New super fast log splitter. Must watch.

[Billhook]

I have had 2 of the 7 tonne splitters, the first one lasted about 15 minutes before it jammed and wouldn't release the cherry log and the second one only cut 2 logs before it jammed. In the end the rep from Portex very kindly visited me to see if I was doing anything wrong, we tried splitting a piece of apple which was about 8 inches in diameter and it would not split the log, and jammed the splitter (again). He took the second machine away with the log still firmly attached to the splitter. He said they are fine if you are splitting something with a nice straight grain, however I was splitting Apple & Cherry & it could not handle it. Both logs that jammed were only small logs, but what made it difficult was that the hydraulic ram would not return to the start position therefore making the splitter useless. The warranty states that you shouldn't hit or release the log with a hammer to release the log or you could invalidate the warranty. I am sticking with my hydraulic splitter, it may be slower but it is reliable, and it is easier to release a log if one gets stuck.

 

 

I am not familiar with the 7 ton but I know that this five ton Portek has no hydraulics or hydraulic ram on it. It is all electric, electric motor and kinetic flywheels.

I have tested it on some fairly tough bits of Elm that I could not split with my trusty X27 Fiskar and although it took two or three goes on the Elm it did eventually split it and never has become stuck in anything.

[Stereo]

Can't decide on this. I can buy a Lawnflite vertical for £330 plus vat or the Portek for £445. The Lawnflite looks like the same (badged) machine as my old Clarke Logbuster 6 which I quite liked but I can also see the Portek would be quicker.

 

The Clarke was not that slow if you had similar length logs as you could set it to start just above the log and it was very comfortable to use.

[TuscanPhil]

Where might someone find a Lawnflite vertical for £330 plus vat please? I need something a bit bigger (power wise) than the 4 / 5 ton horizontal splitter I currently use.

[Stereo]

https://www.frjonesandson.co.uk/products-page/machines/log-splitters/

 

Hope links are allowed. I'm never used the firm but I think a lot of folk on here rate them and I think they are on here too. They've got the Portek one too.

 

Edit: The vertical is so much better than the horizontal at this level. If it's the same as the Clarke, you can do long logs up to 1m and also if you cut logs roughly the same length you can set the splitter to be just above the log so not so much waiting for it to contact. I did like my Clarke but had to sell it to raise cash last Xmas. Now I can't decide as the Portek looks much faster and will also do bigger rounds but is dearer and would need table mounting etc.

Edited December 6, 2016 by Stereo

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

https://www.frjonesandson.co.uk/products-page/machines/log-splitters/

 

Hope links are allowed. I'm never used the firm but I think a lot of folk on here rate them and I think they are on here too. They've got the Portek one too.

 

Edit: The vertical is so much better than the horizontal at this level. If it's the same as the Clarke, you can do long logs up to 1m and also if you cut logs roughly the same length you can set the splitter to be just above the log so not so much waiting for it to contact. I did like my Clarke but had to sell it to raise cash last Xmas. Now I can't decide as the Portek looks much faster and will also do bigger rounds but is dearer and would need table mounting etc.

 

I think they may have been the OP!

I was thinking of getting the heavy duty portek but I have been put off now by the fact the splitter appears to struggle with anything but straight grain.

They also do not appear to have any of the larger machines available in the country just now.

Hydraulic splitters appear to be painfully slow. So I think I will just have to stick with the maul.

[Joel77]

One of my guys splits and bags my wood for me down my yard he has a big Hydrolic log splitter

 

But at home he has one of these fast splitters in case he runs out of logs

 

It's fast simple and quite, it's ideal for splitting wood at home but you wouldn't use it commercially and I don't think there aimed at that market any way

 

There's no way he would get away with using a diesel powered splitter in his back garden with out up setting his neighbors

 

So for the domestic log berner owner there ideal

[richardwale]

Have to buy of a reseller, no bigger machines in the country, phoned Portek and they don't even know the price of the larger machine, or the engine manufacturer or the horsepower.....not such a good start, been nearly a year since the thread started.

[Stereo]

I'm going for the vertical hydraulic like I had before. Not perfect but I found my Clarke one comfortable to use and quiet. It's only domestic for my own supply and sometimes you need an hour away from the house to split some logs............so speed is not everything. The vertical electric ones are far better than the horizontal too and if I do get some straight 1m lengths, I can billet them up too. Plus it's £100 cheaper.

[Stubby]

Both logs that jammed were only small logs, but what made it difficult was that the hydraulic ram would not return to the start position .

 

 

There is no hydraulic ram .

[Stihl123]

has anyone got one of the 7 ton portek quiksplits?

if so, where's the best place for price?

 

thanks