Log Splitters...

[Aragorn]

I have probably a few cords of hard maple (downed tree) that need to be turned into firewood for next year. I have split oak, cherry, locust and poplar in one swing with no problem but this maple is unsplittable. The problem is my splitting axe just bounces off or gets stuck. I did a few pieces last week but it is tiring. I was thinking of picking up one of those electric 5-ton log splitters to try and handle this maple.

Anyone have any experience with electric log splitters? Are they good for this type of wood or are they useless on harder woods?

If I need to get a 20+ton gas splitter, I think I will just give this firewood away or let it rot. I would rather spend that amount on a good old Ford 9n and collect some attachments.

[KFC911]

Though I haven't split the "old way" in years, I did bust a 2' 100 yr old red oak (splits easy) in halves for transport to my 30 ton splitter a few weeks back. Get a small crack started with the axe and use a metal wedge or two (plus a large wooden one helps) and a sledge hammer or maul. Or rent a decent splitter...I wouldn't wast my time otherwise...just mho.

ps: My splitters got a date with a tough old 2' maple in the morning

[id10t]

I had some oak to split, called about renting a splitter for a day, it cost just as much as a split, seasoned, delivered and stacked cord to my house.

When the guy showed up, I offered him a trade - my cord and a half that needed splitting and $20 for his cord of split/seasoned/stacked. Good trade.

[Aragorn]

Splitting the old way is good exercise.

I have called and checked every equipment yard for miles around and to my amazement no one around here rents log splitters.

I had a friend stop over to watch me split this maple. He said I wasn't hitting it hard enough and said stand back and grabbed my axe. He hit that log with all his might and the axe just bounced off. I chuckled, grabbed the axe and hit the log hard enough to go in some but the axe got stuck. Took three wedges and a half hour to free my axe.

[Bill Douglas]

I didn't want to buy a log splitter so I thought I'd hire one. Gawd, that was expensive, so no. So I just use the chainsaw to cut it into cubes. Too easy.

[Rusty Heap]

25-30 ton log splitter in the seattle area only rents for $75 a day.

to buy one of that type is $1500.

I'll gladly rent one for 20 years at the same price of buying one.

I can get 3-4 cord of maple/fir/alder/cedar split in one day using 2-3-4 people in an assembly line.


Living on and owning 5 acres of old growth trees helps........damn trees are a weed.


PS, I love to chainsaw rounds, and own 4 Stihl chainsaws small to big bar length, so that's half the fun. Splitting by hand, not so much so.

[MRM]

There are two problems. First, you're using the wrong kind of maul. You need a larger maul with a triangular head, not the old-fashioned maul you use with wedges. The brand U grew up using was the Monster Maul, that appears to be no longer available. Bailey's has a similar product, but it's pricey. Anyway, this is the type of maul you need:

Bailey's - Steel Handle 14.5 lbs. "Mega" Mule Maul

You need that extra weight to get the enrgy you need into the wood, and the triangular head is much more efficient than a wedge and maul combo.

Second, if the maple is too hard to split, it means it hasn't cured ling enough. Let it dry another year or two and it should split fine.

[pete3799]

No experience with an electric splitter.
I've got a hydraulic one that goes on the tractor 3 point hitch
Try a long handled axe that's what i use if i'm doing it by hand.
Don't know where you are but if it freezes in the winter that's the time to split it......they'll pop right open.

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

That is what I have...Only in hard maple.

I'm using this: True Temper 4 lbs Forged Steel Wood Splitter, to split but like I said, it just bounces off. I have a larger maul but that just bounces off also. The little electric splitters only run around $300 and seem to do a good fast job on softer woods but no one I have talked to knows how it will do on harder maple.

[dennis in se pa]

+1 to letting it sit for a year or so. Freshly downed hardwoods are more easily split when they dry out a little.

[afterburn 549]

Get a "SUPER SPLIT" Its a Fly wheel energy operated wonderful machine. NOTHING out does it.
Take the I/C engine off it put on a 1/4 HP electric . I have seen it in action.
Absolutely works !
maybe you can buy one used and convert.....but they are coveted by their owners

[intakexhaust]

From the size of log busting I would skip the slow action hydraulic or electric splitter and since you mentioned a Ford 9N, you might consider a 3 point hitch mount corkscrew type. Something like this:


Fast, easy to store away, no extra service with motor's, hydraulics, etc. Tractor runs just above idle speed and 540rpm. There are similar types with small gas engine but have yet to see an electric version. I've used all types of splitters and various sizes but for what I'm viewing in the pictures, the corkscrew would be my top choice. Have fun and play safe.

BTW- These 3 pt. splitters some years back were running $375. Well worth it.

[afterburn 549]

A Super Split is Almost instant and i am serious

[Seahawk]

Where are you?

I have an old gas powered hydraulic splitter you can use. It is the "loaner" splitter...10 or 15 ton, which is enough for most jobs if you take your time.

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

A Super Split is Almost instant and i am serious

That thing is amazing. Under ten minutes to do all that splitting.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by MRM

There are two problems. First, you're using the wrong kind of maul. You need a larger maul with a triangular head, not the old-fashioned maul you use with wedges. The brand U grew up using was the Monster Maul, that appears to be no longer available. Bailey's has a similar product, but it's pricey. Anyway, this is the type of maul you need:

Bailey's - Steel Handle 14.5 lbs. "Mega" Mule Maul

You need that extra weight to get the enrgy you need into the woodAnd to whup your ass!, and the triangular head is much more efficient than a wedge and maul combo.

That will do the trick, but it will make a man out of you! We've got one and about the only one of us who likes swinging it is my 6'4'' 250lb cousin... And I suspect thats because he took way to many hits to the head in football...

[Bill Douglas]

You guys have too much fun. I am impressed.

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Where are you?

I have an old gas powered hydraulic splitter you can use. It is the "loaner" splitter...10 or 15 ton, which is enough for most jobs if you take your time.

I'm about 250 miles and four hours outside of Baltimore/DC area. Thanks for the offer.

[sprio]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

From the size of log busting I would skip the slow action hydraulic or electric splitter and since you mentioned a Ford 9N, you might consider a 3 point hitch mount corkscrew type. Something like this:


Fast, easy to store away, no extra service with motor's, hydraulics, etc. Tractor runs just above idle speed and 540rpm. There are similar types with small gas engine but have yet to see an electric version. I've used all types of splitters and various sizes but for what I'm viewing in the pictures, the corkscrew would be my top choice. Have fun and play safe.

BTW- These 3 pt. splitters some years back were running $375. Well worth it.

Yes, indeed - that's the ticket. I had one of those when I lived in Maine w/20 acres - used to feed four foot lengths into it - no problem. Turned what should have been work into fun.

[ckelly78z]

I have a 28 ton hydraulic splitter with an 8 HP Briggs motor. There are pieces that will almost stop it from moving forward while in the act of splitting. I don't believe that little 5 ton electric will be very satisfactory for splitting anything but kindling.

Spread the cut pieces out on the ground with the bark side down and let them dry for a month or two, they will split much easier without the moisture/sap holding them together