SPLIT-FIRE 1165V Vertical Log Splitter Product Review

Introducing the Split-Fire 1165V: The Vertical Log Splitter That Makes Splitting and re-splitting firewood a breeze. We go over all our features and add-ons for the machine including answers to some of our most asked questions about this machine including some insight to future upgrades for this exact splitter.
SPLIT-FIRE 1165V CANADA split-fire.com...
SPLIT-FIRE 1165V USA split-fire.com...
Here's what makes the Split-Fire 1165V the perfect choice for homeowners: Vertical Advantage: Say goodbye to back-breaking work! The vertical design allows for effortless log placement and splitting.
Power & Speed: Choose from our range of powerful engines, including the reliable Loncin 200cc, legendary Honda GX200, or convenient 115V TechTop electric motor, for splitting even the toughest logs with ease.
Effortless Convenience: From easy off-road towing and storage to the built-in hydraulic log lifter and log table (depending on the options you choose), the Split-Fire 1165V makes splitting firewood a breeze.
This is a log splitting revolution, not just another Split-Fire! You can witness the Split-Fire 1165V in action and discover more about its features by watching the video.
For more information always give us a call at the office or post your questions in the comments and we WILL respond to all of them.
#logsplitter #verticalogsplitter #firewood

[@AllenFamilyFirewood]

I think you guys have created a great machine at a price point that most homeowners can afford. It’s good to see someone filling that void . Look forward to seeing you guys in Vermont at the logging expo .

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks! Unfortunately we have a family wedding on that date so we will not be attending. Hopefully we can attend next year.

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Nice splitter Phil. This would be perfect for me, but it has to have a foot pedal like the gentleman in the video has mentioned.

[@daveholmes123]

So excited about this wood splitter! I hope you guys fly to the top in sales, can’t wait to get mine it’s been ordered, possibly the greatest splitter ever made 👍

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks Dave! I hope we can get it to you quick! Its a fun machine, and has been a great product for us so far!

[@GG-ub4ej]

I would not be surprised if this unit becomes your biggest seller. I appreciate you showing the difference in the gas vs electric options. Very well thought out.

[@oakiewoodsman]

I am thinking this as well!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We're hoping that too!

[@sunnydazefirewood]

Can’t wait for the foot pedal. Will order the moment it’s available.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We will release a video as soon as its available!

[@TonysCoolTools]

With the popularity of vertical splitters, you’ve come out with two affordable models. No doubt there will be a lot of interest because you’re thousands less than the major vertical splitter brands. Great job👍TCT

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks! We are hoping that is is a solution for many people!

[@FredFlintstone21]

Ahaa! Now I know what you're buying Tony!

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@FredFlintstone21 👍TCT

[@toddsoutsideagain]

As I have said before, great sized machine. Small but mighty. Easy to make mobile. Easy to store. I like the stroke limiter. Especially for making kindling. Well done Splitfire👍🏻👍🏻

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks! We forgot to include kindling splitting in the video! The 1165V works really well for making kindling. We will post a short or video about that soon.

[@OldIronAcres]

Sweet machine. Exactly what I'm looking for. Best, --J.Andre. / Old Iron Acres

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Right on! Give us a call at the office 1-877-548-3473 and lets work out a package for you.

[@Mikeylikesfixedgear]

Strong design and engineering displays that you don’t need the most amount of power to split.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

That's right!

[@vincefrasca3106]

Once a foot pedal (or variant) comes available I’ll be grabbing one of these. For the smaller firewood I use for boiling syrup two hands on the firewood is key. Nice machine.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

That seems to be the ongoing case for most people on the fence about it still. That darn foot pedal 😆

[@jimjackson5836]

I would rather have the foot pedal.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

@@jimjackson5836 we hear ya loud and clear!

[@sunnydazefirewood]

This is what I’m holding off on. Need that foot pedal. Period 😞

[@joedubray1065]

Awesome! Thanks for the more in depth video! Really like this machine

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Its a great little machine, we're glad the video hit your mark.

[@outdoors-fun]

I'll be ordering one as soon as a foot pedal is available.

[@kurtd1796]

Thanks for the great video! Your pride shows in your products. Mine is on order.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks! Happy to hear it!

[@oakiewoodsman]

I absolutely love those machines. I don’t know why but for this little guy, the electric would be super cool especially for bundles of Kindling. Also, those little solo stove tiny deals with really small bits of wood. Very good demonstration and the log lift is super cool too!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks Joe! Electric machines are pretty sweet! You can run them in garages/enclosed spaces, and being able to talk over the machine while you split is pretty nice!

[@jamesiversen]

I think I’ve found my next splitter! Great job, Split-Fire. Love that you are Canadian made too! 🇨🇦

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Happy to hear it! We are looking forward to hearing from you!

[@user-eh2ul3bx3y]

As a brand new owner of a 3203, 36 inch stroke this machine seems to be a little lacking in power comparatively. I love the concept of a vertical splitter, and would love to see a little bit more power, and possibly a three-point pto driven splitter. I believe your customer service is extraordinary and unmatched. My machine came off the truck with a bent hydraulic tank and without hesitation, sent me a new tank and all the attached parts that come with that tank. My machine is a workhorse, and as a new person splitting firewood I can fill a tote of firewood in about an hour. If anybody is looking to buy a log splitter, I highly recommend split fire.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thank you for the great review about our product and our team. We strive to give the best possible experience to everyone when they talk to us. If you're still experiencing some issues with your 3203 give our parts and tech support dept a call, Rick will be glad to guide you thru any possible fixes/tweaks to get your problem solved.

[@lillysfarmfirewood]

The Electric model is awesome to have in shop making bundles while it's raining/snowing outside or even late at night. Great job guys!!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Exactly, it features a wack-load of capabilities for a small machine. If you’re a seasoned splitter and run a business this would be a great option for kindling or re-splits.

[@michel1348]

Own one! I was expecting a superb machine but my expactions is a lot more than filled! The size, power, productivity, ease of use and a lot less demanding on human power... work hours without fatigue. And customer service of that company is amazing!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thats fantastic to hear, thanks for sharing your experience with us. We'd love to have it on our google review page if you don't mind just leaving this comment there? g.page/r/CaNs7viRQRMLEBM/review Thanks so much for choosing Split-Fire

[@michel1348]

​@@SplitFireSalesIncdone!

[@jamesahr2634]

So you like it, howes it holding up

[@cjm3508]

This looks great!!!! I love my 3203 and I have tested the crap out of it!!!! But sometimes I just need my tractor for other things. This log splitter is a very good option for just that.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks! We are happy to hear it!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I’m very impressed with this new splitter!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks Chad!

[@charger7022]

Ok hear me out! I’m here again for the foot control lol. I’m sure many will agree, we will sign whatever safety waiver you would like! Haha!!!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We're pretty certain you'll like our alternative even more than a foot controller. Time will tell.

[@larrylefebvre2237]

Voice activated through AI ?@@SplitFireSalesInc

[@charger7022]

@@SplitFireSalesInc can’t wait to see it! As long as I can have 2 hands on my wood I’m good! Haha

[@sunnydazefirewood]

@@SplitFireSalesIncmind control option? How else would I keep two hands on a log? lol intriguing

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

@@sunnydazefirewood haha. I guess you will have to wait and see!

[@harrybarker1408]

good vid dood!! i am a happy owner of a two way

[@geraldkiethmorrison7316]

Very well thought out solid design. Solid n fast awesome

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Glad you like it!

[@mattnicol8882]

I'm super-excited about this! Looks like you are working to reach an untapped part of the market. I'll buy one tomorrow if you can make the following options available: *Option to increase the splitting force (10-15 ton minimum) *foot pedal option *Increase table height to 36" (option, may require log lift modification) *electric start option (for heavier-ton units)

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We have a few upgrades in the works still to release over the course of the year. Stay tuned and subscribed for future updates as we release all our product news ahead of time within our youtube page/videos.

[@markMac407]

What a fantastic machine!! I've wanted a vertical splitter for a while now but I never could afford it. This is a major game changer!!! I hesitate with the 7.5 tons but I believe you would run the crap out of it to make sure it would work. Dry elm is a bugger that's shown very well here! What an impressive machine! I'm intrigued by your better idea instead of a foot pedal. Now the hard part to sell it to the wife 😂!!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Just a reminder the elm was split on our electric splitter. The gas one did a much better job at getting it done. Of course with some restrictions the machine is mainly designed to be a splitter for residential use but with some commercial efficiency and you will be able to beat the crap out of it with some big splits without any worries or problems arising. It’s the little machine that could (do it all).

[@markMac407]

@@SplitFireSalesInc exactly!!!! Yes I noticed the gas was faster and more powerful. It also depends on using it properly with good sense. I am a homeowner that sells a little bit to the neighbors to pay for my fuel and oil for myself!!! I'm loving this splitter!!! Hoping to order one very soon!

[@OGAOutdoors]

Very impressive machine. Great job guys.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Thanks!

[@jasonpeterson9276]

Once ya get a foot pedal for it.. id buy a couple of them. I run a big wood lot with 18 people working would be a good little machine for kindling lines. Resplits etc.

[@chrismartin4776]

Nice option! Too small for 1/3 of what I split. As an Axis owner, you need the foot control ( the hand lever would irritate me and probably be less safe)!!!! If you want good advertising have someone like Todd’s Outside demo the unit and make videos, that’s what showed me the Axis was for me over a horizontal machine. I think if you have the foot control you will sell more.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Yup its not for everyone! Unfortunately the average persons feet are much slower than their hands. When something goes wrong it is much faster to remove your hand from a control than it is to move your foot (which you might be leaning on). However we will develop an alternative that will free up both hands. See this video at the 4:50 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvHXquEetR7nMU (Note her hand movement). We think we can develop something that is safer and just as easy to use. We will consider him!

[@na-et2gp]

Interesting to see the filter on the suction side, I was under the impression the return side was the preferred location for filter. Does it spill much oil when changing the filter? Is there a bypass if the filter gets clogged? Looks like a cool splitter

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Having the filter on the return is preferred on the average machine, mostly to prevent cavitation. However our reservoir holds all of its volume above the pump and filter, exerting enough pressure on the filter and pump for cavitation not to be an issue. We like to filter before the pump if we can, that way we can prevent pump damage, but cavitation is always a very important consideration. There is a bypass in the filter base if the filter ever gets clogged, but the oil should never develop a sludge to plug the filter. You would have to drain the fluid before changing the filter. Thanks!

[@SamusSays]

really cool machine!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We think so too!

[@richardbrowne1679]

I think you guys have a home run their. I’m looking for an electric splitter for resplitting firewood inside for bundles. A foot pedal is key.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

It will be a nice feature! We have some hold ups on some components which is stalling development. However we will make a kit that can bolt up to existing machines.

[@tomgibson9712]

Looks nice! Any plans for a 4290V?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We got a few new ideas in the works. Lots of great things happening here.

[@ErikVonTrapps]

Thank you for a great video. One issue holding me back is the fact that I do not have a ATV, but I have to wheel it from my shed to the log area. Can you move this by hand? Would it be possible to show how one can move it 10 feet around. I just need to wheel it closer to the rounds, please show us how it can be moved without an ATV or hooking up to a car. Otherwise it is near perfect machine!

[@jamesiversen]

You can move 400+ lb trailers around easily by picking up the tongue. This splitter weighs only 230 lbs; it would be very easy to roll around by hand, especially short distances on flat ground.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Great point! We will include that in a future video. It is awkward to move around, but we will be adding a moving handle option that will greatly improve this. As for the weight, it is actually incorrect on the website. The base model weight is more around 450 lbs.

[@Ridgewood460]

That’s a nice splitter, I’d be interested in seeing the vertical splitter you made ten or so years ago

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

We're still hunting for those photos thru our archives.

[@markw2266]

The foot pedal has me in a holding pattern. This is a small issue I can see happening. If the 16" shelf gets bumped, I can see it folding down at an inopportune moment. Something to lock that shelf in would be a good idea. Anyone that added a folding side self to their toolbox knows what Im referring to. This splitter is absolutely in my future.

[@band6314]

Why is it on rated at 7.5 tons? Your smallest horizontal machine is 18 tons. I am a little concerned switching from a traditional 22 ton machine to this?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

That tonnage/knife setup is designed to have a higher efficiency than a traditional log splitter. You can get away with a lower tonnage if you narrow the knife. So far we have had no complaints about splitting force, and have had quite a few people surprised by the splitting power of the 1165. It is a powerful little splitter for what it is.

[@theyorkwoods]

Are you going to be a Paul Bunyan in Ohio in October? I’m interested in trying this machine. And what is the lead time?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Yes! We are registered and ready to be there this fall. More than likely we will be bringing our most popular and newest machines to the show. We hope to see you there!

[@AroundTheYard-MN]

Great Job Split-Fire!! Working up a configuration that will work for my needs. Excited about the 115v Electric motor option, that is the way I will go for sure. Looking forward to talking with you next week. What is the lead time on the 1165V?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Currently our lead times are at 6 weeks for the 1165V. We look forward to hearing from you.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

I have no problem with running a vertical splitter with a foot pedal. Visited a guy with an Eastonmade Axis, and that foot pedal felt natural to me. It is so easy to use. By the way, do these splitters use a single or two-stage pump? Crank up the tonnage with a 2-stage pump an option?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

The splitter does use a two stage pump already. Which doesn't gain power so much as it gains speed when not under-load. We use the efficiency of a thinner wedge to do more with less tonnage, however we limit the machine to 3000psi to prevent frame and hydraulic component damage.

[@user-re1hf9un2u]

How hard is it to move by hand around your garage area ?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Once we have the wheel caster option for sale, it will be extremely simple. Currently its a bit tougher to move by hand but still very maneuverable on solid groud, gravel is a bit tricky as the stones can cause impediment on the actual rolling itself.

[@vihreelinja4743]

Wood should be split FRESH. then it will not ROT while drying and it is much more easy to split.

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Yup its been sitting for a while.

[@jamesahr2634]

Anybody, buys one in Cincinnati area let me know we might save on shipping.

[@BigAshTree8711]

Can you get an upgraded cylinder for more power?

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Unfortunately you cannot as that would actually change the design of the splitter. Perhaps in the future we will add a heavier duty model to our lineup to compete with some of the bigger vertical machines on the market.

[@dougselby9555]

7 tons sounds low. Can someone who splits oak comment on how it does with white oak?? Thanks!!

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Up to 18" oak rounds can be split on this machine, same with Elm, as long as you're not trying to split directly in the centre of the piece, it will do the job. Its a surprising little splitter that will get the job done.

[@glenspryszak6005]

That drain plug absolutely needs a spout or else there will be fluid all over the place....

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

It is very easy to hold/place a pail below. We have done this ourselves with no issue.

[@marcorossignol7746]

Wow ... 7.5 ton ram... has it refused to split anything you've thrown at it? Within reason if course

[@SplitFireSalesInc]

Yeah we had some elm that was a bit tougher but, with some careful placement and attempting to split smaller pieces it tends to fair very well even with very hard wood. Overall, the machine is only rated at 7.5T but it holds it own against splitters that rate at much higher tonnage all thanks to our wedge design.

[@marcorossignol7746]

@@SplitFireSalesInc understood.. thanks

[@russellbelliveau1694]

Ordered mine today ! Can’t wait super friendly and knowledgeable sales people.