We have had a hydraulic log splitter for a number of years, probably since I had some joints replaced in my arthritic hands such that the doctors recommended would not handle heavy work such as swinging a sledge or block buster (though I still do).
I think it was rated at about 8 tonnes when we bought it but either the wood has been getting tougher or the splitter has been getting tireder, as it is just not ‘cutting’ it any more.
My son-in-law alerted me to the reality that there is another quite different type of splitter which does not use hydraulics. The hydraulic splitter (even when new) would just refuse a really tough billet of wood which I could hammer away with my (manual) block buster and split by hand.
This ‘kinetic’ type of splitter utilises the energy of two flywheels (plus a rack and pinion ram) which can repeatedly hit the billet of wood until it splits.
It claims an 18 tonne ‘punch’ at the outset anyway, so you don’t often have to give the block a second hit, but if you need to the machine is amazingly quick. A couple of seconds at most between hits. I could never have swung a block buster as fast as this. The hydraulic one was ponderously slow in comparison. You would never go back to a hydraulic splitter after experiencing one of these.
This machine has brought firewood splitting right down to Della’s (tiny) size as the photos illustrate.
This one is the Forestwest 18 Tonne model which cost us A$1099 plus $120 for delivery to a local depot. They do sell spare parts for those bits which might wear out or break, which at least indicates they are in this business for the long haul. I will probably buy the spares against one day needing them so I won’t have to wait when I do. I doubt I will ever need to buy another splitter though.
If you need to keep warm of a winter’s evening we seriously recommend this type of log splitter.
PS: It is not ‘ultralight’ however. This particular machine weighs 115 kg.
You can probably hear the belt squealing from time to time. I still haven’t finished setting the machine up. No doubt it needs final adjustment, lubrication etc – but it is going to be a boomer!
PS: After tightening the belt (an easy job) the splitter really slams the blocks. I just busted half a dozen which I doubt I could even have split by hand (even with much effort). Now this machine just splits them first punch. It’s a beauty!
From the grams to the tonnes, I thank you for the distillations you record of your peregrinations through life – past, present and obviously anticipated. So many smiles (and dogs) in the photos and endless practical info born of curiosity – and travel tales of the simple, hopeful spirit of adventure.
The foundation for me is the old school rural/pioneer family knowledge you poignantly allude to sometimes like you must know when to shoot your dog. Your earthy posts are a comfort and a reminder to “keep it real.”
I only discovered your site a couple of years ago but I recommend it regularly and my teenage son who is no stranger to so far modest but earthy expeditions has learnt invaluable lessons I don’t know from where else he would have. Best regards
I warms my heart to have your praise. Thank you Greg. I have had two trips in the last two weeks actually so I am still going. A few days walking in the Wonnangatta Valley unfortunately cut short because of a chest infection (on antibiotics now) ans some exploration around Benambra – what a magical part of the world. I will be going back to the Gibbo to catch a trout at very least. Much work needing doing at home too though. We have just processed ten lambs into our freezer which should provide us with the meat we need for a year at least. We always grow most of our own food. Unfortunately I have two cars to fix, many weeds to deal with and some fencing to do – but I do actually like being busy. Good luck with your adventures – you and your son. Hope to be able to share my own for some time yet. Ceeres, Steve & Della – and the Jack Russells!