Best Log Splitter? County Line, Champion, Northstar

[@kamilegier4730]

This wasn’t a review, he just found a way to get his firewood cut up! 🤪 I think I’ll organize a “review” and have all my neighbors come over with their splitters

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It definitely helped him get his wood caught up!

[@YukonBlaze]

No one ever said it was a review.

[@437AlBig]

I was thinking the same thing. Come on over and bring your buddies and 10 splitters and we'll have a go at it. LOL. All my wood will be cut for the year. HAHHA. This was good.

[@billwoehl3051]

He's no dummy😂

[@cwwhite5137]

Rachel, you have the sweetest and most genuine laugh I've heard in a long time. You are one of the reasons I enjoy the videos. Of course, for Heath, too. Chip

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Chip and yes she does!

[@ChrisLascari]

Nice descriptions at the beginning. Thanks for taking the time to go over all that stuff

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Chris.

[@rogerknight2267]

What an awesome video. I’ve been shopping hard for a new residential splitter, and I’ve just about gone blind. The County Line 25 ton keeps rising to the top of my list. Thanks guys!!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Roger, I’d say the County line was the best for the $ in this test.

[@tyharland1906]

I have a 30 tonner, bought it barely used 4 or 5 years ago, I run 9 or 10 cords a year through it, hasn't missed a beat.itll split anything you can put on the beam.

[@papageo5]

I have the same county line 25 ton. It has split absolutely everything I have tried, and I've split some stupid stuff. Absolutely no reason to have more tonnage. It's fast, uses very little gas, and I really love the kohler engine. I will never have another Briggs and Stratton powered anything. Anyway, I can highly recommend the County Line.

[@stevenbrown1798]

I have the countyline 25 ton splitter with kholer engine. I bought it 6 years ago split about 7 cords a year. Its works perfectly on any wood I have never had a problem of any kind with it

[@scottcarlson1203]

We have 1 year on our Countyline 25 ton. It has split everything we have thrown at it. Love it. There is an optional 4 way adapter that slides right on. Very happy!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The county line splitters make a lot of wood every year!!

[@AATreeService]

Binge watching HWM all night!!!! Really like the spec sheet you do at the end of the splitter wars. That’s big time! Thanks for spending the time and doing that.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks again! HWM binge session I like it.

[@carysmith9039]

Well all 3 splitters performed and did there job as they should have. It looked like fun😊 Great video

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Cary, that they did and have and will continue to make a lot of firewood over the years as long as they’re taken care of.

[@diywithjonandpebbles]

I bought a country pro 25-ton splitter on Friday, 4/7/23. It is virtually identical to your county line splitter here. The difference, I bought it at Runnings instead of TSC. The black diamond 27-ton they had is the same as the champion in this video. What I learned was by accident when I was talking to another salesman about the Oregon 25-ton they sold. That’s when I learned they all are sold by YTL international and it comes down to which has the lowest price or color you wish to have. In my case, Runnings was $999 vs TSC at $1450 for exactly the same splitter. Look at the model numbers. They all start with YTL-###-###. What follows is for what store you get them from so you get the correct colors.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jon, yes a lot of the box store splitters are built by the same company with small differences. They make a ton of wood every year!!

[@denverbasshead]

Just got a Huskee 20 ton made by YTL lol

[@jimaronson2323]

I have the same Northstar 30-ton splitter and love it. I think it has more features than the others and it's a very reliable brand. One thing I do wish it had is a faster cycle time. I have developed a system to account for that by not letting the wedge go all the way back. But it would be nice to have a faster cycle time.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It seems to be a well built splitter but I agree, I thought the cycle time should have been much faster.

[@likeatree-ei8it]

Yes I think it's 14 seconds

[@jafquist27]

I had a 5-ton electric splitter. It worked really well. Then I got about 7 cords worth of huge (20-36 inch) oak rounds. My wife saw the county line 25=ton at TSC, and said get it. She didn't have to tell me twice. I love this machine. It has split everything I've put in front of its wedge. I bought the drop-on four-way wedge and the "log catcher" too (well worth it at $70 each). The first thing I did was sharpen the wedges to knife sharpness. Do yourself a favor, sharpen your wedges, no matter what machine you have. On my County Line, whatever it can't seem to split, it just plain slices through instead.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The county line splitters produce a ton of wood every year! Sounds like you have a good wife too. I’ve sharpened the wedges on my splitters and it definitely helps!

[@BrigT262]

Great video!! It's obvious the Northstar is built much better, Honda engine, but is way slower on cycle times. But....the trade off is that i'm sure it runs much cooler than the others. That's a common complaint i've heard about the other countyline reviews is that they get really hot!! Very well done! Thank you!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The North Star is definitely built heavier!!

[@BrigT262]

I have a Northstar 27T , Honda 5.5 hp that I've owned for 22 yrs! Very well built, very reliable, but also very slow! I guess that's the trade off... Never had one single issue with it. Change the oil, put a little Stabil in it after ea season, and she fires right up every year! But...been thinking about upgrading to a faster machine with a log lift. Thanks again for the great video! Personally, I'd have liked a little less racing action and a little more hands on review comparison...but it was fun to watch. I just skipped through alot if the racing stuff.

[@oldguyfirewood]

Nice review. Your Splitter Wars videos are providing great information across the spectrum, from homeowners to professionals. Good job!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Dick, I wish I could get my hands on all types of different splitters. I need to get a little more organized with my comparisons but improving as we go is the goal.

[@atskooc]

I’ve got a 25-ton Country Tuff splitter (it’s the County Line but with a different sticker and paint job). Got it three years ago for $800. Glad I got it then!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Brian for sure, it’s crazy what prices have done in the last few years!

[@sprint2648]

Build back better??? Lol

[@dylanmatter1088]

I love how fast you are pumping out informative videos!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Dylan, we’re trying to stay on top of things! Just picked up a new camera so hopefully we will continue to improve audio and video quality as well as content!

[@dougdinsmore9751]

This has been a great series of comparison videos. You guys went above and beyond to make them as fair as possible. An awesome set of vids to watch before pulling the trigger on a splitter. Thank you.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Doug thank you. We did the best we could and have more to come. I know it’s a big decision and I’ve second guessed myself in the past. I’ve also wished I had made some moves sooner than I did etc. If we can help others out with these videos it’s a win!

[@woodruffwoods]

This was great! The nice thing about this is that it provides the average consumer with some reference points for splitters. For the average homeowner, these are the splitters they are likely to consider.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Darrin, I’d like to get a few more models to run. These style splitters more put up more wood every year than commercially units!

[@bhoward81]

Good comparison and love that it's real ..no sponsored BS. The champion 27 tonne is on sale at Canadian Tire this week for $1999 (Honda GX200 model) so I'm probably picking it up.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Bryan, we do what we can to help others. There are so many choices out there and it’s hard to find good fair comparisons so we do our best to run what we can. I love the Honda engines.

[@reallythough4591]

Just picked up a 27ton today for a couple large oaks that dropped during hurricane. Knew it was toouck for an axe, unless i waited 6 months. Shut off once, after hitting a knot. I realized that it was pressure based and learned to throw lever if motor bogged, then reengage, and am thrilled with it. Wish id purchased before prices went up, and before hurricane, but thats life. Fn review

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It’s crazy how high the prices went.

[@Moselli56]

Fantastic video! Shows everything you need to know! Thanks so much!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

You’re welcome and thank you.

[@billobermeyer660]

Very good box store splitter war. Good informative video to help viewers see them in action if they are deciding on which direction to go with a purchase. So glad I used my 25 ton Black Diamond for three years before getting the Wolfe Ridge pro 28c.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Bill, hopefully we get the Wolfe Ridge rematch videos filmed this weekend if it’s not too muddy.

[@765Guys]

I had never seen a north star, I was hoping it would perform a little better. County line for the win in my opinion. Cheap and every tractor supply has them and several replacement parts in stock.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Honestly going in I thought the Northstar would run away with it. It is built well but definitely underperformed in my opinion.

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Great big box store splitter wars . I really like my county line . This April , I will have had it for 2 years .

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Del, it definitely seems faster than my old Husky. I will say the 35 ton husky was guilt like a tank though.

[@dansSawfish5604]

It was fun watching you guys. They all look like okay Splitters to me, now the Northstar has the Honda and the 4 way would be my choice for home owner..

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Dan especially if you upgraded the speed a little bit which I’d imagine you could.

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Great comparison guys! Looks like you all had a blast doing it👍👍

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Jeremiah, it was fun. We could have used a little less wind and some warmer temps but it wasn’t too bad.

[@jerrywayneray]

I LOVE these videos. Makes me want to go outside and Kiss my Eastonmade 22/28 :) . I've used box store in the beginning of my years, them moved to Timberwolf, and last year Eastommade 22/28. Great video, thanks for doing this !

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Jerry, your 22-28 is a beast of a machine. I think a lot of us start with one of these and a lot of people put up a ton of wood every year running them! After this video we ran all 3 splitters for about an hour to finish his birch pile. It made me appreciate my commercial units even more. My back was feeling it later that night.

[@kevinyoung6353]

Box store splitter wars are great to see as well,however they're totally different than the commercial units

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Kevin yes they are! I’m trying to get my hands on as many different styles and price point splitters as I can.

[@Mark-Marine]

Great challenge. I was considering all of these some time back, but worried the less tonnage wouldn’t be enough. By this, I can see that they may have actually been. Your measurements at the end was priceless. Dan had a rough day and you piled on him where it hurts a man most lol

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Mark, Dan brought that on himself lol. I will say these machines split those crotch pieces of hickory without too much trouble and that stuff doesn’t split easily.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Poor guy thought the technique would help him 😂

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@Rachelpostma And that it did not lol.

[@BKD70]

I've got a 22 Ton Brave splitter, originally had a 5hp Briggs on it, bought it new in 2001, 100% Made in USA. I don't know how many cords I've split with it, but it's a few. I do know, however, that there's only 3 pieces of wood that it couldn't split in that time, all 3 big gnarly twisted knotty ugly pieces of Sycamore. Those 3 pieces just got thrown on the burn pile... and I don't lose a wink of sleep over them. I tell everyone that asks "how big of a splitter do I need" to just get the 5hp 20 ton model, that will split 99.99% of anything that you're man enough to get up on it or up to it. I think that's sound advice as long as the machine you're looking at is putting out the honest tonnage that it's rated at. Some of these new China Built splitters with the big ton ratings, I'm not so sure that they're really putting out what they're rated at based on some of the stories that you hear or see...

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@BKD70 their definitely doesn’t seem to be much consistency from one manufacturer to the next with these ratings. Some just seem to put a big number on the side and others just flat out perform with lower ratings.

[@fredkalakay6164]

Great comparison Man, nice demo and all good splitters! A Gorillabac 3803 log lift is a great option for these splitters to efficiently get the big gnarly wood to the splitter. It lifts and holds your wood for cutting, splitting or loading into a pickup truck.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@jayholloway7952]

That was a good box store splitter war loved that little battle

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Jay, can you tell we are all a little competitive lol.

[@outsideinmichigan]

Wow Heath is a competitor! He is in it to win it every time. Great job on the video.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Dean, we are a very competitive family!

[@donwilliams169]

Really enjoyed that video that was a riot good job everybody next time we'll have a contest at my log pile. Thank you stay safe

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Don, we finished up his log pile after the video was filmed. Definitely saved him some time Vs him working alone with the Northstar.

[@Breezer56]

It maybe wasn't talked about, but the NorthStar was much quieter than the other two splitters. That's a win in my book.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It may be, I didn’t notice but also had ear plugs in.

[@wlan246]

Looks like a fun way to get some friends to come over and split your firewood for you!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I actually borrowed two of these splitters and brought them over to a friends house and split his wood for this video!

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

Great real world comparison of less expensive box store splitters. I love comparisons so these videos are fantastic! It would be great so see some mid grade splitters like the Rugged Split and the bigger Northstar with log lifts. Thanks for another great video!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Tim, I am trying to get my hands on as many different machines as I can! This has been fun and I’d like to keep it going.

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors where are you in Michigan? I have a Rugged Split. I’m in central MN.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Tim we are about an hour north of Detroit on the East side. Originally from and still get back to the Grand Rapids area from time to time for family.

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors oh that’s a haul for me. You should reach out on FB and KZbin to see if anyone close to you would be willing to participate. Best shootout on KZbin that I’ve seen. And I’m an addict.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Tim. I have a Timberwolf lined up and eventually a Wolfe Ridge 35SHO. I will also have an All Wood Locust series to run when it’s done that Clyde ordered from one of my summer Wolfe Ridge videos.

[@dch923ster]

Now this is the splitter war that i was waiting for , being that I'm old and on a fixed income (meaning broke) I could never afford a commercial splitter but have been thinking about a better box store splitter

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

David I figure this one may help a lot of people as I’m sure far more box store splitters are sold every year than the commercial ones. I’d love to get a few more makes and models and do this again. I saw one at a Family Farm and Home the other day that looked well built and had a taller wedge. I’ll have to go see what brand it was.

[@dch923ster]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors the splitter i have isn't very powerful and it's slow and im talking old blue before the upgrade was a speed demon compared to mine.....did i mention it's 🐌 slow

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

David, that would definitely qualify as slow lol. I’ve said it before, the competition between splitter manufacturers ultimately makes us the consumers the winner! From box store splitters to the commercial units they have to improve or fade away.

[@jimbo5056]

Nice comparisons. Fairly similar outcomes. Like the Northstar 4way though. Thank your friends for contributing for the results. Hope Dan didn't mind having to clean the bathroom at work for the week with the trouncing he took.lolol🙂

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Jimbo, the 4 way design on the Northstar is the best I’ve seen on this style of splitter. Going in we all expected the Northstar to win but that clearly didn’t happen! Dan is now shopping for a new splitter lol.

[@jimbo5056]

A new splitter could help with his production and take his mind off finding how big 6 inches really is. May stop him from developing a sleep talking quirk.😉

[@rachelpostma4505]

@@jimbo5056 hey now

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

For sure! He’s already planning an upgrade he just doesn’t know how much of an upgrade he wants to spring for just yet though.

[@jimbo5056]

Ooooppssss!!! Sorry Rachel.☹️ A good friend would give up one of his splitters.( ???)

[@likeatree-ei8it]

I bought my northstar 20 ton over 20 years ago. Still going strong with the Honda gx engine.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It looked like a very solid machine, and Hondas just keep going!

[@obxkoastie8170]

Rachel & Heath...Great video. It appears that Northern Tool has changed the pump on their splitter even though in an answer to a question they state it is a two-speed pump. That pump on the machine you tested is not two-speed; it was only operating at low speed The 20+ year old North Star we use has a two speed pump with a Honda GX 160 and it would walk away from the other two you tested. That pump moves the wedge twice as fast as the wedge on your machine when it is not going through really knotty wood. You can hear it switch into high pressure and the wedge slow when it hits a knot or high resistance. We only use ours vertical as we get tree service wood up to 48" diameter for our firewood mission. I'd have whoever owns that machine return it and get the pump replaced. That machine was not operating at two speeds. But then again, ours was made in the USA and the newer ones are coming from China!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I wonder if their is something wrong with it. I fully expected that splitter to outperform the other two. He bought it used so I’m not sure there’s much he could do. I know he is splitter shopping now though lol.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you!

[@HubertofLiege]

Speed is flow and pressure is strength in hydraulics so the pump is stuck in low flow high pressure.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks, I’ll have him look into it.

[@HubertofLiege]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors probably has a cartridge valve that is stuck. Pull it out and clean it or replace it.

[@stevewarner8880]

I had a 26 ton Brave for 16 years. The old Briggs and Scratchum 5 HP got tired and smoky so I sold it. It was a great splitter for sure. I bought a 37 ton NorthStar about 4 years ago. It’s very powerful but big and heavy. The Honda engine and auto idle are great. The NorthStar in the video seemed to stumble on acceleration, maybe the carburetor need’s adjusted

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It may, the owner of the Northstar has upgraded to an Eastonmade 22-28 now.

[@robinmoody7016]

I appreciate the effort put into this video. Please consider putting captions or voice over for whatever the guy was saying when the engines were running. Very frustrating.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Sorry, audio has been a struggle for us but we are slowly figuring it out.

[@On_The_Farm]

I bought a 37 ton Lumber Jack splitter, which is similar in design to the Champion. Nice comparison series!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks, I think that may be the brand I saw the other day. It looked like it had a taller wedge and maybe built a little better. I wanted to buy it to compare then return it lol.

[@On_The_Farm]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I chose the lumber Jack because they sell it where my wife works and she gets a discount. No complaints so far!

[@vetteconnoisseur9531]

Don't let the Ton capacity of a splitter fool you. I picked up a 20-ton MTD at Home Depot back in 1995 for $600. That machine has split 3-3.5ft diameter rounds of shag bark hickory (vertical mode) because they were incredibly heavy. Fast forward to present and that 20-ton is still in use. The 5,5hp briggs gave up a few years ago and a $190 exact replacement Briggs brought it back to life. Aside from not splitting wood about 4 random years, it's been a workhorse processing 3-5 cords a year since 1995. THATS alot of wood for an $800 investment. Economy of scale makes these machines a bit pricier these days but still worth the $. A helpful tip when you're splitting larger rounds - after the 1st pass/cycle, flip them over and turn 90 degrees (un-split end now towards wedge). 99% of the time you'll get 4 split pieces without any hang-ups. Kudos to a great comparison video Brother!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Definitely, it’s not regulated either.

[@ronwestcott5299]

I brought a used one year old Champion 37 ton splitter with only 20 cord on it for $800.00 . Way better than using a splitting maul , so grateful I got it.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

For sure!

[@davidvines6498]

I just bought the 32 Ton Champion CrimsonForce Log Splitter. Picked it up at Rural King. I split about 10 20”-24” Red Oak rounds that were up to 2’ wide. So far, I really like it. It’s powered by a 7hp Kohler Command Engine. I hope it’s as dependable as the Kohler Command Engines that came on Toro 54” Walk Behind Mowers.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

David, these box store splitters make a ton of firewood every year!

[@ssprofirewood]

Very well done with the comparison video. I am sure that will be very useful to a lot of people when making a purchasing decision. Nice job with the filming, Rachel. I own the 27-ton champion, and the cylinder went out on it after 6 months. Champion says they will replace the cylinder, but I have been waiting for quite a while for them to send it to me. In the meantime, I bought a 37 ton Black Dimond splitter and it is working well so far. Thanks for all your hard work! Take care 👍

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Steve. Hopefully they send it soon. How is the speed on the black diamond compared to the Champion?

[@ssprofirewood]

@Hard Working Man I haven't timed the Black Dimond yet, but it seems very similar to the champion. They are both very slow :). When I get the cylinder installed for Champion, I plan on doing a comparison video, much like you have been doing. Have a good evening.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks Steve!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Awesome. Looking forward to it!

[@ssprofirewood]

@@rachelpostma4505 You are welcome, Rachel!

[@JasonLee-xn3se]

Good video showing all the differences between the splitters. Your right about those slip on 4 way wedges. The North Star looks like it’s built to last.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jason it definitely does and I think with some upgrades could be a diamond in the rough.

[@JasonLee-xn3se]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I was just looking at north star’s website. It looks like they may have a commercial splitter about 14k.

[@backyardfirewood9852]

Cool kids run the County Line 25T! 👍🏻👍🏻. It takes one Jason Power to move my CL around. 💪🏻

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jason, I wonder how many cord of wood these machines pump out every year, I bet it’s a ton!!

[@backyardfirewood9852]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors long story short, I started selling firewood on kind of a whim. Started with an axe, move to a maul, then to a little 5T electric (still use for re splits). I split about 20 cord of wood with that thing one year. 😳 Then I got my CL. It’s pretty okay. One day, I want to get an Ultra…. But; I keep putting my firewood $ into my dirt bike. 🤣

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jason sell that dirt bike and buy the Ultra lol. I remember that electric splitter from one of Joes videos. I started doing firewood to save money, then to teach my kids to work to earn some money, now working on turning it into my retirement plan. It’s been a fun journey.

[@backyardfirewood9852]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Okay; let's just ease the dirt bike talk back! Dirt bikes are my thing. I started firewood for some of the same reasons. I wish I could retire and just do firewood... Kinda tough in the 'ole back yard. LOL If I could just run saws and split wood I would retire in a minute... I am saving up for a Capstan Winch though. Need to make it easier to get stuff out of the woods

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jason I want a video skidding logs with the bike, put it to work lol. I’d like a winch one day too. I enjoy doing firewood, something rewarding about looking at a pile of splits!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Nice comparison video. They all have there place Denton how much wood you need to split. If you have fewer than 7 or 8 cords a year it’s fine. Obviously you can’t produce more time. You can only save it. Faster production from machinery is one way.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Robert absolutely. These splitters fit the need for the majority of people I’d imagine!

[@tribs4432]

but on the northstar he would have faster if he didn't let it full return, he lost 3-4 seconds per log

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We ran it a second time with our having to do a full return and the Northstar still lost by a lot. But it was by far the heaviest built out of the 3.

[@outdoorwonderlust]

Old video, but one thing to take into account with different "size" splitters, 25 v 27 v 30 T, there capability and cycle time etc, is the fact that even though they have different size cylinders, "capable" of exerting more tons of force, many of them use the same hydraulic pump. Which negates the tonage ratings. Theres a good chance the Northstar 30T has the same pump as the others, which having a larger cylinder leads to slower cycle times, and doesn't improve the force applied much at all.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yeah I tried to heft similarly rated machines.

[@woofy548]

I owned the county line & currently own the Northstar. The Northstar is a lot better built. It's also substantially more expensive

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yes, and yes. I had an old school Husky splitter and it was much much heavier built than modern day box store splitters.

[@toddpacheco4748]

County line and the champion are better than other splitter ❤😊

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Todd, they were definitely faster but the Northstar was definitely built heavier. A combination of the 3 would be nice!

[@Phiyedough]

If I were designing a machine like that I would have multiple fixing positions for the rear end of the cylinder. That way you could set it for the length of piece you were cutting and it would not be retracting too far.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

That would definitely help.

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

My splitter is over 50 yrs old. I bought it from my friend who moved from OR to AZ. for $500 It had a Briggs 12 hp with rope start. and a 5 inch CAT cylinder. It has a gear pump, probably from a Case back hoe. I recently got a Duro Max.15 hp. and elect start. ($425), It has a 3:1 V belt to jack shaft that drives the pump. It is a 2000 psi system. I ordered him a new pump about 15 years ago. It had no filter. I guessed the pump size and was a little over on the volume so instead of going over the relief it kills the engine, even the new larger one. Bui cycle time is faster. My 5" cylinder has a piston that is 19.6 square inches so that's close to 40K pounds or 20 ton. Your cylinders look smaller than mine but if the same, that means 40 ton means you have 4000 psi at the pump? That is really high pressure even for a two stage gear pump. I buy three cord of rounds which becomes about 5 cord of split wood. If the rounds are bigger than two feet I bring them into the barn on a hand truck, smaller, I use a double wheeled barrow. I sit down on a short stool and use my shoulders and knees instead of my back. i have a small shelf to protect my toes and a big plywood table on the outside to store pieces, especially kindling. I throw the split wood in a pile. We have a wood box at the house but I mostly use the big wheel barrow to cut down on handling. At 88 I need to conserve my energy. My wood is; fir, spruce, hemlock or alder and a few blocks of cedar for kindling.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I think a lot of these box store splitters inflate their tonnage ratings. Question on your pump. Is it a 2 stage pump? If so have you ever tried adjusting the pressure point that it kicks from double to single stage at? I have a video out on it and if adjusted right it should kick to single stage a little before the engine stalls.

[@Phill2tj23]

Ive had that same Champion for a few years its been great except if you want a 4 way you'll have to custom fab one.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I purchased a fabricated 4 way for my old 35 ton Husky splitter. It honestly didn’t work very well because the wings were so narrow due to the log catchers on the return stroke if that’s what they’re called. I ended up going with a taller wedge on it so I could stack more pieces at a time and liked that better.

[@mrneil962]

I have the 37 Ton Champion because I split mostly oak but wish I had gotten the 27 ton for the lighter weight. It is hard to move around and I could have spent the $400 difference on a bigger chipper. Great video, Thanks!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The champions are a popular splitter for sure. I do think the 27 ton will split most of what you put in front of it.

[@JoshNoss]

I used a 22 ton Huskee for 20 yrs and I never once found a piece of wood that stopped the wedge. It did however go into low range and slow down tremendously.. I split probably 350 cord with that splitter and it's still running to this day. Upgrading to the Countyline 25ton it is far faster and rarely goes into low range except on very large branched pieces. In my opinion the higher tonnage is only useful if it allows more speed, if not its pointless because if a 25ton splits faster than a 37 ton and uses less fuel and still splits everything then why get a higher tonnage

[@jeffwhite2107]

26 ton is what I’ve got right now Brave. I just sold it today for $800 getting ready for my Allwood.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jeff, you better be stocking up rounds!

[@jeffwhite2107]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors yes I can’t wait to get the 500 I Out and exercise it

[@BKD70]

I've got a 22 ton Brave... 2001 vintage. Great splitter, it's split a lot of wood. Eventually going to upgrade to a commercial unit, right now leaning toward the Wolfe Ridge 35C.

[@jeffwhite2107]

@@BKD70 i’m pretty sure I bought my BBrave 1999 and I know I got my moneys worth out of it had to replace gas lines in the gas tank cracked and had a small leak shut off switch broke other than that it never did see a mechanic for anything just felt like it was time to upgrade and hopefully make splitting wood a little easier I also was considering Wolfridge and seen hard-working man and what he got and liked it even more so that’s what I went with so glad I ordered The Allwood when I did before the price increase for 2023. Well have a good one

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I still haven’t run a 500i.

[@ManuelVargas-p5g]

The real winner here is the owner of the fire wood.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yes he was. After seeing how long it took us to split this wood running these 3 box store style splitters compared to how quickly we split wood in our other videos with the commercial splitter she decided to order an Eastonmade 22-28 and he now has no trouble keeping up on his own.

[@robertpronovost3839]

I have a champ 34. Great machine. Customer service sucks. Tank went bad. Three hours my lady and I did about 3.2 cord.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

These style machines put out a ton of wood every year!

[@HairlipButcher]

I'm happy with the county line one. It splits about 24 to 30 cord every season and nothing has stopped it yet. We cut tamarack(western larch), Doug Fir, and a little lodgepole. Only thing i don't like is that stupid kick stand sprigloaded front foot thing. Just put a regular hand crank one on it for Pete's sake!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Those stands are a pain!

[@josevelasco3245]

I have a CL 25T for re-splits and a back up splitter. Works well for the price. Can’t go wrong with the CL.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jose, these splitters definitely put a lot of wood out every year. I’ve thought about one for re splits.

[@josevelasco3245]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I think their 40ton CL is even faster. I guess if it had to be someone’s only splitter, they are better off ponying up for that model. But in your case owning 2 commercial splitters, having the 25T around for whatever is great.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I wouldn’t be opposed to it. This one is a friends though. However if I ever found a deal on a used one I wouldn’t be against grabbing it.

[@josevelasco3245]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors do you still have the trusty old blue one?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jose yes I do. One of my subs Rod going to be buying it here soon. I plan on getting it in another video or two before it goes.

[@srg6532]

This video is for those that believe that the more tons the better. All of these splitters had small feet on them and also no lift. If they had to be turned vertical, they'd be nearly useless for the stuff that required the higher tons. The engineers apparently believe that a bigger foot puts too much torque on the beam. That theory is incorrect. The main pressure is where the blade comes in contact with the wood. The bigger foot would basically hold that 36 inch piece of wood in place, instead of being pushed away due to the small foot design. I redesigned mine with the bigger foot and easily do 36 inch diameter locust wood. Please get an engineer or good weld shop to design a bigger foot. Mine is a 20 ton hydraulic off of the tractor and for the money can beat any one of those splitters. I do like the angled blade on the yellow one because all the psi is right into one place before the rest of the blade comes into contact. That would prevent the stall out with pushing effort. Also, the wide flares on the wedges done great to create a clean break and thus no physical effect to finish tearing to 2 pieces of wood apart.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

All of these splitters could definitely be improved.

[@jcnme]

Great Video Y'all 👍

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@shiningone3538]

What a shame you didn't try a kinetic splitter as well

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I would love to run a super split! Just don’t have access to one. I have run a power king kinetic in some other videos and I definitely would not recommend the Power King!

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Great video. I like the comparisons. I’m kinda late in the game here, but any idea on the pump flow gpm on each one and if the pump flow could be in creased on the North Star, that would be my choice. Looks cold. Great way to get the wood all split up. Having fun doing it. DONE 🤭

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Noel, I’m not sure on the gpm of these machines.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors 👍🏻

[@stevefritsch3543]

Great idea.. invite friends over and split your wood!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Lol, it was actually my idea so we could get the video made. It definitely helped him out in his firewood processing.

[@MichaelSmith-jv7cx]

The north star is by far a better build, and Honda motor. I think it will last longer. The 4way is something to increase the splitting speed. I was disappointed in the notch star overall performance. Great job.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Michael, it is definitely built heavier and imo a better design. I honestly thought it would outperform the other too but that’s why we run these comparisons.

[@MichaelSmith-jv7cx]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I agree. I have a North Star 37 ton. It is a good homeowner splitter,but not close to a commercial one. I plan on getting one in the next couple of years. I have been watching every video closely. You have put a lot of time in this. I like the way you compare the splitters. I live in the south, and the best splitter for me may not be for the guy in the northwest. There are no commercial splitters were I live in north MS. I don’t know anyone that owns one. That is why a am getting one. No one dose professional firewood in my area. I have a sawmill and hove the wood. Y’all are a great help.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Michael. We love being able to help others. I try to put out stuff I either looked for and couldn’t find or stud I know I’d like to see if I was shopping for certain equipment or machinery.

[@BKD70]

It just needs a bigger pump and probably engine... more GPM. Those big 5" cylinders hold a lot of hydraulic oil... it takes time to pump it. Easy upgrade if you want to spend the $$$"s.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

If it were mine and I didn’t have what I do I’d definitely upgrade it! We’ll built machine but room for improvement for sure.

[@masongreen1871]

How to get all ur buddies to split ur firewood lol

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We took 2 of these splitters to a buddies house and split his wood. It definitely helped him get some wood done.

[@cwwhite5137]

If I missed it I'm sorry. Which 1 came out the best of the 3 splitters? Chip

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Chip, in my opinion I’d say the Northstar was the best built but I’d say the county line was the best value.

[@YingMoua-lp2tn]

I like the 27 ton champion more. It holds the woods stable better after splits.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@YingMoua-lp2tn]

I’m subscribing and following the bells. But which one you would recommend?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@@YingMoua-lp2tn out of those 3, for the money I’d say the county line.

[@diywithjonandpebbles]

It would be interesting to see what actual operating temps are for the hydraulic oil. Lot of these tanks seem way over sized for what they are doing.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jon, another viewer mentioned that as well. I’ll see if I can work that in to the videos moving forward.

[@garysmith4925]

So what machine is the best those machines there running is it with a pump on the machine or kinetic style

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

These are all hydraulic machines. The red one is built the best out of these 3 but was also the slowest.

[@tommerritt447]

What brand microphone are you using. Seemed to do well with the wind noise

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We use the Comica Boom microphones. They do seem to work well for us when we remember to turn them all on!

[@speedskater1947]

The one dimension you left out was the length of stroke or how long a log will fit in the cradle.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I believe they’re all 24”.

[@coggins63]

I would like to see the battle of the mini-processors myself

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Charlie, that would be awesome for sure. I don’t currently have access to any processors though.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Automatic idle control would be nice on the commercial splitters, as long as there is a time delay before it idles down. Wonder why none of the commercial grade splitters have that feature?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Honestly I think it would drive me crazy! It would definitely save more fuel on a larger machine but not sure my sanity could handle it lol.

[@BKD70]

AFter watching this video, it was already driving me crazy. If that were my splitter, I'd be reaching for wrenches as soon as I got it back to the shed....

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@BKD70 absolutely! I am not a fan of the cars that shut off either, they drive me crazy.

[@BKD70]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors You ain't wrong!!!

[@jamesgaul1022]

Great, unbiased comparison of the three splitters. Was the splitting stroke the same length on each of the splitters?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you James. Yes all 3 machines had a 24” stroke.

[@madman432000]

Do same test with one of those splitters and a guy with a splitting maul.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

That would be a fun test.

[@judge058]

Great video but a question regarding the big box units. I own one of the Countyline 25 ton units and after continuously running it for 2-3 hours the cylinder gets really hot. Is that normal and did you happen to notice it on your Countyline or the others in the splitter wars?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I do think some of these units get hot while splitting. I know some people put gloves on them in the winter to dry them out. I know my old Huskee splitter would get pretty hot.

[@billwoehl3051]

The northstar fuelsaving idle control seems useless when you have your wood all ready to go. Maybe half a second of idle between end of cycle and starting a new one. He gets wood in place before the cycle is finished and pulling the lever to start the new cycle as soon as the last one ends.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I agree it would drive me crazy.

[@joshuahughes106]

I have the champion 34 ton and the oregon 27 ton. In my opinion the oregon wins by far, better design on the butt plate holding the logs, better splitting head design, (taller and straight blade) The champion has also been stopped many times since I've had it(1 yr) and the oregon has only been stopped once(3 years)

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Joshua I’d like to get a few more brands to try. The Oregon sounds nice.

[@joshuahughes106]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors it's dang near the same as the county line, same manufacture just different paint!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I believe a lot of these splitters are pretty similar. There are a few that are different though.

[@ridemfast7625]

County Line for the win. Built better, designed better, and the 11.5 cycle time says the motor, pump and ram are made to perform correctly. Nothing is undersized. And no, I do not own that brand. My mistake... Did those splitters every hit the 2nd stage of the pumps. That wood is soft. Unlike to knotty, twisty oaks in Nor Cal.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I agree, I was most impressed by the County Line.

[@glenross3093]

What is your opinion of the Northstar 4 way wedge? Does it work good enough to be faster than the 2 way? Does it leave more pieces not fully split? It looks time consuming if you want to take it off and put back on very often. So I would hope I could just leave it on. ?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Glen, I was not a big fan of the 4 way on the North Star. I also used to have a 35 ton Huskee and bought a 4 way for that. I didn’t like it on that one either. With the moving wedge style of splitters like this I’ve found that if you can get a taller wedge it does you more good than a 4 way imo. Then you can stack more rounds or pieces on top of each other for each split. I found this to be better than the 4 way. Now back to the North Star, my buddy said with straight grained pieces it works okay but if you have knotty tougher splitting wood he often has to remove it.

[@glenross3093]

Thank you for the detailed answer! I think I will be buying the 30 ton Northstar. I just split wood for myself so the 4 way accessory might not be necessary or worth it.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Glen, out of those 3 machines I’d definitely say the Northstar was the best built.

[@glenross3093]

Thanks again@@hardworkingmanoutdoors

[@thehogslogs8631]

That North Star is built like a tank. Those big cylinders are so slow though.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Mike, it is definitely built heavier, I fully expected it to come out ahead going in to this video as well but that clearly didn’t happen!

[@mikewright2917]

I have this exact splitter and can attest to how slow it feels when running it. That being said I have beat the tar out of it for the past 12 + years and had no major repairs

[@JasonLee-xn3se]

@@mikewright2917 where do you buy a North Star splitter?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Mike I’d think a few upgrades and you could really speed that thing up, they are well built.

[@diywithjonandpebbles]

Northstar is northern tool.

[@fricknjeep]

hi well done john

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks John!

[@hubertyoung1938]

The champion won. There was a nug sticking out on the last piece. But it was close with the Coubtry Line

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

lol, it was close for sure.

[@hubertyoung1938]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Lol. I couldn't believe how slow the other splitter was.

[@crismejeli2082]

How long does each of them usually last?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Cris, I’m not sure what the life expectancy is on these units. I know that if they are taken care of they usually last quite a while.

[@craigclark8323]

What a great way to get fuel, race your friends

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We definitely made him a lot of wood!

[@amorhimsl8264]

Have the champion 27 ton and was running it in hard white oak. Have about two hours on it and crushed the splitter wedge. Having a very hard time dealing with the company in getting a warranty covered replacement wedge. They say they are sending it and then want more information on purchase price, date of purchase, ect. Figured it was a good one, and nothing would go wrong, forgot to fillout warranty card, i know that was my fault, but come on, they have all the information on this machine, but keep on wanting all the purchase information. I finally sent them (I hope all the information) after two weeks of dealing with paperwork, which they have already, I hope they get the splitter wedge on a truck and get it to me. New machine and can't use it.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

How frustrating! Hope you get a solution fast.

[@andystampfli9127]

I expected more from the Northstar.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Andy I did as well! Don’t get me wrong it was definitely the heaviest built out of the 3 but I came in thinking it would run away with the splitting competition as well. That it definitely did not! One reason I really like doing these head to head comparisons.

[@andystampfli9127]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors we price wise it's not in the same class

[@kellstat]

What's price differences?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I’m not sure on the current prices. These were all friends splitters.

[@toddfry7861]

I have a 40-ton countyline. The cycle time is less than 10 seconds. I have never had to run it more than 3/4 throttle. It busts a everything a throw at it.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

That’s a lot of splitting force for sure!

[@Trucker4281]

Which one y’all think is best to start log spitting?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Out of these machines for the cost I would go with the county line.

[@Trucker4281]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I want to try selling firewood! And build a self serve stand in my front yard! I have highway frontage. Lots campers pass by here everyday! Thought I start with a small spitter at first and see what happens! Grow if it works! Thank you… ps I got some tree cutters give me wood. See what happens

[@Trucker4281]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I have one more question what is the size of the bins for the 20$ size of building

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@charlessirkel2124 sounds like you have the two main part’s covered! A good sales location, and access to firewood. I definitely recommend splitting the pieces smaller for campfires and absolutely make sure it is dried to 20% or less moisture content before selling! Build a name for yourself and I think you’ll be surprised how much $ you can make. It’s a marathon not a sprint.

[@Trucker4281]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors size of the building and the bins for the 20$? Thanks

[@SKFirewood]

Any chance the ruggedmade 37t might make an appearance in the wars??

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

If I can get my hands on one!

[@SKFirewood]

@Hard Working Man ive just brought a mdl super powerup 37t which is the English version i believe, I'd lend it but its a long boat journey lol

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yeah that would get a bit pricey with freight lol.

[@uzbdecor]

County Line the best,

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The county line puts out a lot of wood every year!!

[@clydemessinger3530]

take a heat gun and measure the temp of the cylinder and of the tank to emphasize safety of HOT areas.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Clyde, great idea. My thermal gun is on the fritz but I’ll see if I can grab another one!

[@clydemessinger3530]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors my granddaughter got a nasty burn from the cylinder... a good point is the advantage of a large hydraulic oil tank.

[@Wordsalad69420]

Does anyone know if it’s bad for the splitter to go forward again before the wedge fully retracts?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I do not believe so!

[@clarkharms]

Good review but painful to watch how slow all of them are.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks, they aren’t quite as fast as the commercial splitters!

[@arrowone111]

Need to throw in a Yardmax. LOL

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I run whatever I can get my hands on. I was at Family Farm and home the other day and saw a splitter there that I’d love to test too. The wedge was taller, had a 11 second cycle time listed and appeared to be built a little sturdier than the County Line and Champion but I can’t remember what brand it was. I wanted to buy it to test lol.

[@jeffwhite2107]

You never did say how heavy your muscle wood is and what the tongue weight is on it

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Jeff, I’m not sure what it weighs. Maybe I’ll run it through a scale one day. As far as younger weight goes I may be able to figure that out with my Curt Better Weigh I believe it’s called.