Wolfe Ridge Log Splitter Information

[LD1]

Even the box store models have good resale in comparison.

A huskee 22t at tractor supply is typically $999

See them all the time a few to 10 years old.....usually around $800.

That ain't bad....20% depreciations.

But I guess it depends on the market in your area.

A $5000 splitter when new.....10 years down the road....no way would it bring $4000 around here.

I don't even know anyone around here who pays that for a splitter. It's either a $1000 box store job.....or home built.exactly like you want for a whole lot less than $5k

 

[motownbrowne]

I have a Wolfe Ridge three point splitter that I bought last year. It's got a reservoir and a PTO pump. It's pretty quick. It doesn't have a log lift, but he would have added one if I wanted. It was a lot cheaper than his standalone units. Chris does really good with, and I'm pleased with my machine. Like you, I value my time with my family, so having a fast powerful splitter was totally worth the money.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Thank you all for the replies.

What other brands out there make a quality PTO powered splitter? I have seen Iron and Oak, Timberwolf, and split fire

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Motownbrowne above has an Wolfe Ridge, mine is a Timberwolf...

You can find Timberwolf splitters discounted, so call several dealers to get the best price...

SR

 

[motownbrowne]

Here is a video of my friend and I running my Wolfe Ridge a couple weeks ago. We were just getting going, and I had to adjust the auto cycle settings. And we we're splitting extra large splits for my friend who likes them in his jumbo fireplace.

Wolfe Ridge MFG splitter in action. - YouTube

 

[4570Man]

It's the reason MY 3 point splitter is powered by a hydraulic pump "on the tractors pto", it's VERY fast a powerful!

It easily shoves everything I put on the beam, through it's 4-way wedge, greatly shortening the time it takes to split a load of firewood!

Don't forget, "quality" splitters have good resale, when you are done with them...

SR

I’m going to have to take LD1s side here. The better question is who parts with a quality splitter unless they’re dead?

 

[goeduck]

Sawyer Rob and 4570Man do A LOT of firewood so their splitters and needs are a bit above most. Professional really. Some other members do as well. I have a Brave 22 ton now and it does just fine as it would for most people. I do 12 to 15 cord a year for friends and family so a little over average. Beside the big bucks of the Wolfe you are going to have to store it too. This is an advantage of my model (for me) which folds up nicely out of the way. Stock photo.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I do NOT consider myself a pro firewood maker, what I AM though, is a person who likes "quality" tools, and I save until I can buy better tools because they ARE much easier to use and almost always do more than the cheapo's.

My TW3HD is a joy to use compared to the cheaper splitters I have owned/used, it runs EVERYTHING through the 4-way wedge! So, it's faster to use and I can split tough crotches and knots to take advantage of all the extra BTU's stored in them.

When/if I sell my better quality tools, I do get more for them, so I look at them as an investment... AND when I no longer can do firewood, I WILL sell my splitter...

Lastly, I don't think the $3,500.00 I have invested in my TW, is too much for all it does and considering the resale it will give me back when I'm done with it, it will be and now is, a GREAT investment.

SR

 

[Old Red]

Thank you all for the replies.

What other brands out there make a quality PTO powered splitter? I have seen Iron and Oak, Timberwolf, and split fire

I am a huge believer in "buy once, cry once"....and you other one is 35 years old.....if you have owned it 35 years that is impressive.....so if that is what you want, get it....however, have you looked at the Kinetic Splitters? Man those things are fast. I recently purchased a cheapo one made in China and have been thoroughly impressed with the speed of this thing.....and it is a tiny little thing....one of the big models from a good manufacturer would be amazing I bet.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Here is a video of my friend and I running my Wolfe Ridge a couple weeks ago. We were just getting going, and I had to adjust the auto cycle settings. And we we're splitting extra large splits for my friend who likes them in his jumbo fireplace.

Wolfe Ridge MFG splitter in action. - YouTube

I had seen that video a few times already haha.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Exactly. I do not PLAN to sell. I want something that will last many many years.

 

[NPurdy1112]

I agree with everyone on the "Buy once, cry once" idea for purchasing quality equipment. The splitter was used by the father in law and my wife remembers using it as a kid. I will surely keep it around as a back up for us or the family.

Storage is not an issue. We do not have a lot of items in the garage or barn, just yet haha.

I emailed Chris at Wolfe Ridge. He has only made the one 3 point PTO splitter for you Motownbrowne. He will be looking into pricing on making another and getting back to me. Thank you for the suggestion of PTO (both of you). I never would have thought to ask not seeing one offered on their website.

I have seen some videos of the kinetic, but have not looked into them very much.

 

[4570Man]

If you only have one tractor I’d abandon the 3pt splitter idea.

 

[NPurdy1112]

If you only have one tractor I壇 abandon the 3pt splitter idea.

That is why I really want a gas model, but the cheaper price of the PTO power is swaying me. What are your reasons for not wanting a 3pt splitter if only having one tractor? I could still be mobile to pick up and move logs. But would have to add another implement to the already growing number to switch out when needed.

Where would be a good website suggestion to look for the auto extended and retract valve you mentioned earlier?

 

[jdom84]

The better question is who parts with a quality splitter unless theyæ±*e dead?

That is the only time you see a used splitter for sale around here! Although I did buy a 20 year old MTD splitter last year for my in-laws, it was $200. I had to drive 300 miles to get it and it had a busted pull cord. The guy selling it wasn't dead... he thought it was dead.

Ive been interested in these split-fire splitters, wish I could get my hands on one for a season to try out... I built one based on the double action design but mine is quite different
Manufacturers of high quality, custom engineered wood splitters, log splitters and wood chippers. | Split-Fire Sales Inc. Quality Built. High Performance. | Split-Fire - Your Best Choice

 

[4570Man]

That is why I really want a gas model, but the cheaper price of the PTO power is swaying me. What are your reasons for not wanting a 3pt splitter if only having one tractor? I could still be mobile to pick up and move logs. But would have to add another implement to the already growing number to switch out when needed.

Where would be a good website suggestion to look for the auto extended and retract valve you mentioned earlier?

Because with a 3 point splitter I loose the ability to cut wood using the tractor and the ability to move big pieces with the tractor. If you had 2 tractors at the same place you could still do that with a 3pt splitter.

 

[NPurdy1112]

Because with a 3 point splitter I loose the ability to cut wood using the tractor and the ability to move big pieces with the tractor. If you had 2 tractors at the same place you could still do that with a 3pt splitter.

Gotcha. For the most part it is just me doing most of the work. Sometimes the wife helps split and stack when we have a day off together. I am getting a quote on a 3pt PTO from wolfe ridge. Already have a quote on a gas powered model from him (mentioned in original post).

TOO MANY OPTIONS!

 

[goeduck]

That is the only time you see a used splitter for sale around here! Although I did buy a 20 year old MTD splitter last year for my in-laws, it was $200. I had to drive 300 miles to get it and it had a busted pull cord. The guy selling it wasn't dead... he thought it was dead.

Ive been interested in these split-fire splitters, wish I could get my hands on one for a season to try out... I built one based on the double action design but mine is quite different
Manufacturers of high quality, custom engineered wood splitters, log splitters and wood chippers. | Split-Fire Sales Inc. Quality Built. High Performance. | Split-Fire - Your Best Choice

I think the general consensus is that you would need a second or sometimes third person helping to make use of the double action. I know I could not in a one person operation while stacking at the same time. I split next to the woodpile and stack as soon as I split to save handling. So the speed of the split is not that important. And my 22ton is faster than many. That said, the splitfire units are high quality as far as I can tell.

 

[4570Man]

I don’t like the idea of the double way splitters. Especially with the axel mounted perpendicularly to the cylinder. You’d be forced to move the wood pile to get the splitter out without resorting to a more extreme approach. I don’t see it as saving much time anyway if you have a decent cycle time.

 

[Dave M7040]

Hoses are 1/2", Stroke is roughly 24", I do not know the diameter of the cylinder. I do have a partial picture if that helps, its massive from what I have seen on other splitters.

View attachment 536897

That cylinder is far too big for a splitter. Looks to be off a Bulldozer or similar.
Yes it is very strong but will take a long time to send it enough oil to move the piston.
Also it would be designed for much higher pressures that you could ever provide so it is a monster without a true purpose.

Dave M7040