$25 Upgrade that saving, time, energy and my back when processing firewood - Log Splitter Shelf

[@ericdrisgula3879]

I just got the county line 25 ton machine from tractor supply 4-5 weeks ago after 14 years of harvesting my own firewood from dead fall in a local state park then transporting it home and splitting it all by hand with a 4.5 pound maul/axe combo to the tune of 5-6 chords of firewood each year of the last 14 years by the time I'm done each season, my back with multiple herneighted discs and rheumatoid arthritis just literally could take splitting by hand any more when the beginning of this season came and I knew it was time to get what I've been dreaming of for nearly a decade and a half , a capable gas log splitter . My 25ton machine came equiped with a 196cc 6.5hp Kohler SH series 4 stroke horizontal shaft engine that honestly doesn't look special in any way it simply looks exactly like every other chinese honda clone that is literally coming on everything nowadays for at least almost 15 years now or so roughly , but I can't knock them honestly cause no matter the name on the decal label all the Chinese honda clones that I've dealt with are really quite reliable and fairly tough, they ain't a mid to late 90's to late 90's tecumseh L-head concerning simplicity and ease of repair cause most chinese honda clones all have at least a couple plastic shrouds , heat deflector plates over the mufflers , big unnecessarily large air intake and filtration systems all that adds time into the repair cause everything is not right out in the open like they were on the old tecumseh motors where it would literally take 2-3 minutes to replace your carb lol. Only ongoing issue I've seen with nearly all makes and sizes of chinese honda clones is problems with hunting and needing to run on partial choke settings usually due to clogged up super super tiny little holes all down the idle circuit jet , and alot of them seem to have an issue with the throttle and governor springs breaking or at least not keeping proper tension which will cause a number of useability and reliability issues , normal wouldn't be a big deal but some of these springs on motors that are only 10-15 years old aren't even available any longer which is a real problem , I had this happen to me with the springs for the throttle linkage and governor arm on the power more 243cc clone on my 2014 troy bilt storm snowblower , and going to a couple hardware stores to try to get ahold of a few springs about the correct size and style was a nightmare cause even if you find those characteristics match I bet the tension rate of the springs will be way off , at that point your left to rig the thing up , I ended up with a mess of like 4 or 5 springs to replace just two in order to simply get the motor to sit at or close enough to idle for me when the lever is set to that rpm , and likewise with the function of the system when you move the throttle lever to full rpms , I continuously would get either too much rpms and way to high an idle or a perfect idle but falling a fair enough shy of the proper rpm at Max throttle to have the engine actual make anywhere close to recommended horsepower output , finally I got a balance between the two extremes , so have decent top rpms and power output with a low enough idle I'm happy with , well it's worked for 5 snow storms the last two winters so guess it is what it is now , but due to the original proper springs not being available I literally was and still am considering replacing the entire motor with a harbor freight predator 212cc for $120 as long as I could easily swap the crank shaft driven drive belt pulley onto the crank or find a proper pulley to replace it. Anyway I'm just rambling nonsense about snowblower issues so I'm check this, prob should just delete it honestly due to how off topic it is but ehh, maybe I will maybe I won't

[@grasscutter1963]

Eric, that might just be the best gift you’ve received. SAVE THAT BACK my friend. Looks awesome too. I’m happy for you.

[@waskele.wabbit717]

That's a must have, mine did come with one. Another back saver is to make a simple ramp you can use to roll the logs up onto your truck and also go right from your tailgate to the splitter. Saves you from picking them up off the ground which is the hardest part on my back. I just made mine out of two-by-fours and 1 by cross members

[@lordrichard8184]

That a cool old truck!! You could also add a little wooden frame to help keep stuff from rolling off the metal ledge. Great video!

[@skkfor]

Stumbled on your channel and I love it!A log cradle as a Christmas present is right up my alley, too. I am very "utilitarian", so forget the neckties and trinkets; get me something that I can REALLY use! If it will get me dirty, I will probably like it.

[@jimf1964]

I was just commenting how much easier it was on another channel with two people doing it, but this makes it a one man job.

[@steveski8643]

Thanks for the video I was looking for a rack but did not want to spend a lot of money after watching your video I went an bought one and I am very happy with it for the price. Thanks again!

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

I ordered my splitter with one on both sides.

[@captainquint]

I had a set up where I could slide my splitter into a series of heavy wooden benches and tables to make sort of an assembly line which was intended to eliminate as much bending and stooping as possible. You dumped rounds on one table with the loader or from the truck, grabbed them with hookaroons and slid them to the splitting station table and shoved them down to the other end which you put them in a metal basket or a pallet. No wood hit the ground and there was no bending over. In fact you could sit on a stool at the splitter and work if you needed to. You could do a lot of wood quickly and with less strain on your back. Ironically a tree blew over and smashed smashed the setup. Building a new one with better lumber and under cover is definitely on the list of projects.

[@beyondmountainshomestead2468]

I added a shelf to my countyline splitter last year.... on clearance at Tractor Supply for less than $30 as I recall... major back saver🔥

[@cjlures8618]

made mine with plywood used a cut 2x6 wedgeded between the flanges masses me legs from falling halves .put a smaller one on working side of splitter

[@swheeler6848]

I drilled two holes in the splitter tray, (the side furthest away from the I-beam) and then put 2 grade 8 bolts in the holes to keep the split wood from falling off the tray. Works great.

[@cfishel15]

You bet, Eric -- it's a great accessory. I bought one for my splitter last year, and it's been a real game-changer!

[@mjp5429]

Need one for mine. I like your lines for sizing firewood blocks.

[@RobertViani]

Great add on @ a great price. I use a two rounds, flat side up as tables at the top of my splitting wedge. Timberwolfe TWP-1. It saves the splits from falling. Also handy when you have big rounds that are too heavy to pick up. Make a little ramp out of smaller rounds and splits and you can roll large rounds up onto the beam.

[@melodycapehartmedina2264]

Well isn’t that handy! Wife’s are so thoughtful! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and your New Year is oh so blessed!!!

[@LifeinFarmland]

:) You got that right. Thanks, you too!

[@marksparkplug7758]

Shelf makes a great addition to splitter. I made mine a few years back. Take care.

[@stevethiel5838]

Mark I made one from items had on hand. Now thinking of how to make sturdier since satisfied with platform.

[@yt650]

I’m seeing this video for the first time and I agreed that it should have a shelf and it actually should be larger than it is in my opinion. You’re one of the few people that I’ve seen splitting logs that hasn’t allowed them to drop on the ground and then pickup the pieces.I noticed you would walk them over to the wood pile. Now did ever occurred to you to move the log splitter closer to the wood pile so you only have two steps to go.

[@terrydriggers5217]

Yep. Good addition. Love my County Line splitter.

[@PfeilerFamilyFarm]

Because the box was labeled YTL it will work. YTL actually makes the CountyLine and the Black Diamond wood splitters. I found that out when I was looking for a wood splitter. I love the cradle since installing it. The wood race is on. I will get back into it next week. Merry Christmas Eric

[@garywinters2282]

I have a dirty hand tools 22 ton log splitter and they have a full length log table that covers the engine as well. It's pricey but it was well worth it to me. Another good video sure have enjoyed your channel.

[@littlewhitedory1]

That looks like it works exactly the way it should. Cool Christmas present.

[@mackz44]

If you still feel that your rack is still small, just screw or bolt a piece of plywood or OSB over the rack. I put a radius on the corners of a piece of 3/4" OSB with a jigsaw so that I wouldn't keep bumping into sharp corners, painted it, and have been using it for about 5 years. it also allows me to fasten a section of angle iron on the outer edge to help keep rolling pieces of logs on my table.

[@50shadesofgreen]

good day to you Eric & Family !! thanks for sharing your adventures and update on & off the farm 🏡🏗️🛠️

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Best thing you can add to a splitter. Hope you guys enjoyed a very Merry Christmas!

[@papax4815]

They are so nice to have, it’s like an extra arm, God bless

[@davidpeters7521]

we unhook the splitter turn it behind the truck use it as the shelf 0 dollars split right out of the truck

[@probro4048]

Have the same husky mechanic tool set! Love it

[@scottwebber652]

I save time n my back with a vertical style w/ a modified base. I’m bent over a lot but works great for me n quick.

[@kenjones2372]

hi the wood rest ,,r a blessing ,,i used a old trashed alum , ladder cut it to size ,,some nuts out of the garage ,,n wacko,,a rest ,,the lip on the ladder ,,foot side out ,,made it possible ,,that the split wood dint fall off the table ,, mine is on the splitter for 7 yrs now ,, only the bolts loosen up from time to time ,, id do it again if i bought a new splitter ,, with this old 18foot ladder ,,i made several ,,wood tables ,,with this one junk ,,extension ladder for friends sleep well ,,n again thanks for your vid

[@digbyodell2924]

Simple with no frills but it looks like it works. Looking online they don't carry them in many stores which explains why I never saw on in the local FF perhaps, even though I own a Lumber Jack splitter!

[@mandbhomestead]

Excellent addition, my splitter came with them for both sides, I love not having to bend over and pick up the pieces. Thanks for sharing .

[@edyagger8779]

Very nice and practical review !

[@MrBucidart]

I used TREX decking on my old Craftsman 27 ton which had a curved log catcher, it works great. In you case just use some 3/4" plywood using some tek screws and you can make it any length or width you require. Thanx for the vid. Happy 2019

[@gorgon9786]

A great upgrade,..this is the small things, which will come out big!..

[@paultanner2007]

I enjoy your videos. Happy holidays to you and your family.

[@luellastewart1335]

I have 3 on mine, love the extra one also!

[@HubertofLiege]

Mine has welded beads at distances of 16”18”20”22”24”. I like that.

[@henryrodgers3409]

You certainly can't beat a log catcher . Sure beats bending down all the time . It also stops the wood pieces from falling on your log splitter parts such as a engine or what ever you have on the other side . Someone asked about vertical position if it's needed . Depends on the size of rounds you are splitting . You never know if you might get some large rounds and then you could be hurting your back lifting them up . Me I would get a splitter that goes both ways . Horizontal and vertical . Not every one has a tractor or what ever to lift the large rounds .

[@stanleykeith6969]

Check out Tractor Supply's new 40 ton Country Lines. Don't buy one, look at there table from there parts page. Very Big and heavy. Just looked at one today. Also this one comes with an engine protector which I think is Great. Going to buy both.

[@holstonvalleyduke9882]

Just ordered one at Tractor Supply today. Happy New Year. 🎈

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

You've needed one of those for quite some time. I have one for my splitter and it's a great addition. Makes splitting those big rounds a lot easier.

[@markeggenberger4984]

I bought a splitter cradle on Ebay from seller 33flame. It is quite a bit more money ($80 plus shipping), but it is worth every penny. Very well designed and built. It is 16" wide and extends 24" from the splitter so it will hold a pretty good sized round. And it has the added bonus of being easily removed for times when you don't want it on there, like when using the splitter in the vertical position. You might check it out.

[@claudebradley5381]

I put a log catcher, cradle on my Dirty Hand Tools splitter and my back thanked me!

[@dykstrastexels443]

After watching this video I knew i had to have one so I wrote "Catcher" on my to buy list. I went to Tractor Supply tonight and picked one up and the price said $49.99. When I got to the register it came up Clearance $19.99. So thanks for the tip!

[@davegutenech7188]

Good deal. I'm going to tractor supply tomorow.

[@sminthian]

That's the kind of wife that I want. She was just out shopping one day and saw a cheap log cradle attachment for a log splitter and thought "You know, I bet my husband would want that". And she's right...

[@oui-nonmaybe2127]

I have my wood splitter on top of a metal table and next to that a big wheel barrow I push the logs in and then roll it to wherever I am stacking~

[@davidlis6709]

I installed a log catcher on my log splitter and it increased my efficiency by at least 30% because I don't have to pick up the pieces that fall to the ground.

[@johnsuch5914]

Love my cradle on my County Line 25

[@robertnealy9891]

I was wondering if you would get one of those. Glad you did. Love your videos man!

[@rummysworld7531]

Even at $50 the countyline one is a good deal and no modification. My splitter that i just bought last week has welded in nuts to bolt it right on. And yes it should be mounted on the other side as another comment noted.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

That looks super helpful 👍👍

[@davidweaver1736]

I back my truck up and use the tailgate for a catcher, and load as I split.

[@dougmoore7116]

Built mine 2-3 years ago, had the metal laying around and still probably couldn’t do it for less than $25. should’ve made one years ago. Thumbs up

[@thomasg3677]

Have you tried it on the other side? Your reach to the control looks a bit awkward. Mine is similar and I split fron other side - wedge coming from my right. Anyway - table looks super helpful. Visited local steel place/fabrication just hours ago and expect to start welding on one of my own after Thanksgiving.

[@dropshot1967]

looks like it is making your splitting a lot easier. Great gift for xmas

[@charliesmith643]

Doug will have one next week!

[@karstenfuglsang1638]

I split with axe questions at 64 me back is done haha. Like the band sang I don't mine chopping wood............take care

[@JohnMatrixOfficial]

Doubles as place to sit and drink beer too!🤘🏻🇺🇸

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Looks like it works good

[@HHeirloomIA]

Looks like I might make a trip to Wisconsin....65 miles is the closest store to me. Thanks for the great idea!

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

oh, I see your digging in lol making the work flow a little better ..... THE RACE IS ON! =)

[@yankey4]

AND THE Race is ON!! Lol Btw this is yankey4 if you did not know Doug..

[@littlewhitedory1]

I put my money on the young guy with lots of wood in the bank already! Sorry Doug!

[@botabob]

Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

[@1122ss]

bolt 3/4inch plywood on top of the shelf to make it larger

[@matthewcacace6804]

Thanks Eric, cool addition. Can I make a suggestion for a future wood heat Wednesday video? A full day of running your stove, or how you heat your house day to day, start to finish. I think it would be helpful for someone who is thinking about heating with wood. Merry Christmas and happy 2019! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@FoereaperGaming]

Seems like it should come with something like that on from the maker.

[@sammishen22]

Best upgrade I did was a faster per min pump. Cycle is half the time. Still pushes through nots

[@gregbrooks9546]

Eric, I am in the market for buying a log splitter and there is so many to choose from. I know you split a fair amount of wood and wanted to know how your Countryline splitter is holding up.

[@stevebledsoe664]

does that store have any more of those cradles?

[@arockyroadtogod]

Can I ask why not put it on other side so you don’t need to reach across for lever? That’s the way mine came from factory. Always good videos THANKS AND GOD BLESS!

[@LimpiezasMyG]

If you work from the bench side you are working from more distance away and it’s backbreaking. No benefit. Best way is to have one on each side that you can put up or down as needed, so you can switch sides and work different muscles

[@davekana8388]

Did you ever get another 4-way splitter?

[@flunkywill2000]

Do you think you should be standing behind the control handle? And not reaching over the log?

[@MrThenry1988]

Completely on the wrong side.

[@fiveacrehaven]

Looks like a great addition! Just wondering, it looks like the splitter is easier to operate from the side that you put the log table on. Is there any reason to why you couldnt put it on the other side? Just wondering, i dont have that log splitter but i was just curious if that would work. Hope you guys had a great Christmas!

[@mikejohnson9118]

Looks good. But I would used much bigger washers to spread the load out. And a light grease on the threads going thru the frame. Any issues with the Speedco? Thx MJ

[@davegutenech7188]

I need one of thoes trays.

[@therealrubbertramp2151]

Not to change the subject, but in a previous vedeo, you stated that there was 177 or so cu. ft. in an UNSTACKED cord of firewood. I'm just curious as to how you can up with that figure. I don't know but I'm looking for an answer short of loading my trailer with wood twice and stacking it in a 4x4 x8 stack. Did you stack it or what?

[@davidcarrow5419]

Could you fit another one on the other side?

[@codybrucewilliams]

seems like you should have mounted it on the other side considering you use your right hand to run the lever.

[@Izuksvids]

They are great! I have one on mine.. one thing however, you installed it on the wrong side. Its supposed to be mounted on the engine side. And you can stand on the side with the valve

[@ashlandgunclub1000]

Watch for logs slipping off on to your hydro tank & wheel. Mine (black dimond, factory instal) looks longer than that one so I wan able to drill & install a u bolt. Nothing slips off now

[@jeffbenjamin6480]

My countline splitter had threaded holes which is why im guessing you had to drill it out

[@gregbrucks9710]

Eric, I have decided to break down and buy a splitter. However, I like things that last and wanted to know how this machine is holding up and how many cords you have split with it. I have been looking at the Timberwolf which is great but cost close to 3K

[@LifeinFarmland]

So far so good. Someone mentioned in a review video I did in the past, they had problems with the motor. I personally have had a good experience so far. Timberwolf makes splitter that will last a lifetime. Industrial grade. Top notch stuff. I can't imagine going back to the days before a splitter. A life saver and has put a lot more wood in my pills.

[@jeremywarner4488]

Looks like you’re splitting ash. Emerald borer come through your area too?

[@somdhomestead9031]

I'm curious why you don't split in the vertical mode. I've been splitting wood since the 70's oil crisis. Got a log splitter couple years ago and with a stool to sit on I can split all day and not get tired. Roll a round and split while sitting. I also split rounds so my pieces are no more than 3" in dia. More splitting to do but I find burns better. Just curious

[@hughbrackett343]

It dries faster too when split in 3" max pieces.

[@happyoutdoorsireland6787]

Happy Christmas love your channel 👍👍👍

[@LifeinFarmland]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@pinchalog9794]

Good stuff!

[@shannonphillips3869]

Very cool

[@kdscrapping4452]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like back savers!!!!!!!!!

[@buzzsah]

A deal for sure, by the way, last year you bought a 4-way wadge for your splitter how did it work? I noticed its not on the splitter.

[@arthurblaker9721]

Put one on each side? Might help a bit more..

[@benca6151]

Looks like it worked but I'd be cautious of it only mounting with those two studs bending or breaking off with a bigger log

[@Mallard5plus1Farmhouse]

I need to buy one of these

[@MTResilience]

Where was it made?

[@edsmith4414]

Yeah, I welded some scrap 1" tubing to one side of mine, then topped it with some 1x6 lumber. Now have a 'shelf' to one side about 12x24 to hold the halves while working up the other half of a big round.

[@MikesWoodshack]

Made some for all my wood splitter and friends

[@edide1627]

Isn't it more efficient (or easier) if you use it in vertical position?

[@LifeinFarmland]

I have no idea how people can do that, kills my back and knees hunched over like that

[@onlineoffgrid]

As always a great video ! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

it's all about being efficient!! I don't have a shelf either, but what i like to do if possible is split smaller pieces and build up a pile. Then when i get to the larger chunks, i use the pile as my shelf. lol

[@yankey4]

Looks like to me you just removed a small bit of paint. Love it brother. God Bless

[@MrThenry1988]

I built a shelf for mine. Been dropping wood off the other side for 20 years. Ugh.

[@BOCraftsman]

Great video Eric!