motoguy
ArboristSite Member
I figured I'd stick this in this active thread, vs starting a new one. However, this thread is one of the threads that helped me arrive at my decision. >
I just want to make sure that some of my details might night sway the decision...
---------------------------------------
I'm looking for a bit of help choosing a wood splitter. According to Daryl, our Kuuma Vapor Fire 100 will be finished by the end of the month, and we'll be installing it in the downstairs area of our home. We are planning to be primarily wood heat for decades to come.
I am unfamiliar with the types of wood in our area...I'm located near the Lake of the Ozarks, in central MO. Oak, Hickory, Elm, etc would be my suspects. I've got a couple of trees down now that are approaching 36" rounds, so I want to plan on a machine that will split those. I don't plan on cutting stuff that I can't get down with my Stihl 028, w/ 18" bar (might put a 20" on it). However, that doesn't limit me much in my area. I do not yet know our needs, but I'll speculate it'll be 4-8 cord/year to heat our 4k square foot, walkout-basement home.
I've been reading for a while. I've looked at the kinetics (SuperSplit, RapidFire, RapidSplit, etc) as well as hydro units (Timberwolf, and the various box-store brands such as DHT, Troy Bilt, Ariens, etc). I don't think I want a kenetic, as 1) this is for residential use, so slower split time is fine 2) I likely couldn't make use of such a split time, 3) my young kids will likely be helping, and I view the slower hydro cycle time as safer, and 4) I'd be concerned about getting a piece of size/density that the kinetic can't split. I also have some longevity concerns with all but the SuperSplit, and it's out of my price range.
So, I'm looking at Hydro. The Timberwolf looks great..except for the price. I know, "if you're buying long-term, buy once, cry once". Still...I just can't justify the need for "Cadillac" of splitters, when an Impala will get the same thing accomplished, with much less expense.
I think I'm looking at box-store splitters (or that price range). I've come across good feedback about the DHT 28T and 35T units. I know the 35T has a slightly lower cycle time (and I understand the 28T is fast for it's niche), but I'd rather know I can split everything. I think I'd cuss myself if I stalled out the 28T, but likely won't cuss myself at the slightly slower 35T. As of this moment, the 35T DHT for $1799 is my current top pick.
I'm coming here to see if anyone has a strong reason why I SHOULDN'T go with that unit, or suggestions on why a different unit would be a better choice. It doesn't seem the DHT is of significantly higher quality than any other Chinese/box store unit, but their customer service appears to be top notch. That has swayed me towards DHT.
Suggestions, input, or advice (aside from "spend $5k on a splitter)?
I just want to make sure that some of my details might night sway the decision...---------------------------------------
I'm looking for a bit of help choosing a wood splitter. According to Daryl, our Kuuma Vapor Fire 100 will be finished by the end of the month, and we'll be installing it in the downstairs area of our home. We are planning to be primarily wood heat for decades to come.
I am unfamiliar with the types of wood in our area...I'm located near the Lake of the Ozarks, in central MO. Oak, Hickory, Elm, etc would be my suspects. I've got a couple of trees down now that are approaching 36" rounds, so I want to plan on a machine that will split those. I don't plan on cutting stuff that I can't get down with my Stihl 028, w/ 18" bar (might put a 20" on it). However, that doesn't limit me much in my area. I do not yet know our needs, but I'll speculate it'll be 4-8 cord/year to heat our 4k square foot, walkout-basement home.
I've been reading for a while. I've looked at the kinetics (SuperSplit, RapidFire, RapidSplit, etc) as well as hydro units (Timberwolf, and the various box-store brands such as DHT, Troy Bilt, Ariens, etc). I don't think I want a kenetic, as 1) this is for residential use, so slower split time is fine 2) I likely couldn't make use of such a split time, 3) my young kids will likely be helping, and I view the slower hydro cycle time as safer, and 4) I'd be concerned about getting a piece of size/density that the kinetic can't split. I also have some longevity concerns with all but the SuperSplit, and it's out of my price range.
So, I'm looking at Hydro. The Timberwolf looks great..except for the price. I know, "if you're buying long-term, buy once, cry once". Still...I just can't justify the need for "Cadillac" of splitters, when an Impala will get the same thing accomplished, with much less expense.
I think I'm looking at box-store splitters (or that price range). I've come across good feedback about the DHT 28T and 35T units. I know the 35T has a slightly lower cycle time (and I understand the 28T is fast for it's niche), but I'd rather know I can split everything. I think I'd cuss myself if I stalled out the 28T, but likely won't cuss myself at the slightly slower 35T. As of this moment, the 35T DHT for $1799 is my current top pick.
I'm coming here to see if anyone has a strong reason why I SHOULDN'T go with that unit, or suggestions on why a different unit would be a better choice. It doesn't seem the DHT is of significantly higher quality than any other Chinese/box store unit, but their customer service appears to be top notch. That has swayed me towards DHT.
Suggestions, input, or advice (aside from "spend $5k on a splitter)?
