ruttin1
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Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 14:28:45 GMT -6
I have been looking at log splitters and wood chippers to start some timber work and clearing on my land. There is enough work it would be a never ending project, so the need would go on for years.
Really plan on taking a section at a time and doing some cleanup from the select cut that was done 2 1/2 years ago (prior to ownership). Also, looking to take out a few trees where I intend to put food plots.
First question: Are either or both products worth owning or are you better off renting on occasion when doing the work?
Second question: Any recommendations on sizes, brands, etc?
There seems to be quite the variety available at a range of price points.
Thanks for your comments.
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Post by Sandbur on Dec 13, 2022 14:33:34 GMT -6
Foggy is an expert with a grapple on his tractor and a stump grinder on the back.
Do you need to chip limbs or just leave them for cover or else pile for barriers by food plots or stands.
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Post by Catscratch on Dec 13, 2022 14:40:36 GMT -6
Can't really advise on what you are doing but I can recommend some features on splitters. A return detent on the handle is nice so that you can load the next log instead of hold the valve back. A hydraulic lift for large logs is great. A 4 way blade would be nice if the splitter has the power to handle it. I guess it kind of depends on what you want out of it.
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ruttin1
Full Member
Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 15:05:37 GMT -6
Foggy is an expert with a grapple on his tractor and a stump grinder on the back. Do you need to chip limbs or just leave them for cover or else pile for barriers by food plots or stands. All of the above sandbur. There are tops and logs everywhere. I intend to chip a bunch, but definitely be leaving some and moving others for screening and directing deer. They make great cover where I want it to be. There is just so much of it everywhere. |
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ruttin1
Full Member
Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 15:12:47 GMT -6
Can't really advise on what you are doing but I can recommend some features on splitters. A return detent on the handle is nice so that you can load the next log instead of hold the valve back. A hydraulic lift for large logs is great. A 4 way blade would be nice if the splitter has the power to handle it. I guess it kind of depends on what you want out of it. I have looked at some that have an auto return. Is that what you are referring to? I guess I’m not sure what I want out of it. Never done any logging or splitting before. There are some pretty decent sized logs laying around the property. Definitely, many over 12” diameter. |
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Post by Catscratch on Dec 13, 2022 15:24:30 GMT -6
Yes, auto return is what I'm referring to.
I've used a splitter with the lift on it. If you're doing a lot that's big diameter it's awfully nice.
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Post by Foggy on Dec 13, 2022 15:56:43 GMT -6
I have been looking at log splitters and wood chippers to start some timber work and clearing on my land. There is enough work it would be a never ending project, so the need would go on for years. Really plan on taking a section at a time and doing some cleanup from the select cut that was done 2 1/2 years ago (prior to ownership). Also, looking to take out a few trees where I intend to put food plots. First question: Are either or both products worth owning or are you better off renting on occasion when doing the work? Second question: Any recommendations on sizes, brands, etc? There seems to be quite the variety available at a range of price points. Thanks for your comments. Couple of thoughts and a couple of questions too. Do you own a tractor to operate the wood chipper? HP / Size? A tractor with a good loader goes a long way in operating that chipper. Not sure if you want to invest in a chipper.....but if you do....lots of guys have said that Woodmax is the value leader (or was a few years ago....according to tractor by net). If you have a tractor and loader.....then a grapple on your front end loader would go a long way in handling those logs. Can help you there if you have the tractor. Biggest thing here is do not get a wide grapple....IMO. Keep the size and weight down...and just a single lid is quite adequate for most folks. You've already gotten good advice on the splitter. That detent for reverse on your valve is not a big expense. I would not get a three point splitter.....as that ties up your tractor. Get one with a separate engine. Lots of good splitters out there. What kind of wood are you working with? Softwoods or hardwoods?? Huge difference in how to proceed with the different wood. Pines would not make great firewood. Hardwoods make stump removal a different deal. I ground our well over 3000 stumps from my food plots and trails over the years. I had all pines to grind....but would not attempt with hard woods. Sorry to ask so many questions....but it's important to start in the right place. Good luck. Hope you got a good back.  Personally, I made very little firewood and have not chipped any myself .....tho our logger chipped many trailer loads to get rid of all the branches and debris. I am more of a slash and burn kinda guy. Just do not like handling wood. |
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ruttin1
Full Member
Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 19:07:50 GMT -6
I have been looking at log splitters and wood chippers to start some timber work and clearing on my land. There is enough work it would be a never ending project, so the need would go on for years. Really plan on taking a section at a time and doing some cleanup from the select cut that was done 2 1/2 years ago (prior to ownership). Also, looking to take out a few trees where I intend to put food plots. First question: Are either or both products worth owning or are you better off renting on occasion when doing the work? Second question: Any recommendations on sizes, brands, etc? There seems to be quite the variety available at a range of price points. Thanks for your comments. Couple of thoughts and a couple of questions too. Do you own a tractor to operate the wood chipper? HP / Size? A tractor with a good loader goes a long way in operating that chipper. Not sure if you want to invest in a chipper.....but if you do....lots of guys have said that Woodmax is the value leader (or was a few years ago....according to tractor by net). If you have a tractor and loader.....then a grapple on your front end loader would go a long way in handling those logs. Can help you there if you have the tractor. Biggest thing here is do not get a wide grapple....IMO. Keep the size and weight down...and just a single lid is quite adequate for most folks. You've already gotten good advice on the splitter. That detent for reverse on your valve is not a big expense. I would not get a three point splitter.....as that ties up your tractor. Get one with a separate engine. Lots of good splitters out there. What kind of wood are you working with? Softwoods or hardwoods?? Huge difference in how to proceed with the different wood. Pines would not make great firewood. Hardwoods make stump removal a different deal. I ground our well over 3000 stumps from my food plots and trails over the years. I had all pines to grind....but would not attempt with hard woods. Sorry to ask so many questions....but it's important to start in the right place. Good luck. Hope you got a good back. Personally, I made very little firewood and have not chipped any myself .....tho our logger chipped many trailer loads to get rid of all the branches and debris. I am more of a slash and burn kinda guy. Just do not like handling wood. No tractor Foggy. I’m looking at stand alone units I can pull behind my UTV. |
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Post by Foggy on Dec 13, 2022 19:20:26 GMT -6
Rent 'em.....until you get tired of making wood. lol.
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Post by wklman on Dec 13, 2022 19:46:18 GMT -6
Buy the splitter and rent the chipper. You'll use the splitter until you die.
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ruttin1
Full Member
Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 20:06:55 GMT -6
Rent 'em.....until you get tired of making wood. lol. Yeah, maybe for the first year and see how it goes. I might be sick of it after a spring and let the deer walk around it. LOL. |
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ruttin1
Full Member
Posts: 127
Likes: 197
Location: Shawano Co, WI
Zone: 4B
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Post by ruttin1 on Dec 13, 2022 20:07:48 GMT -6
Buy the splitter and rent the chipper. You'll use the splitter until you die. Yeah, I see using it quite a bit. Can always make firewood. |
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Post by Foggy on Dec 13, 2022 20:16:11 GMT -6
Buy the splitter and rent the chipper. You'll use the splitter until you die. Probably good advice. If you do tire of splitting wood.....a good splitter will sell again for much of what you pay for it. Maybe not so much with a chipper. What do you want with all the chips? (burn em?) |
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Post by terrifictom on Dec 13, 2022 20:26:42 GMT -6
Deer love to bed by tipped over trees laying on the ground.
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Post by biglakebass on Dec 13, 2022 21:02:55 GMT -6
Ruttin,
Wouldnt this be fun!
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