Which Super-Split? J, HD, or Special Edition?

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Manatarms

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Hi Guys,

I'm shopping for a new splitter and have been seriously considering the Super-Split. Which model do ya'll run and are there any to stay away from? I'm leaning towards the "Heavy Duty" model with the Robins engine. I understand the Special Edition has more grunt...but perhaps it's overkill?

Thanks!

-Mark
 
The HD will do any thing the Special Edition will. I've been around ss all my life. My grandfather bought his first one in '79. The difference between the HD and Special Edition is The Special Edition has heavier flywheels, a wider rack gear, and a reinforced wedge. Save your money and get the HD. Also get the lifted version with the balloon tires.
 
What are you going to be cutting the most of. I have a HD model and love it. The Robin engine is great. My friend has a J model with the smaller robin engine and he really likes that one. He only cuts tops. Both get a work out and have never let us down. I know his split over 300 cord last year.

Scott
 
STL,

I cut and split a mix....including a bunch of nasty oak crotches....if I can burn it, I'll try to split it.

I have a 35 ton huskee now...which will split most anything. I want to get more speed, the you tube vids of guys with supersplits are pretty impressive.

-mark
 
I have split everything with mine even 30" elm. It will do the oak crotches as well you just have to read the wood and attack it with a plan not with brute force like a hydraulic. Are you keeping the hydraulic or selling it?

Scott
 
Mark,
How ya makin out with the Makita ?

Let me know if you need help with the splitter. I ain't never played with one of those before. I'll bring the beer !
A

angelo,

The Makita is running strong so far....I still need a carb adjusting clinic...but she is running good. I'll let you know when I pull the trigger on the splitter. Hmmm...a beer powered super-spliting session...watch your fingers!

-Mark
 
angelo,

The Makita is running strong so far....I still need a carb adjusting clinic...but she is running good. I'll let you know when I pull the trigger on the splitter. Hmmm...a beer powered super-spliting session...watch your fingers!

-Mark

Don't worry...we'll read all the safety instruction manuals that come with your power tools. "and most of all wear these...safety glasses"...(I love Norm)

beers for the "after" hangar flying session.

A
 
I got the HD with the 6hp Robin engine, off road (non-towable) tires and production table (which is a must). Perfect height for me as I'm 6'2". Got it last December and split about 35 cords already. I don't have a single complaint. I've run a Huskee, American and TW-5 and IMOH (and worthless) opinion it's the best of the bunch.
 
What are the prices these days and how much wood do you plan to split a year? I have the basic model and love it. Over the years my father and I have modified it to see how much we can get out of it but it worked just fine with the 3.5hp engine it came with. Get the processing table it is a must.
 
angelo,

The Makita is running strong so far....I still need a carb adjusting clinic...but she is running good. I'll let you know when I pull the trigger on the splitter. Hmmm...a beer powered super-spliting session...watch your fingers!

-Mark

Hey Mark,
I found a used SS. it needs some TLC but I'll have it humming in a few weeks. It works but the return springs are shot. You can come down and check it out anytime. We can load it up and take it to my neighbors and show him and his TW6 what a SS can do....:monkey:
 
Save that splitter!

Hey Mark,
I found a used SS. it needs some TLC but I'll have it humming in a few weeks. It works but the return springs are shot. You can come down and check it out anytime. We can load it up and take it to my neighbors and show him and his TW6 what a SS can do....:monkey:
Sometimes it is amazing what a man with engineering talent can do to save a good piece of equipment that has been abused.

Angelo, when you get it working, please show us what it can do. :)
 
that would mean someone would have to show me how to download a video !!!!

the nice part so far is that it fits on the back of my Toyota pickup bed. no trailer no hitch. I can actually move it around ( smooth and level ) by myself. its really weird that there is no hydrolics involved. it's scary fast. The guy I bought it from had no idea what it was. I'm gonna call SS on Monday and see what they suggest as to service/repair and maintenance.
 
Repair It Yourself.

that would mean someone would have to show me how to download a video!!! The nice part so far is that it fits on the back of my Toyota pickup bed. no trailer no hitch. I can actually move it around ( smooth and level ) by myself. Its really weird that there is no hydrolics involved. It's scary fast. The guy I bought it from had no idea what it was. I'm gonna call SS on Monday and see what they suggest as to service/repair and maintenance.
I think you can handle maintenance yourself. Why pay more? Never sell your own repair abilities short.

As for videos, forget that. Just post a pic of the wood that you split with the SS splitter--before and after. :)
 
Angelo,

how did I miss that you picked up a ss? Did u get the return workin?

Mark

it went up on CL late thursday night. I picked it up friday morning. it runs and drives the ram like a banshee but the return springs are beat or non existant. I tried to call SS when I got back but no one was there to answer the phone so I didn't leave a message as I had some other stuff to tend to. It's still in the pickup. it was dirty and sand all over it.( from the shore area ) So I figured...leave it in the truck until I figure A) How to get it out...and B) what kind of repairs are needed and if it's something I'll tackle here.

Can't wait to pound some rounds through it. Got some 30" Cherry rounds that I've been beating with a Maul that are very concerned right now....

Anyone got a service manual for this thing ?
 
I think you can handle maintenance yourself. Why pay more? Never sell your own repair abilities short.

As for videos, forget that. Just post a pic of the wood that you split with the SS splitter--before and after. :)

Doc,
I ran a few rounds at the old owners place and it slices through cherry ( 18" rounds). it is a very different feeling in that it "slices" not "torques" though the split. When you look at the SS it's intimidating at first. You as the new operator, look at the size of the unit and it seems "toy like" because you are so "used" to the hydraulic style splitter where mass is king. Looking at the way you load the round and the size of the "ram" I don't see how it is not safer once you get the hydraulic method out of your memory. If it ever stops raining I might get a chance to get out there and fiddle with it.

thanks for the vote of confidence.
 
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