Opinions/advise on Log Splitters

[txtrophy85]

The freezes and droughts got more oaks than I would have liked…got a few to take down, mainly large shin oaks. I prefer to burn shin oaks in the fireplace but am tired of splitting them all with an axe. The only log splitters I have experience with are pretty big units with gas engines on the front.

I’m needing to invest in one, prefer this route rather than renting on. Are the electric ones any good? I’ve got about 4-6 trees in total to split. Only others I’ve seen are gas powered at tractor supply/Home Depot.

[Sackett]

You can rent a 28 Ton gas log splitter for about $125/day. You can buy a 28 Ton Log Splitter from Northern Tool for around $1,600 and a 37 Ton unit for around $2,400.

Figure out how long it will take to split your trees and weigh the costs. I’d buy one in your shoes and be done with it.

[TKC]

You may do a search on here, Smart did a pretty darn good review on an electric log splitter. I was leaning to the traditional gas splitter but after his review I have changed my mind. The thought of not having to deal with weatherizing another engine for periodic use sounded good.

I’m sorry I’m not much help, but his review will definitely help you decide.

[RiverRat1]

The freezes and droughts got more oaks than I would have liked…got a few to take down, mainly large shin oaks. I prefer to burn shin oaks in the fireplace but am tired of splitting them all with an axe. The only log splitters I have experience with are pretty big units with gas engines on the front.

I’m needing to invest in one, prefer this route rather than renting on. Are the electric ones any good? I’ve got about 4-6 trees in total to split. Only others I’ve seen are gas powered at tractor supply/Home Depot.

If you won't use it after the 4-6 trees I'd chainsaw them into logs and then borrow/rent a splitter for one long day (maybe two days).

I sell firewood to the State Park visitors and once I got caught up still don't use my splitter near enough. Maybe twice per year.

I wouldn't get an electric unless it was a good one. Just my opinion. Oak can be tough.

[Smart]

I have an electric one and it is solid for the money and what I used it for. Mesquite and oak. Easy storage as well.


Here's my review. I've done several loads of BBQ wood this spring for my home and my brother in law as well. Hasn't blinked yet.

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=854582&highlight=electric+log+splitter

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[Draco]

No matter what kind you get just make sure it is made so the log gets pushed against the wedge and not the wedge against the log. I can't tell you how many I had to weld back up because they were pushing against a plate and the plate would always break. The wedge could be welded in line with the force but the plate is welded across the line of force and will not hold up.

[Death from Above]

6 pound splitting maul and wedge

[M16]

If you have a tractor get a hydraulic. I’ve had one for 20 years and it has been trouble free.

[SaltwaterSlick]

The other big factor in what you want to look at is the splitter's cycle time! Yea, you can get a cheap "20 ton" or more unit, but when you look at its cycle time it is dreadfully slow! You spent more time waiting on the splitter to split, then retract than you do anything else. This is true whether you rent or buy one. My #1 hunting buddy has a whammer-jammer electric one that is a 20 amp 110 volt machine. It's great as long as you have time to wait on it to push the ram out, then bring it back in. I can split 2 bucked pieces to his one and maybe more. My 30 ton has a 10 second cycle time and I love it. I also have a 4-way splitter head for it and for the right rounds, I can make 4 pieces of firewood in one stroke. It's not for every size, but from about 6" up to about 14" it will make quick work of those pieces. It just sits in place so if you have a good piece for it, just sit it on the end of the ram, split it, then remove it by simply picking it up at the end of its backstroke... Got it from Tractor Supply. Personally I would not get anything smaller than a 30 ton with at least a 3" diameter ram and a 5gpm pump.

[Big pig]

Bro in law and I partnered on a larger northern tool gas splitter
It is a beast and we have used it on some big oaks.
It is handy for making 4-6 pieces from one big log and really is quick
We are lots of old dead trees and it has been great for utilizing the trunks.

My advice is renting for small jobs or buying with a good friend to share

BP

[Sackett]

FYI, There’s a HUGE difference between “Oak” wood and being able to split it. If you have Live Oak, I wouldn’t even remotely consider an electric unit (unless it has a 25+ ton ram ). Post Oak splits like butter compared to Live Oak. Most white oak varieties split easily as well.

[Smart]

Opinions/advise on Log Splitters

FYI, There’s a HUGE difference between “Oak” wood and being able to split it. If you have Live Oak, I wouldn’t even remotely consider an electric unit (unless it has a 25+ ton ram ). Post Oak splits like butter compared to Live Oak. Most white oak varieties split easily as well.

I split post oak and live oak with mine. Didn’t have any issues. That’s not to say somebody won’t as I’m no splitter expert. But I do know my BBQ woods.

[soldierarcher]

Be sure you get a splitter that will rotate to vertical for large logs. It sucks picking up the large one's and placing them in horizontal splitters.

[txtrophy85]

If you have a tractor get a hydraulic. I’ve had one for 20 years and it has been trouble free.

I do have a tractor.

[Big pig]

Be sure you get a splitter that will rotate to vertical for large logs. It sucks picking up the large one's and placing them in horizontal splitters.

+1.
BTW our gas splitter in a 25 ton and does well with DEAD live oak.