wood splitter DHT 22 vs Champion 27

[Persiman]

Looking at good used gas powered wood splitters.
One option is a Champion 27 in excellent condition for $700. Looks like it sells for $1100 new. 224 cc engine, 11s cycle time, 434# weight.

Also see a Dirty Hand Tools 22 ton for $800 excellent condition, $700 very good. Looks like it sells for $1100 new. 196 cc Kohler engine, 11s cycle time, 621#.

So, they seem pretty similar, but the DHT is way heavier. Does that mean it's better, or just harder to drag around? Online reviews for both are very good. Some say the wood tables on the Champion are cheap. Not sure if the DHTs have a side shelf. Might be a separate purchase or make one myself.

I work up mostly white oak, chestnut oak, and ash from forests, so it's long and straight and not very gnarly. 16" cut length. Generally 18" diameter at the base, occasionally 24.

Which splitter would you recommend?

 

[dasranger]

How many years do you plan on using it?

 

[Persiman]

I plan on using it the rest of my life, e.g. 10-20 years, Lord willing. At this point it's 3 cords/yr. Not much by some standards, but I need some mechanical help since my son has moved out and my shoulders are starting to hurt. I would also enjoy helping others get wood or loaning it out, so it will get run more than that.

 

[dasranger]

At most, a new splitter will cost you an additional $50.00/year if you keep it ten years. A new splitter will come with a warranty and everything you want on it. I know it’s great to get a deal on something but it’s also fun to research, shop and own brand new.

 

[shooterdon]

More weight is usually a good thing, if it is the right places.

I would buy the DHT. Three cords a year will be about 6 hours a year of operation. Over 20 years that will be another 120 hours over what the machine has seen. If it is in excellent condition, it has not seen much use so little risk of something being wrong with it.

I would be cautious about lending it out. My experience with doing that with simple stuff has not been good. One guy was able to bend up my bolt on pallet forks...so crap happens.

 

[ericm979]

If you're getting old and your shoulders are giving you problems you might consider a splitter with a log lift. Or you can cut the rounds down with the saw to get them to a manageable size.

Splitter ton ratings are often inflated. Some of the high quality splitters don't inflate their ratings making them look weak if you don't know. If you assume they're all running about the same relief valve pressure you can compare by hydraulic piston size.

 

[toejam792]

I bought a dht splitter refurbished off ebay. It was right from them and practically new not a scratch on it. Only $900 shipped to my door.

 

[s219]

The DHT is much heavier built and it should be obvious when comparing them. I believe the Champion is one of the many Troy-Bilt spinoffs. They are decent machines but definitely lighter duty than units like DHT, County Line (Tractor Supply), or NorthStar (Northern Tool).

 

[goeduck]

Of those two, I would go with the Dirty Hand. The Champ engine mfg is not listed (unless you missed mentioning it) so it is a generic Chinese per manufacturer. Most small engines are made in China anyway, but I would still want a recognized name for parts support.

 

[Persiman]

At most, a new splitter will cost you an additional $50.00/year if you keep it ten years. A new splitter will come with a warranty and everything you want on it. I know it痴 great to get a deal on something but it痴 also fun to research, shop and own brand new.

That was an excellent observation, and well-presented. I showed it to my wife, and, well, I think she's going to have words with YOUR wife.

Nice try though. Thanks for your support.