Scooby074
Super Member
Im looking for a few opinions on a splitter. Currently i split 8 cord a year with a borrowed gas or electric splitter. I think this year i might get up to 10 cord and its time i bought my own.
So Ive been researching OEM splitters. Ive also thought about building myself a firewood processor to make life a little easier or maybe even sell some firewood to offset the cost of wood. But after reading several threads (and pricing components) Im thinking that i wont build the full processor (if i go DIY) and just build the split section. I can add the processor at a later date.
One major advantage of a DIY splitter is i can build it with top shelf components. I really like the idea of Prince's new LSR self contained regen valve. I can see it speeding up the cycle a lot. I also want an adjustable 4way and log lift and DIY gets me that without the massive upcharges that the oems add for those components. See attached rendering of my processor/splitter design.
OEM gives me the advantage of speed. I have a bunch to do and id like to have my wood up before summer. If i have to spend several days building and designing a splitter its time i cant spend on other things.
So theres my dilemma. This thread is mainly to discuss what OEM splitters are available and of them, what's the best for quality and production.
Of the OEM's i like the Splitfires. They seem of very high quality, have Honda power, 4 ways on the higher end, and have high production. The 3465 seems like the ideal unit, but it comes at a price.. $3500 approx. People that have used them say they are among the best. Local dealers. I hope to visit next week to get a better price. The only prices i can find are what people have quoted in various forum posts.
Wallenstein is also available locally. They have a great reputation for attachments. How are their splitters?
What about the Timberwolf's? I dont have a dealer near that i can find. Ive sent the company an email to find a local dealer. The P1, TW2, TW2HD look interesting. TW has a very good reputation online.
American CLS also seems good. I understand they are basically Timberwolfs designs but sold for a few hundred less. Again, no dealer local that i can find.
Then there are the Speeco, Swisher, Huskee, MTD, Troybuilt, Champion... etc etc. clones. They are all about the same for a given Tonnage except for engine brand unless i missed something? Basically if your interested, buy what ever brand is on sale this week.
So thats about it. The condensed version is "what's the best splitter" given my priorities of quality, speed, and cost. Cost isnt really that crutial . Most of the premium units (SF,TW,Wallenstein and CLS) are at basically at the same price points. I fully expect to pay around 3000 -3500 to get what im after, unless i go DIY.
Ill also attach a sheet with spec comparisons between models and brands. The price column isnt accurate for other than the box store brands. Ones marked SPEE PA are Speeco's available at Princess Auto (Canada's Harbour Freight). Also you should understand that we dont have TSC's, Northern, HF or or any of the American Big Boxes other than Home Depot, in my Province.
I havent had the chance to get to dealers and get prices on the premium brands locally. Prices for those brands are based on what i could gather from web threads.
Any guidance, experience or overlooked brands would be greatly appreciated.
So Ive been researching OEM splitters. Ive also thought about building myself a firewood processor to make life a little easier or maybe even sell some firewood to offset the cost of wood. But after reading several threads (and pricing components) Im thinking that i wont build the full processor (if i go DIY) and just build the split section. I can add the processor at a later date.
One major advantage of a DIY splitter is i can build it with top shelf components. I really like the idea of Prince's new LSR self contained regen valve. I can see it speeding up the cycle a lot. I also want an adjustable 4way and log lift and DIY gets me that without the massive upcharges that the oems add for those components. See attached rendering of my processor/splitter design.
OEM gives me the advantage of speed. I have a bunch to do and id like to have my wood up before summer. If i have to spend several days building and designing a splitter its time i cant spend on other things.
So theres my dilemma. This thread is mainly to discuss what OEM splitters are available and of them, what's the best for quality and production.
Of the OEM's i like the Splitfires. They seem of very high quality, have Honda power, 4 ways on the higher end, and have high production. The 3465 seems like the ideal unit, but it comes at a price.. $3500 approx. People that have used them say they are among the best. Local dealers. I hope to visit next week to get a better price. The only prices i can find are what people have quoted in various forum posts.
Wallenstein is also available locally. They have a great reputation for attachments. How are their splitters?
What about the Timberwolf's? I dont have a dealer near that i can find. Ive sent the company an email to find a local dealer. The P1, TW2, TW2HD look interesting. TW has a very good reputation online.
American CLS also seems good. I understand they are basically Timberwolfs designs but sold for a few hundred less. Again, no dealer local that i can find.
Then there are the Speeco, Swisher, Huskee, MTD, Troybuilt, Champion... etc etc. clones. They are all about the same for a given Tonnage except for engine brand unless i missed something? Basically if your interested, buy what ever brand is on sale this week.
So thats about it. The condensed version is "what's the best splitter" given my priorities of quality, speed, and cost. Cost isnt really that crutial . Most of the premium units (SF,TW,Wallenstein and CLS) are at basically at the same price points. I fully expect to pay around 3000 -3500 to get what im after, unless i go DIY.
Ill also attach a sheet with spec comparisons between models and brands. The price column isnt accurate for other than the box store brands. Ones marked SPEE PA are Speeco's available at Princess Auto (Canada's Harbour Freight). Also you should understand that we dont have TSC's, Northern, HF or or any of the American Big Boxes other than Home Depot, in my Province.
I havent had the chance to get to dealers and get prices on the premium brands locally. Prices for those brands are based on what i could gather from web threads.
Any guidance, experience or overlooked brands would be greatly appreciated.
Rough calculation of a 3 second extend time. Might be too fast,lol. Might put a larger 36" cylinder so i can split doubles, dont know yet but i got the flow.
