Buying used 6 ton DR electric splitter

[cutsplitburn]

I’m looking to purchase my first log splitter. I have been splitting by hand for years but my body can’t keep pace with my spirit now so I have to look at splitters.

I came across one that is used about 14 years old, looks to be in ok order but the age of it has me concerned as electric motors can easily be more than the price of the unit.

I have a bunch of oak in 16” - 20” diameter in 18” - 16” lengths to split and my first splitter I was interested in was a Champion 7 ton but the shipping fees drove the price out of the realms of feasibility so I started to look at electric ones and found a 6 ton DR electric unit.

Would it be worth it to buy the used splitter or just buy a new electric model? Price is 50 less than 300 ( incase we are not supposed to talk price here )

 

[Montanalocal]

I used to have a DR electric unit. The reason I got rid of it is not the motor, but the hydraulic ram that is underneath the unit. The seals go out on them frequently and they are extremely difficult to replace. I would not buy it if I could not operate it in person to check the strength of the splitter.

 

[armanidog]

I’m looking to purchase my first log splitter. I have been splitting by hand for years but my body can’t keep pace with my spirit now so I have to look at splitters.

I came across one that is used about 14 years old, looks to be in ok order but the age of it has me concerned as electric motors can easily be more than the price of the unit.

I have a bunch of oak in 16” - 20” diameter in 18” - 16” lengths to split and my first splitter I was interested in was a Champion 7 ton but the shipping fees drove the price out of the realms of feasibility so I started to look at electric ones and found a 6 ton DR electric unit.

Would it be worth it to buy the used splitter or just buy a new electric model? Price is 50 less than 300 ( incase we are not supposed to talk price here )

These folks have a gas splitter for rent, $70/day:

NH Wood Equipment Rentals | Rent a Wood Splitter - Trusted Rentals LLC

We rent wedges, chain saws, wood splitters and other wood related equipment. Give us a call. We're here to help! (603) 763-1319

www.trustedrentalsnh.com

This year is seeing higher prices on shipping and products made of steel. From what I read, steel prices are expected to drop and shipping costs should drop as well. Spring of 2022 may be a better time to buy one,

 

[cutsplitburn]

Great points I had not considered. Both the seal replacement and parts availability or just renting one for my needs till prices calm down a bit more.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Great points I had not considered. Both the seal replacement and parts availability or just renting one for my needs till prices calm down a bit more.

.Id steer clear of some of the DR equipment... some of its isn’t so good. You can rent temporarily. Heres the deal with renting. If you pick it up Saturday early morning, normally they are closed sunday so you get it for 2 days for the price of 1 day. Id look at getting a splitter for the house as a rental will pile up the overall cost. Just make sure that if you rent your ready to split when you get it home..

 

[cutsplitburn]

.Id steer clear of some of the DR equipment... some of its isn’t so good. You can rent temporarily. Heres the deal with renting. If you pick it up Saturday early morning, normally they are closed sunday so you get it for 2 days for the price of 1 day. Id look at getting a splitter for the house as a rental will pile up the overall cost. Just make sure that if you rent your ready to split when you get it home..

Thanks for the tip! I dug around on this splitter and found that it was discontinued by DR shortly after its release. Seals were hard to find and source as well.

I’ve been eyeing the 7 ton champion gas splitter over electric mainly due to the distance I’d have to run an electrical cord to my wood pile.

It’s a pro vs con debacle for me, no inside storage for the gas powered model vs vertical storage for the electric inside. While the extension cord length would be exceedingly long on the electric the gas could go anywhere.

Just gotta see about the shipping and when that comes down to reality. TSC has them but another 100 or so in shipping and they are not willing to deal on it at all.

Just glad I dodged a bullet with the DR

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Thanks for the tip! I dug around on this splitter and found that it was discontinued by DR shortly after its release. Seals were hard to find and source as well.

I’ve been eyeing the 7 ton champion gas splitter over electric mainly due to the distance I’d have to run an electrical cord to my wood pile.

It’s a pro vs con debacle for me, no inside storage for the gas powered model vs vertical storage for the electric inside. While the extension cord length would be exceedingly long on the electric the gas could go anywhere.

Just gotta see about the shipping and when that comes down to reality. TSC has them but another 100 or so in shipping and they are not willing to deal on it at all.

Just glad I dodged a bullet with the DR

You dont need inside storage my splitters sit out side just tarp or cover them up. The 100 in shipping is really nothing as its 70 to 100 to rent each time Basically 1 rental covers the shipping for a splitter you will own. Not sure exactly where you live , but most stores here have splitters in stock.. no shipping just go pick it up

 

[salecker]

My gas splitter lives outside,13 years on my property
It lived outside at the PO property as well
My guess is it is a 30 +year old Speeco
Starts first pull,Honda 5.5HP

 

[bunfoolio]

I like thoses small electric splitters a lot. I have a 5 ton homelite. I would just get one off craigslist and try before you buy.

 

[peakbagger]

I would avoid a DR splitter or any low tonnage splitter for oak, sure it may take care of the easy stuff but green oak can be tough to split. I have the 25 ton TSC splitter that usually goes on sale for around $1000 in the fall and it covers everything I need to handle. If you flip it into Vertical splitting mode it doesnt take up much room and is easy to tarp. If you are paranoid the engine and coupling unbolts so you can store the engine indoors (once its drained).

Lot to be said to get some friends lined up and rent a splitter for a weekend. With 3 or 4 people its quite surprising how much bucked up wood can be split in 1 or 2 days. Ideally keep the splitter running continuously and have enough folks and pallets to stack so the wood is only handled once.

Just plan on a dose of Advil before and during each session

 

[Raoul]

I bought a used 5 ton DR electric. I love it. Just one lever. No two handed operation like some electrics.

Loaned it out plenty.

 

[cutsplitburn]

I found a Champion 9-ton but unfortunately my local orange box just sold out and won't get anymore. I sourced a 7 ton instead ( same price) but now I'm wondering if it's going to be enough after reading a few conflicting responses from folks who have used either a gas splitter or electric green of similar tonnage with dry overly large rounds vs smaller.

What's the overall consensus on using a 7 ton splitter from Champion for green or 4 week old rounds that have been sitting to be able to split 20 - 22" and smaller diameter rounds that are 16-18" length?

It's somewhat subjective now with what I've encountered above but I'm looking to just get a baseline for what I can expect.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

I found a Champion 9-ton but unfortunately my local orange box just sold out and won't get anymore. I sourced a 7 ton instead ( same price) but now I'm wondering if it's going to be enough after reading a few conflicting responses from folks who have used either a gas splitter or electric green of similar tonnage with dry overly large rounds vs smaller.

What's the overall consensus on using a 7 ton splitter from Champion for green or 4 week old rounds that have been sitting to be able to split 20 - 22" and smaller diameter rounds that are 16-18" length?

It's somewhat subjective now with what I've encountered above but I'm looking to just get a baseline for what I can expect.

With a 7 ton your probably going to struggle.. but jut try it anyway and see what pops.. you could get a wedge and sit in half and let the electric do the rest

 

[enordy]

I have the Champion 7-ton, it hasn't let me down yet - I do about 2-1/2 to 3 cords with it each year, 16"-18" length. It was not amazed at some larger diameter rounds, but it got through them.

Try this site, they offer free shipping -

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www.logsplittersdirect.com

 

[cutsplitburn]

It's been some time but I managed to finally source a Champion 9 ton splitter gas splitter, which should be arriving in a few weeks. As Woodsplitter67 said, give it a shot and see what pops. Since I don't have any baseline for what works well, I figured this would be the best way forward. I can live and learn so to speak. Most likely it'll still be better than swinging a maul for however many hours and my back which I'd like to keep in better shape