LOG Splitter VS. HARDwood | DR RapidFire Kinetic | Pros & Cons | Splitting SMARTER!

[@mikehoward8201]

I like the way kinetic splitters work, and being and old man of 70, I have one suggestion that, as you get older, may save your back. Put a trailer hooked up to a tow vehicle next to your splitter, and as you finish your splits, toss them in it, not on the ground..that way you just saved the old back several 100 more bend overs! Work smarter, not harder! Ha ha

[@gunlover1955]

I am 65 and agree with you and one more thing from another old guy make the end table wider so you stop knocking the half cuts off the table and picking them up twice or three times.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

I agree...Thanks for watching!

[@MikeBaxterABC]

Another trick for people new to splitting firewood is if you do it in the winter, and it's drops under -40 Degrees! ... it splits so EASY ... all the moisture is crystallized, we used to save all the crotch wood to split in the dead of winter for that reason. (we only had an axe and wedge though)

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes splitting rounds that have been drying for a bit definitely make splitting easier! Thanks for watching!

[@paulv22]

I have a SuperSplit which is the same design. My dad bought it 40 years ago and it's still going strong. One major difference is mine's electric. Since the flywheels supply the energy, the electric motor is plenty and it's a lot quieter.

[@arcforceworld]

sure do appreciate the fact that you took a few seconds to explain the tarp. I was starting to think you were setting up to go full Dexter on us. (lol)

[@MrCoopersdad]

These machines are interesting. I have always used the 30 ton hydraulic splitter with great success. And always split when the wood is wet by splitting the outside edges following the rings. I never go straight through the center. In Los Angeles we get all sorts of woods hard and soft with knots and crouches.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@bwillan]

It would be nice if the DR splitter had a 4 way wedge on it. It seemed you spent a bunch of time making multiple splits to your log rounds to get them to the size you wanted. This may be an advantage to hydraulic splitters that offer different cutting wedges (4 way, 6 way, etc) depending on the size of your logs to split.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes that would be really nice! It would definitely speed things up even more. I think the machine would then need a larger motor and flywheels to contend with the added resistance of the extra wedges.

[@tro4404]

When you have multiple hits to split the log, you should hesitate a few seconds to allow the flywheels to spin up to speed. That is where the energy to split the wood is stored, not the gas engine. I've got a DR kinetic splitter and it is a real labor saver. I generally don't wait for the wood to dry, I like to split and stack it to get it dry in one summer. To really take advantage of the speed of the machine, you really need a round feeder or at least the rounds on a truck bed adjacent to the splitter table.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes my setup has improved over the years. i have fabricated table extensions with wings so it will hold rounds from hitting the ground. And also use a pickaroon to move rounds over, much less bending. And you are correct waiting for the flywheels to spool back up is key to a easy split with multiple attempts.

[@mottmusic101]

Need a platform to load those heavy rounds onto with the excavator, then split into a wagon or truck to move to the stacking area. Don’t make a young back grow old quick! Enjoyed the kinetic splitter and I will be buying a supersplit. Reno

[@a787fxr]

Thanks for the info. You made a helpful video for me about this DR product. The lubricant tip is exactly what a guy that bought a K-10 and posted a video of him fighting it with a hammer needs. Thanks again, well done.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Couple squirts of white lithium grease in just the right places goes a long way!

[@davidmorse8432]

Nice video John! I like the safety on your machine. Some kinetics don't have that feature. Kinetics are more dangerous than hydraulics because once the motion is activated you can't stop it and it is very quick. The safety insurers that both of the operators hands are out of the way. Good idea to lubricate the rack and pinion before each use.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

David yes you are correct. Yes kinetics are very quick and effective at spiltting. A little bit of grease makes that machine work so well. Very happy with it. Thanks for watching!

[@digbyodell2924]

So the main advantage is speed. I've got a pretty fast hydraulic splitter but of course not nearly as fast as kinetic. I try to avoid dropping the rounds back on the ground for seasoning if I can help it. I want to get them split and stacked so they touch the ground as few times as possible (from wagon to splitter to wagon to rank). I split up to 24 inches so I need the extra force verses momentum I think. Also when it's a solo operation, it's REALLY nice to have the wedge go through the wood verses having the wood go past the wedge. That way the wood doesn't move and can be rotated and handled and held with one hand while operating the lever with the other which helps quite a bit with overall speed of the operation, especially with certain sized rounds that can be split in 4,6, or 8 pieces (single way wedge). Getting seasoned scraps to use as firestarter is another advantage for sure; I split on concrete and shovel the scraps back in the wagon from time to time and put it around the base of birch trees with sun root exposure to help them stay a little cooler and moist instead.

[@davidmaez2948]

Love the dr log splitter It cuts oak Apple cherry Chinese elm flawless pine Aspen I've on my 34 Ton log spliter For 3 years That splitter has split over Over a 1000 cords of wood Normally I can spread between 12 to 16 chords A-day with that machine But the DR log splitter has a hard time with pinion wood

[@brianrizzi6321]

The shock of rack and pinion engaging each other would travel up the throw lever causing my elbow to hurt really bad. You can reduced that shock 50% by fitting a long tube of PVC wrapped in pipe insulation over the throw lever, I believe 1/2 inch PVC fits perfectly. Not to mention that the increased length reduced the torque needed to pull the lever into position. I was also getting golfers elbow before adding the PVC. So by adding this I eliminated Tennis and Golfers elbow. Also, I think DR is priced better but the Split Second's ram flings out faster putting an ax like shock into the wood and in my opinion is more powerful. Best yet is to have a helper on a hydraulic do the first split of the big rounds and you finish up with the kinetic. Last, I think you should have at least a wheel barrow on the end of the splitter so you dont have to bend over to pick up every piece.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Brian, I think im going to give that 1/2" pipe foam a try. I definitely have some lying around. Sounds like a great idea. Thanks for watching!

[@funnyfarm5555]

My dad had a hydraulic splitter he made with a push off the end like your DR and we did just that let the wood go off the end; less work, faster.

[@dukeflem]

Instead of throwing each split piece of wood off the side, just let the next piece push it off the end. You can move the splitter back as the stack gets higher, Also place a large round next to the table to stand the large half split pieces on rather than trying to juggle them on the table and having them fall off the sides to be picked up off the ground again. It's like having a side table. Some woods are much harder to split when dry.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Great idea i will try that. I did want to possibly extend the work table for that exact reason. Thanks for watching!

[@danstevens2204]

Green eucalyptus here in Aus splits much easier than when it’s dry. Hydraulic is the only way for the tuff stuff.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Dan i prefer to split some what dry logs no matter what type of wood. You honestly can not go wrong with either kind of splitter Kinetic or Hydra. The DR has proven itself time after time to split big rounds of Oak and Beech which are the hardest woods i am going to encounter in my area. Thanks for watching!

[@bryny170]

I'm from Aus mate got a kinetic splitter does red gum, stringy bark, Blackwood anything I've thrown at it

[@bobnason4147]

Hi Bry, what make/model do you have? I'm thinking of getting a wood splitter but worried about those tough bits of red gum that I currently have to use a chainsaw on?

[@bryny170]

@@bobnason4147 hey mate I have this brand 34 ton beast never would go back to hydraulic

[@bryny170]

@@bobnason4147 Please view this ad: Kinetic Log Splitter Flywheel 35 Ton 2s Cycle Time Black Diamond, www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bayswater/power-tools/kinetic-log-splitter-flywheel-35-ton-2s-cycle-time-black-diamond/1118451693?.google.android.apps.docs& Price: $1,549 Download the application from the Google Play Store. tinyurl.com/n4b7djy

[@richardlafrance7827]

in on long time it is a good tough machine or hydrolique is better?

[@anthonybrannon2611]

My electric central machinery 5 ton splitter from harbor freight cost about 15 times less than what you paid . And I only needed a hammer to free a piece of wood that was stuck on the splitter head. And didn't have to buy gas . I cut and split 8 cords of pecan on it, while still wet without a problem.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Harbor Frieght is junk. enough said!

[@anthonybrannon2611]

@@JohnFrancoNH awe , you broke the weed eater.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

@@anthonybrannon2611 LOL

[@williamgoring7605]

Yeah I use a Harbor Freight Predator wood splitter I don't know if I would want to go through that jam up situation it look like it did a good job though I mean I've never used a flywheel type but anyway good luck I'll stick to the hydraulic

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@lonnieblankenship8637]

The problem with these are the teeth that do and will break on the pusher. Don't try towing it because it doesn't have lights or road tires. Another tip.is sharpening the splitting wedge for easier splitting. But as long as you are happy with it is all that matters.

[@itsamadmadhomestead973]

Ive used this splitter for 5 years. I've never lost a tooth on the pinion or the rack bar. Don and Carol Its a Mad Mad Homestead

[@Huzzunga]

Where you got stuck is where you pause your video and check other KZbinrs. 😃 Another guy, same issue, keeps a maul handy. He hit the stuck piece which freed the flywheel to return.

[@Dorchwoods]

Just purchased a new kinetic log splitter, I make firewood bundles here in Southern Maine for my roadside stand, a very profitable summertime hobby! I have to ask, do you live around here? I noticed the Kennebunk Port shirt

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes i live in Southern NH. Thanks for watching!

[@adrianrog]

Thanks for the video, I saw what I starting at 14:00. I'll stick with my hydraulic splitter for now.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

cool man. Thanks for watching!

[@gettingoffthecouchnow]

Did you ever consider a log splitter for the bucket of you excavator ? Either a independent hydraulic one or one that just uses a splitter blade with the curl of your bucket?

[@dantheman1283]

when it gets jammed like that ... take a mallet or chunk of wood if you don't have a mallet and just hit the rack closest to the plastic cover and it should push it down and snap right back... yea I love mine...good luck and happy splitting... :)

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes i will try that next time, if it ever happens again. I did try to pry up under the rack off camera with a crow bar gently but i did not want to budge. And i did not want to risk breaking any of the rack and pinion mechanism, so i backed off. I just thought cutting it out with the chainsaw was the safer route.

[@airplanegeorge]

That kanetic thing is fast, looks a bit dangerous. Not being in a real big hurry I like watching logs come apart slowly. Kinda therapeutic. The Zen of wood splitting.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Haha the zen of wood spitting, i like that. Thanks for watching!

[@craigmoorer5927]

Great video and good job splitting. Nice tutorial on what these can do. I have a super split. Basically the same thing as a DR. Advice; next time wood get stuck like it did at the end of the video, just beat the hell out of it with a sledgehammer. A couple of good wacks and it should set the log free.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamiemercer5221]

idk where this is located but here in Tennessee green wood aka fresh cut hickory ash oak splits better than seasoned wood just my knowledge of what i burn if i let it dry out much harder to split into firewood one we have red cedar or some call it juniper splits better dry

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

Instead of tarps, 2 of the bag steer from Home Depot or Lowe’s will contain your chips, then you can burn them as kindling as well just need a few metal trash cans for storage and transport. Watch tor ram mechanism, this way when you have a jam you either lift or tap the rack to free it from the pinion!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Great feedback..Thanks for watching!

[@sonofagalwayman6553]

real world demo good man

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@doogiehowser78]

looks good , i reckon if you made a forked metal wedge you could hammer under from the front of the blade to loosen stuck logs might be easier

[@ROGERWALDMAN]

I have the same splitter and the off road version as well

[@Defundemorats]

My $1,000 dirty hand tools 22-ton Splitter from Lowe's we'll split anything I want green doesn't matter Elm doesn't matter gumwood does not matter but I do like the idea of the kinetic splitter

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Kinetic is great for my use. Theres usually a reason they are cheaper..it might take a couple years before you find out. Thanks for watching!

[@Defundemorats]

@@JohnFrancoNH I split mostly Greenwood that I get from the Amish after they are done with it I get it the very next day I don't think the kinetic splitter would work for that scenario very long I could see how a company that wants to do a lot of putting in a short amount of time would love it however 4 seasoned wood

[@dt2426]

Good video, showing is capabilities

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

My 25 Ton MTD hydraulic splitter always splits in one shot, never stalls. The only issue with these is the carburetors will need disassemble for cleaning periodically as the fuel we have nowadays is so corrosive.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@Amy-hq7nm]

yeah I would like to see this thing split the black or yellow locust we split on my boyfriends farm. this wouldnt be able handle it. maybe the small pieces or some without knots.

[@sawsandstuff380]

Exactly...oak is easy to split. Try some black gum...sweet gum or even Bradford pear. Kinetic blah..

[@JohnFrancoNH]

sorry dont have any on hand..Thanks for watching!

[@tro4404]

My DR kinetic splits locust without any problems. That is actually pretty easy to split. I avoid gum (liquid amber) because it is low quality firewood and splitting it has been compared to splitting bailing wire.

[@garylavoy2150]

I use a bungee cord to hold up the safety bar on mine.

[@uilleannman]

How is the DR still doing? Torn between the price for this and the longevity of the Super Split brand.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Its going great. No complaints. I made a few DR upgrades and splitting videos recently check them out. Thanks for watching!

[@spoterkill]

Is that your normal size you split too or are you just cutting the pieces down more for the video

[@JohnFrancoNH]

More so for the video..I have now standardized my splits to 17" for compatibility with both my stoves. Thanks for watching!

[@ripptydevibes2581]

I consider myself fast splitting with the machine vertical. Can you tell me what you know about splitting vertically vs horizontally? Should I be doing it horizontally?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

It all depends on what you are comfortable with and whats efficient for your personal situation. Vertical spitters come in all sorts of configurations. Not sure which one you are asking about. But to me a vertical splitter that loads at ground level lends it self better to splitting those massive rounds (20"+ diameter) that you rather not lift on to a horizontal type. Either way you are bending down alot. I just take it as a form of exercise. I would not own a vertical splitter if its not a hybrid type. Meaning it can be reconfigured back to horizontal with the pull of a pin, so you can easily split the smaller rounds. I think working in the horizontal plane is much more preferred if you have a lot of small to medium wood rounds to split. Thanks for watching!

[@jackrich821]

@@JohnFrancoNH I have to agree that a horizontal splitter is better when you can comfortably lift the logs you are splitting. When you cant lift the logs then a machine that can switch to vertical is great as you just roll the log to the splitter and split it without lifting it up. I have a 30 ton Champion that can be switched to vertical in a minute but I only use in vertical when a can not lift the log as it is very uncomfortable sitting down to split on the ground and I am only 5’6” so it’s not because I am a tall person lol 😂 I am very interested in getting a kinetic type splitter now after watching a few videos but not convinced that it will split the day knotted wood that I sometimes get like the swamp ash and large spruce here in Northern Ontario Canada But if I do get a kinetic splitter I will keep my 30 ton hydraulic one till I test the kinetic

[@d.t.4523]

It looks great. It's definitely faster than the other kind. I'll suggest a foot pedal operating system to speed it up even more. Good luck.

[@janstolk486]

A foot pedal is a good way to lose fingers . And it's probably illegal for that reason .

[@ghilreese3413]

Nice splitter but also being able to use my Swisher 34T in the vertical position I can slide 30 inch etc. oak under the wedge to be split. They are heavy wet or dry. Thanks.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks man. That sounds like a very nice setup you have. Being able to convert to vertical is a very clever design. I wish the DR did that!

[@cocospops9351]

Hi. Curious to know what happens if it meets a piece that it cannot split. Does the rack automatically disengage? Say you put a very knotty piece in it and it can't perform a full stroke. What happens?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

It will make a very loud ratcheting noise like the rack n pinion gear is slipping. Not good for sure only has happened to me a couple times. I just press back on the lever so it disengages. Knotty pieces can be split just be aware of the grain and the easiest way to to split it. Thanks for watching!

[@cocospops9351]

@@JohnFrancoNH Thanks for the reply. Was looking at one here in Ireland (very hard to get those splitters here) and it actually has a clutch mechanism, so the rack and pinion are always engaged. In the case of that one, the clutch would slip so I was wondering what would happen with yours 😊

[@JohnFrancoNH]

In some cases where it will lock up the drive belt may also slip and squeal.

[@robertbaumer5246]

What keeps the ram from contacting the wedge as I have a brand new dr machine and I can extent the ram manually and it hits the wedge.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

did you pull it to the ram to wedge by hand or let the flywheel operate it like it would normally do? Mine comes close with in an inch but does not touch wedge when operated normally

[@robertbaumer5246]

@@JohnFrancoNH I bought it from a small engine shop on closeout and have not even put oil in it yet.I will see once it is operating if I can get it to contact but there is nothing to stop it from what I see if you keep the handle pulled down or extending it by hand.

[@robertbaumer5246]

Maybe the extension springs have some say in how far it can extend when operating under power?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

yes the springs help it retract but the stroke of the flywheel will dictate how far the throw of the ram is.

[@robertbaumer5246]

@@JohnFrancoNH you would think that the handle which pushes the rack down on the pinion would have a built in disconnect when the ram gets close to the wedge.Something has to give as you cannot ram a steel rack into a wedge without consequences.

[@jeffwilliams5155]

you need another table next to you, something to hold unsplit rounds, and partial split pieces

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes i agree...may fab one up. Thanks for watching!

[@bigd9260]

Thanks for the video...... and I think Im staying with hydraulic.

[@aceontheline8718]

Exactly. Wet or dry hydraulic will split the big logs. However, if you don't have a tractor then it gets more complicated.

[@zachm8765]

Amen. Let's see some 20 inch round red oak crotches on that thing. Twice the price for half the performance.

[@zachm8765]

4 and a half hours? Crazy. Can axe split about 3 times faster than that.

[@green-zone36]

I do not like to let the firewood dry on the ends before splitting. If the wood dries out it will split harder. I base my theory on splitting with an axe for 30 years before getting a wood splitter. If it does dry out, it is good to split after a couple days of rain. I thought this was a widely known. That machine did good to split that beech, dried like that on the end.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Wet wood provides lubrication for what ever means used to split. But wet wood is also heavy as F*** to handle. So i guess it a matter of how much exercise you need. Thanks for watching!

[@safffff1000]

How is the DR holding up? I know the supersplits last.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Still going strong gonna pull it out in a couple weeks to spilt some up

[@mtndeer]

did ya get your chainsaw stuck in it too?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Nope..Thanks for watching!

[@a787fxr]

Also. I clicked sub as a thanks for the info. Look forward to your next content. I visited KB once and it was worth the trip in every way possible!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thank you for the sub...i have some more firewood processing videos with the DR coming soon. Thanks for watching!

[@keithlaub7964]

How much time do you spend moving all the wood from the front of the splitter so you can move it to another location? Now its jammed up. For how much faster it is there is alot of time lost messing around with the wood moving and now a jammed log. Not worth the extra money....

[@JohnFrancoNH]

That has only happened to me once. I have a much more efficient firewood setup now. Will make an update video soon. Thanks for watching!

[@simonleeks7945]

Ash and beech are easier to cut green i had a 33cm ×70cm round of beech split green and split dry green is far easier can split by hand with a maul!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Maul? No thanks ill stick with something a little more modern and that is quicker. I already go to the gym 4 times a week to get a proper workout. Thanks for watching!

[@dylanmatter1088]

Crotch wood you had was beech.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yes you are correct. I dont know how birch slipped in there. LOL All i was working with that day was Beech and Oak. I cant believe i didnt even catch that while editing. Thanks!

[@dylanmatter1088]

John Franco no worries happy splitting!

[@jackass456]

How is all your stuff so shiny and new?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

I know it may be hard to believe, but i am a neat freak and blow off and/or wipe down everything when im done. Also i try to keep everything i own away from the elements.

[@ilovepinktacos]

Great unit John, does it come assembled? and where I get one of these?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Not sure if it comes assembled because i purchased the one i have thru a private sale.You can purchase it directly thru DR power equipment. I would contact them with further questions.

[@calebmarkusic]

I want to see fresh cut logs split big logs

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Ok next time. It does them just as good. Thanks for watching!

[@victorgillen2439]

I have the same splitter .. croch wood can be a a little difficult .some of ur wood is spalting... dry wood and spalting wood are completely different animals when splitting . Dry hard wood burns better...most spalting aka rotting wood is a waste of time for burning ..spalting wood splits extremely easy

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for the tips!

[@FYMM69]

Watching some people attempt to work is painful. You’re splitting Blocks not logs. Logs are what are cut into lengths to get blocks haha. City slickers

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Who cares! they end up as splits anyways and burned. Get a life bud

[@bethanyhouserom]

Nice video! Maybe for fun find some pro with a hydraulic splitter with wings on the blade and you with your DR and have a "Split-Out" .

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Now that wouldn't be a bad idea! Im curious myself who would have an the edge.

[@paullasmith4975]

already been done on a dr video...rapid fire all the way!

[@Bill-rs3mj]

@@JohnFrancoNH The hydraulic I wave will win. I have a DR I know. It wins over my Supper Splitter to.

[@Bill-rs3mj]

@@paullasmith4975 that splitter is a toy.

[@sonocativo]

should have lifted the ram at the rear near the housing, it would have disengaged the gears and released the ram very easily.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Easier said then done. I did try that and it would not come undone. You would think it would pop up right up. But the mechanism was completely locked up. And i did not want to jack up the teeth on the rack, or break something located inside the housing. So i went the safer route for the machine. Thanks for watching!

[@jackrich821]

@@JohnFrancoNH when it jambs wouldn’t turning the flywheel backwards relieve the pressure and allow the ram to return in home resting position ?

[@Anoldphotographer]

DR has discontinued my K10 splitter without telling anyone, they sold out the last they had and now you can't even search for it on their site. They say you will be able to get parts but that remains to be seen. If I had it to do over again I would not buy DR equipment.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

huh...I wonder why?

[@guypatts494]

Great video nice machine

[@JohnFrancoNH]

More DR splitter videos coming. Thanks for watching.

[@therealdiehl4671]

I had to stop watching and fast forward when you took the tip of that chain saw so close to that splitting wedge. Glad to see you're OK. There had to be a safer way to do that.

[@stevehartz4615]

Can u work it up n down???

[@Mainelywork]

🤘

[@fingers967]

hydraulic cylinder ,,,50 or more million cycles then a 15 dollar repair/seal kit... rack and pinion less then half that amount of cycles then you replace the entire machine .. you decide... I know a new rack and pinion plus bearings for this machine are way more then 15 dollars and thats if DR is still ever there when you really need them.. im sorry ,but ill stick with the hydraulic one any day.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Yeah man what ever works for you! Thanks for watching!

[@christopherfitch7705]

Dr good company good product. I have been running a super split very similar machine. I noticed that on the dr you have to use two hands to operate the splitter. Sure I could get used to that but....why? I never heard the one about dry wood being easier to split than green.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Why split heavy wet wood, when you can split lighter drier wood? Thanks for watching!

[@juanitaj5248]

I have a similar one given to me & it starts purging forward upon plugging in, once it hits the log it looses its force . There is instructions to loosen a nut 4 full turns counter clockwise , which i did. Do you have any suggestions as to what i can do to get this in tip top working order ? TY

[@Bill-rs3mj]

I have a DR Splitter for 7 years. do nut get one.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Care to elaborate why? Thanks for watching!

[@Bill-rs3mj]

@@JohnFrancoNH I have a super splitter too. When it broke it was fixed by super splitter. DR sent me 5 splitters before I gave up on them. The last one I fixed it. Parts thay will send you some you can use. Other you have to get at WW Granger. The gearing for the ram return, springs and rebuild trigger mechanism. Good luck if you have one.

[@tombo552001]

The problem is lifting 24" diameter log onto the splitter. I like my horizontal splitter for that

[@JohnFrancoNH]

I think you mean vertical log splitter correct? I seen hydro ones that can stand vertical for large diamter rounds and then with the pull of a pin be laid horizontal for the smaller rounds. Either way theres still alot of bending involved. One way around not lifting a 24" round is just split it in half or quarters with a wedge or maul. I guess just choose what works for the moment. Thanks for watching!

[@Bill-rs3mj]

I use a log lift today on a 32" round. on a horizontal splitter, hydro is the way to go on big wood. Use Supper Splitter some for small wood.

[@mujintah568]

Thanks!!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

You bet!

[@terryedmondson3605]

ALL GOOD.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for sharing!

[@craigbulloch5713]

Don't try drying out pecan, It must be slit green or your you'll tear that DR splitter apart.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thank you for the heads up. Happy splitting!

[@TheDabovich]

Jesus Franko, are you on your knees or is that ford 4x4 five foot high at the wheel-arch!? :)

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Just about, lol...once i get some 35s on there the truck will look just right. Thanks for watching!

[@x01e]

First thing inwould uave do e is get rid of that safety lever .. that would drive me crazy

[@JohnFrancoNH]

It drives me a little crazy too. Im going to try to bungee it back next time i run the splitter. Thanks for watching!

[@jouman450]

"Look mom, no hands!"

[@markblakeway80]

Void your warranty, health and safety people find out you moved it lose your insurance if you get injured

[@siclmn]

You may think that the safety lever is a pain but as we older experienced guy's always say, it's not if but when. You get tired and have a brain fart and bam!

[@mattburrows2615]

If you just wanna see it work skip to 7:00

[@darrengarlough5121]

don't like tying up both hands with levers

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bill-rs3mj]

My older DR is one hand lever.

[@therealrubbertramp2151]

is that a new joisey tarping system? ha. anyways, sounds like ya gotta good deal on your splitter.

[@reltcl1995]

You a neat person

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thank you.

[@milkman2591]

Is that a 455 rancher?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Rancher 460

[@David-iu7rd]

I run the 460. Love it.​@@JohnFrancoNH

[@donaldvallancourt6668]

Not everybody has a luxury of drying wood for a year before they split it or even a few months!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thats why you plan ahead. 👍

[@stephenlamport1927]

Sell them in Australia

[@pattikemp-gettmann9646]

I'll stick to hydrolic

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Hydra splitters work great as well...Thanks for watching!

[@nolankapalski5991]

That small wood you can do by hand

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Id rather not. Thanks for watching!

[@jameshannum7270]

An arborist (tree cutter & remover) down the street delivers all the wood I want to my driveway for free. These are rounds (tree sections) about 1' long because he carries each to his truck by hand, and a green 1' round weighs a lot. So I only have to saw a few branches to fit my stove. He says that it used to be a lot of people wanted this wood for their stoves, but now few do, because of No Burn Days (people claiming they can't tolerate smoke and the gov't passing new laws to protect them). Why does the arborist give me free wood & free delivery? Because when he cuts down a tree he has to spend an hour driving to the county dump & back, and pay a big dump fees. He brings me mostly hardwoods, & no palm. Re house sizes: I know a man who bought a 4,250 sq ft house and burns FIFTEEN cords of wood per winter to heat it! He probably paid $Thousands just to buy a big enough woodshed. Americans are taught that bigger is better, but my wife, son, & I have plenty of room in our 1,000 sq ft house. It has 3 bdrms, 1 bath. You don't need a huge house. Americans sure do need more exercise, and splitting wood with a big heavy maul is a great way to get it, and also to build your upper body muscles. For every man with smoke coming out of his chimney and a gas/elec. splitter & chain saw in his garage, there is a fat stomach. And sadly often an early death from heart disease. The man with the machines also has an emptier wallet from buying, fueling, and repairing those complex machines, and deafer ears from all the NOISE! There is a great satisfaction from giving a round of wood a tremendous hit with a maul, or a sledge hammer against steel a wedge for tougher wood. Try it, & you'll never go back to the "modern" way! Maybe you'll think about all this before you buy a sit-in tractor mower for your front lawn, or another chain saw to replace your broken one. Modern man is not doing himself any favors with all those home machines. - JH

[@jimmytate7587]

You are pretty much holier than thou. You first assume that everyone has a strong beck, 2 healthy arms and all the time in the world to split their winter's firewood.....Shame on you. I am 72 years old have a donated kidney and bad back from a long career in a physical oriented job. I also have bursitis and swinging a maul or sledge causes extreme pain. If I didn't use a splitter for my wood I would have to move from my home as i can't afford to buy firewood and there is only 1 other option for heat where I live...ELECTRICITY, At the highest rate in the country. You can feel pretty superior, but the time will come when that maul will have to be put away and you will have to consider other options. As for the pot belly you accused men like me of. I am 6'2" weigh 174 of which an estimated 20 pounds is my own continuing to grow kidneys. Don't be so judgmental.

[@jameshannum7270]

Sorry to hear about your maladies. Of course if someone can't do certain tasks or a certain type of exercise, he shouldn't do it. Do you think I would want you to do something you can't do, or something that would injure you? What gives you the idea that I would want that?

[@digbyodell2924]

You have some good points JH but you sure deliver them with an acidic titration.

[@johncraftenworth7847]

If you can do it, it's great exercise. However, I did 9 or 10 cords that way over a month or more and I can say, some nasty twisted woods (for me it's Boxelder) just don't want to split. Now, perhaps if I cut them into rounds and let them season as this chap did, I'd have better luck, but I'm anxious to get them split in order to speed their curing and have them ready to burn faster. Using a maul and wedge, sometimes it'd take me 10, 20, 30 or 40 minutes on one stubborn piece, and they often don't really split at all, it's just the laborious piercing process of pushing the sharp edge of the wedge through that finally rips the wood into two pieces. Splitting ash is a pleasure, that's fun, but dealing with the stubborn boxelder pieces is not fun! So I bought a hydraulic splitter to deal with them. Also, it can be helpful to split the really large rounds into quarters or so with a machine, and then finish with maul and splitting axes for the fun and exercise. The super large diameter rounds can be tough to get started, mainly cottonwood that gets so large around here. So if you want to be really hardcore, do it all manually like I did for a season. But I think I'll have more fun this season, using the different tools in combination! And if you want to do them all by hand, use an aluminum splitting wedge from stihl or oxenkopf (same company makes them I believe, german made). These don't make your maul bounce steel on steel (losing energy from the bounce). They give more and absorb more energy from your stroke, putting that energy into driving the wedge deeper and not wasting the energy with the maul bouncing off, and are the only way I'd want to tackle stubborn pieces by hand. Have a few extra splitting wedges on hand, to free your stuck first wedge, cuz it'll happen! lol

[@ghilreese3413]

Fiskars splitting axe works pretty well also.

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

No good if you have a wood boiler. That thing is a toy. I split 24” to 28” oak, maple, ash and box elder. Wet or dry, a hydraulic splitter rules. I have a rugged made with the 4 way wedge they would shame this DR.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

No kidding. Its not a splitter for wood boiler but for firewood for a wood stove my friend. You are wasting your time, you should just throw them in as whole logs if you are so tough! Thanks for watching!

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

John Franco you can fill it much tighter for a longer burn with split wood. Not tough, just experienced.

[@davekana8388]

Still like the machine Franco?

[@JohnFrancoNH]

yes every time i use it it never disappoints me

[@davekana8388]

@@JohnFrancoNH how many ton is that one again? Thanks, I was checking them out. Next one will be kinetic for sure! Seems like it does everything I would need!👍

[@jimmytate7587]

AS far as towing.....do not go faster that 40 mph. the splitter can become unstable and tip!!!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thank you for bringing that up. Its good enough for quick trips around town, but not safe for the highway.

[@willieponder7840]

You couldnt give me one of them are pay me to try on again

[@JohnFrancoNH]

what? lol it splits wet or dry wood pretty damn good

[@bobgreen1862]

you'll save yourself a lot of work by not cutting kindling. your wood burns longer if its bigger.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

I know, right? Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@nolankapalski5991]

Can't do big wood

[@JohnFrancoNH]

yes it can...are you upset?

[@martinlakeman9776]

Nice 1

[@erniet9935]

That pile only reached above your waist at best...as tall as you are...not close! Also that machine needs a useful wing table for your pieces....it is way to narrow..nearly useless!

[@JohnFrancoNH]

yes table wings! Thanks for watching!

[@paullanducci440]

Nice clean video except for the stop and go video format. Very annoying.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidmaez2948]

I have a fire wood company

[@Bill-rs3mj]

O will I have a DR and a Supper Splitter. Have seen DR of line 25 times to 1. Supper Splitter has been fixed 1 time in 7 years. Have a Rugget Made 37 ton now. DR is 12 and only ran it 5 years of that time, and yes it is no running now.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Interesting...Thanks for watching!

[@janetpapstein1648]

10 inch logs what a joke I'm a girl and split that shit all day long by hand try some 20 inch logs what a joke

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Good for you. But I didnt realize i entered myself in some kind of Paul Bunyan competition. I do not discriminate against log size. Those split 10" logs burn just as good as the split 20" logs in my wood stove. So ill take them. Thanks for watching!

[@scottfurlong5475]

Janet Papstein Wow! Good for you. You're a real keeper.

[@scottfurlong5475]

John Franco Janet is really something. You know a friend if mine once said...God give a woman wonderful eyes, long hair, lovely curves and beautiful breasts. Then he went and f..ked it all up by giving her a mouth.

[@nagazinafireworks7594]

LMFAO on that one ECR

[@krazypolak1820]

Bull shit that my second one. Dr. I just call and I can’t I can’t return that

[@briankelly2886]

That's Beech,not Birch!

[@johnbekkers5201]

you have no clue about what is hardwood in west australia our wood is so hard a nailgun bounces off

[@tonyprice7544]

You should try 3 y/o banksia

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Thanks for watching!

[@Huzzunga]

But everything is bigger in Texas