Dirty Hand Tools 22-Ton Horizontal / Vertical Gas Log Splitter

Bought this log splitter almost 1 year ago, decided to wait awhile before writing a review to see how it performed. Couldn't be more happy!

Delivery came in a small box truck that was able to maneuver down my small private street. And unloading was fairly simple, my driveway is a bit steep near the street so it was a heavy haul up the hill. It came in a very sturdy crate, well packaged and easy to assemble. The steel beam is the heaviest part but thankfully, you only have to stand it up and lock a bolt into the support frame and then lean it back.

Anyway, as other reviews have claimed, several connections did not have Teflon tape on them, but I was prepared for that and made sure they did before firing it up. It ran and worked great on the first pull if I recall. Used it to split about 4 cords of wood during last spring/summer, gosh do my back and arms feel so much better not having to hand split logs anymore!

Fast forward 8 months to the middle of this very horrible winter. Still had plenty of wood for this year, but none split and ready for next. Thankfully Ameren is in my neighborhood trimming back mostly branches from power lines but also cutting down whole trees on occasion. Made a deal with the lead guy to call me whenever he has some large logs/limbs and I'll come haul them away for him so he doesn't have to bother. see pictures below After a few weeks driving around my neighborhood collecting logs, I had a serious backlog of wood on my drive and had to start getting it split!

Haven't fired up the log splitter in 8 months and its freezing outside, but gosh do I love Kohler engines. First pull again and it fires right up, and off to splitting I go.

I will admit, sometimes I wish I had bought the 27 ton because I've had a few really knotty logs that just wouldn't split easily, requiring several repositioning attempts and mashing it with the wedge over and over to get them to split, but this 22-ton has gotten through them all eventually.

A most excellent purchase, although my local Menards had the 27-ton for $700 this holiday season...doh

Bought this log splitter almost 1 year ago, decided to wait awhile before writing a review to see how it performed. Couldn't be more happy!

Delivery came in a small box truck that was able to maneuver down my small private street. And unloading was fairly simple, my driveway is a bit steep near the street so it was a heavy haul up the hill. It came in a very sturdy crate, well packaged and easy to assemble. The steel beam is the heaviest part but thankfully, you only have to stand it up... more

When the log splitter arrived, the delivery person said we could not open the crate to inspect for damage. We had to get his supervisor on the phone and get "permission" even though there was big lettering on the top of the box "inspect this product on delivery". although we had done a lot of research on assembling the product, the amount of time stated that it would take was far less hours than it took. there were no instructions for the log catcher. once it was finally assembled, it took a lot to get it started then after running for only a minute it would shut itself down.

long story short, we had to call a repair person from the list of person the dirty hands folks gave us - after being turned down by several (why are they on the list if they don't do warranty work), we finally got someone to check it out. he found that a very tiny drop of water was in one of the lines and removed it.

once we got all the problems solved with assembly and running, we used it and it worked fine, so far. it's easy to use but horribly challenging to assemble and get going. recommend you get two mechanically-inclined people to help you and that you make sure you have warranty repair persons near you before you buy.

When the log splitter arrived, the delivery person said we could not open the crate to inspect for damage. We had to get his supervisor on the phone and get "permission" even though there was big lettering on the top of the box "inspect this product on delivery". although we had done a lot of research on assembling the product, the amount of time stated that it would take was far less hours than it took. there were no instructions for the log catcher. once it was finally... more

After a long wait (not used to freight shipping), a crate arrived in my driveway. After careful dismantling, I found a fairly well packaged unit that needed some assembly, but no instructions to be found. A quick search on youtube helped me assemble it fairly quickly, and my mechanical background helped the process along. For the most part I was able to assemble it myself, with my wife helping lift the main beam onto the frame. After tightening down all the bolts, I added 5 gallons of hydraulic fluid, some engine oil and fuel and it started right up. Quite impressed with the power to split very large, not-so-seasoned logs, even 16-18" in diameter.

One gripe: After about 5 hours, I checked all bolts and fittings and discovered that during use, the oil filter housing had worked its way over, wedging against the lower hydraulic hose, pinching against the metal tube, which caused a small fluid leak. I loosened the clamp and pushed the hose about 1/2" further onto the tube as a band-aid until I am able to purchase a new hose. I also wedged a piece of wood between the filter and pump housing to prevent another leak while I continued to work throughout the weekend.

After 8 hours of use, and I'm overall quite happy with my purchase. For not much more than the 5 ton electric units, I was able to purchase a capable, seemingly heavy-duty machine that will serve me

After a long wait (not used to freight shipping), a crate arrived in my driveway. After careful dismantling, I found a fairly well packaged unit that needed some assembly, but no instructions to be found. A quick search on youtube helped me assemble it fairly quickly, and my mechanical background helped the process along. For the most part I was able to assemble it myself, with my wife helping lift the main beam onto the frame. After tightening down all the bolts, I added 5 gallons of... more

Everything I need, you need at least two people to assemble

I have just had this machine for a couple of weeks, so these comments are essentially first impressions.
a. The crate with the unassembled splitter arrived a few days late the problem was with the local delivery firm, which tried to deliver on time, but found that it did not have the right rig to offload the heavy crate from the truck. They dropped it off successfully a few days later.
b. It was relatively straightforward to assemble the splitter. I had a friend to help, and this is essential, because some of the parts are heavy, and sometimes one person has to hold a piece steady while the other bolts the parts together. The instructions were OK, but the diagram for the log catcher was too small and not clear we just figured things out anyway.
c. I had to search a bit to get seven gallons of hydraulic fluid (which cost over $100). It was also necessary to add oil (for lubrication) and gasoline (for the engine). To my amazement, the engine started on the first pull. Before splitting any wood, I actioned the hydraulic system several times it began to slide smoothly within a couple of minutes. After topping up with more hydraulic fluid I was ready to split wood.
d. I first split some logs using the horizontal position - mainly maple and choke cherry, from trees felled 10 months ago. They split very nicely and easily, and the mechanism does the job fairly quickly.
e. I then used the splitter in the vertical position, on some large logs - about 2' in diameter, and too heavy to lift, so they had to be rolled into position. This was the real test, and why I needed a solid machine. It worked! The splitter was up to the task.
f. The machine feels solid. I have ordered a cover to protect it from the elements, since I don't have a large enough shed.
It is too early to say much about the energy efficiency of the splitter, or whether it will spring leaks or become balky. But I'm pleased with my latest toy, and we are off to a good start.

I have just had this machine for a couple of weeks, so these comments are essentially first impressions.
a. The crate with the unassembled splitter arrived a few days late the problem was with the local delivery firm, which tried to deliver on time, but found that it did not have the right rig to offload the heavy crate from the truck. They dropped it off successfully a few days later.
b. It was relatively straightforward to assemble the splitter. I had a friend to help, and this is... more

I had 2 leaks within an hour, they had used liquid I used the tape.

Product is high quality & will split anything I put through it.

Note the following assembly problems. The wheel spindle nuts went well passed the cotter pin hole, hence cotter pin would not lock nut in place. Added additional washer to space nut farther out on the spindle so cotter pin could lock nut in place. A 24mm wrench would not fit on the 24mm hydraulic hose fitting. Had to use an adjustable wrench. The bolts for the optional large steel log catcher side table were not long enough. Had to purchase 1/2" longer bolts.

For ease of moving log splitter around in storage barn & hooking up to my tractor ball hitch, I replaced the tongue stand with a bolt-on sidewind wheeled swivel jack.

Product is high quality & will split anything I put through it.

Note the following assembly problems. The wheel spindle nuts went well passed the cotter pin hole, hence cotter pin would not lock nut in place. Added additional washer to space nut farther out on the spindle so cotter pin could lock nut in place. A 24mm wrench would not fit on the 24mm hydraulic hose fitting. Had to use an adjustable wrench. The bolts for the optional large steel log catcher side table were not long... more

A very strong, well built machine. It goes through the toughest logs and it is easy to use.

Just wrote a review about my registration card that was returned stating insufficient address and not forwardable. Found on card a web site to register online. I tried to online with no success. There is a phone number but closed on weekends. I'll try Monday by phone and see if I get a live person.

Contrary to other ratings, was extremely easy to put together (I am 78) alone. Excellent directions, to about 4 1/2 hours from uncrating to start it up. Have split about a cord of mostly rock maple, tray on side is wonderful advantage, easy to go horizontal to vertical.

I have used about 4 tanks of fuel... split 3 cords of green pine and green elm. Have had 0 issues to this point!