wanting a log splitter...take 100 (-:

[drmax]

Hate to bring this up, after so-o-o many people ask, but I'll try to category myself and usage of a log splitter, as to keep this quick to the chase.
I may burn 8-12 cord/yr in conjuntion with heat pump. I need to split when time permits so this is a yearly project for me, therefore renting is out of the question. I don't have many of my own trees to cut, but am often offered free wood, which can be up to 50" + around. A mixed batch of trees, if you will. (hard/soft...alot of beech and some iron wood)
I'm offered, I cut, split and remove.

What I prefer...a larger honda eng, vert/hor capabilities and readied with 4 way splitting.
Speed is a plus and it needs to be able to take 55 MPH when dragging down the highway.

I've looked at the TSC 28 ton and is 1549. seems a little high $$$$ for having a 5.2 HP honda.

Any thoughts on this? I would rather not be under powered in any fashion.
Where should I be?

 

[zr900]

I put a 6.5 on our homemade log splitter, and in the last 20+ years it has only failed to split 3 beech rounds.

We cut 10 to 20 cord a year of cherry, beech, oak, and dead elm.

 

[drmax]

I put a 6.5 on our homemade log splitter, and in the last 20+ years it has only failed to split 3 beech rounds.

We cut 10 to 20 cord a year of cherry, beech, oak, and dead elm.

Honda? 11gpm pump? just curious. thank you

 

[triptester]

Vertical splitters don't work well with a 4-way.

50" rounds call for a 5" bore cylinder.

To tow a splitter safely at 55 mph suspension is needed. Most splitters are top heavy and hard to see behind the tow vehicle.

A 6.5 hp. engine will run a 11 or 13 gpm pump at most. This will provide slow to average cycle times with a 4" bore cylinder, very slow times with larger bore cylinders.

The TSC 28 ton model has a 4.5" bore cylinder ( max. true tonnage 23.8 ),11 gpm pump, and Honda GC engine 5.2 hp rated .

 

[drmax]

what I'm down to so far...

I had changed the eng size in my original post, for I wrote it wrong.
The huskee is 5.2 HP
I spoke to a local guy who owns an iron/oak 22 ton with a briggs. He says he's splitting 4' diam. elm with his, no problem. Thats over $2200.
Just reading, the husky appears to be apples to apples, compared to iron oak
at 1449 at TSC. (giving me a $100 off coupon and is new) hmmm.
I'm forgetting the 4 way splitting, not necessary.
So I'm down to this.....
TSC $1449
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_130692_______14455|14461|130692?listingPage=true&Special=false

Looks as though to get more HP would have to look at a swisher model from rural king.
28 ton 10.5 hp brigs IC eng $1449 ... 34 ton 11.5 hp brigs $1559

 

[zr900]

Mine is a 6.5 brigs. As for the pump, I don't know my Grandpa made the splitter, and was a welding/hydraulics genius. When he built the splitter it had a 5 horse brigs, and when the carb took a sh1t I bought a 6.5 because it was only $225, and the new carb for the 5 horse was over a $100.

 

[gink595]

Your not wanting much are ya:greenchainsaw: I think you'll be spending some money if you want 4-way, fast cycle times and high capacity pump/motor. Start looking at the Timber Wolf's they seem to have a really nice setup, and a lot of the features your wanting but if you think the TSC splitter were expensive grab a beer first before you look at TW

 

[triptester]

Beware horsepower does not make a splitter more powerful. It only allows the use of a larger pump. The largest pump you will find on a consumer grade splitter will be 2-stage 16 gpm which only requires an 8 hp. engine, 11 gpm pump only requires an 5.5 hp. engine. Some manufacturers put larger engines than needed to meet the pumps max. performance. Exceeding the pumps hp. needs adds neither speed or tonnage.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Vertical splitters don't work well with a 4-way.

50" rounds call for a 5" bore cylinder.

I have to agree on that. I've got the Huskee 35 ton, and I would not want anything smaller. My stuff is mostly oak, mostly big. Vertical is the only way to go for me.

I don't think you can beat the Speeco/Huskee 35 ton value for the money. Yes, Iron & Oak is very nice, but I don't think it's THAT much nicer for the money. Other than the Honda engine, perhaps.

To tow a splitter safely at 55 mph suspension is needed. Most splitters are top heavy and hard to see behind the tow vehicle.

And how often do you REALLY need to tow it, and how far? I do tow mine occasionally, and I just make do with slower speeds and lesser traveled roads. I wouldn't take it on the Interstate, of course.

I don't know of a splitter in that price range that has full suspension. Anybody?


Anyway, once you've got it, get one of these:

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=71995

 

[triptester]

In "drmax" original post he said he needed to be able to tow the splitter at 55 mph. With manufacturer's claims that they put hyway tires on their splitters people get the misconception that they can safely tow on the hyway.

 

[drmax]

me thinx...

the stuff i'd get hold of would be "max" 50", and this would not be continuous.
i think the 28 ton would be fine. I'd like to put the tsc husky and the swisher made side by side and compare.
Anyone know of the swisher made unit? Is the briggs they put on it a cheapy?
Without a doubt, if the honda would outlast the briggs, I'd put this to rest and get the husky, otherwise considering either one of these....

https://www.ruralking.com/Store/detail.aspx?ID=5741
https://www.ruralking.com/Store/detail.aspx?ID=5743

(on the larger, the beam swivels and looks like it puts the fallings directly over the tire. sure the fender would have to go, but not sure if this would be handy or not)
let me know what ya's thinks and I do appreciate the input.

 

[triptester]

I have not seen the exact models listed I can only comment on what can be seen in the pics and specs.
The combination of 4.5" bore with 16 gpm pump is a good compromise for both speed and tonnage.
The Honda GX series horizontal engines are considered commercial grade.
Those that own Swisher splitters , on this and other sites, say that being able to disengage the pump for cold weather starting helps a great deal. The down side is the Barnes pumps they use are spec. pumps designed for side loading, replacements are special order.
On the Swisher splitters the engine and pump appear to be much better protected when towing off road.
The Swisher model that swivels puts most of the weight on one side when towing which may affect towing speeds.

Each has it's good and bad points.

In the end decide what fits you best.

 

[shamusturbo]

Solution: Northern Tool 37 Ton Horz/Vert 4 Way splitter with a 9 hp GX Honda and 16 gpm Barnes. I bought this machine a year ago for my firewood business and have had no major problems! Its $1800 plus $80 for 4- way wings and a little under $200 for shipping for a grand Total of $2080. It has a 5'' bore and is amazing!!!! You wont regret it. I have used the swisher model and the tsc model and this is twice the splitter. It can split green twished red oak crotches no problem....if it cant split it, it cuts right through no questions asked. Nothing has stopped it! My bother and I sell 175-200 full cords a year and this machine is awesome!!!