Thoughts/opinions on Splitfire Log Splitters????

[Piston]

Very old topic  
I want to build a inverted log splitter for a forklift or frontloader because I don't wanna waste my back on big rounds. I wanted to build a 120 cm (4') splitter so I can split 3 rounds in one move. And in germany and austria people split wood at this length to cut it later on. They say it gets popular over here as well.

On the internet overhere I saw a few split fires for sale, for example a 3203 demo machine. The split length is only 2' but it will save me a lot of time building. Are they sturdy enough for using at big rounds and use them upside down on a frontloader?
And is the cilinder easily accessible for maintaining or repairs? What pressure do the manufacturers use for calculating their capacity? They can say 20 tons but if they assume you have 200 bar instead of 120 it will be quite a different capacity.

Pretty old reply here as well  ;D  Funny this topic was brought up again.
As an update, I did end up with a self contained model 3404 with a log lift.  I've had it a few years now and have been very happy with it.  Recently started cutting/splitting more wood due to adding an outdoor wood boiler, and because of this, I would have benefited from the 30" stroke model, as opposed to my 24" stroke, however I just cut my boiler wood to 23" instead of a full 24 which is the max size.  


 
Did you end up trying out your idea to build an inverted model?  I can't answer your specific questions but the "20 ton" rating is very misleading.  I don't know what mine is 'rated' for, but there isn't a log on my property it can't split.  I thought the design they promote was a marketing gimmick, but has proven to work very effectively.  

The one problem I've found with this unit, is it's almost a 'waste' in some regards because I can never use it to it's full potential.