Log Splitter Opinions

[Greg mgm]

Saw these 2 splitters online-

Troy-Bilt at Lowe's: 27 Ton, 160cc Log Splitter

Cub Cadet Gas 160 CC, 27-Ton Towable Log Splitter - 24BF572B756 at The Home Depot

I'm leaning towards the Cub Cadet simply for the cycle time. Cost isn't really an issue. Anyone have experience with these 2 brands? I assume both are decent quality. Comments appreciated.

It's hard to compare build quality when nobody has them in stock locally.

BTW, I'm splitting wood for occasional home use.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Neither, find a Speeco same brand as the TSC Husky. Cub Cadet and Troy Bilt are both owned by MTD so there will not be alot of difference other than Cub Cadet is their Higher line of equipment and may have a full beam. Have a 7 year old Speeco 33 ton and it still runs strong and have split 44" plus rounds with it.

David Kb7uns

 

[Greg mgm]

The Husky splitter I saw on TSC does look well built. Their 35 ton unit looks the most heavy duty I've seen online (for homeowner use anyway) but Id be interested in their 28 ton splitter with the Honda engine. Too bad their closest store is so darn far from me.

Thanks for the reply. I'll be looking more into this.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have an older one with the 8Hp Briggs, at the time it was the best because the other choice was a Tecumseh engine. Now they have the 10Hp Briggs that is fine unless you are doing commercial work. The base plates are real strong and the beam is good compared to the half beam MTD models and the wedge has a welded hardened part instead of being cast. They changed the tank a little and went to a tube instead of the offset hitch that dropped down lower making it great to tow behind the lawnmower. Just beware that none of the splitters are good for towing much over 45-50Mph because of small tires and no springs. I could not justify the added cost of the Honda engine with the lower power, I use my splitter less than 15 hours per year so it will take along time to wear the Briggs out. I also like the layout of the vertical shaft as the pump is more protected then on the horizontal as logs do fall off as they are split but you can now get log craddles to catch them. They are definatley worth looking at closer though.

David Kb7uns

 

[montanaman]

If cost isn't really an issue, get an Iron & Oak, or a Brave. No junk made in China cast scrap metal splitting wedge, larger hydraulic tank, much better grade of engine, much better grade hydraulic components, actually made in USA.

They just started making half beam designs so they could compete with all the box store junk out there.

YES, they cost more.

 

[waynokakid]

I'd have to agree with montanaman. I bought a used Brave, 20 ton, a couple of years ago. Have been well pleased with it! No China cast scrap metal on this one. I had to do some work on the 5hp briggs motor. But other than that it is one fine log splitter.

 

[paulyny]

I am a serious wood splitter. This is the 2nd year i am heating my house on wood without any other heating source. My current stockpile is partially pictured here 30 cords that i have split entirely with a swisher log splitter from Lowes for about $1200. Its only 22 ton and has split everything that has ever been throw into it. There are faster and beefier machines out there but i believe they are cost prohibitive unless your doing business with them ($3,500 and up,up,up) Iron and Oak, Timberwolf, American logsplitters are the Cadillacs of HYDRAULIC splitters but i personally recommend the Honda of splitters, mid priced box store ones work great. Theres other types that are much, much faster than hydraulic (super split is one) They all use 3 different brands of engines and all use haldex pumps in all fairness there are other factors, log lift etc.. I HIGHLY recommend you go to Arboristsite.com for advice. Look for the woodburning and equipment forum. Lots of useful info. Good luck and be careful with your splitter.

 

[jgrinn]

I bent the wedge (yes bent the wedge itself, not the weld, it cupped and bent to one side), on a speeco 22 ton. Yes I was splitting some knotty stuff, but it should have never bent like it did. The thing runs good and splits good, but don't get the 22 ton. The higher ton ones are built heavier!

 

[Gomez]

Since you say you are only talking about occasional use, either should be fine.

What kind of wood do you anticipate splitting?

I have a ~20 year old Duerr, 20 ton unit that has held up very well.
Only a real knotty piece of hickory would stop it. But that's more operator error
that anything.
It needed a new hydraulic hose last year.

It sounds like the wedge on the models you are interested in is cast, that
would concern me.

 

[Shmudda]

BTW, I'm splitting wood for occasional home use.

If this is the case save yourself a pile of $$$ and buy yourself a $25.00 splitting maul and do it by hand. If you are in half decent physical condition and you consume less then 6 cords/year a splitter doesn't really need to be part of the toy collection......of course this is my opinion.....

Honestly though, I was looking a Lowes and I see they had a 33 ton Troy Bilt unit for just over $1,900.00. If I was buying that would be the beast.

Craig