wood, and it picks up the heavy chunks. You will be in the middle to high section of your price range, but it will be worth it. I tossed this around for a year, regret waiting to pull the trigger now. If you go with any of the big guys, I am certain you will be happy and get a quality product. If possible, get the accessories you want up front and work them hard on the price points for these......
If you are still looking, here's a guy that makes some super nice splitters: Been gone for a while, here's a few splitters I've built recently. The red one is currently for sale. The blue one, could be for sale if I was offered enough.
