Would like you guys' opinion on these splitters

[ArsenalDon]

made a 4-way wedge, and a log cradle lift for the Northstar (NorthernTools) Dual 20 ton splitter

They sell the 4 way wedge in their catalog

 

[Machria]

Yeah, but it does not fit or work on the unit that guy made it for. Anyway, I'm not interested in a 4 way, I'm more interested in the lift.

But I really want to keep this purchase under a grand, I just can't justify more $ than that, I'm not splitting that much wood. I'm just going to have to wait for some kind of sale on the Powerhorse 20 ton H/v unit. It better happen soon, cause I got a bunch of wood to split, and if something better comes along used.... I'll take it, and Northern will loose the sale. I hope they are reading this!

 

[Bret Chase]

Have a look at the SplitFire splitters. If I was buying, it's likely what Id get.

I built my own so I could use only the components I liked. One thing.. The Subaru engine is very good. I have one on my splitter, but it is no Honda.

I am no fan of honda small engines....

 

[ArsenalDon]

Yeah, but it does not fit or work on the unit that guy made it for. Anyway, I'm not interested in a 4 way, I'm more interested in the lift.

But I really want to keep this purchase under a grand, I just can't justify more $ than that, I'm not splitting that much wood. I'm just going to have to wait for some kind of sale on the Powerhorse 20 ton H/v unit. It better happen soon, cause I got a bunch of wood to split, and if something better comes along used.... I'll take it, and Northern will loose the sale. I hope they are reading this!

Food for thought...any buddies near by that would be willing to go in on a partnership? We did that here...a $1200 machine split 4 ways, since we each used it for probably only 10-15 hours per year each it works out well....just trying to think outside the box for ya

 

[scooby074]

I am no fan of honda small engines....

Nothing better than a Honda small engine in my experience.

 

[Bret Chase]

Nothing better than a Honda small engine in my experience.

in my experience it's been over $5,000 of honda power equipment, that was immaculately maintained by a honda dealer... an EX5000 generator, an EU1000 generator, and a honda diaphragm pump.... (my employer had a stiffy for honda equipment and paid for the maintenance) in each and every case, the engine failed in various ways.... The 5,000 watt EX5000 generator was replaced with a 10,000 watt Miller Bobcat... with a Kohler... for about a grand less....the EU1000 was replaced with TWO porter cable 5k genny's with B&S intek engines.... for $100 less money.... and those B&S engines have FAR more hours on them than the EU1000 did before it converted itself into a mosquito fogger.... The mud pump.... that got a B&S that I got at TSC....

Bottom line.... my employer is far less keen on honda powered equipment now...

 

[Bret Chase]

In fact... I have had better luck with "chinese Hondas" that actual honda small engines... including a gas air compressor that will start no matter what.... on the first pull...

 

[MasterMech]

Nothing better than a Honda small engine in my experience.

in my experience it's been over $5,000 of honda power equipment, that was immaculately maintained by a honda dealer... an EX5000 generator, an EU1000 generator, and a honda diaphragm pump.... (my employer had a stiffy for honda equipment and paid for the maintenance) in each and every case, the engine failed in various ways.... The 5,000 watt EX5000 generator was replaced with a 10,000 watt Miller Bobcat... with a Kohler... for about a grand less....the EU1000 was replaced with TWO porter cable 5k genny's with B&S intek engines.... for $100 less money.... and those B&S engines have FAR more hours on them than the EU1000 did before it converted itself into a mosquito fogger.... The mud pump.... that got a B&S that I got at TSC....

Bottom line.... my employer is far less keen on honda powered equipment now...

While Honda makes some nice equipment, they absolutely command a hefty premium for it. It certainly has a bigger following amongst homeowners rather than the commercial crowd. They still don't offer nearly as complete a line-up as Kohler or Kawasaki for the commercial twin-cylinder engine applications and Robin-Subaru is giving them one hell of a run for their money with the single cylinder engines in what used to be territory they flat-out dominated.

The Honda GX is still a great engine and deserves it's reputation, but the writing is on the wall unless they come up with something extraordinary to redistinguish that line. I don't think they will go away anytime soon but the reality is there are a few new kids in town and they mean business.

I now own 2 Robin-Subaru EX27's, one on my splitter, the other on my pressure washer. I still don't see any reason to spend an extra $3-400 for a Honda on either one of those machines.

BTW: My pressure washer is used almost daily from April 1 thru October.

 

[Bret Chase]

I have found Kohlers to be far more reliable long term..... the CH23 in my welder has over 3000 hours on it... the K181 powering my splitter is over 30 years old.. (it's Kohler carb does suck... I wish I had it's walbro replacement)

 

[charly]

While Honda makes some nice equipment, they absolutely command a hefty premium for it. It certainly has a bigger following amongst homeowners rather than the commercial crowd. They still don't offer nearly as complete a line-up as Kohler or Kawasaki for the commercial twin-cylinder engine applications and Robin-Subaru is giving them one hell of a run for their money with the single cylinder engines in what used to be territory they flat-out dominated.

The Honda GX is still a great engine and deserves it's reputation, but the writing is on the wall unless they come up with something extraordinary to redistinguish that line. I don't think they will go away anytime soon but the reality is there are a few new kids in town and they mean business.

I now own 2 Robin-Subaru EX27's, one on my splitter, the other on my pressure washer. I still don't see any reason to spend an extra $3-400 for a Honda on either one of those machines.

BTW: My pressure washer is used almost daily from April 1 thru October.

My Supersplit log splitter came with a Subaru motor as well and starts and runs great, quiet too.. Running amsoil in it from day one..

 

[tekguy]

I have the small TSC Huskee 22 ton model, dollar for dollar it has to be the best buy for a splitter hands down, paid $899+ tax at end of season for it... at that price cant be beat, splits everything iI throw at it without issue (all hardwood)

 

[Machria]

Food for thought...any buddies near by that would be willing to go in on a partnership? We did that here...a $1200 machine split 4 ways, since we each used it for probably only 10-15 hours per year each it works out well....just trying to think outside the box for ya

I'm with ya! Been trying to convince 2 or 3 different people to split one with me, so far un-successfully. Just one partner would ease the pain tremendously, 50/50 on a $1000-1500 unit gets me way into my range of a happy camper. the whole 10-15 hours per year of usage is what is killing me on this. 99.8% of the year, it's sitting in the garage getting old and dusty.

Somebody should make a set of outdoor machines (snowblower, tractor, splitter, mower, powerwasher...) all with one motor you just drop on. I know they now make that for small equipment (weedwacker, chainsaw, edger, ...), I saw it in lowes or HD once, can't remember the brand. But we need one for larger machines.....



Oh, and PS, I am also not so "high" on the mighty "Honda" motors everyone screams about either. I would take a Yamaha 10 times over a Honda. And, I have a Kipor generator (Chineese brand) that blows them ALL away. That thing is stronger, queiter, lighter, more compact than anything I have ever seen, It starts by just looking at it, and it uses less fuel than any motor I have ever seen. That thing is nothing short of absolutely amazing.

On the other hand, I have a Diesel Kohler generator on my boat, that will be running long after all of us are 6' in the ground. And the 14hp Kohler (K321) on my tractor is a 1971 and runs great. It is 43 year old, and I bet it is running longer whatever motor I end up with on my bran new splitter! That is the said thing about todays JUNK!

 

[ArsenalDon]

(weedwacker, chainsaw, edger, ...), I saw it in lowes or HD once, can't remember the brand. But we need one for larger machines.....

Off the subject...but please everyone stay away from this piece of crap...went through 2 machines before I gave up and bought dedicated equipment...But I do get your point Marchia and it would be nice

 

[MofoG23]

My $0.02, go for a Subaru Robin engine if its an option...I have one on my splitter and generator - both have performed extremely well. Quiet, smooth, reliable and sip very little fuel...

 

[charly]

My $0.02, go for a Subaru Robin engine if its an option...I have one on my splitter and generator - both have performed extremely well. Quiet, smooth, reliable and sip very little fuel...

I agree!

 

[MasterMech]

Off the subject...but please everyone stay away from this piece of crap...went through 2 machines before I gave up and bought dedicated equipment...But I do get your point Marchia and it would be nice

I wouldn't go calling Stihl's KM series crap, they've proven themselves time and time again over the last 10 years or so now. The Ryobi/Poulan stuff? Yup - Junk.

 

[ArsenalDon]

he Ryobi/Poulan stuff? Yup - Junk.

That's it! That was the one I had....wow...what crap it was! Did not mean to lump Stihl in with it

 

[trailrated]

Just an update on what I decided to do. The splitter I've been using is a homemade unit basically given to me to use. I've been using it for the past 4 years. Its over 20 years old, and the 11 HP Tecumseh motor was shot. I recently replaced the motor with a 16 HP Tecumseh, its has some age on it but it runs great. I installed a new starter, a new love joy to connect to the hydraulic pump and all that is left is building a battery box.

300 bucks vs. 1500 bucks was the better option right now. The splitter has a 22 gpm pump and has a 9.5 second cycle time. Hydraulic lift table as well.

 

[MasterMech]

Just an update on what I decided to do. The splitter I've been using is a homemade unit basically given to me to use. I've been using it for the past 4 years. Its over 20 years old, and the 11 HP Tecumseh motor was shot. I recently replaced the motor with a 16 HP Tecumseh, its has some age on it but it runs great. I installed a new starter, a new love joy to connect to the hydraulic pump and all that is left is building a battery box.

300 bucks vs. 1500 bucks was the better option right now. The splitter has a 22 gpm pump and has a 9.5 second cycle time. Hydraulic lift table as well.

Any chance we could get some pics?

Where did that 16HP Tecumseh come from? The higher HP ones are not very common at all.

Sounds like a bad-ass machine now....

 

[trailrated]

Any chance we could get some pics?

Where did that 16HP Tecumseh come from? The higher HP ones are not very common at all.

Sounds like a bad-ass machine now....

Sure, give me a day or two and I'll get a pic up.

The 16HP Tecumseh came off a good friend of mine splitter. He's been using it on his splitter for a long time. Runs great, but the starter was giving him fits so he replaced the motor with one from a generator. Now I'm trying the Tecumseh. I ordered the right starter for it and so far the test runs have been starting excellent. I think the 16 Tecumseh is @30 years old.

 

[nate379]

Some of them are way bad for that. I used a Troy Built one this past summer and my shins are STILL tore up from hitting the fenders on that thing! If I was like 4ft tall and 100lbs I guess I could have just stood on the fender?

I have a Swisher 28 ton and the tire is mostly out of the way.... another 4-6" would be better but it is what it is. Was part of the reason I picked it.

Anyone notice the PITA of the wheels in the way on there H/V unit?

 

[trailrated]

Any chance we could get some pics?

Here is a couple pics of the old work horse.

 

[mellow]

I would have done the same thing if I was in your position. No need to get a new one when you have one that needs fixing up. I like that exhaust extension.

 

[Bret Chase]

those pancake mufflers are fricking LOUD

 

[MasterMech]

those pancake mufflers are fricking LOUD

I don't know of very many Tecumseh's that are particularly quiet. And yeah, the std. mufflers don't help much.