Help Me Choose a New Specific Splitter

[LegendsCreekFarm]

 
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.



 

[beenthere]

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.

[LegendsCreekFarm]

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

[North River Energy]

I 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.

[thecfarm]

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.

[LegendsCreekFarm]

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.

[BargeMonkey]

 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 toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> 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.

[Piston]

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

[beenthere]

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? 

[Maine logger88]

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

[coxy]

I just used a tw5 with a 6way very nice splitter thinking of getting one at the show

[gimpy]

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.

[mad murdock]

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.

[redprospector]

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

[Piston]

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)

[beenthere]

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.

[ga jones]

Timberwolf

[thecfarm]

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.

[glassman_48]

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. 

[NHMike]

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.

[logman81]

The american brand is another one to look at that's what I'm buying. They have many different models to chose from.

[Piston]

  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"

[North River Energy]

^
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...

[BargeMonkey]

^
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.

[logman81]

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.