processor or large splitter?

[Chris Sheppard]

Sorry for the derail, at what point does 'big tonnage' start? Would i struggle with 12T for arb waste? Looking at the Riko/Balfor one.

 

Many thanks,

 

Steve.

 

12T should be fine on most stuff - there's probably more 10-15T splitters out there than any other size.

 

Typically, 25T is about the biggest vertical you'll see with any frequency, though there are a few a bit bigger.

 

I had a 20T and work reguarly with an 18T and can only remember a handful of pieces that got chucked to one side.

 

The main thing with a bigger PTO powered one is going to be the speed.

 

Most commercially built splitters are two speed - a slower but full power setting and a faster but less powerful setting, usually jut a case of moving the levers a little further (or less) so very easy to switch between.

 

Some of the larger do it automatically where they will stay on fast speed until they build up enough pressure to open an internal valve and switch circuits.

 

A machine with bigger tonnage will be able to spend more time on it's faster speed setting, even more noticably when using a 4 way head.

[chopper brown]

Cheers for your input Chris, helpful as always.

 

I'm guna have a look into the processor as I could pick out the smaller stuff for the times I've got a lot of orders to get out and then process the other stuff when I have more time.

 

Thanks again, Jim

[Arbtech Tree Services]

Many thanks Chris, looks like i'll go for the petrol 12T then (two speed) just as soon as i can bring myself to part with Jim's old Gloria:sad:

 

Regards,

 

Steve.

[rowan lee]

Another of Chris Sheppard's helpful comments here on the pro's and con's of vertical vs horizontal splitters

I'd go for a big (circa 20T) PTO powered vertical with removable table.

 

PTO will mean it will be quick (should be sub 10 sec to do a full 1.1m cycle).

 

Big tonnage will mean it will spend more time on the fast speed (yes, a 13T will split pretty big stuff but need to be on full power/slower speed more often).

 

Billeting bigger diameter stuff on a vertical isn't too bad, there's a bit knack to standing them on end and walking them under the knife and once you get it you'll have no bother (though some do have a lift arm)

 

Table good for doing rings too big for the WP to handle too.

 

Horizontals are fine for billeting straight grained stuff but a pain in the arse for dealing with rings. Billeting stringy stuff on a horizontal can be a pain in the arse as it gets pushed onto the knife and then you have to wrestle/cut it off.

 

The other thing with a horizontal is that you have to move the log back to the splitter each time rather than just spinning it round a bit as with a vertical.

 

What you can do though with a horizontal is get longer versions (generally) and they are easier to load with a crane/loader etc

 

Taken from this thread which you should have a read through Chopper

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/firewood-forum/58731-ideal-first-firewood-setup.html

[chopper brown]

Cheers for that Rowan I'll have a good read.

 

So many good threads on this site to guide you towards the right kit I don't know what I'd do without it.

[Chris Sheppard]

Another of Chris Sheppard's helpful comments here on the pro's and con's of vertical vs horizontal splitters

 

 

Taken from this thread which you should have a read through Chopper

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/firewood-forum/58731-ideal-first-firewood-setup.html

 

Am blushing now