Benefits of a Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter

A manual hydraulic log splitter such as the popular 10 ton model can be a good way to cut down on the physical labor required when splitting logs. It can also be a good tool to help people with physical challenges provide their own firewood.

Manual log splitters can greatly reduce the amount of manual wood splitting required or eliminate it almost entirely. Lifting and heaving a heavy maul or axe repeatedly can lead to more than a sore back, even if you are in shape. A glancing blow to the ankle or shin with several pounds of steel will quickly put your mind on something more important than firewood.

If you or a loved one face certain physical challenges or are wheelchair-bound, a splitter built like this may be just what you need to help you stay independent, get some physical exercise, and have your own firewood. Why should you have to mess around with a tractor's PTO or the mess of a gasoline-powered model?

Speaking of fuel, think of the types you'll need if you buy a log splitter that isn't powered by you. A gasoline-powered model will not only need gas to run, but also motor oil and hydraulic fluid to top off. An electric-powered splitter seems pretty nifty, until you find yourself in the woods without a five-mile extension cord. Do you want to buy a generator to haul around for power to this type of splitter? The splitters that run off a tractor's PTO are certainly powerful, but not everyone has a tractor to use.

Hydraulic log splitters that are manually operated generally have less splitting power (rated in tons) than other types. While a gas-powered splitter may range in power from 15 to 30 tons, manual models will generally range from 5 to 10 tons. (The author's favorite is the 10 ton manual log splitter.) This isn't necessarily a minus. Manual log splitters typically are smaller and lighter. This makes them easier to move around and to store. In addition, the lack of fuel fumes and exhaust might enable you to split wood in a garage or other place out of the winter weather.

When he isn't splitting wood for his wood stove, Chris Huddle enjoys making websites and writing articles. Visit his personal site about mountain heritage [http://mountainviewjournal.us/] at Mountain View Journal [http://mountainviewjournal.us/].



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Tips For Choosing Used Hydraulic Log Splitters

Hydraulic log splitters can cost a lot of money when you buy one new. If you can get a used one for a much discounted price this may be the way to go. Here is what you should look for when looking at used splitters.

Hydraulic splitters undergo great stresses and pressure in their operation so they must be built from durable materials and parts. If not they would quickly self destruct. Because of this and because of how simple these machines are they really don't wear out very fast if they are well built. Hydraulic components use oil as a transfer of energy so there is very little metal on metal and hydraulic components are naturally long lasting.

Since hydraulic log splitters can last for so long, purchasing a used splitter can be a good idea. Even if parts do wear out most of them are relatively inexpensive. I have three log splitters that have been in commercial service for over 20 years and they are all still using the original hydraulic components.

When choosing a splitter look for a frame built of thick steel, especially the main I beam. If possible test it first and make sure the beam doesn't flex much if at all when splitting a tough piece. Look for good solid welds and large high grade bolts.

If you have a good frame to start with it should last a long time. If you have to replace some of the mechanical components you can figure that into the price when negotiating with the seller. Here are a few things to look for.

The engine is usually the most expensive part of a splitter and also the most likely component to wear out. Make sure it is easy to start and runs smooth. If not it may need work or need to be replaced. Some engines can be replaced for $300 to $400 but some brands are much more.

Check the hydraulic components for leaks. If the pump, cylinder, or control valve are leaking hydraulic fluid it could be an indication that these components will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. Although sometimes hydraulic components can leak for a long time and still work fine. But hydraulic fluid is not cheap so it may cost less in the long term to replace the parts. Most hydraulic components don't cost much to replace anyway.

Leaking hydraulic hoses and fittings may need to be replaced but in many cases just tightening them will stop the leak. Check the condition of the hoses. Sometimes hoses may look bad on the outside but it's just the outside layer and the hose can last a long time. If the high pressure hoses have deep cracks or gouges replace them. A hose bursting and shooting hot hydraulic fluid everywhere is not much fun.

Open the hydraulic reservoir and dip something in it to look at the fluid. The fluid should be relatively clean and not black and should not have water in it.

If it's a towable splitter look at the tires and make sure they still have good tread and are not damaged. If you can, jack up each tire and spin it to make sure the bearings turn smooth and quiet.

This should give you some idea of what to look for when looking for a used splitter. The main thing is to get a good solid design. After that the components can be replaced easily even if you are only mildly mechanically capable. Just factor the replacement or repair costs into the price.

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Wel-Bilt Vertical Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 8-Ton

In Stock. Ships from and sold by Northern Tool & Equipment.

Lightweight design and handles make this unit easy to move from one worksite to the next  Solid polypropylene wheels for easy maneuverability  Splitting wedge adjusts to 5 different heights for faster splits Splits logs up to 23in.L and 14in. dia. Not Product Description This 8-ton log splitter's convenient, lightweight design gives you easy portability and is perfect for getting your firewood supply ready for winter. The splitting wedge adjusts to 5 different heights and splits logs up to 23in.L x 14in. dia. Operation: Manual, Max. Log Size L x W (in.): 23 x 14, Continuous Force (Tons): 8, Engine: Manual, Wedge: Yes related to WELBILT products of Enodis companies