Q: The reviews are strong and the price is right, but there is no mention about cycle time (what is it?) or whether or not this splitter has a two stage pump. Does it?
Do they hold up over time? thanks for the info, TOm
by Tom from Vermont on August 24, 2011
A: Cycle time is how long it takes the pump to push the ram all the way down the beam, and then pull it all the way back.
For this model, Earthquake says it takes 21 to 25 seconds. The cycle time is a way to compare how much work gets done by different units in the same amount of time.
This unit doesn't have a 2-stage pump; those are usually found on larger (20 tons & up) splitters.
How the unit holds up over time depends on how much you use it, and how well you take care of it.
This unit is great for the small home wood burner, but if you plan on splitting enough wood to supply a large wood furnace, or sell a lot of split wood on the side, you may want to consider a larger unit. by Mike, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.9
(Based on 17 Reviews)
Sort By
Mike Sawisch, Product Expert Log Splitters Direct
Mike's Recommendation
If you like the size of an electric splitter, but need a little more power (and can work outdoors); this splitter should do the trick.
The big plus is that you can work beyond the reach of your longest extension cord.
If you have larger logs, or a lot of wood that needs splitting, a step up into our "Better" or "Best" choices will get the job done faster and more efficiently.
January 19, 2012
Jon S. Sag Harbor, NY
Started off bad, ended great
First, Log Splitters Direct are Very fast shippers. Unit made it Eastern Long Island, New York in two or three days. The bad part was that the engine was bad (no fault of Log Splitters Direct).
I contacted Ardisam Earthquake and spoke to their great tech support. The engine needed a total replacement and because of no service dealer in my area, they sent me a ups label to send them back the bad engine and they sent a new one right out. I put new engine on and it runs great.
Unit has more than enough power for any homeowner.
I would by any Earthquake product again because of the service I got.
First, Log Splitters Direct are Very fast shippers. Unit made it Eastern Long Island, New York in two or three days. The bad part was that the engine was bad (no fault of Log Splitters Direct).
I contacted Ardisam Earthquake and spoke to their great tech support. The engine needed a total replacement and because of no service dealer in my area, they sent me a ups label to send them back the bad engine and they sent a new one right out. I put new engine on and it runs great.
Unit has more than enough power for any homeowner.
I finally got my own log splitter after searching for the best buy. The ease of assembly and awesome design make the Earthquake one fantastic machine.
I've been busting logs over 20" diameter like there's no tomorrow.
I highly recommend.
December 12, 2011
Tim Richmond, KY
Earthquake Log Splitter first days
First, it arrived in very good condition.
Putting it together was OK. but manual could have been clearer about how to mount the engine.
Currently having warranty work done on it because it is leaking from the cylinder and was low on splitting power.
LSD RESPONDS: Many units will have a bleeder valve on the hydraulic cylinder that is closed for shipping, but needs to be opened during use. If it's not opened prior to use the hydraulic fluid will not compress properly and may leak.
December 01, 2011
Big Al Glasgow, VA
Completely satisfied
Ordered and received quickly. Paid lot less than advertised for elsewhere.
I had another Earthquake machine that over ten years have proved dependable. This one has a quiet, easy-to-start engine, great hydraulics (I can bust up big logs and no hesitation), is convenient to haul behind my ATV (a fairly small one), quick to assemble and appears to have low upkeep.
No problems here.
November 23, 2011
Mark Dora, AL
Earthquake log splitter ++++++++++
i just purchased this splitter last week and love it.
i mainly split hickory for my local BBQ joint and have been doing it by hand and decieded it was time to buy a gas powered unit and i love it for the price and for the size logs it will split it's the best deal on the internet.
i have put a hickory log 15'' in diameter and 21'' long with knots and still no problem i would recommend this to anyone.
October 02, 2011
Kevin S. Arbovale, WV
Wow
Decided to put this to the test with normal sized wood we get instead of nice safe sized piece. Went right through it without having to turn it for a second cut.
Tried it on another piece that was cut down earlier this fall, wind twisted and half green. Worked great.
Thought it was going to be a waste of money, changed our mind real fast. Have used other, large splitters and this one worked just as good as they did.
Posting pictures and a video on my Facebook.
September 10, 2011
Mike B. Windfall, IN
Love it
I love the splitter but where do I find spare parts?
LSD RESPONDS: Earthquake products are distributed in the US by Ardisam, Inc. in Wisconsin. They can be contacted, toll free, at 800-345-6007.
June 27, 2011
Merle H. Lincoln, MT
My log splitter is fun
I recently purchased a 12 ton gas log splitter for my home use. When it got here I put it together in about 30 minutes. I filled it up and bled out the air to get it ready to use.
Once I had the splitter all ready I put a 21 inch log in it to put it to the test. It split so fast and easy I couldn't believe it. I had so much fun splitting wood that I split a whole cord and then stacked it.
I burn 5 cords of wood each winter in Montana and would for sure recommend this splitter to any serious do-it-yourselfer. I am very pleased with my purchase.
June 19, 2011
Frank Central City, PA
Great, light weight, easy to set up
It's great, light weight, and easy to set up.
My land has all oak trees. I have split fresh and seasoned trees without any problem.
For the money you can't beat this splitter.
April 20, 2011
Jeremy Green Bay, WI
Worth every penny
this splitter is simply awesome. For its size there is nothing it won't split.
Reliable, powerful, and compact. For the price I would get this over a bigger splitter if I were to do it again.
April 16, 2011
Pete Hudsonville, MI
Best Bang For The Buck
I have borrowed neighbor's wood splitters and decided it was time to buy my own. My neighbors all had the big 22 ton splitters.
I bought this one and took up to my cottage. I had 6, 120' tall trees with a diameter of 16/18" across cut down. I fired up my Earthquake (one pull) and wow, what a nice sounding engine (very quiet).
I placed a 18 " diameter log on it and it split great. I am a happy camper.
April 02, 2011
Martin P. Alumbank, PA
Looking forward
I've only got to use it a couple of hours, but it has split everything I put on it so far.
The real test will come in a few more weeks. I live in PA and have a variety of hardwood to split on it, and will put it through its paces; but so far I'm impressed.
February 06, 2011
Rebecca N.Wilkesboro, NC
Great gift
I bought the log splitter for my Dad's birthday. The splitter so far works great.
December 31, 2010
Al Durham, CT
Great splitter
I received the splitter as a gift. When I first assembled the splitter I thought it might not have the power I needed. Boy was I wrong! I can't find anything it wont split!
The height is also great, I can split standing up. The double towing is nice too, I pull it and a trailer at the same time with my quad!
I would recommend the splitter to anyone.
May 03, 2010
Rick Boise, ID
Recommended to anyone!
I am very satisfied with the log splitter, have not found anything it doesn't split with ease.
The only thing I would change is the height of the wedge, it seems it would split a bit better if it were a bit taller.
I love that the tongue is extendable, it makes for great ease of handling. The fact that it adjusts to two heights for splitting is also a real bonus.
I would recommend it to anyone!
April 18, 2010
Marty Rabis Middlefield, CT
One of the best things ever
I love the log splitter, it is one of the best things I ever bought.