Peter 1955

I would have to agree with everything Dan said. Two things to point out, firstly any machine without some sort of auto return of the ram/splitter is a waste of time and energy. Once I've released the handles on mine, the ram returns to the start point, ready for another split. A customer showed me a tractor mounted one he'd bought, which simply stopped where it was upon release, and we told him we wouldn't entertain such a feature. As a side note, the Sheppach has a narrow, sharp wedge, as opposed to the really wide wedge on his. When we ran them side by side, his split logs faster, because of the more rapid wedge action, but I could split some that he couldn't, even though his machine was rated at a higher force. Secondly, we found out very early on that placing a trestle table or similar next to the splitter is a godsend. My helper could load this up with rounds, and have a rest, while I split them. Also, when splitting large diameter ones, in exactly the manner Dan suggests, you can put a split part back on the trestle, while you deal with the piece in your hand. This almost eliminates unnecessary bending.

I've got a Sheppach HL 710, from memory. Got it from Screwfix, and it has about a 2Kw motor. I see they now sell an uprated model instead, the HL 730 with about a 3Kw motor, and wider table. A quick Google of prices and suppliers shows a wild variation. I'm guessing mine is now discontinued. I'm very happy with mine.

Hello everyone, recently joined up, have looked in on here before for information, from time to time. I see there are many knowledgeable folk on here, so I expect you to be able to answer any of the stupid questions I may ask with well thought out, accurate and helpful replies. ( Don't worry, I realise that may be a big ask). About me: Spent my life in agriculture, until redundancy pushed me into becoming a Landscaper/Handyman/Groundworker/Builder's Labourer ( sometimes all at once) quite a few years ago! I muddle through with the help of cleverer people and the Internet. The one thing that's very apparent is that compared to many folk here, I'm a rank amateur, thus my quest for knowledge. Thanks for letting me in.