I'm interested in input from you guys as to what tonnage log splitter I actually need for the wood we have around here. It's almost all doug fir, pine, some larch, and occasionally locust (though I don't usually use that at all). I was looking at one of the 27 ton DHT splitters as a starting point, and would be modifying it later (just for faster cycle speeds). Do I actually need that kind of capacity? On occasion, I get pine rounds about 32" in diameter. I would like to run a 4-way wedge as well.
What size log splitter do I really need?
- Thread starter ttyR2
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fastLeo151
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have a 28t Oregon that runs a 4 way with ease. I also have a 25 ton mtd style that I have been working on. Both properly set up will split anthing
fastLeo151
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'd stick with something with a horizontal shaft engine
Jakers
Owner - Arbor Jake's Tree Service, LLC
ive run a lot of splitters and found that most anything over 20 ton is more than what the average joe needs. wedge design plays a big roll in what tonnage is needed too. a fat wedge or a blunt edge requires more power as do 4 ways. if you are splitting mainly the wood you listed and only the standard single split wedge then id say a 22 ton speeco, mtd, husky, northstar... (or comparable) would suit your needs. if you are looking for more of a 4 way split then it may be worth it to step it up to the bigger ones. if you are looking for a faster cycle time than what is offered from the factory, maybe call them and see if they will upgrade your pump and lines.
from what ive heard DHT is a pretty new company and they may be willing to work with you to customize your splitter. that tends to go away as companies get bigger.
how many cord are you putting up each year is another consideration. if you put up 5-6 then a cheaper one with slower cycle times would be fine. if you are getting into the 20-25 range then you may want to look into some of the higher end splitters with the added features for faster production
from what ive heard DHT is a pretty new company and they may be willing to work with you to customize your splitter. that tends to go away as companies get bigger.
how many cord are you putting up each year is another consideration. if you put up 5-6 then a cheaper one with slower cycle times would be fine. if you are getting into the 20-25 range then you may want to look into some of the higher end splitters with the added features for faster production
ReggieT
Addicted to ArboristSite
LOVE IT!
any 5hp unit will do the job for what you describe.
jrider
Addicted to ArboristSite
I run a 22 ton with a 4 way all the time. I split almost nothing but hardwood, and 75% of that is oak. It does just fine on anything 24" or so and under provided there are no major knots or forks in the wood. I've also found easy splitting wood that is bigger than roughly 24" in diameter is just easier to split without the 4 way even though I could leave it on. When they are that big, I don't need 2 little pieces shooting out the bottom and landing on my feet when I am trying to muscle those around.
haveawoody
Addicted to ArboristSite
speeco 22 ton vertical/horizontal for me and it's extremely rare to see a fail on it.
Having vertical mode is wonderful when you have dozens of rounds on the ground to big to move, makes short work of quite big rounds to manageable movable sizes.
("Need") is that an approved word here on this forum that everyone has 6 saws, 2 splitters, a backhoe, a bobcat, 5 sets of cutting clothes and gloves, a pole saw that has a layer of dust and when TSC has a bar oil sale it's like a white sale for women .
Having vertical mode is wonderful when you have dozens of rounds on the ground to big to move, makes short work of quite big rounds to manageable movable sizes.
("Need") is that an approved word here on this forum that everyone has 6 saws, 2 splitters, a backhoe, a bobcat, 5 sets of cutting clothes and gloves, a pole saw that has a layer of dust and when TSC has a bar oil sale it's like a white sale for women .
AIM
Addicted to ArboristSite
Go big. That way it's there if ya need it.
save the pine for summer wienie roasts and burn the locust.
Streblerm
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have a 22t Huskee/Speeco and it has done all that I have ever asked of it. It splits everything and what it won't split it will shear through. I am talking 30" elm rounds. I can count on one hand the number of times it didn't split a piece and all That was required was to reposition the piece and it did.
Compared to a larger splitter it uses less fuel and is easier to move around the yard. I can easily push it around by hand. It uses little fuel and the 4" cylinder travels faster than my friend's 35t Huskee.
Looking back this is one time I am glad I purchased the "lesser" model. It does what I need it to do. I split about 18 cords per year between myself, friends, and family. IMHO if you need more splitter than I have then you shouldprobably go commercial and get ready to spend some real cash.
Compared to a larger splitter it uses less fuel and is easier to move around the yard. I can easily push it around by hand. It uses little fuel and the 4" cylinder travels faster than my friend's 35t Huskee.
Looking back this is one time I am glad I purchased the "lesser" model. It does what I need it to do. I split about 18 cords per year between myself, friends, and family. IMHO if you need more splitter than I have then you shouldprobably go commercial and get ready to spend some real cash.
Big_Al
ArboristSite Guru
For our pnw wood, an x27 and an 8lb maul for the stubborn stuff. 
04titanse
ArboristSite Operative
I have an older splitter that has a 5hp honda gc160, I am guessing its in the 12-16 ton range and believe it or not it will split anything we can pick up to put on it. Never had a piece it wouldn't split. Cycle time isn't super fast, but it gets the job done and I only paid $350 for it with a brand new honda engine in it.
TTYR2,
You can put up to a 21 GPM on our standard 27 ton unit. Beyond 25 GPM the valve becomes the limiting factor. We have 21 GPM pumps if you are interested in upgrading... Of course to power the larger pump you would need a bigger engine. So you might be better off with a 28 ton to start.
You can put up to a 21 GPM on our standard 27 ton unit. Beyond 25 GPM the valve becomes the limiting factor. We have 21 GPM pumps if you are interested in upgrading... Of course to power the larger pump you would need a bigger engine. So you might be better off with a 28 ton to start.
An honest 15 ton will likely split near anything you'll need it to...
Notice I said an honest 15 ton... meaning, for most splitters sold now-a-days, you'll need one with a decal stuck on it claiming at least 22 ton.
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Notice I said an honest 15 ton... meaning, for most splitters sold now-a-days, you'll need one with a decal stuck on it claiming at least 22 ton.
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Jredsjeep
ArboristSite Operative
i have the 27ton MTD and it has worked great for me splitting about 10 cords a year between me and family. i have had it about 7 years now with no problems. there is a weak spot in the way the cylinders mount though since there are lugs welded to the side of it. they can crack out and fail on the earlier designs. i believe that has been fixed but i am still not crazy about having that set up on mine. mine has split some big stuff in the 28inch across range and will only stall if i get in a real bad crotch, most of the time it will shear through. like others have said i have only hung it up maybe a handful of times.
if i had to do it over again i would probably go with the speedco one, i picked one out before i came here though.
if i had to do it over again i would probably go with the speedco one, i picked one out before i came here though.
ponyexpress976
nipple fritters
Here's the real question, do you want to get a year's worth of splits done in a weekend? A week? or a month? I run my tw-6 almost exclusively with the 4 way wedge on it. I realize my machine is probably much larger than what we are discussing here. The principal of the 4-way still applies. If most of rounds you handle can be split 4 or more ways, you can get a lot more accomplished with each stroke...even if that stroke may be a little slower than other models considered. I'd get the one that can punch out more splits. As for bumping up the cycle time, the obvious is a larger pump....but does a larger pump make the whole operation of splitting wood faster? Or would auto cycle valves make your operation more effeceint? Get the cylinder started, then walk away to get your next round. By the time you get back you have 4 splits on the deck and the cylinder is retracted and ready for the next one.
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