Watch This BEFORE You Buy A Wood Splitter...

[@johnarnold3696]

I added two racks to mine. The second rack allows more wood but more important, if big chunk should fall off end of rack, it can destroy the motor. The second rack protects the motor. A third rack will fit over top of filter and pump. A big chunk or big half will fall and shear off the filter, maybe even ruin the tank.

[@HomesteadJay]

I plan on doing that for sure! A second or third rack would be a nice edition!

[@Joe-k5b7y]

@johnarnold3696 that is why you use the guillotine splitter duh

[@oviduran]

Thanks Jay. I bought my log splitter a few months ago and I absolutely love the thing. It's a Champion 34 Ton and it does a fine job of splitting my unseasoned 22 to 24 inch rounds.

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes indeed ive seen it! Works good!

[@Joe-k5b7y]

@@oviduran big difference in pine and black oak good luck gba vn dav army63 69

[@f150bft]

My splitter came from Northern Tool. I think it's a Powerhorse 20 ton? Anyway it is horizontal only BUT it splits in both directions and it splits fast. It can keep 3 people busy if the wood supply is there. I've been thinking about adding a lift table to it...I'm not getting younger. Great video as always.

[@johntimm278]

I own the exact same splitter and absolutely love it. I know I can't keep up to it to maximize effectiveness

[@f150bft]

@@johntimm278 Last time I looked at Northern tool...I didn't see that model. I wonder if they've quit selling them.

[@HomesteadJay]

The back and fourth splitting is a nice take! Multi people can deff get some serious wood processed!

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Thanks, really helpful when you're starting out.

[@ciphercode2298]

Ive seen a bunch of cheap ones with badly done hydraulic fittings and filters. Also,the more hydraulic fluid you have the cooler its gonna run and the longer the fluid will last. I like the one you have because ot bridges the gap between what you need and what you want. You can also pick up a 4 way splitter for it that works good on smaller stuff.

[@HomesteadJay]

Yeah indeed my friend thank you for watching!

[@fredkalakay6164]

Most of my splitting is done alone and i considered a lift table design addition. I ended up looking into the Gorillabac 3803 log lift that drags the wood to my splitter, lifts it and holds it when splitting. Got one and would never go to anything else. Check it out Jay. Your young but only for so long. Really lets me get wood up that I could not do before. The prime big wood and gnarly stuff that doesnt roll is easy to get and split. It fits on my old Dirty Hands 20ton and sons County Line 34 ton looks like it will fit most any horizontal vertical splitters. Really affordable and easy to install. Plus Made in the USA too.

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

I have the same log splitter . I added a second table to mine to protect the engine and to stage more wood . They are very nice splitters . I bought mine 5 April 2021 on sale for 1000 bucks . Tractor supply can not hardly get them in stock now . The price of this splitter has gone up almost 500 bucks in a year . I have a video on adding the second table , love it and my splitter !!

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Del! I looked at my machine today and thought of your comment and what a great idea that is! Last time I ran the splitter I had one fall off and clip the motor so a second one would be good indeed! Mine is about 6 years old now and I think mine was the "pre outsource" model. I know there was supply chain changes within the last 4 years or so from what I was told. Thank you for the great advice I will prob add a second table!

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

I had a piece of wood fall off of mine and dent the gas tank . I figured a second table was cheaper than an air box or some other part !!

[@geyser3445]

I have used an electric splitter for about 15 years. Works great. Only maintenance is changing the hydraulic oil every few years.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey if it works then no complaints! Glad its worked out!

[@stefanschuster8971]

Good vid Mr Wahlberg 👍

[@shayn4220]

I have the Timberwolf 30 ton with the Honda engine it’s a great splitter , only flaw no vertical to it only splits what u put on it

[@HomesteadJay]

Yeah that part sucks! I got this for free years ago haha so its perfect for me!

[@shayn4220]

@@HomesteadJay best 4 letter word , did it come with house or something

[@Kellislawnservice]

Thanks for the info, i'm toying with buying one.

[@HomesteadJay]

They are good machines!

[@LitltsLogging]

I have a 22 ton speeco splitter with a Honda motor! Nothing special but it does the job!! It has split everything I have put on it! I believe the cycle time is 14.5 seconds or so.....so it's pretty slow hahaha!! Iam looking at something different but not sure which one yet lol!! Stay safe!!

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for sharing! The cycle rate is deff a big choice but whos in a rush? Wood splitting is relaxing indeed!

[@justsmitty1709]

Good video. Number 1 plus.... Free!!!!! Number 1 negative.... wedge placement. Seems backwards to me. My neighbor has the same machine. It has been good and reliable.

[@HomesteadJay]

They work indeed.

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

Great video. I’m shopping around for one right now. Hoping to split 24-26 inch boiler logs for next season soon

[@HomesteadJay]

Good stuff! Thats a perfect size!

[@uncle-andy-guitar-herbst]

Great video Jay. Thanks.

[@billwoehl3051]

Firebox size is definitely important, my rocket mass firebox is 26" long, but, only 8" tall and 8" wide. It really likes little 2"×2" wood.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

On the 2 splitters I have paid for I have learned a lot both bought used.. Both have had there issues nothing major uppon 1st year of use.. I would do it again if I was at the same level.. Commercial level coming soon and is my 1st new splitter.. So excited to get it as well.. 😁👍

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Dan! Id deff entertain more of a commercial machine if I needed to split all my wood but as you know I dont need to split every piece of wood but if I got a new gasser machine id deff invest in a faster splitter since those machines need more dry wood!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Outstanding great points to check before buying for sure 👍👌😉 Keep up your OUTSTANDING VIDEOS SIR Cheers 🍻

[@HomesteadJay]

Thank you Dave!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@HomesteadJay 👍😉🍻

[@13bravoredleg18]

I changed out the jack stand on my Countyline 25 ton. I installed a HarborFreight folding screw jack. I split on hillsides and I can still keep my engine level…

[@HomesteadJay]

That’s a genius idea! I will have to do that. Will be much easier

[@healyfamily4]

I have a similar splitter. Most people don’t need the high end splitters if they are just burning 🔥 wood for themselves.

[@HomesteadJay]

Exactly! Could a larger one be better? of course but I make hay with what I have and I am happy!

[@paulmartin6152]

The most important thing to consider is who makes the hydronic ram and is it top of the line in dependably ??

[@TheLandscapeGiant]

Have the same splitter solid but it’s a good homeowner grade splitter. I run about 8-10 cords a year thru mine I use it for light commercial usage and it is showing some signs of wear and tear. But overall good buy.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Jon! Its a solid machine indeed! On the slower side but it gets the job done!

[@bfoutdooradventures]

Jay, good breakdown of the things to look for in a splitter. Also most of these splitters have a add on 4 way wedge but I have not seen one that actually work well for splitting. I have a Brute 22 ton splitter that has a 4 way wedge but it's basically worthless and not worth the $50+ they offered it for.

[@HomesteadJay]

Thats why I havent gotten one! I haven't seen any good ones for this machine! Thanks for tuning in!

[@anthonyr5869]

I love my 22 Ton Subaru Ariens tons of power and small to store

[@HomesteadJay]

Sounds like a neat machine!

[@kurtisrider2428]

What is the blue bottle you have on the valve handle?

[@HomesteadJay]

Oil bottle to help lube the ram slide on the beam.

[@D70340]

Don`t you just love how all the chip build up clogs it up where the splitter wedge rides. I`m in the middle of redesigning my CL40-ton so that the chip build up is eliminated. For now, i just keep a leaf blower handy to blow out most of the wood chips.

[@HomesteadJay]

Indeed you are correct. I like keeping the air compressor close by. My portable pancake one (pending near an outlet) to do the same. Blow the junk away!

[@johnsaintclairsr.3890]

Hi Jay .What's in the blue jug?

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey John. Just some oil for the ram to slide on. Some used motor oil/gear oil.

[@judge058]

Hi Jay, great video with lots of useful information. I have the exact same splitter, 25 Ton County Line and have a question for you. When running your splitter during the summer months how hot does the ram get. If I run mine for a couple hours straight in 85° weather the ram gets very warm, almost uncomfortable to the touch. Thanks

[@HomesteadJay]

I does get warm indeed! I remember running it a few hot days and it did get warm!

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

My Brute 22 ton works great for me

[@HomesteadJay]

I know you use it a lot too!

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

It surprised how many splitter are owned by the same company

[@HomesteadJay]

Makes sense! Just like GM, Ford, Chrysler etc.

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

I wonder what is faster, Molasses downhill in that weather, or this log splitter.. I would rather be splitting wood than thinking about it.

[@HomesteadJay]

I never said it was the fastest machine lol it’s a slow machine but gets the job done if your in no rush.

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

@@HomesteadJay True, don't know too many homesteaders who don't have better things to do than stand around in the freezing cold doing stuff in a very inefficient manner however. Time is Money and every job you aren't doing now needs doing later and I am sure you can appreciate just how the jobs keep rolling in when you are Homesteading..

[@HomesteadJay]

I know what you mean.

[@Joe-k5b7y]

Buy a commercial one nor g I me depot or lowes 14 ton kid stuff

[@HomesteadJay]

We got one.

[@josephbohme7917]

too slow certain things need Hydraulic, not a wood splitter- Kinetic way faster

[@HomesteadJay]

Oh yeah I agree lol this thing isn’t the fastest by any stretch

[@marekkrepa9982]

I sold my kinetic splitter because it was to week for hardwood with knots