Hello everybody! I am new here so please forgive me if I put this in the wrong section.
I just purchased a 300 year old estate and the previous owner was a famous inventor. He invented the wood furnace which is the center of our "stone room" and was said to be the most efficient wood stove ever invented. He invented these sometime between the 30's and 60's.
I decided to sell my DR Dual Action splitter because it was tediously slow and my last home was only 900 square feet. The new home is 2500 square feet and supposedly the wood stove in the stone room heats the entire home. I need to harvest more wood but I need a splitter that will allow me to do a few specific things which are below.
I need a splitter that is horozontal or vertical and can tow on my tractor or lawn tractor. I need one that will allow for a 4 way wedge attachment without having to modify anything so that it will split my wood into kindling, and then adapt for larger logs by taking the wedge off. It also must push all the wood off the splitter automatically and onto the ground or into a wagon. Also, I don't want to have to hold a lever down while it splits, I prefer to press a button so that I can turn around and get another piece of wood while it splits. Lastly, it needs to be fast. My last splitter was extremely slow and hydraulic and I need something that is efficient and fast.
Thank you in advance for the advice. I am looking at this splitter from Home Depot but I am not sure if it does what I need it to do? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cadet-25-Ton-160-cc-Honda-Powered-Gas-Log-Splitter-24BF552B756/203460303?N=5yc1vZbxag
If anyone is curious about the wood furnace in the home, I attached a photo.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/37219/Peter_Kilham_Woodstove.JPG)
Welcome to the Forestry Forum
I don't see how that splitter that you linked to will do all the things that you "want".
Not aware of any one splitter that would do everything, without going to a processor that would have more bells and whistles for less manual labor. But interested to hear more.
Hopefully you have plenty of seasoned wood to burn this winter, and you are talking about splitting the wood supply for future winters. That particular stove design looks like it could work good if you have dry wood to burn.
Thank you very much for the welcome!
I plan on buying seasoned wood this year but need the splitter for some tree projects we have going on.
I saw a video on youtube showing the exact splitter I want but there was no information on it. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks
QuoteI saw a video on youtube showing the exact splitter I want but there was no information on it.
Post a link to the video. Someone may recognize the machine in question.
Most hydraulic splitters on the market are painfully slow, but that says more about the design process and market criteria than it does about the use of hydraulics.
LegendsCreekFarm,welcome to the forum. The kindling part is a hard one. I just split some guys wood using a Timber Wolf splitter,with a conveyor. Much easier than the way I do it. Put a stick on,set both levers and off it would go. Turn around grab another stick and watch it return. I have no idea if 10 grand would buy all that now. He had this for 5-6 years now. He did have a few good size pieces. A lift table would of helped.
I am going to look for the video. It's been a few weeks since I saw it so I will need to dig for it but I appreciate all the help! Automatic push button is not a complete necessity, but without it I would like it to be a dual action like my past slow DR and 4x wedge.
You buy a "homeowner" woodsplitter @ Lowes or Home Depot and thats exactly what you get. The Timber wolf splitters are good, a few guys around here where doing 2-300 cord with the large model before they got a processor. I know how the forum feels about northern tool
Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company, so we wont go there. Depends what you wanna do and whats in the budget. I have a 35ton splitter from TSC for cleaning up odd blocks and wood in our sawmill yard, single wedge and it does just fine. Built Rite is another company, Iron and Oak makes a decent looking splitter. Doe you plan on a small gas powered one or 3pt hitch ? Skidsteer ? Ive seen a few of the Hahn processors for the skidsteers used in the 10-12k region lately, if all you wanna do is push buttons thats the way to go.
First off, welcome to the forum 8)
I will echo other's that you will find it difficult to get all those things you want in a splitter. I'm interested to see the video if you can find it on youtube again.
You mentioned that you liked your dual action splitter, aside from the fact that it was painfully slow. Have you heard of "Split-Fire" log splitters at all?
They are similar in design, a few members on here have them, I've wanted one for a long time now but haven't bit the bullet yet.
It is a two way splitter like your old one, but built for commercial duty and used in many rental yards. They custom build them to your specifications when you order it from the factory in Canada. You can get it either self contained, or to run off the tractor hydraulics. You can also get a 4 way wedge option for these splitters. With a cycle time of around 9-11 seconds, you are getting 8 splits, as the unit splits in both the push and pull stroke. 4 splits out, 4 splits back.
The model I dream of purchasing someday, is the Split-Fire 3465, with a log lift, and a 30" stroke. The log lift would take care of the fact that it does not have the ability to split vertically. However, it still does not push the wood off the end, so you are in essence, handling each piece of wood you split.
While your on youtube, search for some video's on Split Fire log splitters. Search for the 3403 model as well, which is a 3 point version of the 3465 I mentioned. Some are posted by a user called "Xring" I think his name is. I could get you in contact with him if you'd like to know more.
I think the part of having a vertical splitter, with a 4 way head, that pushes the wood off the end, is virtually impossible. If the splitter pushes the wood off the end, then how does it split the wood in the vertical position? I think what you need is a horizontal splitter with hydraulic log lift. This would get you everything you want. The Split Fire I mentioned does not push the wood off, so perhaps that is out, but I mentioned it because you had said that you were happy with your last one aside from speed, and the 4 way, so I thought it may be an option.
Also, one VERY important thing to know, possibly most important, is what is your budget?
Timberwolf makes some great splitters as well, and I would compare the TW and SplitFire models very closely. There are so many personal preferences when it comes to splitters its overwhelming.
It's actually quite impressive how something so seemingly simple can have SOOOOO many different ways of accomplishing the same, simple task....splitting a piece of wood :D
One of the slickest splitters is one that Logrite is working on. IMO
Does the lifting, splitting at waist height, fast, ... what more is there?
A timber wolf tw5 would be a good splitter and can be fitted with a 4 or 6 way wedge and a tray that can either push on too a conveyer the ground or tractor bucket not sure what the splitter itself cost probably around 5k with a tray and wedge. I have a tw2 with a 4way and tray I don't do a lot of cut split firewood wood but around 50crd a year too sell mostly just a sideline to keep me busy during mud season, and it works great for me it has a 7 second cycle auto return and has split anything I have put through it including some gnarly beech and yellow birch and I seldom have to take the 4way off to do it that particular model is between 3500 and 4 with tray and wedge but the tw5 can be ordered with the auto forward and return but that's not completely nessasary cause it hard enough to keep up with mine with just the auto return. I have on my best day with about perfect wood filled my 1.5crd truck in about an hour and 5min that's a real cord not face cords
I just used a tw5 with a 6way very nice splitter thinking of getting one at the show
Being a previous DR Power customer, perhaps you should look to them again. I don't know if this fits the bill but I bought one am happy as a clam. Bring the wood to a thigh high table. Park the tractor bucket at the end of the splitter table and go to work. The split wood fills up the bucket. With a 3 second cycle time, it can put out the product. I'm an old man and prefer the speed to make up for my less than stellar stamina.
As long as I start out with the rounds at a level so I don't really have to left them, just swing them from one place to the next, I can produce all I need efficiently.
The video puts it up against a 34 ton hydraulic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG7Ytb3M-B4
Just a thought from a happy owner.
Welcome gimpy! I second beenthere's recommendation. Logrite's Firewoodinator is simply an awesome and simple setup that beets the pants off any hydraulic splitter, IMO.
I've always found this one pretty interesting. I don't have any experience with it, just thought it was pretty interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfIBKHQPz0s
Although the Firewoodinator by Logrite, is an "interesting" concept, I don't really see the appeal of it. Why not just buy a Super Split log splitter and build a table around it?
The log lift/capstain winch "sound" like they'd be great, but really, I don't see it being all that productive. If I remember correctly, this machine was in one of the last couple years Firewood Shootout in Sawmill and Woodlot magazine. It put up some really great numbers, something like a cord of wood in 45 mins or a half cord in less than a half hour or something to that effect. This was with two guys hustling to keep it going, and for the most part, they never used the log lift.
I love logrite as a company, and they're stuff is top notch, but I just don't see the appeal with this splitter. Not to mention, you can't get a 4 way wedge for it either, unless they've changed it in the recent past? This means that almost every single log you split, you will have to RESPLIT again!
This is the main reason I don't think the OP would be happy with the Super Split log splitter. I think the TW5 would match his needs the best, aside from the vertical aspect of splitting, but will also be the most expensive at 6-8k new. The Split Fire will also be very expensive, but cheaper, however won't push the splits off the end like the TW and even the Super Split.
I think the firewoodinator is a good option to explore, but keep in mind that Logrite IS a forum sponsor, so as much as we like you to support the forum sponsors, we also tend to recommend them with a little bias ;)
Of course, if they discontinue their sponsorship, then all bets are off :D
For someone trying to make a bunch of splits that doesn't want a 4 way splitter, then by all means I think the Firewoodinator could be a GREAT splitter. 8)
Piston
I haven't actually used it either,
but still think it is the all-around ideal setup for saving the back, working right along at waist level, not waiting for a hyd. piston to move (forward and back) and spitting out split wood.
If I were alone, that machine covers the needs after a deck of logs is available, and only leaves moving the split wood away.
I'll be interested if a faster and easier on the back design comes along...
But again, I'm also only "arm-chairing" this one, and still using the horizontal hyd. splitter (although I've found a good way to not be lifting blocks for splitting and for working at waist height). And I see no real need for a 4 way wedge. The split pieces don't stack well for putting it up on pallets.
Timberwolf
redprospector,lots of good ideas went into that. I like it. I would need a way to split my big pieces than use that one to get them into firewood size. I like the foot pedal and the way the 4 way wedge was.
legends creek farm,
welcome to the forum, Where are you from? I had twister industries build me a log splitter a few years ago, it had an adjustable 4 way wedge, a log lift, a grate for catching the log, the reciever was removeable so its harder to steal, the grate is removeable and has a place for it to store right on the machine. It also has a honda engine. I dont have a picture because I sold it after I purchased my firewood processor. I sold it to a local couple and can see if they have an interest in selling it.
I picked up my Super Split log splitter back in April. I have split just about 6 1/2 - 7 cord with it since then. I love this splitter ( 8) ), and can not see ever using a hydro splitter again. It has split everything I have put on the table including elm. My largest round was roughly 28". For me, a log lift is irrelevant as I have a tractor. I load the bucket up with as many rounds as I can fit, and then park it by the splitter.
As far as kindling is concerned, I have made 15 totes of kindling wood. It is very easy and quick to do. It took me longer to put all the kindling in the totes than it did to make it.
With regards to knotty wood, it has split some really twisted birch & oak and the elm I mentioned. Any knotty stuff I have come across may take 2-3 hits, but that is about it and that is still faster than 1 hit with a hydro.
With the way I split using the tractor, I can easily split 1 cord in about 45 minutes and that is not working very hard.
I will never use this splitter to its capacity, but I really hated waiting for the hydros on the return, and the fact that they are all low and bad on the back. My SS with the work table is perfect as I do not have to bend while splitting. The only bending I do is to load the bucket with rounds.
I honestly don't know why more people don't use this splitter. To me the real mark of a good product is how many used ones you see for sale. I watched CL for 6 months and only saw 1 listed. As Piston can tell you there aren't many on the market, just like the 3pt skidding winch, or front grapple.
The american brand is another one to look at that's what I'm buying. They have many different models to chose from.
Quote from: NHMike on August 10, 2014, 09:57:53 AM
I watched CL for 6 months and only saw 1 listed. As Piston can tell you there aren't many on the market, just like the 3pt skidding winch, or front grapple.
Ain't that the truth! The Super Split's that you see come up for sale (as rare as it is) are barely any cheaper than buying new. I don't think any other splitter holds it's value as good as the Super Split. That's gotta say something about the brand!
I was told by my dealer (don't know if it's true or not) that two brother's started the Timberwolf brand, then had a "falling out" of sorts, and one brother left the company and started his own. He made the splitters to the same quality and standards and tried making them better than Timberwolf, and kept them at a lower price point, to "beat out" the competition (i.e. his brother).
He named the new company "American"
^
Was under the impression that both Built-Rite and Timberwilf are the spawn of East Hill Equipment (Ludlow Vt?), maker of the Brute splitters/processors way back when. I think the principles of the latter folded the company and went off to form their own operations?
Regarding the availability of used machines, consider that the market is flooded with huskees, speecos, yard machines and the like, while SuperSplit is very much a niche product. You see fewer out there for sale because there are fewer out there to be sold on.
I'd very much like both a LaFont SS500 and a Hildreth Poweraxe...
Quote from: North River Energy on August 10, 2014, 08:58:21 PM
^
Was under the impression that both Built-Rite and Timberwilf are the spawn of East Hill Equipment (Ludlow Vt?), maker of the Brute splitters/processors way back when. I think the principles of the latter folded the company and went off to form their own operations?
100% correct. My father bought our Brute H-106 firewood processor in 1995 right before the dissolved.
They were first made by valley processors out of belchertown Mass my home town. The owner sold the rights to brute when the owner got out building them.
Quote from: North River Energy on August 10, 2014, 08:58:21 PM
^
Was under the impression that both Built-Rite and Timberwilf are the spawn of East Hill Equipment (Ludlow Vt?), maker of the Brute splitters/processors way back when. I think the principles of the latter folded the company and went off to form their own operations?
Thanks for the added info, I never reaallllly believed my dealer much anyways :D
^Salesmen; pfft.
(3.winchlistedtwodaysagoCLNHforcheap)
Welcome! I have two timberwolf splitters tw-p1 and tw-5 and both are good machines. I think if you look at their site you will find what you need. How about some some close up pics of that wood stove.
Thank you all very much for the help! I am going to write in more detail later in the week when I have a chance to sort through all the helpful replies you have kindly posted for me. (have all my inventory being delivered for my business this week).
Thanks again, I will return in a few days.
Sorry for the delay in getting back, it's been hectic getting settled into the new place, and I am going to take some photos of that wood stove for you guys soon.
I spent an hour today looking for the original video I found showing the kind of splitter I am looking for. I couldn't find it. I know I am probably going to go with hydraulic and I will sacrifice the speed for something that can split in 4 or 6 wedges, but I guess the big question is do they make them so that I can pull a lever and have it push through a cycle and retract on it's own so that I can grab another log? I found something similar on the web here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQvgOg26uys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQvgOg26uys)
Also, I love this new one from DR, but when I asked them if they made a 4 way wedge they said no because it would shoot the wood everywhere (which is what I want), so is there a generic wedge I could put over the build in wedge? Check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi-XNdRwF4g#t=28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi-XNdRwF4g#t=28)
Likely the splitter would not make it through most pieces that are large enough for a 4-way wedge. Doubt it is because the pieces would fly anywhere. Not enough umph.
Do they require two hands on the controls to split wood?
Timberwolf did make a 4 way wedge and will go forward by setting 2 levels and come back too.I use one at my job. But the price for that??? :o This splitter was brought by 3-4 families.
I keep going back and forth about the Timberwolf and the Rapidfire DR. I see both points, and kind of like the 4 way splitting but the price kills me and I have really awesome 0% financing with DR.
With my Supersplitter I can split a 16''block once or multiple times for smaller wood for our cook stove.We heat with a Hearthstone Mansfield stove and a Stanley Waterford kitchen stove.In 40 years of heating with wood this is a great combination for our needs.I could not be happier with the Supersplitter and would not go back to hydraulics.It is fast and as others have noted the tractor bucket is your friend for keeping blocks at a comfortable height.As for the Dr splitters I will just say you see them for sale used quite often and there might be a reason for that.
I do agree that supersplitter looks amazing, and them bring in MA I could go pick it up (I am in RI), but again, I don't think they offer financing and I am not ready to drop that kind of cash after just buying this house!
I bought the DR Rapid Fire just after it came out. Used it for 2 monthes and returned it as it broke down 4 times (Great customer service). Saved my money and I got the Super Split this past spring.
Comparing the two, the Super Split is vastly superior to the DR. Better build quality and you don't need 2 hands. I have run just about 11 cord thru it so far (9 for me and 2 for my neighbor). I have split Oak ( Red & White ) Birch ( White, Black & Yellow ) Maple ( Sugar & Silver ) Ash and some Elm. I know you mentioned the 4 way wedge, but you just don't need it with this splitter.
It has gone through everything I have put before it. The biggest round I split was 26" and that was no problem. I got the J model, can't imagine what the HD model can do. Ask anyone who has one, and they will tell you they won't go back to hydro. This is a piece of equipment that my kids will be fighting over long after I am gone. I have found that the only people that are negitive on it, havn't split a cord thru it yet.
I reached out to Super Splitter this morning to ask if they did any reasonable financing. Most likely they won't, but in the worst case I could put it on one of my no interest credit cards. That machine really does look like a beast. I would like to split 10 cords by the end of October for next season burning. Keeping my fingers crossed that Tuesday they will give me some news!
As NHmike said you will not need more than the ''J'' model.Mine came with the Robbins/subaru motor and it has been trouble free.It really is a pleasure to use.Keep your wits about you and your work space clean.I frequently use my zero interest promo's for purchases and pay them off before they come due,good way to go.You will not be disappointed if you make this purchase.
I have a dedicated horizontal hydraulic splitter with a 4 way wedge, log lift & out feed tables that I built several years ago. Cycle time is 8.8 sec. It is a very respectable machine & I am happy with it.
Reference Super Splitters, have used them at charity wood cuts. Cycle time is 4 sec.
Pros:
- Fast
- Easy to move around by hand
- Doesn't take up much space for storage
- Easy to adapt to where you can use an electric or a gas motor
Cons:
- No log lift
- Some pieces will need 3-4 hits to split
- No 4 way option. However with the faster cycle time you will be able to make all the kindling you want is a relatively short time.
While those with the "J" model are happy with them, If you have $10,000 potentially budgeted, I would go with the HD model which has heavier fly wheels. With shipping it will still only be about a third of your budget.
Unless you anticipate a problem with getting large rounds lifted up, I would definitely recommend a Super Splitter. Owners are always bragging on the great service the have received from the manufacture.
I am VERY excited to say that SuperSplitter offered financing and I am placing my order today. I cannot wait to work with this machinery and thank you all so much for the help in making this big decision. Next on the list is a cheap Harbor Freight sawmill!
That is Awesome! You will not regret getting it.
What kind of terms did the SS guys offer you on the financing?
Congrats! I'm interested to hear how you like it. Seems like most people love these splitters (actually, I can't think of anyone saying anything bad about them.)
Ss rock. I set wood on the table cut it, then roll it over on a bridge. Split and go. I can split a lot of wood solo in little time.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19459/image%7E13.jpg)
Quote from: brendonv on September 16, 2014, 07:06:56 PM
Ss rock. I set wood on the table cut it, then roll it over on a bridge. Split and go. I can split a lot of wood solo in little time.
You must be quite the dedicated photographer. Not many people have a tripod like that. ;D
Hahaha. Haven't used the truck in a while so ran it through its motions.
The company they use for financing did not offer the best terms. They also don't offer you an interest rate. They give you the length of the loan and tell you what the monthly payment is. It worked out to be about $1000 in interest after just the 2 years which is outrageous because I finance all my DR equipment with 0%, but I may not have a choice. The owner is on vacation so I am hoping to pick it up in a week or two!
Absolutely ridiculous! You're better off just talking to your bank about a personal loan or a home equity loan.
QuoteYou're better off just talking to your bank about a personal loan or a home equity loan.
Which if one thinks about it from the company standpoint, is probably what they want you to do.
Jeff knows about collecting money owed from a distance.
Quote from: beenthere on September 18, 2014, 06:22:17 PM
QuoteYou're better off just talking to your bank about a personal loan or a home equity loan.
Which if one thinks about it from the company standpoint, is probably what they want you to do.
Jeff knows about collecting money owed from a distance.
That's one of the reasons that a lot of companies which offer financing don't finance it themselves. They farm it out to some financing company. You may fill out the parperwork at the point of sale, but the manufacturer gets its money up front form the finance co, and the finance co handles collection of payments, etc.