Harbor Freight Predator 20 Ton 212cc Log Splitter Review: In depth review after one year of use

[@bigred7347]

I bought mine a few months ago. I think It's great. Bi-direction splitting. Splits even the most gnarly, knotty, and dense wood. I put rounds so large I can barely lift them, and I'm 6 2' and 250lbs. Slices right through them, very impressive. It was a bit pricey, but I'm glad I bought it. If the machine is way off level, the hydraulic oil filler bolt does leak. I wish it had a filter also. But it works great.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Big Red

[@christophergonzalez6527]

I'm sold! Thanks for the review buddy!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Christopher! I just made another video with that little guy this week, still going strong!

[@KNLFirewood]

Can’t believe you’ve had that thing a year already! Great overview. I love that thing! You keep selling bundles like you’ve been doing your gonna need another 2 way splitter for Lacy and the kids! Keep it up Brad!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Mike! I can’t believe how well those bundles have gone, it’s awesome! Definitely need an Axis, 😂

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Great job on the review Brad! I do think you probably have convinced a lot of people that that's a great splitter to start with if you're not doing it at a high production level! 💪👍

[@nelsonridgefarm]

John, I think it’s a great starter splitter and I’m going to stay with it for as long as it’ll go!!

[@davidedwards3734]

Great review of the splitter!! Doesn't matter what splitter we use, we just need to make sure we know its limitations, but we don't always listen ymto ourselves!!! Have a Safe Day

[@nelsonridgefarm]

David, you are so correct!! This little one does so good as long last I do my part! Thanks so much! -Brad

[@barryeasterling3792]

Ty for the review! I'm a beginner and looking at this and the County Line. Love the 1st Cav sticker!!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

First Team! I have both county line and this one. Favorite, believe it or not, is this one. County Line is tougher.

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

Nice review brad, The splitter has paid for itself. the two way action is nice

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks so much, I like that splitter!

[@logginlogan6796]

Great review! Watching that thing split makes me want to get a four way for my Oregon.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Yes sir, that 4 way really helps in the right situations Logan!

[@jake6483]

I'm looking at buying one of these next spring, we have a homemade one from the 70's, and that sucker weighs 3x more than my parent's champion splitter similar to this.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Jake

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

Good review Brad. You definitely got plenty of use out of it in the first year! The piece at 17:25 is my experience every time I ever split wood! 😂

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Yes sir, I just added that whole unedited 10 minutes of splitting so someone might see a ‘true 10 minutes’ if they wanted. Thanks again!!

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Key words: Use as intended It will last a long time like you said if follow those words you said. My 27-ton splitter that's just like your County Line went up $200 amd some places similar splitters went up $500. Bought mine when it was $1000 last March, then took 12% off for online orders for $880. Went to the farm supply store and picked it up. Glad I bought it when I did! No way would I have been able to split the 25 cords of wood I sold this past season without it.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Yes sir, the tariffs added a bunch of money to these splitters for sure!

[@cob705]

I modified mine by welding 3" inch piece of steel to make the blade taller, it helps splitting large rounds, & also able to split two medium rounds at same time amazingly well 💪

[@jamesconn1104]

thats a thought !! Yes Sir

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Nice!

[@FirewoodMidwest]

Nice review Brad. Heck of a splitter for the money for sure! Take care Nelson’s!👍🏻

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Rod! Obviously I want a Wolfe Ridge, 😂, it’s awesome!!

[@PaleHorseOutdoors]

Thanks for the review, Brad! I didn't know they put out a splitter. :)

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Yes sir, I saw it on KZbin one day and started watching all the videos I could find on it! Thanks again!

[@AdventuresAtHome1]

Hey Brad, Good review! Good video! That machine has paid for itself a few times over! My Performance Built (Lowe’s) is doing surprisingly well! I’ve split about 7 cords since Feb. The price has gone up to $999 from $699.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

I know the tariffs shit the prices up on a lot of these things for sure. Thanks so much!

[@corvetteshorts4670]

Great video. Def going to grab one of these. Only have 3 acres, but I'm surrounded by piles of Ash that I've cut down since we bought our house in '15. Subscribed also (we're also a family of "Nelsons" and former military!!! You guys related to any N.C. Nelsons from 1765-ish? We may be related haha. 😆)

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Hey!! Well I think we’re of the north Alabama stock of the Nelsons, haha. Interestingly, my wife’s dad is from NC. Thanks so much for your service and for subscribing!

[@den0matic]

Is the Boss 4 way wedge just their standard one they offer? Do you happen to have a part number? Thanks, love your channel.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

GD20T24 I believe is the model number…it’s their standard one for 20Ton to 24Ton I think. Thanks so much Denny, appreciate it. I got mine off Walmart website. -Brad

[@jamesconn1104]

Great video , i bought one just like a few years back , & would like to add that from day one i used pump gas , after each time i ran it ,i would cut the gas off & let it run out of gas , .its never failed to crank. it has been used more this year than since i had it , other than clean out , i have no complaints at all , great little machine !!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks James!

[@danielwillliams9669]

If it had stayed around the $600 price mark, I would have bought it. But when it went up to $1200 to $1300 at one point _ I started looking around. I am glad it went up in price. I found a better splitter for the money. I save my coins and got one that splits vertical and I can legally tow it. Plus has more power. The unit I purchased comes with all the fluids and a 2 year warranty. Now I see they are coming down to a more affordable price - I just saw the HFLS at $899. This is the 1st time I heard of the bowing in the rail. I think for a intro splitter - the HFLS is a good one. Another thing about the HFLS is that predator engine. If you ever need a replacement motor you can just walk into HF and purchase a predator motor and boom you are back in business.

[@mgoodell76]

Hfls? More info please?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Harbor Freight Log Splitter.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks, good insights!

[@TopCatTom]

Which vertical log splitter did you get ? Usually those things are a kings ransom :)

[@sunhawk61]

I got mine in Sept. 2020 and have been very happy with mine. Splits all the hedge/osage orange, black locust, elm and oak I throw at it.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Awesome Sunhawk!

[@Michdennis]

I have that same splitter. After 4 years and over 100 face cord of maple, beech, ash the hydraulic quit yesterday and after inspection only needs 2 parts to fix under 50 bucks.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

That’s great news!

[@bigred7347]

Which parts did you replace?

[@dave434]

Now over a 1000 dollars at Harbor Freight. I been looking at it myself , I wish they kept some in stock.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Dang, that’s going up! I wish they had in stock too. Not sure if I said in video, but I waited like 5-6 months on mine, if I remember correctly. Thanks so much!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Great splitter review. It looks really good value

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Joseph, I agree with you, I’m glad I started with this one!

[@fulwoodphantom]

Great machine for the money! All the best, keep splitting 🇬🇧

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks so much!

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Overall good review Brad.. My champion splitter is the same way I really can't complain as I have tossed 55 full cords through it this last year and it has to do it again this year.. Next level splitter for me coming soon..

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Can’t wait to see the next level splitter in action Daniel! Awesome!

[@cwwhite5137]

Welcome, fellow Tennessean! Chip

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Chip!

[@philliphall5198]

Can you add angle iron on both sides to reforce it after it’s out of warranty???? Vacuum the channel out is easier 😊

[@nelsonridgefarm]

You sure could although , I’m just a little more careful with it and it works just fine. Thanks!

[@BossFirewoodandHomesteading]

Great video Brad as normal. You are 100% right splitter prices as going up and up. I think my splitter was $1900 and the last time I looked it was $2200. Hold on to your billfold. LOL

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

And the prices keep going up. #LetsGoBrandon

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Yes sir, those tariffs caused a lot of these splitters to increase! It’s a decent starter splitter too! I got your email! Will be replying and sending sticker ASAP! Thanks-Brad

[@micky8912]

Did the 4way Boss head come with it or was that an add on? looking at purchasing this unit for around the house.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Added it later. It’s a Boss 4 way

[@bbrewster1986]

Great video. Not sure if you answered already but did the wings come on the blade or did you ad those. Thanks

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Hey Bbrew, it’s an add-on. I bought a Boss Industrial 4 way wedge, model GD20T24. Works really well on the smaller -medium logs.

[@sandrocamargo698]

I would love to work 30 minutes on one of this to see if i like better than my old Didier, I wish I knew somebody near by me so I could try! Thanks for the video!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Sandro, i wish you could find one too. I really like the splitting action on this one! Thanks so much! -Brad

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

I'm not crazy about lifting blocks to load that thing, however I do like the 4 way blade

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks!

[@RCPSU4]

I've got a smaller manual version of that splitter. Certainly was worth the investment since we've cut down a lot of trees over the last couple of years. Tend to like the workout from the smaller one and less maintenance also.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks so much Robert! I sure love this one!

[@Living-The-Dream]

Great review Brad 👍🪓🪵👏🇺🇸

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks so much LTD! Appreciate it as always! 🇺🇸

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

As you know it’s very important to have two splitters on hand. Make sure you don’t get any oil on that hoodie Brad.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

It’s my prized sweatshirt Joe! No oil on the JPF shirt!

[@robinwilliams1253]

Does it come with that part you placed over the blade for splitting the log into fourth's?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Robin, that was extra. It’s the Boss Industrial 4-Way Cross Wedge - CW-D1

[@SGD3000]

Awesome video Brian. I've been looking at this splitter but never pulled the trigger on it. What were you using to clean the engine?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

I think I was just using WD-30 as a degreaser. Thanks so much for watching! I like the little splitter!

[@xmartycohenx]

What's the part number for the 4 way wedge?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Not sure, but it’s a Boss 4 way, 24 ton if I remember correctly

[@treyn3655]

Are the wheels bearing buddy?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

No, just a cap that pops off to get to the bearings etc

[@saddleup4fun]

Where did you get the 4-way splitter attachment? Does it come with it?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

I got it from Walmart on line store. Boss industrial 4 way wedge. (Boss Industrial 4- Way Wedge Gas Log Splitters - Compatible Models: GD20T24). Thanks so much!

[@paulderosby9594]

Couldn't you use a garden hose to clean the clean outs?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Paul, it’s really jammed in there. I don’t think a garden hose would work at that time. But to your point, I should address it long before it gets so bad and maybe a garden hose could help with that. Thanks!

[@richardmachovec6005]

i find the 4 way wedge a nuisance...i get a cleaner cut with the double edged wedge. will modify the 4 way wedge to sit higher on top of the double edged....maybe that will help!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Hope it works out!

[@shoen4u1]

Where did you find the 4 way wedge?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Got it on the Walmart online, of all places.

[@firesnake6556]

Thats the craziest wood splitting I ever seen, Did you bring in 40 ton Champion or Craftsman log splitter and bust up those rounds first, then take the smaller busted pieces and run thru the harbor freight splitter or what? Your whole wood pile is pre-busted. Wood is definately easier to bust once the round is busted atleast once.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

You can see how they got ‘pre-busted’ right on video on my channel, thx for watching!

[@jacklabloom635]

A helpful review.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Jack

[@rayallen6200]

Where did you get the attachment that slides over the wedge i need one to to cut more wood lol

[@nelsonridgefarm]

😂 got it at the Walmart website. Boss Industrial 4- Way Wedge Gas Log Splitters - Compatible Models: GD20T24

[@donhinchey9148]

What kind of wood are you splitting here ?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Don, that was Red Oak. I still remember it was smelly. Thanks!

[@Iplumb27]

What’s the cycle time? And the working height? If anyone knows, I can’t find this info online.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

@@Iplumb27 hey, thanks for watching. I will try to go measure the height in the barn later today. Maybe you could time the cycle from the videos, but I never have.

[@cwwhite5137]

So what does it cost? Chip

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Chip, way nack when I got it it was about$700 I trhink

[@balayorudy1930]

How much yjor machine splitter

[@nelsonridgefarm]

I think it was $700 back then

[@patrickr2686]

Where did you get your 4 way from?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Walmart website

[@davewatkins4966]

do you hgave the link or the SKU # for the Boss 4 way ?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Dave, I couldn’t make the link work but this has the model number: Boss Industrial 4- Way Wedge Gas Log Splitters - Compatible Models: GD20T24

[@davewatkins4966]

I ordered one earlier. I saw what you had posted at the end of the video and it had all the info. Thanks again!

[@sunhawk61]

where did you get that 4 way wedge?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

I got it off the Walmart site. Thanks!

[@balayorudy1930]

How much yuor machine

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks!

[@CliffsideStables]

Brad the ? I have is would you pay $320 more today (plus tax & shipping) for this machine OR at $999 would you consider buying a higher quality machine? Thanks, Tim

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Tim, it’s a really good question. I even struggled with it at $679. Maybe sort of an answer- I also have a County Line 25 ton that retails for $1500 over here in Middle TN which I like fine, but…I almost always pull out the Harbor Freight one to split with. Thanks Tim!

[@rathernotsay9768]

why is this guy splitting already split wood?

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Not sure what you mean. Splitting to customer expectations.

[@rathernotsay9768]

i would think a log splitter review would split rounds, not already split wood as shown in the vid. @@nelsonridgefarm

[@nelsonridgefarm]

@@rathernotsay9768 ah, gotcha. Did you watch the video where these huge rounds were quartered? Thanks-Brad

[@richardmachovec6005]

i see you modified your gas cans :)

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Good eye!

[@shaneross7428]

Awesome thank you

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Shane

[@stevepreston7030]

Can't wait to use mine! I had written another comment. Not sure where it went. I must have accidentally deleted it, operator error.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Steve, for all the comments… deleted or not, hahah! Hope this gave you another good look at the splitter.

[@stevepreston7030]

@@nelsonridgefarm I had written something then was editing spelling and who knows, the original comment I wrote is gone, no biggie. I was just mentioning I got a surprise load of already cut alder wood. We had a windstorm a few days ago. I was visiting a friend about 10 miles away, who lost his home in the Beachie Creek Fire here in September 2020. They have already rebuilt and they made it out safely. Anyways, when I got there, they just cut up a blow down alder tree, and asked if I want it. Of course! They cut the rounds to short, about 12", but free is a good price! I loaded about 1/4 cord, then ran out of time. I can get bunches of wood there from blow downs, ice storm, and fire cleanup logging. So I have about 2/3 cord of rounds now to use the Harbor Freight splitter when I get more room. I want to get one more 1/2 cord load or so, then get a dry day. And run the splitter for the first time. I am chomping at the bit

[@nelsonridgefarm]

@@stevepreston7030 great score! Can’t wait !!

[@stevepreston7030]

@@nelsonridgefarm Just watched again, since I have about 6 full cords split through mine now. The wood debris build up by the cylinder on the lever side is packed in there tight! I will use your idea of a hammer and screwdriver! Maybe a sledge and wedge. Great splitter!

[@TorturedPeace]

Need foot controls

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks!

[@codyrussow170]

Locktite on them engine bolts 😉

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks Cody, great tip!

[@codyrussow170]

@@nelsonridgefarm absolutely, now don't go crazy with it lol you want to get them out if needed 🤣🤣