It's toward the end of our "wood selling" season, so the guy at the Rent All store was ready to sell a splitter. It had been rented out for 21 days and I got it for 1/2 of what a new one would have cost me. We now have 3 families to cut wood for, so we felt that a splitter would be nice.
I'm ready to start getting my wood out for next Winter. I hauled it over to the Cabin this afternoon and cut some blocks off of a downed Red Oak. I just had to try it out. It's a 27 ton Troy Bilt unit with a 6.5 Honda engine.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0622.JPG)
It followed me home
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0623.JPG)
My first stick to split
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0624.JPG)
I had fun
Good price!
I've split by hand for 20 plus years but finally this last couple of years had the neighbor come up with his splitter to help me split. What a difference! I'm getting old enough that it isn't just my back but also my hands and legs the following morning.
Always had good luck with Troy Built.
If you get caught up I've got a couple of cords of rounds on the ground right now. ;D
That's a good catch! With only 21 days use, it's only just now getting broken in.
If you wouldn't mind taking another picture, I would be interested in seeing how they attached the cylinder to the I-beam. On my splitter, also a Troy-Bilt, the beam runs the whole length of the splitter, including the length of the cylinder, so the cylinder attaches to the I-beam at the very end. Your splitter's design saves a lot of weight and also the cost of several feet of I-beam.
Also, is it just me, or is the cylinder not parallel with the beam?
Tim
Sweet! Wish I could ever find deals like that...........
Yes troy bilt is a good name, but it's not now what you think. It is a marketing arm of briggs and stratton.
Here is a small section of the standards and poors description of Briggs and stratton
Briggs & Stratton�s Power Products segment offers various power products, including portable and standby generators, pressure washers, air compressors, snow throwers, and lawn and garden powered equipment. This segment sells its power products under Briggs & Stratton, Brute, Craftsman, Ferris, Giant Vac, John Deere, Murray, Simplicity, Snapper, and Troy-Bilt brands through various channels of retail distribution, such as consumer home centers, warehouse clubs, mass merchants, and independent dealers.
Quote from: TimRB on February 06, 2010, 08:54:27 PM
I would be interested in seeing how they attached the cylinder to the I-beam.......Also, is it just me, or is the cylinder not parallel with the beam? Tim
There's a large pin that attaches the cylinder to the I beam, but it's a "flexible" connection. Also, the wedge sorta wraps around the I beam. As you can tell by the cylinder, there is slack and it can be lifted probably a couple of inches. I think that it was designed to move on purpose. It would have been very easy to bolt it on solid.
The engine speed never changed a bit splitting that wood. That thing has power.
i bought the same splitter 1 year ago at menards its a mtd brand it now has at least 250 cords under its belt you should be happy with it its now the wifes splitter im upgrading i need a third splitter looking to build one to my own needs (fast) !
Quote from: saltydog on February 07, 2010, 07:25:10 AM
i bought the same splitter 1 year ago at menards its a mtd brand it now has at least 250 cords under its belt
Wow, you've been keeping it busy. Mine probably won't split that much.......ever.... splitwood_smiley
Quote from: woodmills1 on February 06, 2010, 09:46:25 PM
Yes troy bilt is a good name, but it's not now what you think. It is a marketing arm of briggs and stratton.
Here is a small section of the standards and poors description of Briggs and stratton
Briggs & Stratton�s Power Products segment offers various power products, including portable and standby generators, pressure washers, air compressors, snow throwers, and lawn and garden powered equipment. This segment sells its power products under Briggs & Stratton, Brute, Craftsman, Ferris, Giant Vac, John Deere, Murray, Simplicity, Snapper, and Troy-Bilt brands through various channels of retail distribution, such as consumer home centers, warehouse clubs, mass merchants, and independent dealers.
I think MTD bought troybilt about ten years ago
Stonebroke
Looks like you got a good deal.
I have it's twin, only mine says "Yardman". Close out at Home Depot. Most all of them are built by MTD, which I understand is now owned by Briggs and Stratton. Looks to me like the splitting wedge is probably the weak link, it's cast steel. Probably wouldn't be hard to replace with a forged wedge if it ever breaks. This was it's second season, so far no problems. I use it in the upright position, some of the stuff I split is too large for this tired ole bod to lift.
Fine homeowner machine.
I had one (MTD 31 ton) and was about to send it to the metal shop for a modification that would put the splitting wedge on the end of the I beam and the pusher plate on the piston....so it would accept a 4-way and be a conventional horizontal..
In all my years I have seen a horizontal / vertical machine used in the vert. position maybe 3 times...not enough reason for me to have kept it stock...a 4 way increases production 3 times over...
But I ended up with a nice little conventional horizontal and sold that MTD.
The MTD and Yardman sold here at Wally and Home D, are 21 ton units with a B & S engine. This Troy Bilt is 27 tons with a 6.5 Honda engine. I think that the only difference is the engine.
Nice catch, Magicman. 8) 8) I would like to find a good one at areduced price.
Don
sorry to go off topic but.....
what is the ornage and white steel box in that pictures. looks like somthing stihl made or marketed. is it a chainsaw case?
Looks very similar to the 12 ton unit I got in the fall for almost 70% off. It does a fine job of splitting. A little Marvel Mystery oil goes a long way with frozen pistons.
Quote from: Maine372 on February 07, 2010, 07:12:29 PM
what is the ornage and white steel box in that pictures. looks like somthing stihl made or marketed. is it a chainsaw case?
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0368.JPG)
You mean my handy dandy gas can/tool box? :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0366.JPG)
The bottom holds my wedges, saw files, bar oil, etc.... :o
Quote from: Radar67 on February 07, 2010, 07:28:01 PM
Looks very similar to the 12 ton unit I got in the fall for almost 70% off.
I remember that you made a nice catch also.... ;D
I have one that looks like that too.Mine is a cub cadet brand,same thing.Saw White had the same thing,for $150 when I bought ours.Mine is pushing 10 year old,has a BS motor on it.When mine was built,steel was cheap so the I beam goes the length of the hyd cyd.I have split some really big,rough pieces with it.
Good job Magicman...won't ever regret....I split with axe/maul many years, but got MTD....21 ton 5 yrs ago....great to haul out to site...take care of business...had to put tubes in tires due to chronic deflation problem....but otherwise has saved time, and back....
Like some of the others my old MTD just keeps goin. I am like you car trailer and 4 wheeler. But I have a Gator for the dogs.
Quote from: TimRB on February 06, 2010, 08:54:27 PM
If you wouldn't mind taking another picture, I would be interested in seeing how they attached the cylinder to the I-beam.
Tim
Here it is. The cylinder is actually attached like an old "Civil War" cannon. A large lug on each side. As I previously said, it is not solidly attached. The cylinder can be lifted an inch or so. The ram is, of course, bolted to the wedge which is "captured" around the top of the I beam.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0634.JPG)
I hope that this makes sense.
TimRB,have a Tractor Supply near you?I went there to buy some bar and chain oil on sale,$6 and looked at one like Magicman's,but it was a differant color.
Magicman, thanks very much for the additional pic! It looks like the lugs are simply welded to the sides of the cylinder--is that right?
Thecfarm, I don't have a Tractor Supply outlet near me, but there is a Troy-Bilt dealer (who does happen to be a tractor dealer/farm supply) that I drop in to periodically. I will keep my eyes peeled for the new splitter.
Tim
Do you guy's with this model find the cycle time slow? I have the same model and size as Magicman except probably a year or 2 older. I don't have that red shield on top of mine. I find the cycle time to be painfully slow.
Quote from: TimRB on February 11, 2010, 11:43:48 AM
It looks like the lugs are simply welded to the sides of the cylinder--is that right? Tim
Correct, a lug on each side.
Quote from: DR_Buck on February 11, 2010, 11:54:47 AM
Do you guy's with this model find the cycle time slow? I have the same model and size as Magicman except probably a year or 2 older. I don't have that red shield on top of mine. I find the cycle time to be painfully slow.
I had previously read your concerns about the speed, but this one operates plenty fast. As others suggested, I would think that you have a stuck valve in your hydraulic pump. (assuming that it is a two stage pump) Mine is fast until it contacts the log, then it slows down into it's "power stroke". Retraction is also plenty fast.
That red shield is the "log-getter-offer". :D If the wedge is stuck in the log, it contacts this shield when the ram is retracted, removing the wedge from the log.
Quote from: Magicman on February 11, 2010, 01:11:21 PM...............
That red shield is the "log-getter-offer". :D If the wedge is stuck in the log, it contacts this shield when the ram is retracted, removing the wedge from the log.
With hopefully no skin or finger bones in that contact zone. ;D
QuoteWith hopefully no skin or finger bones in that contact zone.
Sounds like someone that learned the hard way.
you only do it once.
Stonebroke
Quote from: pigman on February 11, 2010, 04:41:52 PM
Sounds like someone that learned the hard way.
Sometimes
experience is a very painful teacher..... smiley_dunce smiley_smash
leather gloves....standard equipment...keeps mashed digets attached :)
The worst splitting accident that I have ever witnessed happened in my backyard after Katrina. A stick of firewood being split "adjusted" itself. When we got back from the hospital after being sewed up, we turned his glove inside out.......yup, 1/3 of his finger was still inside....mashed flat, but still inside. He now only has to clip 9 fingernails.
QuoteHe now only has to clip 9 fingernails
That is what I call looking at the positive side of a negative situation. :)
I am thinking of buying a log splitter and am interested in a TROYBUILT. I see that the hydraulic oil compacity is only three gallons. Is this enough? Also, in reading reviews there complaints about the log cradles breaking off. Is this a serious problem?
Nice looking splitter MM. Does the splitter swing vertical? The guys where I work, some time ago, got together a bunch of scrap and fabbed a home made splitter that can swing vertical. It's nice not to have to lift those big knotty rounds up to the rail to split them, just slide them under the wedge and go for it.
Quote from: Magicman on February 11, 2010, 05:55:03 PM
Quote from: pigman on February 11, 2010, 04:41:52 PM
Sounds like someone that learned the hard way.
Sometimes experience is a very painful teacher..... smiley_dunce smiley_smash
Amen!
Herb
Quote from: DaveP on March 30, 2010, 10:57:32 AM
I am thinking of buying a log splitter and am interested in a TROYBUILT. I see that the hydraulic oil compacity is only three gallons. Is this enough? Also, in reading reviews there complaints about the log cradles breaking off. Is this a serious problem?
No problem with the oil capacity. The log cradles are attached with self-tapping screws. Most of mine had already been replaced with bolts and lock nuts. This is one bad machine. I haven't found anything yet that it won't split.
Quote from: mad murdock on March 30, 2010, 11:42:42 AM
Nice looking splitter MM. Does the splitter swing vertical?
Yes, horizontal and vertical. I'd hate to think that I had to pick up some of those 24"+ sticks that I have split.... ;)
Quote from: DR_Buck on February 11, 2010, 11:54:47 AM
....... I have the same model and size as Magicman except probably a year or 2 older. I don't have that red shield on top of mine. ..............
Ooops! I should look closer at my
toys tools. I do have the same model, it even has the red thingy to unstick the log. ::)
Did you find your "slow" problem?
M_M
Don't know about you but me slow problem has to do with AGE ;D ;D Kinda like if I thought I was gonna live this long I would have been more carefull when younger >:( >:(
I have an old splitter my fatherin law made probably 30 years ago. I am ignorant when it comes to hydraulics. How do i tell if it has a 2 stage pump. I dont see any markings on the pump. If it is a 2 stage pump it is stuck in the first stage. He replaced the pump just before i got it when we bought the place 16 years ago. He hadnt used it after replacing the pump and i had to raise the hydraulic tank because the new pump needed to feed by gravity. also I need to change the valve to one with a detent in the return (easier than getting wife to run the valve). He is no longer with us to ask questions. I need to get it working right as I have a tree trimmer bringing me some pretty big peices of stringy wood. Might be easiest to replace the pump with a new 2 stage but i am cheap. Also most of the new lower priced splitters only open to 25 inches and i cut my wood to 30 inches.
This morning before it got too hot, I decided to finish up that old Red Oak that fell last June. Since this is the only log splitter that I have ever used, I'm still amazed at the strength that it has and what it will do to a 20" block. When the wedge reached the wood it just slows down, and I guess starts building up pressure. Then POP, another one bites the dust. :o :) Anyway, I finished splitting that old tree up. This is probably enough for me, but I also furnish my BIL with firewood. This wood is already seasoned quite well. ;)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0870.JPG)
Thats the second stage kicking in.
Stonebroke
I got it stacked today. It was a bit over 2 face cords. I'm going to love my new covered wood shed. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0871.JPG)
Looks pretty- should be a great place for the powder post beetles to nest. Be careful though- you pack in too much wood and you won't have anyplace to burn... oops, I mean cook... chickens in.
Lj
Yup, that's also the "chicken cookin shed". ;)
See next
Quote from: toxedo_2000 on June 03, 2010, 10:09:56 AM
If that could help you folks, here are few things I made that help a lot when comes the time to make firewood.
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img46/6012/supportbillot1.jpg[/img]
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img41/6258/supportbillot3.jpg[/img]
This rack make the sawing faster, and the chainsaw is not running all the time. In that rack, you pile 4 feet logs and make 2 cuts. That gives 16 inches firewood in less that a minute.
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img42/6530/guidebuche2.jpg[/img]
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img695/6858/guidebuche3.jpg[/img]
It can be used for making the little wood to start fire
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img338/5021/guidebuche5.jpg[/img]
Now, the other thing that save a lot of piling time. I stack the firewood on pallets' and put it under cover to let it dry. When it is ready to bring it in the basement, I dont have to pile it again. I just transport the pallets 8)
[img width=500 --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/img248/5805/palette1.jpg[/img]
Hope that gave you some ideas to save time :)
Toxedo
That looks pretty neat to me. Of course, you use much more firewood than I do. My little stack will take me through the Winter. :)
Quote from: indiaxman1 on February 11, 2010, 06:23:29 PM
leather gloves....standard equipment...keeps mashed digets attached :)
No, just sometimes leaves them easier to find and haul to the ER with you if the glove fingers are not cut off as well. My father tried that a couple of years ago, except without the gloves, I believe.
Quote from: Magicman on February 10, 2010, 08:14:05 PM
Quote from: TimRB on February 06, 2010, 08:54:27 PM
If you wouldn't mind taking another picture, I would be interested in seeing how they attached the cylinder to the I-beam.
Tim
Here it is. The cylinder is actually attached like an old "Civil War" cannon. A large lug on each side. As I previously said, it is not solidly attached. The cylinder can be lifted an inch or so. The ram is, of course, bolted to the wedge which is "captured" around the top of the I beam.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0634.JPG)
I hope that this makes sense.
The free movement of the back of the cylinder prevents it from binding.