Wel-Bilt Horizontal Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter - 10-Ton

This log splitter is huge and very heavy. Looked very study, no assembly is require. Once it arrived, I took it out for a try. I put a 14inch log to split. I was holding my breath with excitement. No dice. I kept the bars moving, but nothing, I was completely out of breath. I realized that the piston only push the log to a certain length and stop. Makes sense. This mean that your log has to be at least 2 feet or longer. Another annoying thing is that the log is not completely split, you have to hand and leg that sucker open.After a few more attempts, I smoothed out my learning curve. I sandwich three 6 inches 2x4 in between the logs and the piston, and it pushes short logs to the wedge. Note to self: "Cut logs in 2+ feet length with straight cut". Very difficult to split a log with an angle.Finally, the dry logs took a bit to split. One log didn't budge but until all of sudden it gave with a loud noise, sending my kids running.Arm and back no longer aching after wood chopping with a bare axe. However, this splitter will give you a cardio workout. I was winded after the 2nd log. Note to self: "get back on the elliptical".

I have used this to split logs from my black walnut tree. The diameter at the base was about 28 inches at the base, and the person who cut the tree down cut the tree to 16 inch lengths. The large diameter sections he cut into quarters with his chain saw. As the pieces were larger then recommended I was careful to make sure I didn't force things. It was able to split the large chunks into firewood size pieces.The Good I got a lot of exerciseWith care the splitter does what It saysThe base was very low which made it better to roll larger chunks on.The bad I got a lot of exerciseThe splitter was easy to tipIf you want fast this is not the choice for you.Though much better then splitting with a maul and wedges it is not a motor powered device so expect to be the 1 quarter horse power that makes it go.

I have split all kinds of wood with this splitter and so far no problems. As other reviewers have stated, it is all about using it correctly. Use both levers(moving them back and forth) to bring the ram up to the end of the log, once you have done that, use the RIGHT lever to split the log. Once the log cracks and begins to split you can use the left and right together to finish it off. Then just open the valve on the end of the splitter and the springs will pull the ram back to the starting position. Close the valve and you are ready to split your next log. You should never have to put enough pressure on the handles to bend them, NEVER.Using a 4x4 to put between the ram and the log will speed things up if you are splitting short logs.I also found there is more splitting power when the ram is retracted all the way before beginning to split a log, in other words the better the log fits, the easier it seems to split. So it is helpful to have a few 4x4s of various lengths as spacers if you need them.I have also split rounds up to 20" in diameter. With these the trick is to try to position the round on the splitter so it does not get hung up on the metal guides as it will be sitting on top of them. I also position a spacer sideways between the ram and the log, if there is room, to give the ram a bigger area to push the log. Just watch that the spacer does not get caught on the metal guides during the splitting process.If a log is not splitting even when you are applying a fair amount of force with the right side handle, release the ram and make sure the log is not caught up on the guides or re-position the log and start again.This splitter is not meant to be real fast but, IT IS FUN once you get the hang of it and a bit of a workout as well.Lastly: the instructions that come with this thing are not written very well at all regarding its use. THEY SUCK!!It is this easy:Make sure the pressure valve is closed.Insert log.Use left and right handles together to bring the ram up to the log.Then use just the RIGHT HANDLE to apply the splitting force.Once the log begins to split and the left handle can be used (without putting a ton of force on it) you can use both handles again to finish it off.Open the pressure valve and let the springs pull the ram back to the starting position or wherever you need it to be for your next log.Note: The maximum length for a log is about 17 inches, and the ends should be cut pretty square for best results.Make sure no one is standing in front of or off to the sides of this thing when you are using it because depending on the type of wood you are splitting some of pieces go flying!!

Hi,I bought this product with high hopes and it worked for a couple months and then broke. I contacted the company and they sent me a replacement that so far is working great. The negative is that I had to return the defective unit which cost $82 and they do not reimburse you for the return. In essence I ended up paying $191 dollars for an item that cost $109.00. Very poor support. I don't think I would chance a purchase from this vendor again. On a positive note, I have been working with Amazon who have credited my charge account for the $82 dollars. I give two stars to the seller and 5 stars plus to Amazon. Thanks for your assistance. It's why I love shopping on Amazon.ThanksBarre Paul

In my opinion this item has more than one benefit, The first of course is the primary function of spitting fire wood. It isn't real fast but it is effective. Secondly, it is great and simple exercise working the handles. Next, no gas, no oil, no starting a motor, no polution!!! One thing I would improve on it is the base. It tends to be a little tippy during operation I drilled some holes and solved that problem with a couple of 2X10's screwed to the base for more stability. Overall I want to put my praise on this splitter as just what I paid for and more!!!