- A powerful 10-ton manual log splitter ideal for home or professional use
- Handles store in unit during transportation
- Low and high speeds accommodate various types of wood for added versatility
- Includes pressure release valve and heavy duty spring return
- Weighs 95 pounds
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
The Swisher 10-ton manual log splitter is a manually operated, two-speed pump splitter that builds up to 10 tons of log splitting pressure fast for quick and easy log splitting. Low and high speeds are available to accommodate various types of wood for added versatility. The pump is operated by two handles and includes a pressure release valve and heavy-duty spring return for long lasting durability. For greater convenience, the splitter's handles store in the unit during transportation.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ya gotta be smarter than the machine...,
By
This review is from: Swisher 12258 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter (Lawn & Patio)
When I was shopping for a splitter, I compared the Swisher to offerings from other retailers (Sears, etc.) and no one could touch the final price I got from Amazon ($154 and change delivered). As is always the case with weighty items, the shipping charges were horrendous -- these splitters tip the scales at around a hundred pounds and everyone but Amazon wanted $60-80 shipping.
That being said, I'll describe what came in the box: the splitter, fully assembled, and a short but clear instruction manual, for those who've never operated a bottle jack. It's hard to see in the online pic, but this machine is equipped with a pair of wheels on the jack end; my splitter had apparently been dropped in handling and the plastic wheels were shattered, in pieces in the box. No great loss here though... The tiny wheels would be essentially useless unless you moved your splitter around on a concrete floor exclusively. Otherwise, materials, fit, and finish were just what we've learned to expect from China-made tools -- adequate, but hardly elegant. Essentially, this splitter is a short piece of steel H-beam with a splitting wedge welded on one end and a 10-ton bottle jack mounted on the other. The throat measures 18" as advertised; an 18 1/4" log will NOT fit! Pressure is applied by means of pumping, just as you would a bottle jack. There are two pumps, though. The "speed" pump has a larger piston than the "power" pump has. The instruction manual recommends a sort of "rowing" action using both pumps, but I found in practice that this doesn't work well. I just use the "speed" side to close the space between log and jack, then the "power" side to actually split the log. Does it work? You betcha! Mine has successfully split every single log I've put in it, and that includes some pretty tough stuff, like yellow locust. With some of the stringier, softer wood I've had to "finish" the split with a maul, but well-seasoned hardwood logs pop readily every time. Some of the pieces I've split were two feet or more across! Ten tons may sound wimpy compared to the gas-powered models (you know, those thousand-dollar splitters), but it knocks the socks off the $400 electric kind! The electrics definitely would NOT have split some of the stuff I've busted with the Swisher. Now, let's be realistic. This machine is NOT a professional-quality production log splitter. If you're smart enough to make a go of it in the firewood business, you're smart enough to invest the bucks in a good gasoline or diesel-powered splitter that's designed for the load. I've split a LOT of firewood with my manual Swisher over the past month, some of it VERY tough stuff! But I've been careful and patient, and I don't try to earn my living splitting firewood. I've read the gripes about not being able to split short logs. I'm still waiting to find the splitter that WILL do that. I've used "helper" blocks without a single failure. Sure, some lawyer wrote some words warning against it, but I recently read a sticker that advised me not to use my new toaster in the shower too. One thing you'll need plenty of, besides arm power -- TIME! This machine works well, but it does not work fast! If you're thinking of selling firewood for profit, you'll starve to death with this thing. But if you're just an average joe who burns wood for supplemental heat, I would recommend this splitter as an excellent value. This caveat: if you're going to be using this machine in cold temperatures, change the oil! Mine came with a rather heavy hydraulic oil that worked fine at room temperature but became too stiff and slow in winter conditions. Just drain the stuff and replace it with some 10W and all will be well.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dont Waste Your Money,
By
This review is from: Swisher 12258 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter (Lawn & Patio)
Swisher, Big Roc, and Northern Industrial all sell this same log splitter, which is made by some no-name company. Ours broke before one year or one cord was finished. The end of the bottle jack piston is welded to a yoke that is connected to two springs that pull the ram back into the jack, when you open the needle valve to let off the hydraulic pressure. Those three undersized welds broke, so now we push the ram in with our hands (NOT easy to do). The needle valve has also worn out, to the point where we have to use vise grips to tighten it enough to get (maybe) 5 of the 10 tons of pressure it is supposed to provide (so forget splitting any big or knotted logs). The seller says ship it back at our expense & they (Sportsmans) will refund the money (which is nice, but not the $51 shipping). Postage for us will run a minimum of $65, not including finding a box big & strong enough to pack this 100 pound lump of metal in and the hassle of lugging it to a UPS office (USPS max is 70 lbs). After athe refund and between the two shipping charges (assuming UPS store doesn't tack on extra fees like it *always* does), we got about 1/2 a cord of wood for $115 !!
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
It works, but.....,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Swisher 12258 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter (Lawn & Patio)
This product does split logs as advertised, but if that log is too short, like 12 13"? It wont reach the log to split it! No way to do it, unless you use a block or something like that and then you run the risk of it flying out and injuring you, or someone else! Also, like other ratings I have read concerning this product, the seals do leak some! I dont recommend storing it inside the house because of this fact!
When I was splitting my logs, sometimes it would not split one and the handle(s)would start to bend, so you have to back the ram off and reposition the log and try again! Sometimes up to 3 times to successfully split a larger ( or harder ? ) log. Also, the end plate on the ram, seems to be bending a tad (that with splitting maybe 25 logs!)Actually, when I started this review I gave this product 3 stars.....But, after writing this review and remembering the problems I had with it?.....That has now slipped to a 2.....And if I continue on, possibly a 1..... In fact, don't buy it, save your money up and buy an Electric DR Wood Splitter, like I should of!.....Learn from others mistakes and stupidity.....Damn!.....Another $200.00 bucks goin up like smoke.....POOF! And it's gone!.....Shoulda, woulda, coulda, did notda! STUPID !!!
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