DR Rapid Fire Rack & Pinion

[STLfirewood]

I have a DR power wagon. I bought it for $250 it needed carb work. It is a great machine. Dad has a DR walk behind brush mower. It has cut a ton and been through the ringer. He has actually cut 12 acre fields with it. They are great when it comes to parts and tech service. Can't say anything about the splitter I have never used one. I have had such good luck with my SS That I would spend a couple hundred more to stay with a SS then to try something new.

Scott

 

[Circle B MN]

The one thing that caught my eye onthe DR are the "guides" welded to the table on each side of the beam. The SS does not have these andthe table is near flush to the beam allowing you to quickly slide the round back onto the beam. Once you develop a rythem it goes rather quickly. I think the guides would prevent this. You would thnk as well that DR would have put a little effort into working on the one big downfall of the SS....mobility. Put a third wheel under the front with a quick-tach handle or something. I found that a trailer jack bolted to the leg makes it easier to move.

 

[mesupra]

The rack & pinion seems like the way to go for speed, has anybody checked out the WoodWolf made in New Hampshire? Seems like a well built machine. Using a chongda style engine the price seems reasonable at just under 2gs.

 

[sunfish]

The rack & pinion seems like the way to go for speed, has anybody checked out the WoodWolf made in New Hampshire? Seems like a well built machine. Using a chongda style engine the price seems reasonable at just under 2gs.

I tried to order a WoodWolf last summer, but the guy wouldn't call me back. Found out he was way behind on orders (something like 70 machines) and no parts in stock. Talked to one guy that had been waiting over a year and still had no idea when he'd get one. The Wolf is also half the weight of the Super Split and uses a lot of cheaper parts.

I order a Super Split shortly after and got it in two weeks. Love it!

 

[DR POWER]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in - I'm Michael, the Product Manager for the new Rapid Splitter product line from DR.

Thought I could answer a couple of the questions raised. First thing I'd like to point out is that we actually manufacture most every product we sell under the DR brand right here in our factory in Vermont. The final assembly line for the new Rapid-Fire is actually being tuned up right now, and with a few exceptions most of the components are US made (one notable exception is the superb Subaru engines)

While the product was definitely inspired by the amazing Super-Split, we've made many refinements, including a set of transport handles to make the unit easier to move around. It was not finished before the videos were shot, but will be on all production models. Some of the other changes you've noticed are driven by safety and performance considerations, such as the engagement handle activated in the direction of the splitting action rather than an up/down motion. We've also added a few patent pending features TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE that I can't yet share.

As for the price and quality of DR products I'd like to think our reputation speaks for itself. Over 25 years we've serviced almost 1 million customers, and our owner satisfaction surveys report that on average 95% of customers tell us they would recommend their DR to a family member or friend (and they do!), which we think is the ultimate test. Do they cost more than the average box store product? You bet. But it's not because of our advertising -- we actually spend less on advertising than the discount we need to give to retailers when we sell our products to them wholesale. The reason (FOR THE HIGHER PRICE) is because we build them to last, and because we'll stand behind them to the end. We have DR Trimmer Mower customers like zogger who have machines from 20+ years ago that can still call us toll free to order spare parts or receive knowledgeable tech support. We know not everyone BUYS EQUIPMENT TO LAST A LIFETIME BUT WE SLEEP BETTER KNOWING THAT OUR EQUIPMENT STAYS OUT IN THE FIELD AND NOT IN THE REPAIR SHOP.

Thanks for letting me jump in. I'll keep an eye on the forum for any further questions, but you can feel free to contact me directly. Thanks, Michael.

 

[avalancher]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in - I'm Michael, the Product Manager for the new Rapid Splitter product line from DR.

Thought I could answer a couple of the questions raised. First thing I'd like to point out is that we actually manufacture most every product we sell under the DR brand right here in our factory in Vermont. The final assembly line for the new Rapid-Fire is actually being tuned up right now, and with a few exceptions most of the components are US made (one notable exception is the superb Subaru engines)

While the product was definitely inspired by the amazing Super-Split, we've made many refinements, including a set of transport handles to make the unit easier to move around. It was not finished before the videos were shot, but will be on all production models. Some of the other changes you've noticed are driven by safety and performance considerations, such as the engagement handle activated in the direction of the splitting action rather than an up/down motion. # We've also added a few patent pending features TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE that I can't yet share.
#
As for the price and quality of DR products I'd like to think our reputation speaks for itself. #Over 25 years we've serviced almost 1 million customers, and our owner satisfaction surveys report that on average 95% of customers tell us they would recommend their DR to a family member or friend (and they do!), which we think is the ultimate test. #Do they cost more than the average box store product? #You bet. #But it's not because of our advertising -- we actually spend less on advertising than the discount we need to give to retailers when we sell our products to them wholesale. #The reason (FOR THE HIGHER PRICE) is because we build them to last, and because we'll stand behind them to the end. #We have DR Trimmer Mower customers like zogger who have machines from 20+ years ago that can still call us toll free to order spare parts or receive knowledgeable tech support. #We know not everyone BUYS EQUIPMENT TO LAST A LIFETIME BUT WE SLEEP BETTER KNOWING THAT OUR EQUIPMENT STAYS OUT IN THE FIELD AND NOT IN THE REPAIR SHOP.
#
Thanks for letting me jump in. #I'll keep an eye on the forum for any further questions, but you can feel free to contact me directly. #Thanks, Michael.

Thanks for all the info Michael, but get that keyboard fixed. The # key on your board must be stuck or something?LOL

 

[DR POWER]

Cleaned that up -- thanks avalancher for the feedback.

 

[avalancher]

Cleaned that up -- thanks avalancher for the feedback.

Just teasing the new guy! Welcome to Arboristsite, we all appreciate reps from manufacturers chiming in and addressing questions. Here, you will find one of the greatest bunch of guys from all walks of life, and I personally will be watching this thread with some interest. While I just purchased a new splitter myself, I have given some thought to a SS type of splitter in addition to my hydraulic splitter to speed up the process. Sell anywhere between 60-90 cords a year, not a big operation. What is the warranty period for your new machine if its used in a commercial application?

 

[beerman6]

Cleaned that up -- thanks avalancher for the feedback.

Is there a weight limit on this thing?

I have some red oak logs that measure 23" long by 26" across.On our shipping scale they weighed in at 476lbs.

Can I toss one of these up there?

 

[dave_dj1]

I can't say anything good or bad about the DR splitter but 30 years ago a buddy of mine had a SS and I used it on every kind of knotty twisted stuff you could imagine and never had any problems with it. I have seen a fair amount of DR equipment (my FIL has some) and I will say it is very well built.

 

[Circle B MN]

So out of curiosity DR, please tell me/us, even if the patent is up, why would you make such a blatent exact copy of somebody else's work..? Why not use the mechanics, and put forth a little effort more than orange paint..? Carry handle, and soon to be released upgrades aside, it still looks exactly like another mans work.

 

[mesupra]

MNGuns,

I think everybody who has had experience with the SS could better answer that question.

 

[Cmccul8146]

So out of curiosity DR, please tell me/us, even if the patent is up, why would you make such a blatent exact copy of somebody else's work..? Why not use the mechanics, and put forth a little effort more than orange paint..? Carry handle, and soon to be released upgrades aside, it still looks exactly like another mans work.

MNGuns, if you think about it, no matter who makes one of these flywheel splitters, there is very little that can be changed & maintain speed & functionality. You still need a motor, clutch, belts, flywheels, rack & pinion, beam, wedge, return springs , a means to attach the ram to the beam, and a cam to engage gears. I haven't done any searches to confirm it, but I was told the flywheel splitter was originally invented in the very early 1900's. The Woodwolf & Gripo are even more exact copies of the SS than the DR. Unless Paul has redesigned his cam mechanism since 2007 when I first saw him at a demo , DR did redesign that. I do agree that the SS is the best splitter of this type on the market, but whoever clones one is going to be very similar to a SS if it's going to split any wood. Whatever color you paint it, the mechanics are still going to be quite similar.

 

[Circle B MN]

MNGuns, if you think about it, no matter who makes one of these flywheel splitters, there is very little that can be changed & maintain speed & functionality. You still need a motor, clutch, belts, flywheels, rack & pinion, beam, wedge, return springs , a means to attach the ram to the beam, and a cam to engage gears. I haven't done any searches to confirm it, but I was told the flywheel splitter was originally invented in the very early 1900's. The Woodwolf & Gripo are even more exact copies of the SS than the DR. Unless Paul has redesigned his cam mechanism since 2007 when I first saw him at a demo , DR did redesign that. I do agree that the SS is the best splitter of this type on the market, but whoever clones one is going to be very similar to a SS if it's going to split any wood. Whatever color you paint it, the mechanics are still going to be quite similar.

I agree that the mechanics of the machine are hard get away from, but can you honestly tell me, that the DR is not an orange SS with a new sticker..? There are improvements that could be made to the ergonomics of the machine, and the way it attaches to the running gear, etc. that would have given the DR a different look all together and not appear as just another clone.

While the patent for the automobile did expired long ago, we're not all riding around in different colored Model T's.....


<img src="http://www.greenvalleycompressor.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/Honda5.jpg"><br>
<img src="http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00ivptwSNKrGzB/Honda-Copy-Gasoline-Engine.jpg">

 

[sunfish]

I'm with ya MNGuns.

Looks like one could unbolt the table of the Dr and bolt it on the SS. Just one example...

 

[Circle B MN]

I also noticed in the video that the operator appears to have to hold the handle down to activate the ram. Is there no auto cycle on this machine...? The SS takes just a quick flip and you can grab another round while it does it's thing.

 

[Iron Mike]

Is there a weight limit on this thing?

I have some red oak logs that measure 23" long by 26" across.On our shipping scale they weighed in at 476lbs.

Can I toss one of these up there?

Well, ..they are your nuts, mistreat em however you want.

 

[Cmccul8146]

I also noticed in the video that the operator appears to have to hold the handle down to activate the ram. Is there no auto cycle on this machine...? The SS takes just a quick flip and you can grab another round while it does it's thing.

MNGuns & Sunfish, I agree with both of you that there are a lot of similarities between the SS and the DR. Look at this video & you'll see some of the differences, and yes, it does have the autocycle. You can see that in this 'under the hood' video.

Under the Hood - DR RapidFire Log Splitters - YouTube

And I agree with the poster who commented on the " log guides" on the table. While they will keep a round from rolling, I think they will be a PITA after the 1st split is made. Regardless of who assembles them, or anything else for that matter, purchased partes are contracted out to the lowest bidder who can supply parts in a timely manner. That may also explain some of the similariteis, such as the Subaru motor, simple table design ,etc. No matter the reason for the similarities, I believe that both are very well built machines, but the SS is still my pick as the best.

 

[DR POWER]

Dr commercial warranty

Thanks for welcoming me!

This is a commercial machine and we're offering a full 2 year warranty. We also have our 1 year "Hands On Trial" -- buy a Rapid Fire and if it doesn't meet all of your expectations than We'll take it back for a full refund (less return shipping).

 

[DR POWER]

Sunfish,
You're right the DR is pretty darn close in design to the SS (we've made some improvements including more HP and others already discussed) -- but we took the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach. Paul, and his father before him, build an awesome machine and it's design has proven extremely durable. Why change that?

What we've set out to do is make these machines more broadly available, at a reasonable Price and backed-up by exceptional customer service.