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slapshot
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Loc: Troy, Missouri
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Harbor Freight Log Splitters
09/07/05 02:19 PM
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Does anyone have any expirence or insight with the Harbor Frieght log splitters? They have two models I'm looking at both 24 ton horizontal/vertical units, one with a Briggs & Stratton 8hp for $999.99 and the other with a 9hp Robin-Subaru for 1079.99.
I must admit I like the prices, if I can save a few hundred thats great, but its still alot of money to spend on a mistake.
Any feed back would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
-dave
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bczoom
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
09/08/05 08:40 AM
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Dave,
I just took an online look at those splitters.
Although I don't have any first-hand knowledge of either, let me throw out my 2 cents.
I find it interesting that the one with the B&S engine weighs 188 pounds more than the one with the Subaru engine.
I don't see a stand to hold the tongue up on either.
There's no mention on either that it has an auto-return on the valve. Personally, I wouldn't consider one that doesn't have it. It may just be an omission on their site, but I'd check it out.
The most important thing for me when I recently replaced my old splitter was ergonomics. I checked out several splitters and found that the operator area wasn't appropriate for approaching with a log nor doing the splitting. Most of the splitters I tried had the axle, engine... back too far and I couldn't stand where I wanted/needed to for doing the splitting.
There are 4 Harbor Freight retail stores in MO. You may want to stop in and take a look at these in person.
Brian
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Pat
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: bczoom]
09/08/05 08:08 PM
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Most excellent advice! Operator position and ease of use (auto return) are quite important.
Price don't mean squat if you are uncomfortable or in danger while working the splitter.
 Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
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SLOBuds
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: bczoom]
09/10/05 09:47 AM
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Which brand/model did you end up with, Brian? And may I ask what type of volumne you are dealing with? Types of wood?
And ... are you happy with your purchase?
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bczoom
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: SLOBuds]
09/12/05 07:54 AM
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I bought a Speeco 25 ton. They're also sold under other names. New Holland is one that comes to mind.
I split mainly cheery, oak and maple with a little ash, beech and elm thrown in.
In terms of volume, I split 10-15 full (128 cu/ft) cord per year.
Yes, I'm very happy with the splitter. I can stand fully upright when splitting and the operators area is the most wide open I could find.
Brian
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: bczoom]
09/15/05 11:42 AM
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I'm in the same boat - trying to decide which splitter to get for use at my 40-acre rec property. And I am asking myself why is the Harbor Freight splitter so much cheaper than others? So far I can only find slight differences between the 30-ton HF splitters and other similar splitters I've looked at, including the SpeeCo but I've only been able to look at the SpeeCo first hand. You can get more info about the HF splitters here: http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/40000-40999/40146.pdf . You will find that they do have a stand and I read somewhere, although I can't find it now, that the valve is auto-return, which I think is pretty much standard these days. The one thing I see that I do NOT like is the position of the valve. If you are splitting horizontally that looks like either a reach over the engine or a reach over the cylinder from the opposite side. I've done a little research on the Robin/Subaru engine and so far I've read unanimously that they are comparable to a Honda read: better than a B&S. However, I have no first-hand experience with Rogin/Subaru.
So, I am down to do I spend $1100 for a Harbor Freight with no opportunity to physically see it first (local HF doesn't stock them) or spend $1600 for a comperable SpeeCo that I have checked out first hand? I will say the SpeeCo looks like a very well-built unit but I don't know that there is a $500 difference. I too welcome any input from you experienced splitters!
EDIT: More information on the Robin/Subaru engine that is available on the HF splitters is here: http://www.robinamerica.com/engines/detail.lasso?mdl=EX27
Thanks,
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
Edited by GMayle (09/15/05 11:48 AM)
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Logan
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
09/15/05 04:31 PM
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I bought the 30 ton briggs-stratton splitter from Harbor Freight last year. I paid $999 and free shipping. It cranks on the first pull everytime and works great. It has a tongue stand and the valve automatically retracts the ram. If you are not in a great hurry they wil probably be back on sale for that price, if you want the 30 ton unit. The only thing that I didn't like about mine is the wheels. They are built together with the hub, so you have to take the whole assembly off to replace the tire. I highly recommend these splitters. For highway use remember that they have no lights or fenders. But the work great and are fast. I thought about building one but I couldn't see how I could do it and beat their price.
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: Logan]
09/15/05 04:56 PM
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Logan,
Thanks for the information. The 30-ton model is currently $1099+$38 shipping. (30-ton is overkill but at that price what the heck!) I'll be hauling mine on a road-legal trailer to get it to my property then I'll tow it around with an ATV as required.
How do you find the ergonomics of the control lever position? It seems like it would be hard to reach when used horizontally.
Thanks!
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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Logan
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I haven't used it in the upright position other that to just try it once. It heavey to flip up. In fact its heavy PERIOD. In the horizontal position you do have to lean over the engine slightly to work the lever. But its no problem. I am short, 5'7" so that may make a difference to some people. I am going to try to attach a photo of it to show a different perspective that what you see in the adds. I thought everything you order from Harbor Freight over the internet included free shipping. Has that changed? Any way all of the metal is heavy and all the welds are excellent. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: Logan]
09/15/05 09:53 PM
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Thanks again, Logan. I went ahead and ordered one based on my research and your recommendation (no pressure!  ) Would still be interested in photos tho if not too much trouble - I'm sure it would help others here as well.
The shipping was technically $8.99 and there was a $30.00 handling charge because it is a "Truck Item".
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
09/16/05 01:21 PM
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In fact, looking at your picture, couldn't a guy just flip the control valve over to put it a little closer to the operator?
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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Logan
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
09/16/05 11:17 PM
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I think there is a metal hydraulic line that comes into the valve and to flip it that would have to be replaced. I don't have the splitter here in Ga with me. It is at my place in NC. That is the only photo that I have of it. I don't think it would be much of a problem to change. I tried to attach a PDF file of the owners manual last night but couldn't. I think I downloaded it from the Harbor Freight site.
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: Logan]
09/20/05 07:32 PM
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Logan,
Sorry for the delayed reply - I've been up elk hunting for the past few days.
NP on the pictures. Your info has been helpful. I'll take a look when I get mine and see if the valve can be flipped, I'm sure I can make something up. Also, I have the owner's manual from the HF web site.
Regards,
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
10/20/05 07:56 PM
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UPDATE: I ordered a Harbor Freight 30-ton splitter but it's been on backorder since mid-Sept. and they keep pushing the date out. I finally got tired of waiting (need to get my wood in soon!) and went and bought a Speeco 25-ton splitter today. The Speeco is very well built and has a 10.5 HP Briggs Industrial/Commercial engine on it. It cost me more but just couldn't wait on HF any longer.
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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slapshot
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Loc: Troy, Missouri
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
10/25/05 04:24 PM
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I guess it was on the slow boat from China.
-dave
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
10/25/05 08:52 PM
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Dave,
Yes, it seems so! Did you ever get yours or did you take a different route as well?
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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slapshot
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
10/26/05 02:36 PM
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No after reading some of the post I think I will go another direction as well. I havent yet. Not real excited about waiting, then having to build it.
-dave
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
10/26/05 05:28 PM
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I would really recommend you look at the Speeco then. I will be using it for the first time this weekend and will have a better assessment then but so far I'm very happy with the quality and features. Everything looks to be sturdy, of top quality and craftsmanship and just messing with it in the garage it seems that the ergonomics are just right. I can't see anything that they cut corners on. And it is made here in the USA (Golden, CO).
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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slapshot
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: GMayle]
10/27/05 10:01 AM
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Thanks...will do. Not sure who sells them around here. I'm going to need to do something in the next couple weeks. Winter is not here yet, but its on its way.
Thanks again,
-dave
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
10/27/05 11:06 AM
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Try Tractor Supply Company (http://www.mytscstore.com/default.asp). According to the website there are 3 stores in Missouri. I believe the splitters they sell are OEM'd from Speeco - they certainly look identical.
FARMINGTON #351
604 WALMART DR - FARMINGTON, MO 63640-3315
(573) 756-9300
map & driving directions
KIRKSVILLE #364
2302 S BALTIMORE ST - KIRKSVILLE, MO 63501-4631
(660) 627-6333
map & driving directions
CAPE GIRARDEAU #266
501 S KINGS HIGHWAY ST - CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO 63703-5713
(573) 334-5971
map & driving directions
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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bczoom
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
10/27/05 06:52 PM
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Slapshot,
There's a couple companies that re-badge the Speeco if that helps find more dealers. New Holland is one.
Gary,
The one thing I found that you may want to check. On the oil reservoir fill cap, there's a breather hole. Make sure it's pointed away from where you stand. When I got mine, there was a bit too much oil and it squirted out onto my leg. Pants survived but shoes were ruined.
Brian
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GMayle
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: bczoom]
10/27/05 08:28 PM
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Thanks for the pointer Brian. I've already checked that out - believe it or not I actually read the manual. LOL! Besides, I wear old Carhart pants and beat up steel-toed shoes because I've ruined too many good clothes over the years "just taking the new toy for a quick spin." 
Thanks!
Gary
40 acres of northern Colorado Ponderosas, Firs and Juniper and a little cabin to hide out in.
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slapshot
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: bczoom]
10/28/05 11:06 AM
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Thanks for the advice, there isnt a TSC within 100 miles from me. There is a local chain Orschlens that sells a couple, I'll check them out as well.
-dave
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rozett
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
10/29/05 10:05 AM
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I bought a 26-ton unit on EBay. It was a one-year old Yard Machines (MTD) unit and I only paid about $800 for it. The big box stores sell it for around $1400. Last year I cut, split, and delivered 90 cord of firewood. I've done another 50 this year. The splitter has held up very well. I tuned up the 6.5 hp B&S motor once. that's about it. I am very happy with it and what I paid for it.
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jross
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Re: Harbor Freight Log Splitters
[re: slapshot]
11/09/05 04:58 AM
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I got one of the manual 10 ton splitters for building up upper body strength for hockey. That is all I need since I burn mostly swamp maple. I had trouble with it until I drained out the jack oil, cleaned the valves, and refilled with tractor hydraulic oil. I think the jack oil was ok, but I have tractor hydaulic oil on hand. When I get into the crotch wood I get the workout I want. It was a hundred bucks on sale and needs no gas, and I can use it in the basement. I am also designing a plate for the wedge, so I will have a hydraulic press when I need one.
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