Getting ready to buy a logsplitter and need advice....

[vando]

I have been looking for a logsplitter for about 6 months and have narrowed it down to one or two.
With that said I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the quality or reliability of the two I have been looking at?
They are the Swisher 28 Ton Unit and the Swisher 34 Ton Unit.
They are both made in USA in Missouri and seem to have a great sized engine and the cycle times are fairly fast.
Any suggestions?
My price range is 1299-1499. I can get 7% off the price of either unit at any local Rural King in Illinois ( which is where I live). Thanks Vando

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Get the biggest one you can afford. Nothing more frustrating than a splitter that cant split the tough, knotty logs

 

[vando]

That's what I was thinkg too!

The biggest one Has a 5 Inch cylinder and a 12 hp Briggs engine.( I like Honda better but didn't find many out there)
The cycle times pretty fast.
I missed the 20% off sale they have one time a year about three weeks ago!
Dumb but I just didn't read the flyer until the day it ended! Thanks Vando

 

[wireedm]

Go with the Northern Tool 22 or 27 ton model. Trust me. They are VERY well built and HEAVY. My lawn 22 J.D. Lawn tractor can't pull it up a hill 'cause it just spins.

Their 22 ton model has a 13 second cycle time and will cut 8" diameters in half sideways. There has been NOTHING that mine hasn't been able to split, and I'm one of those "hmmmm, wonder if it can split this" type of people to try to give it a challenge.

Also, on the 22 ton model, that "little" 5hp HONDA engine has almost 8 ft/lbs of torque.

 

[vando]

I have looked at the Northern Tool splitters.....

The problem with them is shipping costs way too much. 264.00 is the least I can get the cheapest one for.
The engine on theone I have looked at buying is a 10 1/2 hp briggs. I think that it's got way more go than the 5 hp honda. I like honda too. I have one on my Sears Tiller and it's nice.
I missed out on a Troy Built 34 ton for 999.99 and 100.00 shipping last February but They cancelled my order as they were out of stock at Amazon.com....
Thanks for the imput. Vando

 

[Chuck Diesel]

I you are running a 12 hp. You could upgrade the pump, to increase your cycle times. If your cyclinder size is 5x24 w/2"rod with a 22 gmp. Your cycle time is 10 sec. And a 4x24 w/ 2" rod would be 6 sec. Just an idea.

 

[vando]

That's a good idea.....

I think it comes with a 16 gpm pump and the cylinder is 5" X 24". I am not sure about the rod but it looked atleast 2" to me. The cylcle times are not as important to me as is the fact that I won't have to split the wood with a splitting maul anymore!!
I'm 55 and it's not near as much "FUN" as it used to be. Thanks for the idea

 

[triptester]

With the Swisher 28 ton model you get a 4.5" cylinder with 16 gpm pump which will have a 3 second faster cycle time than the 34 ton model , but about 5 tons less force, which most of the time probably will not be missed.

 

[vando]

Thanks!!

This may have just helped me decide to buy the 28 ton version, Thanks Triptester.... Vando

 

[johnha]

I have a Swisher lawn vac attachment for my garden tractor. The overall quality is better than I could find elsewhere. Price was actually a bit less than the flimsier units.

When I put it together there was a very small defect on the fabric cover where it attached to a velcro strap that holds it to the frame. I contacted Swisher and had a new cover in my hand it 2 days.

I would not hesitate to purchase a Swisher product.