Electric (Only) Log/Wood Splitters

rdinatal

rdinatal

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Messages
13,186
Location
Lake Normanopolis, NC
Rating - 100%
21   0   0
I've done a lot of research on my needs, electric vs. gas. Decided on electric due to location, noise, size and it will almost(?) never be moved from the wood factory/processing area. There are many but I'm looking at 7T-10T units.

What brand/model have you used?
Did you need to upgrade?
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Grabbed it today. One heavy unit at a tad over 150#.

Need to get oil but what's listed is not commonly available at local auto stores. I have a question about this into the mfg.

I already see 3 improvements that can be economical and functional, but let's see if it performs as advertised before I make any.
 
Last edited:
rdinatal said:
Grabbed it today. One heavy unit at a tad over 150#.

Need to get oil but what's listed is not commonly available at local auto stores. I have a question about this into the mfg.

I already see 3 improvements that can be economical and functional, but let's see if it performs as advertised before I make any.
Click to expand...
What oil?
 
Very interested to hear your experience with 8-ton electric vs higher ton rated. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been considering something like this, and think a smaller one like this would work for my current needs, and electric would be convenient for my current situation.
 
DangerRuss said:
Very interested to hear your experience with 8-ton electric vs higher ton rated. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been considering something like this, and think a smaller one like this would work for my current needs, and electric would be convenient for my current situation.
Click to expand...

You're welcome. This little project has been in the works since I built the pit. I tend to over analyze?

For the past 3 weeks I've been kind of sidelined with an inner ear issue. Can't do 25% of my life due to vertigo, general dizziness, complete deaf in my right ear. Frustrating!!
I work at my job until I get tired and can't concentrate. Then I switch to putting around without using a lot of grey matter in the process. Nothing that requires precise measurements, like fitting the vanity doors.
 
Last edited:
DangerRuss said:
Very interested to hear your experience with 8-ton electric vs higher ton rated. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been considering something like this, and think a smaller one like this would work for my current needs, and electric would be convenient for my current situation.
Click to expand...


If your realistic and splitting mostly straight grain wood should do ok . Knotty stuff and things like sweet gum will be a struggle or out.
 
Well from the pics it looks like it will split 12 year old partially rotted wood.

Would be interested in some real world pics when you get it fired up plugged in.
 
Tailhunter said:
Well from the pics it looks like it will split 12 year old partially rotted wood.
Click to expand...

Ok, filled it with oil. Ran it for a few cycles to purge.

10"-12" x 15" birch round, 3 weeks drying.

No hesitation.

20210529_161328.jpg

Tried the same size but with 3-4 knots. Just some noise from the wedge.
 

Attachments

  • 20210529_160948.jpg
    20210529_160948.jpg
    95.1 KB · Views: 17
  • 20210529_160939.jpg
    20210529_160939.jpg
    183.6 KB · Views: 16
  • 20210529_161328.jpg
    20210529_161328.jpg
    65.7 KB · Views: 17
J R Green said:
Watching, I've been thinking about making a metal press out of one.
Click to expand...


Heard they make a good tire bead breaker as well if you need one just have to be careful not to cut the tire.
 
I did find one nasty piece, log that is, which needed to be turned 45deg a couple of times. There were 6 3"-4" knots all around. So, guessing it would go on a 22ton press.

A few more rounds to go...
 
Last edited:
Jp8819 said:
Heard they make a good tire bead breaker as well if you need one just have to be careful not to cut the tire.
Click to expand...
That is a really good idea! I’ve used manual bead breakers, and setting up a die to replace the wedge on this splitter would make the job much easier
 
I will make this mine! Things I would need but not necessary for functionality:

- Put a return filter on it
- Change the oil and clean the sump
- Make a real tray that let's pieces move out of the wedge area but keeps them off the ground
- Replace the short 6" bent control lever for an 8" straight rod with flattened(?) end

I would say this exceeds my expectations and I recommend this unit. 👍
 
Last edited:
They had one in stock at the Cary store, so I ordered it online and picked it up this evening. My experience has not started out as good…
I noticed that the box had some oil staining on it. The guy at Northern (who I always assume knows nothing) had no explanation for this. I figured maybe they just left the fill cap loose.
I opened the top of the box once we loaded it, to make sure I didn’t see anything wrong with it. Everything looked fine other than the oil leakage.
Got it home and wanted to get it assembled just enough (wheels) to get it put away. I noticed that The manufacturer had assembled the control handle side of spool valve upside down. While I was trying to fix that, the whole spool valve moved, which I couldn’t understand…
Then I found the source of the oil leak. The spool valve had gotten hit through the side of the box (You can see the dent/tear in the box) and cracked the pipe fitting that connects the valve to the cylinder. I couldn’t get a clear pic tonight in the dark. I’ll try to get one tomorrow.
I’m sure I can replace the fitting, but I have to figure out how to get the threads removed from the spool valve, since the fitting broke off flush in the valve. If I can fix it myself, I’m happy to. if not, I’ll have to see how easily they can get me replacement parts.
Having a drink now and then going to bed. :)
 
Last edited:
@DangerRuss

I looked mine over carefully. I did see the axel/wheels were missing one retaining clip. Making notes to call in replacement parts once.

Sorry about your broken parts. A pain but you can get it fixed.
 
Below is a pic of the break.
I called Northern customer service today, and they were very nice, but replacement parts won’t be back in stock until at least December because of China issues. I was trying to see if they would send me replacement for that broken fitting, and a new control valve if the cracked off threads won’t come out.
They gave me a return authorization number to take the whole thing back to the store if I choose to do that. They said I could exchange it for a replacement, except there are no more of this model in stock. So If I return it, it will be for a refund.
What do y’all think? Should I just return it at this point for a refund? Or try to fix it myself? If I try unsuccessfully to fix it and scratch up a bunch of stuff, they will hassle me on trying to return it.
I am very mechanically inclined and not that worried about working on it, but my worry is what happens if other parts have issues - I wouldn’t be able to get replacements for them either. Like what if the electric motor/hydraulic pump is bad, or the cylinder has an issue.
1622639282197.jpeg
 
For me it would depend if a newer model is being produced or not and if I really wanted to mess with fixing a brand new item I paid full price for a working unit. With that said if I wanted to keep it and tinker I would see if they will refund some of your money since its damaged and they likely would sell it on scratch and dent anyway.

You might could get that fitting out with a easy out for pipe thread depending how stuck it is what ever you do just becareful with metal filings getting in the system.
 
I am going to return mine. I tried using a pipe fitting extractor to remove the broken threads in the spool valve today, but it wouldn’t work.
Kept stripping metal from the fitting, rather than the fitting breaking loose. I was afraid that might be the case, because I had to use a giant pipe wrench with lots of force to loosen the other half of the fitting that was left in the cylinder. If I had to put that much force on the extractor, I’m worried that I would snap it off in the broken fitting.
I am really lucky that I have been offered a gas powered log splitter to use for a while. I may revisit these electric ones later when they are back in stock regularly and parts are available.
Thanks again @rdinatal for posting your review of this! I’m interested in your long term progress.
 
Ive got a 5 or 6 ton one from home depot. It does well for what it is. Ive run some huuuuge red oak rounds thru it and its done amazingly well.. usually anything with big knots is a pita..let those season a bit then usually theyll split it after a few tries... but for the most part itll knock everything out.
 
I'm glad someone is trying one out and can give honest feedback. I'm set for firewood for next season (and maybe the one after that) but eventually I'll have to process more. I've been borrowing a gas splitter and it's a royal PITA to have to get it running each time. I really like the idea of just plug-n-go and not having to deal with bad gas, fouled carbs and all the other issues that come from borrowed gear that sits.
 
I returned mine to the Northern tool in Cary this evening. I already had a authorization return number from the customer service phone line, and it was no hassle to return it. They didn’t complain that I had cut the box to open it, I didn’t have to disassemble it back to the config it came in, etc. So the return was easy.
Edited to add - this thing seemed super portable. It collapsed down to a small size, and my wife and I together could lift it into the back of the minivan without a problem. Would have been easy to transport to other locations when needed, just need to make sure it wouldn’t fall over while riding in the vehicle.
 
Last edited:
Used the splitter again last weekend. I picked up 20-25 rounds. Some needed to be cut on half as they were longer than 20". Spit oak and hickory just as easy as the few pieces of pine.

My wife even helped. She sat with a glass of wine and watched.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom