Log splitters

rockcity

everyday is a chance to get better
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Location
Greenville, NC
Ok. Time to source a decent log splitter.

HF only has 20ton at $1000
Agri Supply, Northern, and Tractor Supply all have some from 20 ton up to about 40 ton.

I don’t need one that rotates vertical as I have a tractor to load but is a nice option but not necessary.

I don’t have huge logs to split but sure would be nice to have decent power to reduce cycle time and not overload the hydraulics.

Not looking for a 3pt splitter.


Anyone have any experience with any and are happy or unhappy with the performance? I’d love a commercial unit but I don’t think I’d use it enough to justify the cost. So a simple oversized homeowner one should be fine. :)


For reference, my top choice is the Full Boar 38 ton unit from Tractor Supply for $1700. Pretty good $ for the tonnage as compared to all the others out there.
 
I've been on the hunt for one for a while. Seem like they are all about the same. Used ones seem to be almost new prices. Probably all made in the same location now days. Interested in what people say here. I'm probably going with a 20 ton from Lowe's and Tractor Supply. My local choices.
 
I was looking at the 20 ton splitters but they are only rated for a 16” log. That will probably be ok for 75% of the time but figured not much more $ and I get bigger
 
Ever get near Morganton or Martinsville?

I have the older version of this, and it has split anything I've ever laid in front of it. Also, I personally prefer the vertical arrangement because you can just spin and roll stuff around without having to fight gravity. If you split a 2ft round, you just kinda rotate half to the side, work through the other half, then rotate it back over. No picking anything up twice.
 
Ever get near Morganton or Martinsville?

I have the older version of this, and it has split anything I've ever laid in front of it. Also, I personally prefer the vertical arrangement because you can just spin and roll stuff around without having to fight gravity. If you split a 2ft round, you just kinda rotate half to the side, work through the other half, then rotate it back over. No picking anything up twice.

Ah nice. I do like their pricing too. Guess I’ll have to wait until thanksgiving to pick up when I’m in HKY
 
Ever get near Morganton or Martinsville?

I have the older version of this, and it has split anything I've ever laid in front of it. Also, I personally prefer the vertical arrangement because you can just spin and roll stuff around without having to fight gravity. If you split a 2ft round, you just kinda rotate half to the side, work through the other half, then rotate it back over. No picking anything up twice.


I’ve got my eye on the 32 ton but want the Koehler engine but it’s out of stock. 🙄

Guess the 37 ton is available and still cheaper than the 38 ton Full Boar one I was looking at.
 
FWIW growing up doing this on a home made one. Power is everything. Buy the biggest one you can afford. Once you run it enough you’ll understand why. Nothing like a good burl (that will burn forever) but you can’t split it out to fit the stove so it goes to waist. (Or would get tossed to us kids to beat on it with the maul).
 
FWIW growing up doing this on a home made one. Power is everything. Buy the biggest one you can afford. Once you run it enough you’ll understand why. Nothing like a good burl (that will burn forever) but you can’t split it out to fit the stove so it goes to waist. (Or would get tossed to us kids to beat on it with the maul).

This is why I was hoping to get a bigger one than a 20 ton or so.
 
I would also look at pump flow rates and pressure. A higher flow pump will help recovery time between splits . I'm sure they'll all be two stage pumps. Also check the math on the tonnage. If you do the math the don't usually add up. I assume they are calculating the surface of the tip of the wedge in there some how.

If you have time build one with a 9-13hp and appropriate sized pump and split sweet gum all day long.
 
I would also look at pump flow rates and pressure. A higher flow pump will help recovery time between splits . I'm sure they'll all be two stage pumps. Also check the math on the tonnage. If you do the math the don't usually add up. I assume they are calculating the surface of the tip of the wedge in there some how.

If you have time build one with a 9-13hp and appropriate sized pump and split sweet gum all day long.

My guess is they use pump pressure and cylinder diameter. Maybe the wedge gets calculated in there somewhere.

I do have a Koehler 10hp engine and a spare self Monarch Hi-LO Jeep hydraulic pump laying around. But, time is not what I have an abundance of; I already have to mill 3,000 boards by Feb to build my house.
 
My guess is they use pump pressure and cylinder diameter. Maybe the wedge gets calculated in there somewhere.

I do have a Koehler 10hp engine and a spare self Monarch Hi-LO Jeep hydraulic pump laying around. But, time is not what I have an abundance of; I already have to mill 3,000 boards by Feb to build my house.
You crazy bro. Garris Evans sells dry wood just for building houses
 
You crazy bro. Garris Evans sells dry wood just for building houses

I know. They are expensive and I have a sawmill and a bunch of tall straight lines that need to be used for something.

I’m buying the structural lumber from them (load bearing walls, floor joists, etc). But I’ll mill all the interior wall 2x4 and 2x6 lumber. Should save me quite a bit of $. I’m also going to mill the headers for interior walls to be oversized and out of white oak beams and also use them as an architectural detail above the door openings. :D

Kind of like this but real, not faux. And colors that are more in style today.
83D9CB3F-9717-4CAF-BD08-B878012B213F.jpeg
 
I’ve got my eye on the 32 ton but want the Koehler engine but it’s out of stock. 🙄

Guess the 37 ton is available and still cheaper than the 38 ton Full Boar one I was looking at.
Mine has a Briggs and it cranks and runs better than any other small engine I’ve ever owned. @YJJPWrangler borrowed it a few weeks ago and he may have an unbiased opinion of it. (Talk all the crap you want, I ain’t got no feelings about it)
 
I know. They are expensive and I have a sawmill and a bunch of tall straight lines that need to be used for something.

I’m buying the structural lumber from them (load bearing walls, floor joists, etc). But I’ll mill all the interior wall 2x4 and 2x6 lumber. Should save me quite a bit of $. I’m also going to mill the headers for interior walls to be oversized and out of white oak beams and also use them as an architectural detail above the door openings. :D

Kind of like this but real, not faux. And colors that are more in style today.
View attachment 406070
I feel ya. I can't imagine what a framing package is these days. Mine was like $30k in 2019.
 
I’d buy it tonight if they had them in stock…🙄
Mine is in stock. Proven machine too, not a potential lemon. Make me a strong offer! :laughing:
 
Sight unseen, $500. :D


I’d really like the 32 or better yet, the 37 ton unit for just a few $ more.
Do they have larger cylinders that affect the cycle time? I already wish my 27 ton was faster. It only slows down on the largest, knottiest stuff, and still goes right through it. I’m pretty sure 54,000lbs behind a steel blade would shear through a 6x6, so I’m not sure what the need for 75k pounds would be if it’s just slower.
 
Do they have larger cylinders that affect the cycle time? I already wish my 27 ton was faster. It only slows down on the largest, knottiest stuff, and still goes right through it. I’m pretty sure 54,000lbs behind a steel blade would shear through a 6x6, so I’m not sure what the need for 75k pounds would be if it’s just slower.

Looks like the cylinder is larger and maybe a larger engine by a few CCs as well as GPM on the pump. Cycle time is about 13 seconds on the larger units.
 
Mine has a Briggs and it cranks and runs better than any other small engine I’ve ever owned. @YJJPWrangler borrowed it a few weeks ago and he may have an unbiased opinion of it. (Talk all the crap you want, I ain’t got no feelings about it)

Ran 4 oak trees through it. It only slowed down a bit on the biggest/knottiest rounds(24" across). I mostly ran it on the horizontal setting but a few of the biggest pieces I ran it vertical.

My only complaint with it was the cycle time and the lever wouldn't stay locked in the return position. But I ran it every night for a week and had no major issues with it.

I do have a motor, ram, pump, controls(from a Northern unit) and an I-beam setup for log splitting. All it needs is a frame and some wheels. Probably start building it over the winter but I could be persuaded to part with it if you want another project :D
 
Ran 4 oak trees through it. It only slowed down a bit on the biggest/knottiest rounds(24" across). I mostly ran it on the horizontal setting but a few of the biggest pieces I ran it vertical.

My only complaint with it was the cycle time and the lever wouldn't stay locked in the return position. But I ran it every night for a week and had no major issues with it.

I do have a motor, ram, pump, controls(from a Northern unit) and an I-beam setup for log splitting. All it needs is a frame and some wheels. Probably start building it over the winter but I could be persuaded to part with it if you want another project :D

I’m in no need for another project right now. :lol:
 
Ran 4 oak trees through it. It only slowed down a bit on the biggest/knottiest rounds(24" across). I mostly ran it on the horizontal setting but a few of the biggest pieces I ran it vertical.

My only complaint with it was the cycle time and the lever wouldn't stay locked in the return position. But I ran it every night for a week and had no major issues with it.

I do have a motor, ram, pump, controls(from a Northern unit) and an I-beam setup for log splitting. All it needs is a frame and some wheels. Probably start building it over the winter but I could be persuaded to part with it if you want another project :D

What was the cycle time? The link Matt posted to the newer version says 11 second cycle time. I’m sure it’s longer when it’s loaded down with larger logs
 
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