dbaer78
Gold Member
Anyone have any experience with a dr rapid fire splitter? My father in law and I are considering purchasing one but I'd really like some feedback from some folks who have some time on one.
Real world experience with dr rapid fire?
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dbaer78
Gold Member
dstig1 said:
Thanks. I'll be sure and check that out.
Natureboy
Silver Member
I have seen the Speeco version of the RF at TSC. Just my opinion, but it seems that unless 2 people are working together you really don't save time. Don't like the fact that you can't split vertically. Even with 2 lifting, would not want to heft a lunker up on the table.
OP
dbaer78
Gold Member
Natureboy said:
I built a log lift for my current splitter and would probably do the same for the RF. I do feel tho that the RF is definitely better suited to blocks 14" and down. From what little I've read on them you kinda fight anything bigger. Still curious if anyone has anytime on one.
I just bought a Rapidfire and have run about 4 cord through it. It is simple, the machine is unbelievable! You do loose on the vertical splitting, but the rewards far outweigh any drawbacks. If you own a tractor with a bucket (as most do on this site), simply roll the chunkers into the bucket & bring them up close to the splitter table & then roll them on. Once ther're there, it WILL split it. If you're splitting a lot of big stuff, keep one big piece stood up next to the splitter. You will need a place to put one half while riping up the other. My logs have been roughly 20" Beech & Rock Maple, with plenty of knots. a good test for any splitter. My smaller stuff goes through faster than someone on the other end could pile it. I've used hydraulic splitters, but have never owned one because I could split by hand so much faster. Not the case with the Rapidfire.
OP
dbaer78
Gold Member
memman said:
Thanks for the report! Sounds like you split the same kinda stuff I get into. I'd love to have one but im in the midst of trying to find a new bush hog. I'm hoping my father in law will give in soon and buy one. He's been wanting one for awhile as well. I just love the speed of those things!!
turnkey4099
Elite Member
I aslo appreciate the report. I watched their 2-part video demonstration and was disappointed with the "split hard stuff part". What he split was not "hard stuff by any means". I was wondering if he was faking because it wouldn't show too well on a really knotty chunk.
Harry K
If you go to Youtube and watch some of the consumer posted videos, there are some that show some tough stuff. There's one of a guy splitting without the table that has some pretty knotty pieces. Also, it will convince you to buy the table attachment.
As I posted before, I've split a lot by hand, so I whacked a couple of my big pieces & it was taking 12-13 hits by hand to just open them up. The splitter did it in 1 or 2.
I'm from Vermont where DR is manufactured & their quality is well known in the northeast.
As I posted before, I've split a lot by hand, so I whacked a couple of my big pieces & it was taking 12-13 hits by hand to just open them up. The splitter did it in 1 or 2.
I'm from Vermont where DR is manufactured & their quality is well known in the northeast.
If you go to Youtube and watch some of the consumer posted videos, there are some that show some tough stuff. There's one of a guy splitting without the table that has some pretty knotty pieces. Also, it will convince you to buy the table attachment.
As I posted before, I've split a lot by hand, so I whacked a couple of my big pieces & it was taking 12-13 hits by hand to just open them up. The splitter did it in 1 or 2.
I'm from Vermont where DR is manufactured & their quality is well known in the northeast.
As I posted before, I've split a lot by hand, so I whacked a couple of my big pieces & it was taking 12-13 hits by hand to just open them up. The splitter did it in 1 or 2.
I'm from Vermont where DR is manufactured & their quality is well known in the northeast.
jymbee
Platinum Member
Everyone has their own preferences, but for my own use this splitter has several drawbacks which would be fatal flaws for me.
In general I much prefer hydraulic splitters that have the splitting wedge attached to the cylinder, not the kind here that pushes the wood through the wedge. Too easy to get tough pieces caught up resulting in you having to try and knock if off the wedge. If the wedge is on the cylinder, simply retracting it pulls those stuck pieces loose. If you look around the 3:20 mark of this youtube video it shows exactly what I'm talking about (plus, he put that crotch piece in "backwards"). Hardly "pretty amazing".
Also, no vertical capabililty. Big issue here with some very large, knotty hard maple trees for example.
Finally, while it might not be a fair criticism given I've never operated one, but it just looks too flimsy for the kind of splitting I often do. Not to say it might be a pretty cool and effective maching for others and how they process their firewood. Looks like it would be easier to move around than my Husky too!
In general I much prefer hydraulic splitters that have the splitting wedge attached to the cylinder, not the kind here that pushes the wood through the wedge. Too easy to get tough pieces caught up resulting in you having to try and knock if off the wedge. If the wedge is on the cylinder, simply retracting it pulls those stuck pieces loose. If you look around the 3:20 mark of this youtube video it shows exactly what I'm talking about (plus, he put that crotch piece in "backwards"). Hardly "pretty amazing".
Also, no vertical capabililty. Big issue here with some very large, knotty hard maple trees for example.
Finally, while it might not be a fair criticism given I've never operated one, but it just looks too flimsy for the kind of splitting I often do. Not to say it might be a pretty cool and effective maching for others and how they process their firewood. Looks like it would be easier to move around than my Husky too!
Shelton823
New member
Just got mine last week. Split wood on Sunday and have to say this is the most impressive piece of machinery I have purchased in quite a while. From the motor starting with one half pull to how quick it splits. Did have to hit a few pieces more than once but with three of us (2&1/2 including my 8 year old lugging logs and driving the loaded 4 wheeler) we could not keep up with the machine. Split and stacked 2 rows 16' long by 4' high in about 2.5 hours. Not sure how to calculate that into cords but i think you get the idea. Truly enjoyed the experience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this product.
