Which splitter would you go with

Thanks guys for all of your input. I like to hear real world stories of people and their splitters ( good and bad) instead of reading biased product reveiws from the mfg. I’m thinking I’ll only be splitting a few cords a year so it sounds like any of these splitters should work well for me. Thanks again guys.

 

I purchased a used Yard Machines 25 ton. After a few cord I had to replace the valve as it started leaking. The Briggs and Stratton motor has done well to this point.
The one thing I quickly discovered is I am too tall and old to operate this splitter from a standing position as it is hard on my back. I found I could easily operate it while sitting in a lawn chair and it almost makes splitting a pleasure.
The rounds I cut are not as large as others I’ve seen on this site so I’ve only had to go vertical with it on a couple of occasions, but still highly recommend having that option on a splitter.
I don’t want to give the impression I recommend the Yard Machines over any other splitter as it is definitely an entry level splitter, but make sure you look closely at the size and valve position if you want to operate while sitting as I do. Some of the splitters look like they are configured to only operate from a standing position, which would be difficult for an old fart like me.





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That is the exact splitter we have, ours is just older. I like the position of the handle on this splitter.

 

I have a DHT 28 ton. Replaced almost every part on it the first year. Luckily their warranty service was good as long as you don’t mind doing the work yourself. Which I prefer.
They have good reviews but mine is a total lemon. Besides the cheap Chinese parts the design of the enclosed slide rail bothers me. Fills up with wood and bark that gets compressed at the end. I cut open the bottom of the rail to alleviate most of that problem. While splitting some splits get pinched lengthwise under the rail. It actually overworks the splitter when that happens. Traps the split on the table also until you reverse the wedge. I recently rebuilt the splitter head from scratch. Used a thicker bottom plate with closer tolerances albeit shorter. Seems to have solved that problem.

Word of warning. The factory 4 way wedge when installed in its highest cutting height can contact the guards on return if there’s a split lodged underneath. Quite disastrous results for the guards and wedge. Hence my need to redesign and rebuild.

 

My Woods Splitter works great but if I could do it over I would have have got something a bit lighter. Like the 22t Areins, the Woods is just to heavy for me to move around by hand for any distance. Just something to consider if your 60 plus like me.

 

I really does depend on what your situation is as to what will work best for your operation. When you "think" you have it narrowed down, offer to help someone who has that model and see it's real world pluses or minuses. It costs less than renting to find out and you might develop a friendship as a plus. Things to look at are how big of wood you'll be dealing with and what type. Working height for me is huge and I deal with a lot of bigger stuff so I built mine accordingly. It is an unbelievable difference in fatigue at the end of the day if you do it for 8 hrs. If you just do a partial truckload it would not be as much of a factor. As others have said, stick with a manufacturer that can supply parts if needed. Off shore/fly by nights look good till they break and you have to start cobbling parts. Most are pretty straight forward but if you're not mechanically inclined or have the equipment to weld and such, it becomes a consideration to think about.

 

Yesterday, me and one of my brothers decided to go "halfsies" on a Yardmax 28 ton. I say "halfsies" because, he pays and I store. I will happily keep him in premium, dry wood forever. Its a fair deal for both. I'll need to change my signature soon.... nothing wrong with splitting by hand, it keeps me centered

 

Yes, I noticed the weight of the Woods. It’s almost 100 lbs heavier than the ones I listed.

 

I think I’m going with the Arien’s 22 ton splitter from Home Depot. Hopefully by the end of weekend I can order it. Thanks for everyone’s input and opinion.

 

It's been ordered. Yardmax 28ton Half Beam coming to the local Home Depot. Should be there Good Friday. Going to put it straight to work splitting the hoard I got from my new friend last weekend

 

Well, things changed. Apparently Home Depot doesn’t sell the Ariens anymore even though their web site has it listed. So, I went to my local TSC and was able to get the county line 25 ton for the sale price of $899. Hoping it will last for a long time and is trouble free. Thanks again guys for all your help.

 

$899 was a sale price? I think that is the everyday price here...I know some places run higher though.
That machine should serve you well...lots of happy owners out there...

 

Is it the fast cycle model? Great choice. Should serve you well. Make sure to check all your hoses and fittings, make sure they are tight. Hose clamps we're loose on ours.

 

If you are doing less then 10 cord a year, I'd probably go with whatever brand of 22-ish ton splitter I could get at a good price. They are usually for sale somewhere for $800-1000. If you are doing more, or you have an unlimited budget, then go for something with a Honda or Subaru engine. BTW, be careful with "Honda" engines, a lot of their less expensive ones are made in China and no better than the cheap Kohlers.

 

Yes, it’s usually $999 here in Pa. The sale ended on the 31st but was able to get it for $899.

 

I’m thinking around 5-6 cord per year. I had my mind made up on the Ariens that had the Subaru but couldn’t locate one local.

 

I believe it’s like 11-12 seconds.

 

That's it. It's a great machine. It's fast when you are used to a slow cycle. Our old one is 33 seconds, new one is 11. Had to make sure where my fingers were when we got it....lol

 

If there is a Northern Tool near you, take a look at theirs. I really like mine, well engineered with some extras.