Which Log Splitter to buy?

[Redbox02]

I have read a lot of the opinions on the forums about log splitters. I have $2500 to spend and looking for the best built one.

It seems like the horizontal/vertical is the best way to go.

I also think the ones with the wedge attached to the piston are the best. I have seen a couple with a stop so when the piston retracts if the wood is stuck on the wedge it gets knocked off.

Structurally the ones with a heavy I beam and the largest base plate make the most sense.

Now for everyone’s recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[Steve2910]

I never use mine in the vertical position. Tried it once--- hated it! Also, my situation dictates that most of my wood is blocked down to manageable size before it sees the splitter. I'd pick one w/ a Honda engine, although I've heard others like the Subaru/Robin engines as well. Either way, I've never had good luck w/ Briggs motors & avoid them like the plague!

 

[avalancher]

After listening to the advise of several members, I bought the Speeco 35 ton through Omni manufacturers.$1900 delivered including a log table and a four way head, I couldnt be more pleased. It has the ram mounted wedge like you mentioned, and can be swung down vertical if you like.I have only put five cords through it so far in the two weeks that I have had it, but I have found it a flawless machine.I bought mine with the Briggs engine, but the Honda engine is available for I think $300 bucks more. I think they are having a special right now of $100 off, so if you want just the splitter without a log table its $1700 with free freight. Check it out here
Speeco 35 ton B&S 1450 OHV Vertical & Horizontal Log Splitter - OMNI Mfg

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Three Questions

How many cords are you going to split?

Is it to be used for production / commercial or homeowner application?

What are the splits going in? (Stove, OWB, Campfire)

Take Care

 

[Redbox02]

Three Questions

How many cords are you going to split?

Is it to be used for production / commercial or homeowner application?

What are the splits going in? (Stove, OWB, Campfire)

Take Care

About 10-15 cords a year.
Semi-commercial
Stoves.
Thanks

 

[Maplekid]

Horizontal Vertical splitters suck. Ive run them and Ive owned horizontal only splitters. I can outsplit a hv splitter with a regular spliter 2 to 1. For $2500 I think you can get the J model super split or the dr rapid fire. I personaly like the super split better. I plan on getting one after this wood selling season. They will outsplit everything other than a $8000 timberwolf or builtright.

 

[fatjoe]

Horizontal Vertical splitters suck. Ive run them and Ive owned horizontal only splitters. I can outsplit a hv splitter with a regular spliter 2 to 1. For $2500 I think you can get the J model super split or the dr rapid fire. I personaly like the super split better. I plan on getting one after this wood selling season. They will outsplit everything other than a $8000 timberwolf or builtright.

Verticle splitters are good for chunks my friend.It saves time from noodling.There was a time when I could split ALL my wood with a maul and lift 300 pound chunks onto a splitter.Then a funny thing happened.I got older and wiser.There is nothing wrong with a vertical splitting.I can sit on a five gallon pail and split for hours.Work smarter not harder.

 

[Iron man]

I got a horizontal/vertical splitter because the price was right.Got it used.It does come in handy when you need to break up the big rounds which I get a lot of but the draw back for mine is its so heavy when I have to lift it to the vertical position I have to use a 3ft bar inserted in the handle for leverage.So you might want to try a few out first in the store to see if that's going to be an issue.Also rolling the big rounds to the splitter and getting them positioned can be tough so you might want to try noodling the rounds.

 

[redheadwoodshed]

After listening to the advise of several members, I bought the Speeco 35 ton through Omni manufacturers.$1900 delivered including a log table and a four way head, I couldnt be more pleased. It has the ram mounted wedge like you mentioned, and can be swung down vertical if you like.I have only put five cords through it so far in the two weeks that I have had it, but I have found it a flawless machine.I bought mine with the Briggs engine, but the Honda engine is available for I think $300 bucks more. I think they are having a special right now of $100 off, so if you want just the splitter without a log table its $1700 with free freight. Check it out here
Speeco 35 ton B&S 1450 OHV Vertical & Horizontal Log Splitter - OMNI Mfg

I agree with Avalancher, I got one in July and really like it.

 

[rwbinbc]

I like the flywheel style wood splitters But, Mine is a horizontal mounted on a mini van axle. If I loosen the bolts it slides down about 10" from the ground so loading big rounds easier. Throw a piece of split wood down for a ramp and Your "IN". 10-15 cords a year, I wouldn't spend $2500 on one. DR has a nice double action splitter for like $1100 right now which I dont think is a bad deal.

 

[angelo c]

Splitters are like women, they are all good for something but not all are good for everything. Only you can decide which one is best for you. Like women they are all beautiful to some other guy and yet no matter how attactive they are there is some guy some where who is sick of her "****".

try them all and see what works best for you. I have a SS and run my buddies TW6 often and love them both.. Honestly for me the best is having both side by side because when it comes to chuncking the big onery rounds down the TW is a pure Sumo wrestler...but when the rounds are manageable the SS is one Mad sprinter that wins the short race by a while...

each machine has its purpose and is designed for that purpose. Enjoy the ride....

 

[hammer0419]

Verticle splitters are good for chunks my friend.It saves time from noodling.There was a time when I could split ALL my wood with a maul and lift 300 pound chunks onto a splitter.Then a funny thing happened.I got older and wiser.There is nothing wrong with a vertical splitting.I can sit on a five gallon pail and split for hours.Work smarter not harder.

Could not agree more. I have actually NEVER used my splitter in the horizontal position.

 

[roostersgt]

Prefer the vert splitter. Try hefting splitter sized oak rounds (80lb+) onto your horizontal device for a few hours and you'll no doubt agree. My back and shoulders are plenty strong and lifting rounds onto the splitter is flat stupid, IMHO. Back ached like a big dog for days. Bought horiz/vert splitter and always use it in the vert mode. Sit on a round and feed the machine. No problems. Got good deal on Troybuilt from Lowes, but I saw a better splitter for around $1600 at Bailey's. A real well built beast with large beams and big tires etc...

 

[angelo c]

Prefer the vert splitter. Try hefting splitter sized oak rounds (80lb+) onto your horizontal device for a few hours and you'll no doubt agree. My back and shoulders are plenty strong and lifting rounds onto the splitter is flat stupid, IMHO. Back ached like a big dog for days. Bought horiz/vert splitter and always use it in the vert mode. Sit on a round and feed the machine. No problems. Got good deal on Troybuilt from Lowes, but I saw a better splitter for around $1600 at Bailey's. A real well built beast with large beams and big tires etc...

Think "log lift".....Good hydrolics trumps good spinal cordage every time.

 

[redheadwoodshed]

Think "log lift".....Good hydrolics trumps good spinal cordage every time.

Add another 800 or so bucks while your thinking.

 

[Pcoz88]

Either SS or DR rapid fire!!!!

 

[mesupra]

Have you thought about purchasing a good used splitter, if you mildly mechanically inclined and can weld purchasing most any decent hydro splitter and modifying it to suit your needs should easily keep you under budget.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Well,
I cut 10-20 cords/yr depending on my availability and Mother Nature's inclination. I love the 35ton Speeco that I have (Think D9 Cat power), but am going to purchase an S.S. or D.R. flywheel splitter soon. Power is nice when it's needed, but a single blade (2-way) hyd splitter is an exercise in patience. The flywheel splitters, in decent wood, are marvels of efficiency (in regards to time). Buy either one now and then get the other when you can afford it. You'll not regret it. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Maplekid]

Add the speedpro made by speedco from tsc to your list. Super split speed and power for the price of a hv

 

[Rio_Grande]

Maple I havent seen that one. TSC sells it?