County Line 25 Ton Wood Splitter and Four Way Wedge Splitting Red Oak

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

To be truthful, I don't really use the 4 way wedge much any more. It is just much more cleaner to use the single wedge. Even though there could be some speed improvement, not worth it in my opinion. 🎥Here are links to some of the camera equipment that I use: Canon EOS R10: amzn.to/3tvoGYO K&F Tripod: amzn.to/3ZUd2m6 Go Pro Hero 8: amzn.to/3pEGsnV Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System: amzn.to/3GvRoN5 As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links posted here - at no cost to you. More tractor videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLooz_hclekl-AW--3g0PKompkU3g_bUWv More Firewood Videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLooz_hclekl_7z89asYP8jCEudf-j5fwL More Outdoors Videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLooz_hclekl_sm4OGhndrpyXAZDFRSo6J&si=gu7tPqQ4wY8JmA1G I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content, check out some of the following links to support our channel. Check out our website: masterengineeroutdoors.com Please subscribe to our channel here: youtube.com/@masterengineeroutdoors Follow on Facebook at: facebook.com/masterengineeroutdoors

[@markhenderson6198]

I have this same splitter, purchased it about a year ago and I have split about 6 chords with it so far. I am very happy with it.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Glad you enjoy it! Since I bought the splitter in 2019, I can't believe how much they have gone up in price!

[@johnarnold3696]

I made a few additions to mine that helped. I bought three of the wood catching racks. Attached two together which makes easier to put more wood on deck but most importantly protects the motor in the event split half gets away and falls. Put the third rack over the hydraulic filter. When a large split half gets away from you, which it will, it can possibly shear off the filter and may even ruin the tank. Bought the 4 way wedge and cut off the little two inch side wedges and welded on five inch wedges. Notched out the standing wood cleaners for clearance. When wood pieces get under the cylinder, pull clip and pin at end of cylinder and one swipe of hand clears completely. Splitter works very good.

[@brentthebloodhound]

I had a champion of splitter and I returned it. I bought a county line and I love it

[@lannyfenster7461]

Very nice work I would recommend something that I learned over 81 years, please put a pallet on the ground to put the split wood on then pick it up with the front end loader and put where you want it and then you might be doing this when you are 81 YO. Back surgery is not fun and recovery can be over a year(have two friends in recovery now). Good work

[@joshblick]

Those "little chunks" that hang on are my kindling. I pull them off and throw them all in a box next to the splitter. I also pick up the small scraps under the splitter.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I've been saving them for kindling too!

[@waynetharp]

When you pushed the splitter backward to get closer to rounds again. If you run the cylinder out first it helps the tongue weight to be less heavy when pushing by hand and more balanced, IMO. Thanks for video!

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for the tip! It's always good to prevent wood yard injury!

[@waynetharp]

@@OutdoorsEngineer You are welcome...Anything to save the ole back!👍

[@waynetharp]

@Jack Mikeson You are welcome...Have a great day!👍

[@kebo57]

Hey, that's a great tip, thank you! I'll have to remember that when I push my county line 22T splitter around the yard.

[@waynetharp]

@@kebo57 You will see...It just balances the weight so much better and makes rolling the splitter by hand night and day easier!👍 Let me know what you think!

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thanks for the look at this. I bought one but haven't tried it yet. i watched another video and they were splitting stringy green maple. It did not do well. Looks like it did help move things along with the dry oak.

[@garygross9612]

That 4 way is a game changer! I'm picking one up.

[@billywray4524]

i bought the splitter last year for 999.00 love it. just ordered the 4 way for $59.00.. lookd swesome nice video

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I bought mine about 2 years ago for $700ish. I see they are over $1400 now! Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas!

[@bradbartlett2663]

The amount of wood you have is un real!!! I’m so jealous of all your land! I’m always searching for wood as you can never have enough when you don’t have your own woods lol.

[@nozzledrich]

He hurts my feelings by making me look like a slack jaw do nothing with my paltry 5 cords for this year. LOL

[@Alan_Hans__]

The splitter certainly gets the job done. Very nice looking stacks of wood as well.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks!

[@FredFlintstone21]

I got some gouging on my 25 ton countyline going on, on top of h-beam under the lip, a few inches from end of stroke. We ran a load of wet oak thru it and the wedge wasn't always going perfectly straight, so bottom of wedge was digging into the h-beam. A little grease helped.

[@scottsouthwell4968]

The same thing happened to mine the first ten minutes. I was splitting some knotty apple. Hope it dont continue to do this.

[@witharebelyell2762]

I just bought this one from Tractor Supply in AR ($990.99). You HAVE TO get the side wood catcher! It's already got holes and nuts welded to the side for this, but you have to purchase it separately ($59.99). The 25 tons of pressure all put on one point is STRONG! I had an oak tree fall from a storm and cut 3, 26" across and 18" long, stood the splitting arm up and rolled the rounds over there and split them good! That with the rest of the tree and an older downed walnut split gave me 3 ricks (a cord) by the end of day. Adding a drink holder of my own, don't expect them to have added one. No problems. Do make sure to replace the yellow plastic temporary hydraulic oil plug with the metal one in the black (thermos looking) owners manual bottle on the side. Also use teflon tape to water proof it when it rains on your splitter. A good thing, if you don't need the distance to be the whole 26", just stop the wedge about where the size of your wood is. I had some previously cut logs on my land (from previous owner) that were 14" and didn't have to wait for the wedge to go all the way back to 26" and then down to 14" again and it made it faster to split or you can just hold the handle "up" for 2 seconds and the wedge/piston will go back all the way to it's 26" automatic shut off.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for watching! All good tips!

[@SaintJames40]

How did you get it so cheap? I see it on the website for like 1300

[@JerichoRally]

Awesome technique when splitting the larger rounds. I like it!

[@MDR-hn2yz]

I just traded my old beat up splitter to my neighbor for a dump load of wood. I’m thinking about getting one of these County Line 25 ton splitters.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

They are pretty good splitters, especially for the money. It is amazing how much they are costing new though. I think I paid just over $700 back in 2019 when I got this splitter. They are almost double that now.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

@@OutdoorsEngineer my local TSC has this one going for $1499.

[@flpanhandler7749]

The wood rack is nice.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Did you see my build video on those racks?

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Been debating the 4 way wedge on my Countyline 30. Think I'm gonna get one after watching your video. Nice wood drying and storage racks.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I don't use it as much as I used to but still do use it!

[@ChrisH316]

Hey thanks, looking to get a splitter soon and just wondering about the bark build up, I like the speed of the machine a lot, it’s the fastest of any that I have seen so far

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

For the price point, not much better you can get!

[@fricknjeep]

just looking at other channels . good show thanks john

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Welcome!

[@woodspirit98]

Those racks are awesome. One thing I noticed on the splitter is the way wood pieces get stuck in the groove and build up under that piston.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Yep. They do. I clean that stuff out every now and then. It eventually works itself out, but good to maintain and clean it

[@williamhauck7303]

Your introduction says a alot about you doing your homework. My research has shown that the two you mentioned are the. best. I have spoke with Andrew at Eastonmade and he sort of blessed me building my own splitter. I will be using a twin cylinder 18 hp vertical shaft with chain drive to a 16 gph pump I also am going to put on a log lift. The four way was a great addition but I would make a bigger one that would limit the length of log but would give a better split. Hope to be in Oshkhos at the EAA show in July.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Good luck on the build! We always wanted to but never had the time. I'm sure it will be awesome!

[@edsmith4414]

With 18hp, you could easily run a 20+ gpm pump.....it will give you a faster cycle time.

[@happyamerican3235]

I have this same splitter. I just broke the bolt that holds the cylinder to the splitter head. It broke at the threads. If you don’t have a spare bolt you should get one. I have split a lot of wood with mine in the horizontal and vertical position and it works very well. First time I’ve broken something on it. It can handle whatever you need to split. I’ve done 30”+ rounds on the ground with it in the vortical position. I keep a can of starting fluid in the black tube mounted on the side of it. Helps when it’s cold out and doesn’t want to start as easily. I do wish it has some type of protection for the engine. I’ve had a few pieces fall and almost hit it. I’ll probably weld up a bracket to protect it.

[@valqueenofValhalla]

Me too I got mine a week ago

[@nozzledrich]

@@valqueenofValhalla I couldn't believe the price hike from 4 years ago when I got my CL 25 ton to today. I paid $899 with an extra $100 towards an extended warranty. Checked out the $ yesterday and this unit is now at $1600. Holy S!!!

[@MrArdvark11]

@@nozzledrich Bought one today on sale for $1099.00 which isn't too bad. Normally goes for around 1299.00 here in New Mexico.

[@louiseromero4577]

Keep up the good work bless you

[@mattfogarty8144]

I think the 4 way is genius tbh and if you dont like it you can take it off and use the normal wedge I dig it

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for watching! Yes, the wedge is very dynamic to what you need.

[@DirtRoadLanding]

That was a great video. I really like this splitter.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks a bunch

[@jeromeprzybilla9999]

Good video! Wish I had a 4-wedge on my wood splitter. Maybe some year, one of us will be buying an Eastonmade splitter🙏

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I'd love to have a 12-22 at my disposal, but that is a pretty penny. I also need to go check out Wolfe's in person. Much closer!

[@jeromeprzybilla9999]

@@OutdoorsEngineer Chris is only around 30 miles north of me.

[@tedpendlebury7978]

I have no use for firewood, nor a splitter, but enjoyed the video. Nice to see some of the innovation that's come along since I might have used one.

[@silent1967]

Splitters have been around for decades.

[@tedpendlebury7978]

@@silent1967 No shit, sherlock. There have been some innovations since the last time I used one.

[@silent1967]

@@tedpendlebury7978 Calm down grandpa, drink some Ensure.

[@JamesM-l5g]

Oh man, one of these kind of videos………. Thankful for fast forwards

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for watching! You should check some other videos : kzbin.info/aero/PLooz_hclekl92KuDn5yiVktr66PiCzP-q

[@kiarevolution]

Impressive setup!

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks!

[@jerrylittle8922]

Nice inventory of firewood .

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks!

[@DieselArcher]

Wow, I’ve got the 28 ton and it’s return rate is half as fast as your 25. Can’t decide if I want to buy the wedge or just build my own.

[@markhudgins9502]

Split the bigger ends from the piston side to help eliminate grain run out .

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Looks like it works good.

[@wvbonbonqueen]

What a great video. I would love to see a link to the tool you are using to pick up the wood with? That would come in very handy when the two of us are splitting our firewood. Also, the wedge is a great improvement to the splitting of rounds. We have a Huskee 35 ton unit and I can't find any that will fit on it. Again, a great video, I sure hope you share that link I asked about.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks! Check the description of this video. Link is there.

[@wvbonbonqueen]

@@OutdoorsEngineer I will do that. Thanks again.

[@SGD3000]

What type of material are you using to cover your wood racks with?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

The first round of racks I made using some cheap plywood that I got from a friend. The second round, which you can see here, I used steel roofing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITVc6qwdqxoo7csi=FQF7jy2w4PQ7pLKz

[@edwardhollingsworth210]

I had the 4 way but didn't like it so I took it back!!

[@benscoles5085]

Hello, the best part of this vid was to see those Top Grade racks you made for the split wood, the second best is you convinced me to save the money I was gonna use to buy that wedge, I do not see the value in it at all,

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I'll be honest. I don't use the wedge much anymore! The racks are awesome!

[@maxair420]

Tis the season 🔥🔥👍🏽

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Sure is. Once it gets cooler out, it is perfect firewood weather!

[@maxair420]

@@OutdoorsEngineer absolutely 👍🏽

[@ChrisH316]

Do you get frustrated with the guide system they have for the wedge on the machine with all the bark build up ?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

To be honest...I don't. I don't find it to be that big of deal to clean it out. After a round of splitting, I extend the wedge all the way, which is typically enough to get in and break that material loose. And a couple wipes down the hole and for the most part is cleaned up. A stick or screwdriver could help as well. Thanks for being here!

[@ChrisH316]

Yes, I think you are right, from the research I have done, the County Line machine seems to give the best bang for the buck.

[@ChrisH316]

I have also looked at RuggedMade, NorthStar by Northern Tool and Brave Log Slitters

[@crazyman3157]

Great review.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks!

[@stephennoiles3344]

Hi new to your channel, is there a video on how you constructed your wood racks? Looks great, keep up the great work.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Hello and thanks! I in fact do have a video on that subject! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITVc6qwdqxoo7c

[@MOAONAABE]

im a fan of ash wood. seasons fast and burns as hot as oak. we employ the ash borer to free up some logs. free logs. they made it illegal to transport the infected trees, so they just cut em into handy 6 ft logs and left em on the side of the road. i scarfed em up till the tree guys caught on that they could sell the wood as long as its still within the county. they couldnt figure out why we would clean up their mess. doh

[@ttlkeat3284]

Im so OCD I would be clearing the wood shavings and bark from the plate lol

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

That's OK! I always get it cleaned off as best I can when I finish!

[@ttlkeat3284]

@@OutdoorsEngineer it drove my uncle ves crazy after every 3 logs I would clear off the pad lol

[@brentthebloodhound]

How did you build that crate for your tractor

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

It is just a "Carry All" from Tractor Supply and then I attached a bunch of left over 2x6's and 2x10's to make the crate look. The carry all is just a frame. Works nice!

[@matchcuttree522]

Will that 4 way fit the countryline 40ton?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I am not sure. I think the website for TSC says if it will fit or not. The other option is to visit and compare the splitting heads of the two.

[@judge058]

When using you CL 25 ton splitter does the ram get hot? I’ve recently purchased one and after a couple hours of use the ram gets hot, I can still touch it but not for long. Is this normal? It’s my first splitter so I have no experience in this.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Yep. They hydraulic fluid heats up with use. Normal.

[@judge058]

Thanks much!

[@robertkleinhans3437]

I bought a demo at tractor supply and they said that it was only used for about 4 hours .I checked the hydraulic fluid when I got home and it just touched the bottom of the dipstick I called the manager were I bought it and said that it was filled up before they used it .Good thing I looked. Didn't appear to be leaking maybe they didn't think of checking before THEY USED IT THE 1ST 4 HOURS .I would check the fluid something I always do.

[@judge058]

@@robertkleinhans3437 , I bought mine used and checked the fluid levels, both hydraulic and oil, before I used it. Both were fine but in checking other people splitters theirs also get hot. I think the secret lies in the size of the reservoir, the bigger the better. I looked at a demo unit from my TSC store but they wanted too much for it. The Asst. Mgr took me aside and told me the things was beat and not worth the money the Store Mgr was asking. This was in the spring and I see it still sitting there.

[@suburbanator91]

Is this log splitter made by the same people who make Oregon? I have a 30 ton by them with a Kohler engine as well.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I don't think it is the same company, but I do believe there are only a few companies that make the wood splitters. It looks like the County LIne is made by YTL.

[@TNoutdoorshunter]

How many cords have you put through it? I would like to get one. But would like to process enough wood to sell and pay for its self. If it goes well then I will upgrade to bigger

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I've done for sure at least 14.5 but I am most likely closer to at least 20 full cords on it. Perhaps even more! I bet it will get to 2 or 300 cords.

[@TNoutdoorshunter]

@@OutdoorsEngineer awesome! I’m going to go get one this week

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

Interesting that the 4 way thing just lays over the main one.

[@finpainter1]

That head is what i need on mine.

[@leroymorris6036]

agreed

[@busman8658]

were can i buy a 4-wedge splitter for my champion 27 ton wood splitter

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Good question. I'm not sure - maybe check their website?

[@BigAshTree8711]

Will the 4way stay on when splitting in the vertical position?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I don't know. I think it would. It has a bracket on the back side that would hook on the back side of the wedge. I'm not sure I would use it though. In the vertical I would tend to just use the single wedge to get the big chunks split down some and flip it back horizontal. Note - it is very rare I use the splitter vertical. I can usually pick up most of the rounds I am splitting.

[@BigAshTree8711]

@@OutdoorsEngineer I prefer splitting vertical, grab a log to make a seat and start splitting

[@itsfrombill]

Odd, I bought the 4-way from TS and it does not fit my Countyline 25ton. I think I bought my splitter in 2016. The 4-way is, like, an eighth of an inch too small to go over the existing wedge. Anyone know anything about this or where I could buy one that fits?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I don't. What if you take a grinder to your wedge and make it smaller?

[@clem95627]

Lots of guys just grind down the rear of the wedge head and that works well.

[@ciphercode2298]

Tryin to decide between this and the dual action splitter harbor freight sales. This one is more versatile, but harbor freights is faster

[@maraudermitchelli]

Excellent 🙂

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SteveQ270]

I have the same splitter and tried that wedge and couldn’t get it to split worth a crap. The wings would just push the 2 halves off to the side instead of splitting it again.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I've had that with punky wood. Most of the hardwood I use, it will work. Good luck!

[@bear9923]

AS YOU SAID, WEDGE IS TOO SMALL. BUT MANY SPLITTERS SKIMP ON WEDGE SIZE. GOOD REASON TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY A CERTAIN TYPE

[@mattbrodacki4980]

What was orange tool? I have woodchuck but that one has short handle and looks easier than a peavy

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Log Ox. I ended up getting the 3 - in 1, but here is the portion that I was using from the 3 in 1. www.amazon.com/LogOX-Log-Hauler-Cant-Hook/dp/B074R7QCN5/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=logox&qid=1609117681&sr=8-2

[@SIM3245-k4e]

Hallo, ist das Hartholz oder Weichholz ?

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I had to do a google translation as I don't know German. Red Oak is a hardwood.

[@mikeadams2339]

I didn't get one for my 35 ton county because I saw reviews that they dont hold up. Has yours held up well? Look like it did the job.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

I've been happy with it. As you see, I don't use it on everything. It has it's place for certain sized pieces. But it does exactly what it can with a splitter that has a moving a wedge instead of a stationary wedge. I saw those same reviews and still pulled the trigger on it. I'm happy with it. Until I can afford a Wolfe or Eastonmade, it'll have to do!

[@mikeadams2339]

Yep. if I could afford the eastonmade I wood jump on it! My issue with a log lift iz that I have a tractor to do the lifting and use as a work space.but the tractor may not always be there or start?

[@johnnyshd8250]

They don't make a 4 way for the older 21 ton. The wedge is different. I made my own

[@kenweis2291]

Honda engines #1

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Yep. Most of the time! All though this Kohler is pretty nice too.

[@bernardhall7979]

What about wood with knot

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Most of the time no issues. Some species the 4 way wedge might get hung up. But it is easily backed off.

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

I guess its inevitable that a four way wedge is used off and on unless you've got the same perfect diameter everytime

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Certainly. Even on the Eastonmade and Wolfe Ridge splitters, there are many times the cross portion of the wedge is moved out of the way.

[@edsmith4414]

Plenty enough splitter for home use. Hard to justify 6-10k on a production machine unless you're dead serious about the firewood business. Mine is a 3pt hitch tractor model that used the tractor hydraulics, which 'seemed' like a good idea UNTIL I got to using the fool thing. Soon figured out tractor hydraulics are NOT meant to run a wood splitter, plus having it on was very un-handy when it came to moving logs or anything else with that scorpion tail on the back of the tractor. I bought an 8hp engine, 16gpm 2 stage pump, tank, wheels, etc and built a stand alone splitter which has worked well for 30 years now. One suggestion I would have made on your sheds would to have been make them taller....mine are about 7'6" at the front, sloping to 6'6" in the back. That let's you stack more wood for the same amount spent on roofing the shed.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for watching. I often have thought about going taller. That would require something a little different than the pallets I am using. I guess i always have the option to "raise the roof" if I find the need.

[@Living-The-Dream]

🔥👍🤠👏

[@janstolk486]

these 4 way wedges always leave those slivers . they get in your hands and give you problems with stacking and every time you handle them . I'd rather spend a few seconds more and get a clean cut with a single wedge .

[@jamesmckay9966]

You must be of German ancestry . You know how to work.

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks! I also enjoy the work.

[@stanleykeith6969]

I found you a fix for your log splitter. Please watch this. Log splitter stroke limiter, Save the Acorns1264.... (there channel) There is even a better video out fixing this problem, I will try to find this for you. Log splitter stroke limiter May 31, 2022 We split shorter logs and needed a way for the splitter to automatically stop on the return stroke. Now we can start the return stroke and grab the next log without worrying about it returning to the full 24” stroke and having to wait 10” of nothing for it to touch the log. There channel is Save the Acorns. I think you will like this. Save the Acorns@savetheacorns1264.

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Seems to Work well, cool 4 way design. Just subscribed 🚜🪵👍🏼🇺🇸

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Thanks for the sub!

[@inthewoodswiththecapones]

Love the way you have the spill wood set up, 🪵🪵 would really love to set myself up like that. I’ve just started cleaner my land and I’ll tell you that gives me some great ideas for wood stacking thanks again 🇨🇦

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

Glad I could help!