Swisher 12428 10 Ton Manual Deluxe Hydraulic Log Splitter

by Swisher

Product Features

• Hydraulic log splitter with an 18-inch log capacity and ram stroke of 8-3/8-inch
• The 2 speed pump builds to 10-tons of splitting pressure quickly
• Features a handy hitch for towing with lawn tractor or ATV at low speeds
• Low and high speeds accommodate various types of wood
• Includes 10-inch pneumatic tires, pressure release valve, and heavy-duty spring return

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 105 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000AMFFV2
• Item model number: 12428
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,805 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #21 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Mowers & Outdoor Power > Outdoor Power Tools > Log Splitters
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Swisher 10 Ton Manual Deluxe Hydraulic Log Splitter. 18-inch log capacity. Ram Stroke 8 3/8-inch. 2 speed pump builds to 10 tons of splitting pressure quickly. Handy hitch for towing with Lawn Tractor or ATV (low speeds). Low and High speeds accommodate various types of wood. 10-inch pneumatic tires. Pressure release valve. Heavy-duty spring return #12428.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have a fireplace...BUY IT!, December 28, 2005

By 

P. Roth (Rock Island, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swisher 12428 10 Ton Manual Deluxe Hydraulic Log Splitter (Lawn & Patio)

I didn't need a big expensive gas driven model for the small amount of wood that I use. I split hickory, and I need all 10 tons to split hickory, so any log splitter that is less then 10 tons is a useless toy. This little jewel is a delight to use. I no longer have to split wood with a sledgehammer and a wedge. Why everyone who has a fireplace does not buy one, I do not understand.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Worth the Money, September 17, 2007

By 

C. Beall "zincb" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swisher 12428 10 Ton Manual Deluxe Hydraulic 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. 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 will refund the money (which is nice, but not the $51 shipping). Postage for us will run about $65, not including finding a box strong enough to pack this 100 pound lump of metal in and the hassle of lugging it to a UPS office. Between the two shipping charges, we got about 1/2 a cord of wood for $115 !!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars imperfect, but not bad, December 28, 2007

By 

djangokeli (pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Swisher 12428 10 Ton Manual Deluxe Hydraulic Log Splitter (Lawn & Patio)

The good part: For a reasonable price, this unit will help you break down large logs for your fireplace or woodstove. It is essentially a hydraulic jack which pushes the wood into a metal wedge, by means of a couple levers which operate like a Nordic track machine. You get a bit of exercise, and the wood gets dealt with. It has two speeds: the left lever moves the jack faster, but becomes hard to push when you get a tough log. The right lever moves the jack slower, allowing you to apply more force with less effort. I've had this item for a couple months, and it has been very useful, but not perfect.
The bad part: This is NOT a precision instrument; there is a lot of free play in the levers, and the whole thing can use to be of a higher quality. The instructions hint at a screw for bleeding the hydraulic fluid, but mine has no such screw. A substantial part of each stroke produces no hydraulic effect, which I guess you could look at as a way of getting more exercise...:^)
With some logs, it's just not up to the task, and I've had to give up for fear of the thing busting a gut...a couple drops of hydraulic fluid leaked out once or twice. In a perfect world, the wedge would have a sharper edge, the jack would have less free play, and the whole thing would have been better. I'd have gladly paid an extra $50-75 for such an item, if only it existed. Instead, the next step up is a power tool at a substantially higher price...
In any event, this thing works pretty well for me, even if it ain't perfect.