Electric log splitter?

[DaveB]

Every time I use a buddy's log splitter I keep thinking that I need to get one for myself but then I look at the prices and thinking of all the maple equipment I could get for it. We have a pretty good arrangement in that he helps me take down some trees to thin my main bush out and he gets to keep some of the wood...I get help and equipment.

I was looking at my Northern Tool catalog and some of the prices of the electric log splitters are pretty reasonable. The cycle times seem on par with the gas ones too (some of them). I have power at my sugarhouse and we could load the whole logs in the woods and then split them there, although I think they can get pretty heavy.

What do you guys think of electric log splitters?

Dave

[BryanEx]

What do you guys think of electric log splitters?
They are handy & dandy for their intended purpose. If you are splitting mostly softwood you would be fine except for the occasional thick knot or crotch. For hardwoods it will depend on the species. Generally speaking, if you can split it easily with a maul the electric splitter will work fine but don't even think about trying elm or other tough wood stringy grained wood. The biggest issue is the power they draw. Do not plan on running it off a 100' extension cord or you will burn out the motor. Heaviest gage wiring you can get with the shortest length for longevity is what you will need.

[johnallin]

I've been using a Mantis 5005 Swift Split for the past 4 years and it works fine for me. Not a "big box" store item but worth the money. It splits everything we give it without any problems. 12"-14" rounds can be a challenge at times, but just start picking away at the edges and your good to go. We run it in the shop for the wood stove and the sugar house for the evap without fumes or noise.
The pneumatic wheeled cart is handy for moving around - just like a hand dolly -and it only takes about 2 sq feet of floor space. Sure there are times I think it would be faster to have gas power, but not many.

My experience anyway...

[emo]

In-laws bought a 5 ton splitter from DR. Does well on hardwood up to about 12", softwood to about 14". The shorter the better it works. If the wood is really dry and about 16"-18" in length, it will split no problem. Occasionally find a log that is too dense, too big around, or too long for it and have to split by hand. Once you get bigger logs started by hand, the splitter will do the rest. It can make quick work of a pile of logs. DR now has a 6 ton unit as well.

[Potters3]

Used a friends DR a couple of years ago. I thought it would make a great paper weight. I own a gas splitter I bought 13 years ago yes it was a lot of money at the time ($1200) but working thru 10 to 20 cords a year it has been worth every penny.