I've been thinking about buying a splitter for the last few seasons. I have always split everything by hand with a maul. I have had my eye on the Dirty Hand Tools line since last year, but never saw one in person. I thought their 28-ton (shopping online) would work best for me, I really like the Kohler Command engines over the Courage.
Today I stopped at the local farm and ranch store for something else. They had the DHT 22-ton and the DHT 35-ton there. Nice looking splitters, first time I've seen them in person. The 22-ton is $999 and the 35-ton is $1699, that is $200 cheaper then anywhere online I have priced them at.
I asked the guy if they had the 28-ton also, he said not in stock, that they only had these two models, but he could make a call on Monday and see if they can get it and get a price for me on the 28-ton. I like the 28-ton the best because it has a 2 second faster cycle time then the 35-ton, but still has the Command engine.
They let me start the two splitters up the 9.5 hp Kohler Command on the 35-ton sounded a LOT smoother and stronger of a engine. The 6.5 hp Kohler Courage on the 22-ton sounded OK, but was kind of rattly and just did not sound as healthy or smooth.
I decided on the way home. I want either the 28-ton pending the price they shoot me on Monday or the 35-ton, as I want one with the 9.5 hp Command, I just think it is a better engine overall.
When I was getting ready to leave the guy told me if I took the 35-ton home today he would knock $100 off the price, I said can you do any better then that, he said he would have to check with the store manger and he would not be back until Monday, he said his offer of $100 off would stand until Monday, and the manger may knock another $50 off of that or may not.
I only need a splitter for my own home use, about 6 cords a year. I want to buy ONE splitter that will last for years. Most of the firewood I bring home is in the 15-20 dia, and is Elm. Once and a while I get some 22-28 dia Elm, but only rarely. I know the 35-on would probably be overkill for my needs, but should last for years to come. I could probably get by with the 22-ton to tell you the truth, but I dont want to just get by. I want something that will spit anything I throw at it.
So my questions are.
Should I go with the 28-ton or the 35-ton? (price is not a real factor) They both have the Command series engine.
Is the extra 7-tons going to make a big difference? Keep in mind I have NEVER owned a splitter. Or will the 28-ton split whatever I throw at it?
Is the 2 second cycle time on the two really going to make that big of a difference in splitting time?
Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger?
They also had a 22-ton speeco there with the briggs on it, sale price of $960, but I really dont like the briggs. So I'm pretty set on the DHT line.
Thanks for your time, and let me know your thoughts. I dont want any regrets on a splitter.
One last thought, maybe if I have the 35-ton I will bring home bigger wood to split
Today I stopped at the local farm and ranch store for something else. They had the DHT 22-ton and the DHT 35-ton there. Nice looking splitters, first time I've seen them in person. The 22-ton is $999 and the 35-ton is $1699, that is $200 cheaper then anywhere online I have priced them at.
I asked the guy if they had the 28-ton also, he said not in stock, that they only had these two models, but he could make a call on Monday and see if they can get it and get a price for me on the 28-ton. I like the 28-ton the best because it has a 2 second faster cycle time then the 35-ton, but still has the Command engine.
They let me start the two splitters up the 9.5 hp Kohler Command on the 35-ton sounded a LOT smoother and stronger of a engine. The 6.5 hp Kohler Courage on the 22-ton sounded OK, but was kind of rattly and just did not sound as healthy or smooth.
I decided on the way home. I want either the 28-ton pending the price they shoot me on Monday or the 35-ton, as I want one with the 9.5 hp Command, I just think it is a better engine overall.
When I was getting ready to leave the guy told me if I took the 35-ton home today he would knock $100 off the price, I said can you do any better then that, he said he would have to check with the store manger and he would not be back until Monday, he said his offer of $100 off would stand until Monday, and the manger may knock another $50 off of that or may not.
I only need a splitter for my own home use, about 6 cords a year. I want to buy ONE splitter that will last for years. Most of the firewood I bring home is in the 15-20 dia, and is Elm. Once and a while I get some 22-28 dia Elm, but only rarely. I know the 35-on would probably be overkill for my needs, but should last for years to come. I could probably get by with the 22-ton to tell you the truth, but I dont want to just get by. I want something that will spit anything I throw at it.
So my questions are.
Should I go with the 28-ton or the 35-ton? (price is not a real factor) They both have the Command series engine.
Is the extra 7-tons going to make a big difference? Keep in mind I have NEVER owned a splitter. Or will the 28-ton split whatever I throw at it?
Is the 2 second cycle time on the two really going to make that big of a difference in splitting time?
Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger?
They also had a 22-ton speeco there with the briggs on it, sale price of $960, but I really dont like the briggs. So I'm pretty set on the DHT line.
Thanks for your time, and let me know your thoughts. I dont want any regrets on a splitter.
One last thought, maybe if I have the 35-ton I will bring home bigger wood to split