Splitting BIG Hardwood with a 5 Ton Electric Hydraulic Wood Log Splitter

[@jamesstanley5503]

I love these. I have had this HF 5 ton splitter for 3yrs but only split a 2-3 cords a year. They work awesome and split 99% of everything I put through it and splits even some logs I think It wont. You can increase the ram pressure if you adjust the hidden set screw one turn clockwise on the opposite side of the control lever after removing the small 10mm bolt head. Don't turn it too much or you could possibly blow seals . Another great thing being electric is i can bring additional loads of logs into my heated garage throughout the winter and split in the warmth or in the middle of night without waking up the family or neighbors. If anyone is considering buying one of these GO BUY IT!! enjoy you wont regret it.

[@BrandonLund]

Right on James Stanley! For the money you cant beat it! Probably one of the best purchases i have made in a while.

[@jamesstanley5503]

@@BrandonLund, looks like your splitter in the newest 2.0 version that you have to hold the start button with one hand and lever with the other hand. Mine you don't have to hold the start button so it at least frees up one hand to hold the wood in place when splitting . Im sure that start button or wiring could be modified for always ON like the original splitter version. I wanted both hands free so I went one step further and added about a 20" long perfectly counter weighted 3/4 copper pipe with a long carriage bolt down the end for the counter weight and a copper 90 elbow on the bottom end that slides over the rubber handle so the pipe stands upward and tilts slightly forward for easy pushing down to override the lever spring tension. Then when i liked its position I drilled a 1/8" hole through the copper elbow and factory handle so it holds the new pipe lever in the best position with a nail or small screwdriver through the hole. Now with a bump of my new longer handle it leans down to the ram start position and both hands are now free to manipulate the logs.. When the log is split bump the handle back up and ram retracts. This makes it so much faster and convenient to split the logs and no wrist fatigue after hours of splitting.

[@casper1240]

the website is Arrows Corp i think if i remember right i got my 10 ton one off Ebay years ago

[@BrandonLund]

They are pretty incredible for the money

[@stumetallicafan]

I'm in the UK and not long moved out to the country . I've heaps of wood needing cut and split and was struggling a bit with some real knotty stuff using a maul and axe . I'm 50 now and not as fit as I was 😁 I ended up buying the 4 ton Titan which is very similar in size and operation, two handed operation too. It has made my job so much easier and my wife comes and splits also . It cost £180 which is about $250 . Amazing tool for the money .

[@blackjackfloat8088]

best splitter review on KZbin, I know he's honest because I have the same one.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy I appreciate you watching and for commenting!

[@blackjackfloat8088]

@@BrandonLund no worrys bud.

[@407dm1]

I was absolutely shocked at how good mine did after I bought it. This is a great machine

[@BrandonLund]

Great to hear! It's a great little machine for the money!

[@adamsmith9466]

@@BrandonLund HiBrandon. Where can i get this electric log splittet. And how much thanks.

[@BrandonLund]

At Harbor Freight

[@earthangel8875]

I thought my only options were the big expensive wood splitters. I was about to buy one until I ran into the Harbor Freight wood-splitting video. I think this is all I need. Thank you for taking the time out to make this video. Angel from The Bay

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Angel, you won't be dissapointed!

[@mikeh8228]

I got around the 2 handed operation by simply going back to Harbor Freight and buying an adjustable slide clamp. Clamp the button in the on position and use the cord as the switch, although you could buy a foot operated switch then and install it . Had mine for 15 years and love it, am 74 years old now and still split wood when I need to!

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Got me one and after about 1/2 cord of 12" to 23" rounds, I'm in love! This little machine is worth much more than it cost. It's one of those slow and steady wins the race things. I could split wood with this for eight hours, and still stay up and watch a movie after dinner! Get one. You'll be glad.

[@BrandonLund]

100% well said! For as many great comments I get on this video you would think Harbor Freight would hook me up 🤣🤣🤣

[@tanksoldier9770]

I watched it again it still rates a WOW. Thanks for the demo .

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks! I wish the weather was that good now. We are looking at nearly 2 feet of snow on Sunday

[@jradonabike]

Thanks for the review. I too love splitting wood by hand, but now that I'm a dad I need to spend my weekends not working on projects. I've been eyeballing this model for a while now.

[@BrandonLund]

I've only had one commenter say it gave up the ghost on day 1, beside that, this thing is a champ.

[@wydelle]

I bought the earthquake 5 ton and it looks the same has yours and yes it is a awesome machine. I had mine since 2010 and I use it right in my kitchen next to my wood stove. I don't even split anymore I split as I need it. All hardwood. I don't even collect kindling anymore just cut small pieces from the split hardwood and it works awesome. This machine made my preparing for winter super easy and my maul is now re-tired. I 2 would purchase another one if I had to.

[@BrandonLund]

I still cant believe what this little thing can do for the money. Using it inside, nice! That's a bonus being electric!

[@tanksoldier9770]

Wow I always wondered how those would work thanks for the test ,it worked great for your needs and doesn't take up much space

[@BrandonLund]

I am still amazed at how well this works! I figured it would basically struggle on everything but I was wrong.

[@dthorne4602]

This type of splitter is the way to go. People dont understand the physics of log splitting and just assume these types are a joke and can't do the job.

[@BrandonLund]

I was one of them until I bought it and now I'm sold!

[@timothyhowes3082]

Thank you for posting the review, I have the same one that I’m borrowing from a friend and I didn’t think it was going to be able to do my logs because it’s so small but you proved it. So now I’m going to use your methods and go take care of the wood splitting. Thank you again!!

[@BrandonLund]

It's an incredible machine considering it's only rated for a 10" log!

[@ethanconrado6520]

I put about a cord and a half per week through mine selling firewood. For me this Splitter. Had it for about 3 years now. It's legit. Easily paid for itself over 100 times lol

[@BrandonLund]

I know right! I have yet to hear anyone say anything negative. It far exceeds what it's rated for. I love mine and as you mentioned it's easily paid for itself numerous times over

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

I was skeptical about getting one of these but after watching this I think I'll go pick one up tomorrow. Thanks for the review.

[@BrandonLund]

I'm totally impressed every time I use it. It's a huge timesaver plus no gas and oil hastle

[@franklee1550]

Split loads of hardwood from white/black/red oak to poplar to hickory to walnut to maple to cherry. I’ve used mauls and axes and manual hydraulic to electric and gas and diesel hydraulic big and small and I’ll tell you it’s all about the wood. If a round is free of big knots and single trunk growth you’re going to be able to split it regardless of its circumference with pretty much any method. If it’s got big, gnarly knots and/or is two or three trunks intertwined I’ve seen it take out some pretty powerful splitters. Some rounds are just not worth the time and trouble to split. You can still burn them and many severely gnarled rounds burn great, but slice them up with a good chain saw and save your splitter and yourself the pain and aggravation.

[@BrandonLund]

Spot on Frank 👍

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

Really great video!!! I thought at first it was silly up that high, but the camera, work level, bin right there, great idea! Excellent text on audio.

[@thomasengle916]

great video! i am thinking about one as i m 73yrs old, and back has rods in it. appreciate a good video especially before i buy the product! thanks for shareing.....Tom n Jake

[@BrandonLund]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johndeeter9522]

Bought one of these about 3months ago and I’m still amazed by it. Split mostly ash up to 25” I split the big logs with a wedge into 3 or 4 pieces then split them. Also split big walnut that is gnarly and some of this is a challenge. I will say that this is a very useable piece of equipment and a real bargain for the price. Very good informative video. Thanks

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks John I appreciate it! This sure is an under recognized gem.

[@davidneil1452]

I have converted mine to a foot pedal opperation makes life even easier

[@BrandonLund]

Great idea!

[@44bett]

Thanks for a very informative presentation Brandon.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks 44bett!

[@fulwoodphantom]

I have the titan 4tonne splitter from screwfix UK had it two years and its never missed a beat, its split everything I've put through it, this is a great video 👍🇬🇧

[@BrandonLund]

@Fullwood phantom thanks man! Yah this thing is a beast and has paid for itself ten times over where I dont have to deal with the cost and hastle of renting one.

[@ralphanderson4407]

I hv a Ryobi 5 ton electric splitter I bought 10 yrs ago and I hv split over 50 cords. I paid $325 and still works good. Replaced the slide pads and spring for the ram valve assembly

[@BrandonLund]

That's great to know!!! It seems like it should hold up well! Thanks for sharing! They are a beast for the money!

[@chriskourlos4407]

Great job kid!!!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man :)

[@Sun222rising]

I love this and it was so helpful to me because I have just me and my two teenagers helping me with cutting allot of wood but no electric splitter

[@BrandonLund]

Its a huge time saver!

[@dustinpollard6237]

Well, at least you have a good "worth your time" test. If a dude can't help your family split wood, then hes not worthy of taking you out or helping parent 😂. Doesn't every mom want to date a guy that plays more video games than her kids? You're doing it right.

[@mikehoward8201]

Got this same one and love it. Been using for splitting around 3 cords a year for our wood heater. I use a HF cheap adjustable C-clamp to keep the switch held in the on position, as I have mine on a stand with a catch table on one side. That way I have one hand free to balance log until wedge engages when splitting. When splitting larger rounds sometimes it stalls, then I switch ends on the log and it usually bores on through! I keep a garden wagon to toss the wood into so it does not go on the floor and have to be picked up. Maintenance? Just keep it dry! I have a large shed patio on the back of my house and once set up it has never been moved. Table is just the right height for me...that will save yer back everytime you use it! For logs so big I cannot lift them, I have the HF 10 ton manual splitter...tho slow, it pops those bupig rounds into pieces that I can lift easily onto this splitter. I keep the 10 ton manual stored vertically on the same porch! Nothing more satifying than being in the dry and splitting wood while its raining!

[@BrandonLund]

Thats awesome Mike! I'm glad your enjoying yours. I know that mine has saved me a pile of effort and money without having to pay to rent...and no gas fumes! Cheers buddy!

[@mikeh8228]

@@BrandonLund I neglected to say I am in my 70s and split wood by hand for years before getting this machine, just like you, but with now two bum knees and loosing my stamina every year a little, it is a God send! I had the DR version before and kept it under a tarp, but the tarp leaked and ruined the electrics so I stripped the DR stand and tossed it and the HF unit fit and mounted on that stand perfectly! HA HA

[@BrandonLund]

This thing is HF's best kept secret. I didn't get a dime from HF for posting this video but I can assure you they benefited greatly from it lol. Its not often sonething comes along as handy as this. It sure saves time, money and effort while still getting us outside to get a little exercise

[@grontek]

Thank you. Going to buy tomorrow.

[@BrandonLund]

Make sure you tell them I sent you 😉

[@douglas9607]

I've got the 7ton version of this splitter. Made by Boss Industries. I have the extended leg kit which brings it up to waist height. I love mine. It's quiet and like you say, you don't have to maintain a gas engine. Thanks for the vid (it's been a while since you made this vid. Thanks again

[@BrandonLund]

Best money I ever spent right here!

[@abrahamghannam2137]

Bought the same one I had split believe it or not 40 chords of chorus letting it cool down but it just keeps right on going make sure your vent plug is open while you’re doing it when you’re done close the vent plug and make sure that you have hydraulic fluid in it to where the dipstick as he commented good luck cheers and you’re not wasting your money on one of these excellent machine especially coming from Harbor freight

[@BrandonLund]

Spot on! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@Dave-rq1uk]

Ok boss….you convinced me. Buying one tomorrow. Thanks for the review!!

[@BrandonLund]

Every time I see mine @Dave it reminds me of all the times I rented a wood splitter of busted my back splitting by hand. This is a great little splitter.

[@Dave-rq1uk]

So I did go out and buy one. Split up some apple and mulberry with it already. Really a nice piece of equipment. Thanks again!

[@BrandonLund]

Congratulations man! 👌 enjoy not mixing gas and cleaning carburators every year. That splitter will serve you well 👍

[@dixee6498]

Thanks! I have the hand pump version of one of these from Harbor Freight and wondered how one of these would do. I was very skeptical until I saw this video.

[@BrandonLund]

Yah, I'm totally impressed. This thing is way more powerful than advertised.

[@mikeh8228]

I agree with Brandon....get one and you will not be sorry. Just set it at a comfortable operating height. On a table, or a sawhorse table....you will be pleased!

[@BrandonLund]

👍

[@mannvsfood]

Nice review, I was looking at getting this later in the fall when my 250gal smoker is ready for pickup. Glad its a work horse.

[@BrandonLund]

Oh you will love it. It would be great for that! @Mann Vs Food

[@rvalcourtpersonaca]

Good video Brandon.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Richard!

[@rickie5150]

Great video Brandon !!! I went and bought me one today... no extended warranty. Tried it on a few logs and it works great !!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I get excited every time I use mine knowing that I'm saving money not having to rent one. Mine has paid for itself several times over. For the money you cant beat it!

[@rickie5150]

@@BrandonLund True Fact: We used to heat my Dad's house, with a Ben Franklin wood burning stove, for 8 years. Started that chapter of life when I was 7yrs old. We did it manually with steel wedges and sledge hammers. It would have been so nice to have a log splitter like this. It is an incredible lower back and time saver. As you said... for the price, You Can't Beat It !!! Thanks for helping me make my choice !!!

[@BrandonLund]

@@rickie5150 glad I could help buddy. Enjoy not busting your back this year! :) I know I do :)

[@idacow8237]

I have had the same unit (under a different brand name, but identical in every way) now for 4 yrs, split about 8 to 9 cords a year, not many issues, but I did modify it for a one handed operation, just by removing the push button and wiring the contacts together, and now whenever it is plugged in it is "ON" also installed a toggle switch where the breaker was, and now I can leave it plugged in and trun it on or off at any time

[@BrandonLund]

Thats pretty slick! These are a hidden gem for sure.

[@teecee8024]

In 2020 great video. Excellent Machine !!!! .

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks! It's a huge time saver!

[@VansWorld]

I’m thinking seriously about getting one.

[@BrandonLund]

You wont be dissapointed!

[@patburt9558]

Agreed! With a 90 day return policy why not?

[@nicknick1974]

Really great video, straight forward

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I appreciate the compliment!

[@cypeman8037]

I bit the bullet and bought one years ago. If you watch enough KZbin videos about using them you pick up some excellent tips on how to position large logs that at first won’t split.......set the log to one side so you take a slice from the outside diameter......works every time.

[@BrandonLund]

Until you mentioned it, yes, you are 100% spot on! Great tip!

[@barelyfree9427]

I got a 6.5 Ton WEN electric. Pretty much the same thing and it works well for most things. Sometimes ya gotta take boards off and keep rotating it, not split right in the middle of a big round, but it does the job.

[@BrandonLund]

For the money these little splitters pack a big punch

[@kaneetsate1662]

Good review! Think I'll pick one up tomorrow

[@BrandonLund]

You won't regret it!

[@GypsyHunter232UK]

Thank u Brandon. Good informative info. I always thought electric wood splitters wer useless underpowered.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Greg, same here! I'm convinced otherwise now :)

[@LawrencePina]

Brandon, I just broke my original, HF 67090 10-ton manual splitter and I'm looking to replace it. What's the exact HF item number of the electric splitter you have? HF currently lists both 61373 and 63366. As they're made in different factories and by different suppliers there's always a BIG quality difference. If I get one of these, I'd like to get the same item number you purchased. Thank you.

[@BrandonLund]

@Lawrence Pina I just confirmed from my receipt and the manual that its 63366. I was not aware there were two differnt ones. Cheers brother!

[@diyjeepguy7713]

I think im gonna get one for myself, I love splitting wood by hand but im getting older too and after a while its a decision between quite or hurt, Id rather keep going and hurt less with one of these, thanks for the video

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man. Yah I love being outside and splitting wood also, but it doesnt come as easy as it once did. I still like splittinf by hand but it's also nice to just set yourself up a little area and effortlessly spit too. You wont regret buying it. I grin ear to ear every fall when I get it out of storage for all the struggle it saves me. And I sleep better afterwards because im not lamed up and I dont have to take hand fulls of ibuprophen before bed.

[@tomcora9417]

Nice review! You sold me. Harbor Freight should give you something.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I appreciate your support. Maybe HF will see my video and your comment! 😍. I often contemplate when I make these type of videos because I dont get anything for advertising for them, but Im also a firm believer of not wasting my money and wanting to help others. So I pass along my thoughts because it has been awesome for me. This tool rates as probably one of the best bang for the buck type purchase I have made. If it gave out tomorrow it has already paid for itself 10x in what I would have paid in rental fees. And I can work at my own pace without breaking my neck to get the machine returned before I incur an additional day rental.

[@tomcora9417]

@@BrandonLund Thanks for the response. We're looking at this as a gift for a friend that has a lake house. I'm going to show my wife your video and probably order it tonight. Good luck to you!

[@ChuckisOutside]

Good review. Thanks.

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you!

[@drewohara6490]

Thank you just picked one up with my girlfriends dad and no one really had a video in this much detail also he payed 279$ but couldn’t use 20% off.!😂👍

[@BrandonLund]

You guys are going to love it! Mine has paid for itself many times over with the work it saves me.

[@MysteryScienceGaming]

why couldn't he use coupon? Because he couldnt find it in-store?

[@backyardfirewood9852]

I have the Yardmax version. Really has been impressive for what it is. I routinely split Oak blocks with it. The Yardmax has a return stroke limiter that helps increase cycle time.

[@BrandonLund]

These are incredible for the money!

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thank you.

[@BrandonLund]

You're welcome! @Jeffrey Rule

[@666dynomax]

you can put a block of wood behind the ram so it doesn't return all the way if you're cutting shorter wood.

[@BrandonLund]

Thats a great tip! I actually done it and it works great

[@glenchadwick420]

Thanks for the video! I just bought a used one from craigslist.

[@BrandonLund]

Congratulations! You are going to love it!

[@mixtecop]

*I'm about to buy one good thing that I got to your video thanks for the info*

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks! Glad I could help in your decision!

[@shawnf6958]

I have this model as well, been using for five years. I split about 3-4 cords a year. I'm in CT, been cutting down and splitting ash, hickory, and oak from my property and neighbors who have had trees felled. Two helpful things I want to share. First, is a couple times the vent plug was not loosened. My wife split some wood when I wasn't home, and didn't know about the vent screw. Another time, I spaced and forgot to do it because it was late at night. Consequently, I've noticed it weakening. This splitter is virtually identical to the Boss model. The Boss manual has the exact same parts diagram as Harbor Freight. Boss replacement parts are available online via Foards. I just bought all necessary o-rings, seals, and extra washers for about $45 w/ shipping. After five years, my guess is a tune-up will serve me well, and I'll be working on it this weekend. Second thing is that this will definitely cut wide diameter rounds (20"+)...if taking the following into consideration. The drier, the better for really wide rounds (green wood this doesn't really work). And instead of cutting directly on center, I start cutting off center close to the edges. Line up the wedge about 2"-3" from the edge of the round. You have to steady it with your hand but it really does work. After a few edge cuts are done, it really does make it easier to then go down the center.

[@BrandonLund]

Good tips Shawn, thank you! I feel pretty good now knowing I will be able to find parts if it breaks down. That vent is a weird concept. I wish they had a better way of doing it.

[@shawnf6958]

@@BrandonLund You're welcome! Something else dawned on me after looking at Jame's comment. I also have the older version where you don't have to hold the start button down. If James modification idea didn't work, try the following: the current Boss model doesn't require holding it down, so might be worthwhile for you to swap out with the Boss power switch. Call Foards and they will clarify for sure. It's about $12, and will free up one hand.

[@BrandonLund]

That's an awesome idea! I have seen others and wondered why they only need one hand, now I know. For 12 bucks it's worth it!

[@Hoobz01]

At 5.42 I laughed But, hey, it did it no worries. Great review. Heading out to get one now. Thanks.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! For the money you cant beat it. It's a brute!

[@Hoobz01]

@@BrandonLund I did go and get one. I'm in Australia, so it's not branded the same, but it's mostly indentical. Paid 299. And it's probably the best 299 I've spent recently. Thanks again. Love it 👍

[@Hoobz01]

@@BrandonLund I did go get one. I'm in Australia, so it's not branded the same, but it's mostly indentical. Two handed switch / lever operation is annoying, but I'm very happy with it. Paid 299 at Bunnings here. Best 299 I've spent recently. Should have got it years ago. Thanks again 👍

[@BrandonLund]

You wont be dissapointed man. I feel the same way. All those years I spent renting splitters and struggling to split by hand. Now it's easy and takes up no storage space. I'm not sure if you guys have ethanol fuel but we do and it destroys the carburators on small engines. I like its electric. No messing with gas.

[@DeanMk1]

Nice presentation. Thanks for posting this video....btw, I really like the little "dumpster" you used to mount the splitter and hold the split wood. Did you make that yourself? If not, where did you buy it?

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks! This little splitter still amazes me. I built the cart it is sitting on. Here is that build kzbin.info/www/bejne/fanJaqamatuAnKc

[@DeanMk1]

@@BrandonLund THANK YOU!

[@SlickD217]

Great video man thank you 👈😎👈

[@426superbee4]

Last year the 5 ton log splitter went for $ 75 bucks. NO WAY IT WORTH 300 DOLLARS I got a metal band saw with 1 hp electric engine that i'am going to make a screw log splitter out of. I can use the motor, decking, legs and things on it

[@BrandonLund]

Thats a great deal. I bought this machine 4 years ago and paid 300 brand new at HF. If HF were selling this machine for 75 dollars it was probably a misprint.

[@426superbee4]

@@BrandonLund That was the going price on them last year> 75 bucks Cheers buddy

[@stuartforbes1872]

It's easy with nice soft straight grained timber like in the video. I'm in Australia and I use sugar gum, red gum, messmate and swamp gum. Hard, knotty, gnarly mongrel stuff and at times makes my poor little splitter (same as the video) lock up real bad. Try and find a crack and work on that. They're good fun when when a 2 or 3 kg piece slips out and smacks you in the face, almost exhilarating.

[@BrandonLund]

Probably buy a gas job then?

[@trevor5290]

Just got one myself.. Very impressed. The 5t is 399 at Princess Auto but when I went to get it I noticed that the 9t was on sale for the same price :) It is much heavier in physical weight though! so plan how your going to use it ahead of time. ;)

[@BrandonLund]

It sounds like you got a great deal! Congratulations!

[@trevor5290]

@@BrandonLund Cheers Brandon! So I used it for the first time yesterday. Wow! Im impressed. I had just cut an 80' pine down with a 20" stump. A couple of days ago I swung an axe at it and it stuck right in being so wet, so off to the store I went. I managed to split and stack the tree trunk in about 2.5 hrs. I can't say enough about these electric splitters..just the usual complaint about its two handed operation, but I quickly learned to use my elbow to hold the log while hitting the button. Also learned to split it 90% of the way then turn the log. You will end up with 4-5-6 pieces without ever removing the log...then toss on the ground and it bust right up. Another tip for those reading..If there's knots..put the knotted end near the ram and the knot free end near the wedge so that the log is given a chance to split first before ripping the knots apart ;) Great video Brandon.!

[@tracynewman5246]

Sweet take a look at the 5 ton BOSS splitter you don’t have to hold in the button for the motor lil more expensive free shipping check them out great splitter

[@BrandonLund]

I'll check it out. It's the only thing I can say I don't like about this machine but I understand why it's that way.

[@michelangelolavagno1963]

Good video ciao Brandon

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy!

[@joebradley1520]

How's it with 22inch long round? It's not about how big around it is it's how long it will split

[@BrandonLund]

My experience so far has been if I can get it into the machine it will split it. I had a couple that were too long. I hit them with a maul to open up a gap which allowed me to force it into the machine and it split it.

[@jrperez3088]

Modify it. Weld some more splitter ends so you could do it in one pass. Also I would weld a little spike at the retractable end so the the wood doesn't slide off when in operation. All in all good video brotha.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy! I don't think it has enough grunt to handle another bit, but maybe :)

[@1rustytree]

Good video! I have had that one for a few years, split mostly oak, that 22" you had ,I probably would have to whittle it down from an edge , but it usually gets it done! Mine stays on when you push in the switch then push in again to turn off. Watch your for/rev handle, I bent the crap out of it pulling up on the handle to drag it! I unscrew it and its hanging on with a wire!

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you and thanks for the great tip! I can see myself loosing that lever!

[@troywilburn9147]

It traveling all the way back to start position after each split takes up a lot of time on your next split if you’re splitting large quantities of logs. If you were to get a measurement on your logs and run your ram down to a a few inches shy of that measurement and throw a few hose clamps on the guide rods to stop the complete return cycle, that would keep it from traveling all the way back to start position, no? You would basically be starting your travel say 3-4” into the cut stroke. If it’s using hydraulics for return stroke it may be too stout for the hose clamps to hold. It would be worth a try tho. If it’s spring return the clamps won’t be an issue. You’d be saving 4-5 seconds per split depending on your log length if it works.

[@BrandonLund]

I actually do something a little more simpler. Most of my logs are close to 16" so I take a 4 inch piece of scrap 4x4 and place it behind the black pusher plate. It prevents the plate from retracting all the way back reducing the travel by 4". It does save quite a bit of time

[@twoweary]

Yes, I just throw a 2x4 behind it and that cuts way down on the return time.

[@PainterD54]

I don't see many of these with any kind of table on each side or behind the splitting wedge to catch the wood pieces. I'm just waiting to see someone get the foot smashed by a falling chunk of wood, I wear steel toed boor when I split just because I've had too many pieces fall onto my foot. I helps! Safety first is key. You probably don't care to concern yourself until you learn the hard way like we all do.

[@BrandonLund]

Great suggestion 👍

[@echota23]

I took a piece of #4 hard drawn copper and bent it into a ? Attach the bottom of the ? Around the lever arm run the wire thru the grooves by the handle. Use the grooves by the handle to to act like a stop for the wire to hold the handle down.

[@BrandonLund]

Great idea!!!!

[@casper1240]

Had the larger higher one for the last 5 years no problems cuts very large logs make sure the handle end is tilted up slightly to let the fluid drain back and stand well back as the large logs fall off ive got the Dualcut model sposed to increase the tonnage to 10 tons dont know how accurate this is id deffo recommend this splitter

[@BrandonLund]

I have zero complaints! Generally people expect things they buy to live up to the manufacturer claims and they usually end up disappointing. This is the complete opposite. I was surprised it actually functioned as advertised and even more so that it can do twice the work as advertised.

[@casper1240]

@@BrandonLund i know got to admit i thought the same m8 but after years no complaints at all fingers crossed .i was amazed at how it splits 20 inch rounds ,i paid around £225 for minne 5 years ago think theyve gone up a bit now ,must change the fluid this year

[@barrygolden9823]

Do you have a link for the 10 ton? Thanks!

[@BrandonLund]

I'm sorry, I dont

[@andymsmith]

Amazon log spliters work great. Electric one with 10 gauge extra long cord.

[@BrandonLund]

They sure do!

[@michaelt.9372]

Mine won't split any of my eucalyptus. It may not be topped off on hydraulic fluid, will that hurt it's power at all?

[@BrandonLund]

Yes it will reduce it's power. Is eucalyptus a hard wood? If it's a soft wood or a gummy wood it will have difficulty as any splitter does.

[@michaelt.9372]

@@BrandonLund it's extremely hard and twisted. So when it splits it pops, ear ringingly loud.

[@ainsliejames613]

We just bought one of these and it doesn't seem to be splitting much at all. Certainly not like the logs you are cutting on here! Does that mean something is wrong with ours? Did you sharpen your wedge before you started?

[@BrandonLund]

Is it the same model number? If so i would ask to exchange it. Of all rhe comments this is the first time anyone has said uts underpowered. I didnt grind the wedge. Everything is how it came out of the box

[@twoweary]

Check the fluid level and sure the wingnut plug is removed when you use it. Mine works great like most other comments have said.

[@normski262]

Walnut, been trying my one on fork bits only about 5 to 10 inch, bits some bits bowed. some it will not go through, also I notice, the pusher apart des not travel to the end. about 4 to 6 inches short. I will have to check oil, maybe a little low.

[@BrandonLund]

Mine wont split absolutely everything but for what it's intended for its quite impressive.

[@normski262]

@@BrandonLund I did like the idea, one guy put up on the tube, he welded a small Axe head to the edge at the end, increasing the depth of cut, and its way, way sharper, cutting. I took an angle grinder, to my wedge, and not as sharp as and axe head, but it has made a difference, but you cant keep sharpening the wedge, AHAH. But I do fancy this Axe head idea. He recons its night and day afterwards!

[@barrygolden9823]

How is your splitter holding up long term?

[@BrandonLund]

It's awesome @Barry Golden. I have zero regrets.

[@anthonybrannon2611]

I've had 2 , sold my 1st one to my brother. Sold the 2nd to a stranger when the wife and myself decided to travel the country. Wish I would have kept it to split the wood while we go from place to place. Buying fire wood is expensive.

[@BrandonLund]

It sure is expensive @Anthony Brannon. I've seen little bundles roadside that would easily fill a 5 gallon bucket for 10 dollars. Do the math on that per cord and you could buy 50 of those splitters with the profit lol

[@lizmontana3597]

Hi, nice video. Our Harbor Freight electric log splitter leaked all the fluid out while in the garage. I had it sitting horizontally; I'm wondering if standing it up is a requirement to prevent the leaking?? 5 yrs old & other than the leak, works nicely. Thanks for your input- Liz

[@BrandonLund]

@Liz Montana I can't imagine that storing it horizontal would matter but it's possible. I store mine vertically and haven't had an issue (yet). For the money they are quite impressive 👍

[@mikeh8228]

I have stored mine horizontally since I got it, for years now, and never a leak. Likely you need to replace an O-ring. Best of luck !

[@BrandonLund]

Same @Mike H store mine horizontally for years without spilling a drop 👍

[@my2cents616]

Great video,that thanks,I bought a used electric splitter and am impressed with it as well,ifind it cuts the big really big and knotty logs if I shave off the log at the outer edge 👍.

[@BrandonLund]

Usually with something like this, you assume it will struggle with the maximum size log they say it will handle. Not with this. It will handle whatever you throw at it (pretty much). Thanks for your support and kind words!

[@brada7458]

Great video, just bought something similar, can’t wait yo use it, warranties are total waste of cash

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I think you are going to be very happy with your purchase. If your a handy guy, usually you can fix things that most warranties would cover anyways. My splitter has paid for itself 10x over so if it quit tomorrow I'm still way ahead...warranty or not.

[@mrserious55]

thx for the vid

[@BrandonLund]

Your welcome :)

[@tinafawbush7806]

So I was wanting to know if you thought this would work on green ash firewood? We just cut the tree up yesterday and it has a lot of "juice" as I was calling it yesterday.

[@BrandonLund]

Hey Tina, I don't have much experience with ash but I know a lot of the wood I have split had water squirting out. Its a powerful splitter for the $

[@independentthinker8930]

Old poulans were much better saws than the junk they make today

[@BrandonLund]

Right on! The thing is built solid!

[@davidrosa3182]

2 year update?

[@BrandonLund]

Still going strong! I love it!

[@weldweld5629]

On that model if you held in the button would it still auto retract? Get out the c-clamps!

[@BrandonLund]

Holding the button or holding the lever causes it to not retract. Good thought though!

[@twoweary]

So far I haven't found a comment on how to bypass that (stupid thing ) . But I'm gonna try ! If it works , I'll get back to you. The wiring to get it to stay on isn't a problem , I'm an electrician.

[@mikeh8228]

@@twoweary I used a $2 adjustable bar clamp from HF to hold down the button. When you let off the ram handle it will auto retract with the machine running.

[@davidpatrick1813]

How close does the ram come to the wedge? I have 6" rounds to split. My Cubic mini only accepts 6" or smaller.

[@BrandonLund]

I don't quite remember but I do know that I have tossed a piece of wood behind the ram a couple times to get some extra pushing distance.

[@mikeh8228]

Brandon's suggestion is good for cutting short blocks, I keep a 4X4 " block handy, and when I get a piece of very stringy wood that hangs up, I just back off, insert that block and finish the cut!

[@andrews5926]

I have this splitter and your switch must be bad or you're not pressing hard enough it should stay on until you turn it off

[@BrandonLund]

Someone was saying that the factory changed the switch, forcing you to use both hands now.

[@andrews5926]

@@BrandonLund that stinks i got mine 4 years ago it still works great

[@BrandonLund]

@shadog 28 im guessing some idiot probably put his free hand between the wood and the wedge and ended up chopping hishand off so they now make it so you have to hold the switch in (ruining it for the rest if us) I have seen some videos where people have made a device that activates the switch when you move the hydraulic lever. You have the "dangerous" one lol (wanna trade?) Lol.

[@brianthurlborn1275]

Looks good, but cannot seeing it split Olive and Almond !

[@BrandonLund]

I'm not sure. We don't have that species in our region.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Just replace the push and hold button with same style push on push off switch

[@BrandonLund]

Sweet! 👍

[@hyltonvaughan5439]

Your hard wood and ours in south africa differ alot..bought similar product and hell no didn't get the job done.

[@420-t8s]

Hi

[@426superbee4]

I'am so tired of fighting with gasoline engines. I went to all ELECTRIC POWER TOOLS. Cost much cheaper, More dependable, and much lighter. No oil, No gasoline, filters, spark plugs ect ect ect. If i want to go off grid? I just run a 2k watt generator for all my electric cord tools ~ I just plug it in and hit the trigger

[@BrandonLund]

Right on!

[@mrkoolio4475]

So I have one of these 5 ton splitters and either I got some of the hardest wood imaginable which is difficult for me to believe because it was just somebody’s tree cut down in Los Angeles or there’s another issue when I’m splitting the wood it doesn’t really split it basically almost explodes through the splitter part so as the pressure begins to be applied nothing happens for an instant and then the wood does split but not clean and slow it just splits and explodes and flies off the machine anybody have any ideas on that? Thank you very much for any info

[@BrandonLund]

It sounds like some weird wood to me. I had a tree that acted like that also. It struggled then would eventually spilt it but not cleanly. Is there water oozing out of the wood as it's trying to split? Mine was doing that also.

[@mrkoolio4475]

@@BrandonLund no and it seems fairly dry… But I did read one thing that if the splitter is not perfectly level it doesn’t work properly in other words if it’s tilted a little bit downhill it will have trouble splitting wood so if anything you want it tipped slightly uphill and it’s supposed to work better so I’m gonna try that but I can’t figure it out but thanks very much for your information I really appreciate it

[@mrkoolio4475]

@@BrandonLund As a follow up, how did that would burn… like any other?

[@BrandonLund]

Once it dried out it burned hot. I was thinking, maybe your fluid is a little low? It's worth a check

[@mrkoolio4475]

@@BrandonLund yeah I checked the fluid again today and angled it slightly uphill and it seem to work a little better but still there was an explosion. Can I ask you how close will your ram can get to the wedge? mine will only get about 10 inches away so you can’t split smaller logs that are like 8 inches long but fat does your ram go closer to the wedge than that sorry for the questions thank you for your help

[@andrewodonnell1092]

Piece of wire round the handle down to your foot then the back handle is foot controled giving you the free hand

[@BrandonLund]

Great idea man!

[@BrandonLund]

Great idea man!

[@billyjoe3014]

Are these logs cured or green?

[@BrandonLund]

they were cut about 30 days prior to splitting

[@2005Pilot]

Is it easier to split after waiting 1,2, or 3-6 months? We have red & white oaks and am in need Thanks man

[@BrandonLund]

Generally fresh cut logs don't split as well as logs that are dry.

[@2005Pilot]

Brandon Lund so 30 days? - I’m in Florida and would think 30 should be good. Really wanting one of these splitters

[@BrandonLund]

30 would help plus the wood species helps too. Softer hardwood vs a harder hardwood, grain ect..

[@abrahamghannam2137]

If Harbor freight had all the tools made like this splitter I would buy everything from them. They would probably have a line out the door of people shopping there every day the store would be number one unless they upgrade all their stuff and keep their prices are the same they killed the market Of all the other businesses it would be the new seers

[@BrandonLund]

@Abraham Ghannam I know right!

[@mauriciochavez914]

Not sure how this would do with red oak

[@BrandonLund]

I did some and it did really well....considering it's only rated to do a 9" log

[@mauriciochavez914]

@@BrandonLund I may just buy it

[@BrandonLund]

I have zero complaints!

[@mikeh8228]

I have split a fair amount of red oak with mine and it works fine, that wood is a bit stringy even when straight grained.

[@chrisriggs9856]

I have the earthquake and it threw two halves of a very hard wood over 6 ft from the machine.

[@BrandonLund]

These things are incredible!

[@bantriky]

Let's go Brandon !

[@BrandonLund]

Right on! @bantricky

[@phineasj.whoopee3301]

I have the Homelite version of this splitter and I love it! Your video shows just how under-rated these splitters are. It also shows the downside of the two-handed operation, constantly having to pick up the log when it falls off. I modified mine for one foot operation, leaving my hands free to control the splits. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjclnhjhrKNhKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZWcdH9uo7RgjNk Mine will not retract until the motor turns off, so tying down the power switch is not an option.

[@keithparady2594]

Soup it up build a nicer one with the cylinder and motor

[@BrandonLund]

It comes with a 90 day warranty...after it expires, I just might! :)

[@larkenfernandez3878]

If the wood was hard then you wouldn’t have been able to lift that big one onto the splitter. You were splitting soft logs

[@BrandonLund]

Allow me to educate you. Maple is a hardwood. It can be determine by its bark. It is very dense and heavy. Im also very strong so thank you for noticing.

[@ngsulzers]

5T electric, it wouldn't even bruise Australian seasoned eucalyptus. Also as useful as a Jake Brake on a helicopter if it needs to be plugged into electricity to operate. Should be petrol powered so it's self sufficient.

[@BrandonLund]

I'm guessing you didn't watch the video...

[@ngsulzers]

@@BrandonLund in completeness champ, that I did.

[@ngsulzers]

@@BrandonLund 5T is a toy for splitting match sticks.

[@BrandonLund]

@@ngsulzers then don't buy it...simple

[@mikeh8228]

Buy yer self a generator and then you are totally portable. If whatever wood you have can be split with a maul or sledge and wedge, this thing will split it....If you had one, you would change yer mind about it being a toy! HA HA

[@marlenepisani9887]

Use a clamp to hold down the button,,, useless design

[@BrandonLund]

Unfortunately the button is what activates the motor / hydraulic pump so leaving it running non-stop is not an option.

[@marlenepisani9887]

@@BrandonLund just unplug it when you are not using it

[@BrandonLund]

@@marlenepisani9887I doubt the motor or the pump is rated for continuous duty. You could probably run it with the motor and pump constantly energized but I would imagine its life would be drastically reduced.