I have a SuperSplit HD, which is the middle one of the three offered by SS.
How do I like it? Likes/Dislikes.
Likes:
6 hp Subaru sips gas.
Love the beam/table height, and that it has the optional table for re-splitting.
Very rhythmic to use, enjoyable to use. Standing up, straight back.
NOTE: The SS is engaged with one hand on the operating lever. No two hand safety operation like some kinetics have.
Knife like wedge does well in most wood. Cuts small to medium size knots well. Some pieces a hydraulic might tear up and mangle, the SS cuts into usable, stackable firewood.
Dislikes:
The push plate is small, so no double stacking. (no need really, just saying)
It does require more daily maintenance than a hydraulic. (cleaning, grease rack every few hours, and flywheel zerks weekly, oiling bearings daily on return carriage)
I keep mine inside at night, so the need to move it daily. I do not know how well it would do outside under a tarp at night. I did that for three weeks, and needed to change out the top carriage return bearing with a freshly oiled one when it was humid or rained. Ten minutes or so. Wedge the spring steel carrier, pull one small bolt that goes thru the bearing. Change bearing, and put froze up one in oil over night. They have unsealed needle bearings, and technically are called a cam follower.
I found the splitter awkward to move by hand, as there is no hitch on mine. With the optional factory hitch on the wedge/beam end I could not get the splitter up to the conveyor.
The SS brand splitter can not be towed on a road, and must be trailered.
I have modified mine to move it more easily at the wood lot.
When did you buy it?
I first heard of them on this site, and read about them here for two years before ordering one, having never seen or used one. I think I have used mine three years. This is the forth year. I have done about 50-60 full cord per year (128 cu. ft. stacked). This year I have done 26 cord to date using it. The hydraulic splitter, with four-way and log lift, sits unused unless there is some big stuff I can't lift onto the SS.
Why you should I buy one/which brand?
Only you can evaluate the type of wood, conditions you have, and how you work, to assess if it is a good fit.
They are affordable here. With shipping it was about $3,300. at the time. (shipping, and optional table, which is necessary for production) I have heard the then standard Subaru is no longer available, and the then optional Honda is now standard.
As for brand, I love the SS. I do have extra bearings for the return carriage. I have soak them in oil and swap them out when the ones in use get moisture in them (winter use). I have replaced the double drive belts, although it probably did not need them. I ran it with a loose belt adjustment at first. If the ram stalled on a block of wood (not the engine) the belts would slip. I thought this was good but it wasn't, it was just hard on the belts. With the proper tension it works great. There is also a centrifugal clutch on the engine shaft for startup and stall protection.
It is a different kind/type of splitter, and there is a learning curve.
At some point the rack/push plate return, which is spring return, may frustrate you. Clean, lubricate, and most importantly, align the top bearing. If you get a piece that puts lots of side pressure on the carriage, then ever so lightly tap the top bearing holder to realign it, to track straight down the beam. Problem solved.
Read the manual for splitting difficult pieces. Crotches. Split 1/2 of one side of the crotch. Then one half of the other side, before splitting between the two limbs.
ALSO NOTE: It is a one man machine, to load and split. I truly believe two people, or kids, on this splitter will lead to lost fingers or worse.
Modifications I did to make it easier to move on the wood lot. I added forklift tubes under the beam, bolted to the two legs, so I could move it with the lift. There is a stop bolt through the tube so I can not hit the engine. Last winter I moved the fixed axle to the wedge end, and added a steer axle and trailer tongue to engine end. The tongue unpins so it is not a trip hazard when working. I can now easily move it for nightly storage, and push it up to the conveyor for use. Both modifications bolt on and can be removed.
Kevinlar, long winded, but hope this helps some. The SS is a splitting machine.
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