What wood splitter do you use?

Well, I need to correct my prior post on my B&S no start yesterday! It appears that I “was sure” that I had filled the gas tank after the last use a few days ago. Apparently not. So stupid is as stupid does . I can now say that my splitter has never failed to start as long as there’s gas in the tank!

 

That sure beats digging a hole to stand in.

 

15ish year old Huskee 22 ton. It has umpteen gazillion cords through it heating 6 houses. I have only replaced fluids, spark plugs, and air filter a few times. Honestly it should have chucked a rod or something years ago, but it still keeps going.

 

Been using a 27-ton Troy Bilt beam splitter for 16 years with no real issues (need to replace the pull cord and valve assembly once the weather warms up). Started using auto ramps last year to raise the height. Picked up a 35-ton Full Boar last fall primarily due to wanting a hydraulic log lift. Haven't used it a lot yet due to not feeling like splitting in sub-zero weather, but I've liked it so far (it is slooooow, but so am I at this point in life). I plan on keeping the Troy-Bilt for its capability to split in the vertical position for those random extra large diameter rounds I get.

 

I have a Dirty Hand Tools 35T splitter with home made mods that I have used for 8 years now. Have had two problems that were my own fault that I fixed myself. Pump failed at 4 years probably because I had used tractor fluid instead of standard hydraulic oil. Apparently a no no. Comments say the pump will fail! Fortunately all the parts on the machine have readily available counterparts on the internet (DHT had gone out of business). Next, at about year 7, I did a final mod and apparently got metal grinding dust on the partially extended ram that I didn't clean off. Stupid me, should have covered it. Live and learn! Wiper seals started weeping almost immediately. Bought a kit and fixed with no problems. I only put up about 3-4 cords a year and store the machine in the garage. E-free gas and Stabil. The 9 hp Kohler never fails to start with 3-4 pulls even after extended storage. Overall I have been very happy with this machine!

 

There's a big difference between the old ones and the new ones...especially the cheap "consumer grade" ones!

 

If its any consolation, mine wont start with the switch in the "off" position.

 

Lol! Mine won't either. I can't see the ON/OFF on the switch with these old eyes. My solution was I just leave it in the ON position all the time. When I want it to shut off I lower the throttle to the point it stalls.

 

When I turn it off I put it back to the on position so I wont do that. I usually double check the next time I start it again. I know the switch tuns down toward the ground to start it.

Ive done the throttle thing on OPE before as well.

 

I still have my hydro splitter (going on 30 years) with the original Honda 8 horse commercial engine. I've just changed filters, oil and hydro fluid (once). It's a heavy-duty old school unit with tie rods on the cylinder and I'm confident it'll outlive me! I picked up the machine below a few years ago to increase my productivity and just because I was curious ;-). It's the heavy-duty commercial version with two 90 lb flywheels and a geared-down Honda GX engine. It splits 99+% of rounds with one stroke and the gnarly pieces never take more than two. It really cuts down splitting time and is super-productive if you have a couple of guys dedicated to feeding you the rounds.

 

Don't know the tonnage but it is pretty nice. Log life, hydro 4 way, auto cycle valves, dump valve, folding hitch, stroke adjustabel from 17"-30", and built for interestate speeds.

 

Looks like a nice splitter.

 

Nice! I look forward to learning more about your splitter!

 

Me too!

 

These are old pics from when I got it in 2020.

What do you want to know?

 

Anything you would want different?

 

This is going to be an unusual comment. The only issue I have with my splitter is the hydro oil runs way too cool. I talked at length with the builder about wanting an oil cooler and he said it won't need one.

The tank holds 35 gallons of oil, and has 3 compartments in the tank. The oil rises from heat but has to draw under the baffle to get to the next compartment. The bottom line is it cools too well. Running WOT rather than 2640 RPM would help, but since I am a one man band, the machine is doing nothing 2/3rds of the time when I am splitting. It would take 2 more helpers to really work it. I have insulated the tank and sometimes the cylinder to contain heat. I also run three 200 watt magnetic heaters for 3 hours before starting, the garage is 48 degrees.

The hottest the oil has ever gotten is 120 degrees after 3 hours on 90+ degree day. The asphalt in the driveway was 130.

Here is the tank with 2" styrene on it and the high tech glove dryer option.

 

That is surprising. Mine does run pretty hot even with a bypass. I haven't checked the actual temp on it. What is the gpm on it? 5 inch cylinder?

 

22 GPM. The valves have a dump valve so there is 2 ways back to the tank when the cylinder retracts, with the large rod size, that is running aprox. 50 GPM on the retract stroke.

The funny thing is, the 4 way circut and log lift run the most pressure of anything. 1500 PSI on the 4 way, restrictors and smaller lines were used so it is very smooth. If it didn't have that a round could be launched over your head.

 

I have the bypass as well but running 28gpm, that would be the difference I guess. I'm running a 5 inch but my rod is a little smaller. (no jokes please) lol . Your builder has more knowledge than I on the specs as I was learning on the fly.

I bet that smaller cylinder would have some quick movement. lol looks like a very nice machine. The length of the slide on the push block will give that a very long life. One of the things I see a lot of splitters lacking.