RE: Splitter questions

[firefighterjake]

I have a few questions on splitters . . . seems like more than a few members are thinking along the same lines based on the large number of threads about splitters lately.

I've been using my Uncle's 20 ton MTD splitter that he bought 6 or 7 years ago at Sam's Club. He did replace the engine once, but otherwise has done very little to this splitter . . . and quite honestly it has split everything I have thrown on the beam so I'm thinking a 20-35 ton splitter should be fine for my needs.

In looking around it seems as though there are really only two or three choices.

Huskee/Speeco: There are only two relatively close Tractor Supply Co. stores and I have no idea where you would get a Speeco so it looks like it would be a choice in the Huskee line up.

MTD and clones: Sold through Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. . . . all the same thing just with different colors, badges and optional features (i.e. lights, tables, etc.)

Timberwolf: I've seen the website . . . but have no idea where you would purchase these since I couldn't find any dealer links. Are there any local dealers?

I also looked at the Iron and Oak splitters, but yowzers . . . a bit too rich for my blood.

So here's my main question . . . I think any of the simple base 20-ton models would be fine for my needs (4-6 cords each year), but I noticed on the MTD clones that the hydraulic ram/piston does not appear to be secured on the far end as it is with the Timberwolf and Huskee (and the old MTD for that matter) based on the pics . . . I know that with the splitter I have been using occasionally there is some limited side-to-side action with tougher pieces of wood, wood that pops out, etc. that causes the cylinder to wiggle somewhat (which is . . . I am guessing . . . why the cylinder is secured with the clevis pin). Is this a non-issue with the newer MTD line up of splitters?

Also, what are folk's takes on Honda engines vs. Briggs/Stratton? I realize B/S engines are relatively easy to get parts for and are probably cheaper, but Honda has the reliability reputation . . . although to be fair I thought I remember reading somewhere that not all of these small Honda engines are the same -- there are "Honda" engines and then there are "Honda" engines which have the name, but may not be built to the same legendary quality. True? False?

 

[Jim K in PA]

Yep - must be the seasonal migration to the splitter dealer . . . ;-) I was just looking at one of those MTD clones at my local HD today during lunch. It was a big mutha with an 8 HP Honda. I think it said 30 ton, but it was just about the size I would like, and flips to vertical. It also had the spin on filter too. The tag said $2500, but I think I might stop back at the store on my way home and see what kind of deal I can wrangle.

That is unless I win the lottery, and then there will be a TW-6 in my pasture . . . :coolsmile:

 

[wellbuilt home]

I have a mtd splitter 27 ton 5.5 Honda motor . It splits real good . All i do is change the oil and hydrlic filter every year . The cycle time is kinda slow 15 sec .
I'm looking at a super splitter (3 sec cycle time) or a split fire ( 7 second cycle time) . The maufacter will ship it to your house . I have had a tone of equipment and i think the Honda motor is the best . Ive never had a problem with starting , and they run quiet and they sip fuel . You could check out the super splitter and split fire on line. John

 

[Pagey]

Call Timberwolf and ask to speak to someone in sales. They'll be able to tell you the closest dealer. I live in TN, and our closest dealer was in Arkansas!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

We too have the MTD, which is the same as Huskee. Ours also is 20 ton and the new ones are 22 ton. We also have the B&S;engine at 5 hp. We've split over 100 cord of wood with zero problems. (btw, read the manual about the shims on the side.)

My very first requirement on any splitter is that is must stand vertical in order to save a lot of work. In short, it is not even half the work using a vertical vs. a horizontal. Yes, you can get log lifters but that really brings up the cost too. Speaking of costs, the Huskee 22 ton sells for $1099 in these parts and sometimes you can get them even less. Late spring before they put them away for the summer can be a good time to dicker with them on the price.

As for Honda vs. B&S;, I've used B&S;all my life with few problems, but I would still rate the Honda better than the B&S;. Also, after splitting over 100 cord of wood with ours, the B&S;still does a fine job.

Here's another thing I do: I rarely run the engine full throttle unless I'm splitting some gnarly stuff like elm. It will use less gas and the engine will hold up longer. That's what I have against the new ones that once you start the engine it is always on full throttle. I hate that when an engine is cold...

As for cycle times, I pay little attention to them. Simply do not go through the full cycle. Instead of waiting for the automatic shut off when the ram or wedge goes up, stop it manually. This is a huge time saver.

In short, I see no reason to go with larger splitters unless you are doing this commercially. Save the dollars; you might need them later.

 

[computeruser]

Honda engines: there are two lines, the GX and GC. GC are the consumer grade ones with plastic engine shrouds, and have an aluminum cylinder bore. The GX is the commercial "true" Honda engines with cylinder liners and the design that just keeps on going. A high-end B&S;engine is the same as a high-end Honda engine, in my opinion.

Splitters, generally: A 20-ton machine will get the job done for most anything you'd care to lift up onto the beam. I'd prefer a cylinder attached at the back end, not the "floating in the air" type on the MTD machines, if only because they are an off-the-shelf part and should be easier to replace if need be. I see the appeal of H/V splitters, but find the wedge-on-beam horizontal-only design preferable for my purposes - I really like my 4-way wedge, and would be happier still with a 6-way or a Timberwolf TW-7 box wedge.

When it's all said and done, any splitter that has decent ergonomics for its operator will be an enjoyable substitute for the old maul and sledge. Come up with a good infeed-outfeed setup, and you'll be happy. Splitting wood with your built-in radio ear muffs on is quite therapeutic!

 

[JoeyD]

We too have the MTD, which is the same as Huskee. Ours also is 20 ton and the new ones are 22 ton. We also have the B&S;engine at 5 hp. We've split over 100 cord of wood with zero problems. (btw, read the manual about the shims on the side.)

I don't believe the MTD and Huskee are the same. MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-bilt are the same (for the most part) but When I compared the Cub Cadet side by side with the Huskee I bought the Huskee. The Huskee has an "I" beam the lenght of the cylinder where the Cub Cadet did not. There were other differences I prefered in the Huskee also. The older units then the ones I compared could have been different though.

 

[firefighterjake]

Honda engines: there are two lines, the GX and GC. GC are the consumer grade ones with plastic engine shrouds, and have an aluminum cylinder bore. The GX is the commercial "true" Honda engines with cylinder liners and the design that just keeps on going. A high-end B&S;engine is the same as a high-end Honda engine, in my opinion.

Splitters, generally: A 20-ton machine will get the job done for most anything you'd care to lift up onto the beam. I'd prefer a cylinder attached at the back end, not the "floating in the air" type on the MTD machines, if only because they are an off-the-shelf part and should be easier to replace if need be. I see the appeal of H/V splitters, but find the wedge-on-beam horizontal-only design preferable for my purposes - I really like my 4-way wedge, and would be happier still with a 6-way or a Timberwolf TW-7 box wedge.

When it's all said and done, any splitter that has decent ergonomics for its operator will be an enjoyable substitute for the old maul and sledge. Come up with a good infeed-outfeed setup, and you'll be happy. Splitting wood with your built-in radio ear muffs on is quite therapeutic!

Ah, beautiful . . . this is just the info I was looking for on the Honda engines . . . and I can see we share feelings in terms of the "floating" cylinder that the MTD clones seem to have vs. the Huskee and the attached cylinder. At this point while I like the price on the MTD clones I am leaning towards a Huskee.

Having grown up using a wood splitter (albeit a homemade one that is still going strong) I cannot even imagine splitting 5-6 cords by hand . . . especially since I always seem to have the most crooked and ugly looking wood around . . . well that and a bunch of elm. I did split a good portion of a very dead standing sugar maple by hand last year which wasn't bad . . . just a little more time consuming.

And yes . . . Amen to the theraphy of wood operations . . . years ago I used to always find that splitting or stacking wood was great theraphy when angry, frustrated or just plain depressed.

 

[firefighterjake]

We too have the MTD, which is the same as Huskee. Ours also is 20 ton and the new ones are 22 ton. We also have the B&S;engine at 5 hp. We've split over 100 cord of wood with zero problems. (btw, read the manual about the shims on the side.)

I don't believe the MTD and Huskee are the same. MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-bilt are the same (for the most part) but When I compared the Cub Cadet side by side with the Huskee I bought the Huskee. The Huskee has an "I" beam the lenght of the cylinder where the Cub Cadet did not. There were other differences I prefered in the Huskee also. The older units then the ones I compared could have been different though.

I think you're right . . . but BS may also be right . . . my Uncle's older MTD clone looks very much like the Huskee splitter whereas the new MTD (and clones) look quite a bit different from the Huskees.

 

[kgreer]

We too have the MTD, which is the same as Huskee. Ours also is 20 ton and the new ones are 22 ton. We also have the B&S;engine at 5 hp. We've split over 100 cord of wood with zero problems. (btw, read the manual about the shims on the side.)

I don't believe the MTD and Huskee are the same. MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-bilt are the same (for the most part) but When I compared the Cub Cadet side by side with the Huskee I bought the Huskee. The Huskee has an "I" beam the lenght of the cylinder where the Cub Cadet did not. There were other differences I prefered in the Huskee also. The older units then the ones I compared could have been different though.

Huskee is made by Special Products Company (SpeeCo). www.speeco.com and is not the same company as MTD. Been in business for 50 years and making splitters since the 1970s. All their splitters are made in USA.

 

[Gooserider]

The question of who makes what is a confusing one for a couple of reasons...

1. MTD sells under so many different brand names, it's hard to keep a list...

2. Brand name confusion... TSC sells "Huskee" brand, which is made by Speeco. Home Despot sells a "Husky" brand, made by MTD - spelling counts...

Gooserider

 

[LLigetfa]

TSC sells "Huskee" brand, which is made by Speeco.

To help me remember, I look at the double "EE" and hope someone spelled it right. If Husqvarna gets into the splitter market, it will be really confusing.