This Is Devastating. My Log Splitter Is Wrecked.

[@AroundTheYard-MN]

Glad no one was hurt. I think you’ll have it back up and running, I’m sure Wolfe Ridge can supply parts for you.

[@jasonracette6143]

Hi Phil, I'm glad everyone is OK, and no one was hurt. I'd be willing to bet that if you spoke to Chris at Wolfridge, he and his staff will be able to rebuild the machine, and as some folks have already said, use this as a testament to the durability of Wolfrixge machines. This could be great marketing for them and for you. Hang in there. You can do it.

[@davidedwards3734]

Wow!! Glad no one got hurt!! Hopefully you can get back up and running soon!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@CH-um4iy]

So sorry! That would definitely be a bad day.. You'll get through it though, hang in there!

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Dang! Looking forward to finding out if the splittet beam is okay. Thankfully nobody was hit by the rolling splitter! And a big thank you to the tractor owner that helped you retrieve the splitter.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

i can't find anything wrong with the beam. I have a new tank on order and we'll go from there once I get it installed.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

@@WoodsTreeFarm thank the Lord for that. At least it is repairable with the beam being in good shape.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Total bummer, glad no one was hurt, hopefully you can get it back up and running.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

thanks

[@lifeonmttammanyridge2565]

Man that’s upsetting 😕. Sorry you’re going through this. Hope it all irons out well.

[@watershedoverlook]

That's awful Phil, but glad no one was hurt.

[@HDFFirewood]

Almost had that happen with my splitter a couple years ago, no idea where the pin went. Fortunately caught it in time and was able to rectify the situation. Thankfully no one was injured! I'll bet the axle is the only thing that will keep that machine from moving. Wolfridge make some tough stuff!!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Glad you caught it! Yeah, I think overall the machine fared pretty well. I'm going to get it fixed up here real soon.

[@brackenprofaizer2601]

Very impressed with your attitude and first worries of harming others, anything can be rebuilt or rebought in time. But someone’s life is hard to replace. Sacrifices will be made. I sold my xr650L duel sport bike in hopes of buying truck loads of logs to start my firewood business. I am sure there is things you are willing to sell to move on with your firewood business plans. best of luck.

[@crazyman3157]

Phil, you showed the big and kind heart you have, the machine was the least of your worries at that moment. Much respect for you Sir. Things can be replaced or repaired, people cannot be. In the wood hound community, I am certain someone will help and get you back up and going soon. Thankful no one was hurt or worse. Seeing what happened, it could have went the wrong way fast. One tough machine to say the least. You are a great man Phil, I know you did everything you could to avoid this from happening. Bad things happen to good people at times but I also know we all grow from them as well. 👍🏻

[@garyjohn316]

Great to hear everyone was ok. Looks like with a little work you can get it at least operational again!

[@BertsCustomCuts]

That kinda sucks. Looks like you should be able to salvage it. If the beam is bent it can be straightened. Hope to see a follow up of what you figure out with it.

[@FirewoodInTheField]

I'm sorry to hear this. I am also glad nobody was hurt! Looking at the machine I'll bet it is salvageable!! Not sure how to bend that axle back, but I'm willing to bet it will all still function once you go over it.

[@wolcottfamilyworks]

New to your channel. So glad everyone is okay. Hope there is good news coming.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks for stopping by. I'll try to get an update together here in the next week. I think its going to be OK.

[@wolcottfamilyworks]

@@WoodsTreeFarm it looked pretty good for what it went through.

[@AllenFamilyFirewood]

Wowzers Phil that’s certainly not what anyone wants to see in there rear view mirror. To be honest it looks like it held together perdy good for doing cartwheels down a paved rd . It’s all fixable and no one got hurt . I’m sure you can find someone in the area to loan ya there splitter till you can get yours fixed . It might only be a box store splitter but it will keep ya going . If you was closer I’d be there in a heartbeat with a splitter to help ya out .

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

You bet! The firewood community is full of good people

[@toddsoutsideagain]

That is a bummer Phil! Like you said glad no one was hurt. Your auto insurance should cover the machine! I would definitely give them a call. As far as the machine I’m betting a new tank and fittings, maybe some valve replacement parts and you will be ok. That Honda engine is definitely not hurt from being upside down! I hope beside the axle it’s all minor damage. Hope it’s a quick speedy fix for ya!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks. I need a tank. Once I get that I can pressure test it and go from there

[@BigelowWoodcraft]

Phil, I'm so sorry to hear this. 'Nobody got hurt' shows the kind of man you are. Hopefully it can be repaired.

[@TimStout71]

Sorry to hear about the accident. With all that the splitter went through it sure looks like it held up well. Best of luck !!!!!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Hello Phil, That just sucks! One tuff splitter. Hopefully it won’t take much to fix it🇺🇸

[@SyracuseFirewood]

I've almost had this happen to me. I was splitting several miles from home, and I found the cotter pin on the ground when I was cleaning up the splitting debris. Luckily I noticed it before I towed it home. I think what happened to mine, was a piece of split wood fell just right to dislodge the cotter pin. Now I double check that all cotter pins are still in place after every splitting session, before I start towing it.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Wow, it seems so unlikely to get hit by a piece of wood, but I guess its possible. I certainly know to double check now. I think I'm going to add a secondary pin or chain of some sort as a failsafe.

[@bigearl1414]

Hey Phil, check with your insurance carrier. I believe any thing towed behind your vehicle is covered. My insurance carrier has told me that I am covered and on extra insurance was needed.

[@lillysfarmandfirewood]

Glad no one got hurt. That sucks man I’m sorry

[@TwinCityFirewood]

Glad you and the people in the van are Ok! Hopefully you can salvage this machine. They sure are built pretty tough. I’m sure you’ll figure out what the best solution is. 👊🏻

[@OGAOutdoors]

Phil glad everyone is okay. Hopefully you’ll be able to get it back up and running. I don’t know why but I don’t like towing my splitter behind my truck. I’ve done it a few times but don’t go very far. Take care Ben.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I've towed mine around quite a bit and it's done well. This was just a freak thing.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

So sorry to see this Phil!! I bet Wolf Ridge can help you out some with evaluation. I'm sure it will still be salvageable. Make a video on the repairs too.

[@James.......]

Yikes, that’s a bummer. I hauled mine in a trailer for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I’m gonna keep hauling it in the trailer after seeing this.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

If you got room on the drawbar to put in a 2nd hole, I'd consider putting in a 2nd pin for going down the road. That's my plan.

[@James.......]

@@WoodsTreeFarm that’s a good idea, if I pull it down the road again I’ll do that. I have a 35c that I’ve pulled a few times. I trailered it a couple weeks ago because it was a longer drive that I didn’t want to do at 45mph. I think I’ll trailer it for the foreseeable future though 😬

[@simplelifewithrobertpusate294]

So sorry to see this :( I do believe anything hooked to your vehicle should be covered by your auto insurance tho. That’s how mine works. Glad no one was hurt!

[@jbking6376]

Sorry for you woes but thankfully nobody got hurt!

[@dereksstuff8395]

Really is too bad..😢. Give it time and some love and she'll be OK. Maybe there should be a fail-safe connection for that drawbar? A fab shop could fix the axle. Noone was hurt thankfully

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yes I think a failsafe should be added! I'll be looking into that as I fix it up.

[@CliffsideStables]

Wow Phil that is a heart breaker. Hopefully your auto insurance will cover the damages. I’m sure Chris @ Wolfe Ridge will be able to come to your assistance. Tim in northern TN

[@ericgebhart5775]

So sorry to see this. Glad everyone was ok. Hopefully your insurance company can help you out. Good luck.

[@DaveDunehew-e1f]

Phil, that’s awful. Just feel lucky it never hit a car with a family in it. It will cost you some $$$ to fix, but as much stress that takes splitting wood I’m sure for the most part it will be splitting wood again soon. Good luck & let us know how you make out. Dave D. From Maine.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks yeah I know it would have a life changing experience if anyone else was involved. Thankfully that didn't happen.

[@FlanaganHomestead]

Sorry. This type of thing sucks. I know you will get going again soon. Glad no one was injured.

[@OTGAuGres]

I’ve always been hesitant to pull log splitters on the highway. Always felt that the tow ability was probably secondary in design criteria to the machine operation, probably as it should be. I’ve got a Wolff Ridge 17VS-C…great machine…actually an awesome machine, and it supposedly is highway towable, but there is a lot of mass, and a lot of it is quite high. I’d be nervous to tow it even at conservative highway speeds. Glad everyone is safe.

[@Holidaykills]

I agree that splitters aren't very towable,but that high end wolf ridge is plenty towable at 45 mph. I wonder who forgot to put the pin in,sounds like it wasn't him,but it's definitely his fault for not double checking, we've all made simple mistakes tho.

[@TheFirewoodHut]

Phil! Be VERY thankful that no one got hurt or killed. About 15 - 20 yrs ago, a contractor in my area was towing a chipper / shredder and it broke free & killed ppl in the car behind. Driver spent some time in jail.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Sheesh that's terrible.

[@oldguyfirewood]

Sorry you had to go through this Phil but glad no one was hurt. It appears to be salvageable. New tank, possibly new valves, rim and tire, and a good welding shop can repair the axle. I hope you can get back in business quickly. - Dick

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I'll get a tank first and go from there.

[@watkinstreefarm6880]

Well that sucks!! In your video you pretty much laid out your game plan. Maybe Wolfridge can help you with the tank and maybe a few fittings & levers. I highly doubt the main beam is bent. Main thing is drain that engine and do everything you can to get it running. Thks

[@danradtke1663]

Thank God no one was hurt. Time will find the answers. Hope it will only need minor repairs.

[@asamelia5124]

some durability testing done for the wolf ridge guys.Good too hear no one was injured

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Can't believe WR didn't think to include a roll cage.

[@FoothillsFirewood]

I hate this happened to you Phil. Terrible update, but like you said equipment can be fixed or replaced but lives cannot. Before you go trying to put lipstick on it, talk to your insurance company, you may be pleasantly surprised. Good luck brother, keep us posted.

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Holy crap Phil! So sorry this happened to you. Scary

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Very sorry Phil. Glad all are okay. -Brad

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks Brad.

[@nebraskawoodstr]

Cripes. Let us know how it goes. Dang the luck.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Sorry to hear about the splitter Drain the motor and check the oil tank for leaks and fire it up . I hope it all works out for you

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

The tank is busted and lost all the fluid so I'll give that a shot as soon as I get a new tank here.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

@@WoodsTreeFarm Sorry to hear about the tank

[@outdoorswithandy732]

Phil this sucks for sure. Double check with your insurance company, from my understanding trailers when in tow they are covered under your vehicle policy. Hope all turns out for the best.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Not covered for me unfortunately

[@outdoorswithandy732]

@WoodsTreeFarm that really sucks. If there's anything I can help you with please feel free to ask. Your not that far from me

[@AndrewAntonelli-dj4qt]

very very bad luck, hold your head up, you got good things coming

[@AndrewAntonelli-dj4qt]

machine can be salvaged with some money, it will never be the same but youll be spittling with it

[@med1pilot1956]

I cannot imagine the sick feeling you must have had seeing that in your rear view.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

yes - a beating heart in the throat kind of feeling

[@Stlforestproducts]

Brother, all of us here feel your hurt. We think you should seek help from those that watch your channel. Even if not a lot a little can sure help. I know for us, it's that way. God bless you and yours.

[@EdKeen-sr5xs]

Sorry Phil bet it will fix up cheaper than you think

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Here's hoping!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's horrible, Phil. Have you reached out to Chris at Wolf Ridge? I wonder if he could help diagnose repairs and help figure out what happened.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

We've exchanged a couple emails already. Not much he can do from afar. I need to get a new hyd tank and try to pressure it up to see what else might be broken

[@robertpalumbo3153]

Call your insurance company, if you have collision on your vehicle it covers towed equipment sometimes. This will get you started, until it’s evaluated by a professional wolfridge shop there are to many unknowns and situations where someone could get hurt if used before being checked professionally. My vehicle insurance covers towed stuff as well, the limit on my policy is pretty high too.

[@firefightingmailman]

Check your insurance policies do you have your tractor covered on a farm policy it may cover other farm equipment.

[@WilleysFirewood]

I think you will find for a bit of elbow grease and a few parts you will be up And running. If the tank doesn’t leak then the dents will just add character.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

Oh no! Thankfully no one was hurt. You may want to check with auto insurance since it was on the road as a trailer and the coupler failed. You never know. Auto insurance should have covered liability if there were any incident with another vehicle when it detached… not sure if there’s any collision coverage for trailers.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I have. Not covered unfortunately

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Guess this is a sign to get equipment insurance on the splitter. I know i would be dead in the water without the SHO. The important part was no one got hurt

[@popandbob]

Are you sure that splitter was road rated for those speeds? My splitter and wood chipper are both rated to 20mph maximum on smooth ground. They aren’t designed to be transported on the road except strapped down on a trailer. Maybe yours is rated differently but even so low weight towing is difficult as it can be thrown around by hitting bumps at high speed.

[@firefightingmailman]

Yes ,top speed recommended by Wolf Ridge is 45mph.

[@jburch1544]

Often concerned about cheap Chinese/India trailer hitches, pins, hairpins, hitchpins, etc. The quality of the material can vary widely. Seen some bend or shear easily others seem ok.

[@clubdoraoutdoorsandfirewood]

Phil, sorry that this happened to your splitter. As you said thankfully no one got hurt. Most of us think that this can’t happen. What would you suggest for a pin that might be safer for travel. Most of us don’t move our splitters more than around the yard. However there is an occasion we may help someone out. Hope you can salvage your splitter. I don’t think the beam would be bent or twisted. But will take sometime to get it going. Good Luck. That’s the same splitter you picked up on June 22 at the Midwest Frenzy right? Later

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yeah same splitter. Ive had it 2 years now. I think it needs a double pin or a pin for around the yard and a secondary bolt for going on the road.

[@geogesterrett6391]

Tough to hear Phil, every firewood guys worst nightmare for most of us our splitter is the backbone of our business. From a business perspective I would recommend immediately increasing prices. Your backfill of supply will be little to none until you can get another splitter or rebuild this one. Demand will still be there even if you lose 1/4 customers due to price increase when you get back up and running you can maintain the higher prices and have a more profitable business. My opinion doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong just something to consider. Wishing you the best out there.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll see what the next few weeks brings.

[@shotlifffamilyfirewood]

That sucks man! Im sure its fixable but the downtime is unfortunate. Im sure chris will help you get it going again

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

We've already exchanged some emails. I've got a plan to get it running again.

[@buckinfirewood]

It looks fine.. just has a little lean to the left..... wow wee...

[@jimmccullough1051]

You are OK, that is the important thing. Did you have safety chains, or would they have helped? Did the coupler fail or did the pin on the extension fail? I don't have chains on mine, when I bought it I eased it home on back roads since it was close, otherwise I would have taken a trailer. Mine isn't designed to be towed, no lights or plate and it doesn't leave the property.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

It failed aft of the safety chains. The tongue and hitch extension was still attached to my vehicle.

[@jimmccullough1051]

@WoodsTreeFarm My dump trailer had a removable drawbar to make it easier to store. I removed the hitch pin and replaced it with a bolt, nut, and lock washer. Not coming apart now.

[@markepping2307]

Iam sure the main frame is good the ram as a pivot in back can't tell if tank is bent by sight glass if not get a new sight glass cut off axle and weld a different one on be good as new with some dents

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

This is pretty much my plan. Gotta get a new tank first and will go from there.

[@fishnsled]

As stated above check with your auto insurance. I'm surprised that there are no safety chains required where that pin failed. At least for use while highway traveling. Lesson for all owners to put them on a trailer for moving them down the road. A tough blow for you but most importantly no one was hurt or worse. You'll bounce back I'm sure.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

This definitely highlights the single point of failure. Secondary bolt or pin or chains to ensure the hitch cannot come out would be a good idea.

[@rdk162]

I just called this in Road needs to be fixed I live down on this road

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

That entire stretch from the river to 13 needs paving.

[@rdk162]

@@WoodsTreeFarm doesnt matter

[@ajpsawmill4314]

I doubt the beam is bent, by the looks of it , id bend everything back, get new rims, give her the ol once over and she'll probably be fine, if you were local id be happy to buy it off you

[@jon51]

Honestly I thought the thumbnail might of been click bait. Now I wish it was. The bright side is Chris at Wolfe ridge has very very good customer service. Hopefully it’s just a handful of parts and nothing major. Get that thing on your insurance or at least call and see if your policy might cover it in some form.

[@tyharland1906]

Take it to a weld shop and they'll fixer up. Be good to go

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

its already there. Hoping to get an update here soon.

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Phil I hate that for you. This would make me sick to my stomach

[@bryancarter1747]

A serious splitter deserves a serious trailer !!! Wouldn’t pull that down the road very far!!!

[@Redneck_Ed]

My personal policy covers things I'm towing up to a certain dollar amount. Might want to check your business policy to see.

[@OhRonaldo]

READ THIS PLEASE: 1st don't ASSUME you do not have insurance. Contact your agent and ask about your homeowners or renters or auto insurance policies. 2nd: I am very sorry for your loss, and I am also thankful nobody was injured! 3rd: take a breath step back an re-evaluate the situation. Perhaps use this moment, given your decision to move forward with the business "all-in" to decide: "in a perfect world what would I do regarding equipment?" I suspect you would decide to obtain a wood processor instead of a new splitter. I know you don't want debt, but a " little bit" can go a long way to making your plans a reality. Good luck sir. Again, I'm glad everyone is okay.

[@OhRonaldo]

You have a lot of friends in the business now, ask around quickly about any used machines, ask about borrowing, and investigate new. Get the processor that is best for the business OPERATIONALLY. The difference in payment is miniscule compared to the amount of time you are and will be committing to the business over the next 5-10 years of the life of the equipment. Plus you will be able to deduct that capital expense from your profits which will offset the interest at a minimum. The conveyor/stacker will help you to stop multiple handling of the wood, for example.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Good advice. Thanks

[@williamkleinsLost40Lodge]

I think safety chains all the way back to that receiver where your tongue slipped out would have helped. Sad to have seen this happen. Peace

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

This definitely highlights the single point of failure. A second pin or bolt for going on the road would be a good idea.

[@chevyguy-hf1yq]

Thank GOD, NOONE was hurt! At the end of the day. It is just plastic and metal. IK you are demolished over this, but things WILL work out! They always do!! If I,,,,,,,was Wolf ridge, I would be fixing you up!! However............... as far as I KNOW..... ANYTHING hooked to the back of your vehicle, Insurance covers!!! Here in Pa with Erie I know it does!

[@matthewhamrick1099]

Truck insurance

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Hey @wolfridgesplitters can y’all help Phil out here?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

we've been in touch already, thanks