Customer Reviews

Troy-Bilt LS27 160cc Honda OHC/OHV Gas Powered 27-Ton Log Splitter

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I rent a log splitter every year and then HUSTLE to get all the wood split in two days. By the end of those two days, everybody is pretty sore and beat up. I finally decided to get my own so I can split wood at my own pace. This machine is well designed and easy to use. The Honda engine is quiet and started on the very first pull! I split some large oak and while it does slow down on the hard stuff, it doesn't stop. The ram and wedge seem very durable. I don't think this splitter is designed to run for several hours on end. For that kind of use, the next size splitter is probably better. But, who wants to split wood for several hours on end anyway? This is a great deal.

I researched as many log splitters as I could before deciding on the 27 ton Troy Bilt. I recommend it highly because:
The price was right - a quality US built machine with a reliable Honda engine and no tax and 10 dollar shipping.
Best size for me - I thought I might have wanted the 33 ton model, but after using it for several months the smaller one is plenty strong as I am splitting 16 to 20 inch long logs in diameters up to 2 feet!. It slows down a little bit on hardwood and twisted grains, but it ends up doing the job in the end.
Easy to move around - its small enough and light enough for me to move around easily and it hitches to my truck without problems. I like that it comes with tail lights. Others I compared did not have tail lights.
Good design - I rented a 30 ton machine before buying the Troy Bilt and I'm happier with the Troy Bilt for both upright and horizontal splitting.
US Made - I know I'll have fewer problems over time with this model as opposed to the cheaper Chinese models I considered.These Troy Bilts have been around for a while and they'll stay around!
Delivered to my door - having the splitter come straight to my door was great! It was delayed a little bit because the third party shipper didn't have my phone number, but I called them and arranged next day delivery. They left it on the curb and I assembled it there on the street and towed it around to my back yard. Very easy to assemble. The manual is clear to follow.
This is a great size for me who will split for myself, and two other family members. I've split enough in 15-20 hours to last me well into next burning season.
I'll use the splitter regularly without the hassle of going to the rental yard and paying 100 dollars a day to use.

I looked for a log splitter for about 4 months before deciding on this one, both new and used. I checked online, craigslist, and about 10 local stores -- recommend doing the same to find the best deal. One thing I discovered is that you need to take good care of your splitter, or you'll end up replacing the engine and/or the hydraulics. Pay attention to the service notes! Lots of splitters available on craigslist that hadn't been taken care of! For a very small investment, you can buy an hour meter and maintenance reminder from Sears -- do so, and you'll get better service from your splitter.

OK, on to the review. This is actually made by MTD for Troybilt, so it is very similar to the models sold at Home Depot and Ace Hardware. However, it has the 5.5HP Honda engine, which has a much better service record than the Briggs and Stratton. B&S also overrates their HP, so the 5.5HP Honda engine is more powerful than the 6.5HP B&S. The 27 ton hydraulic ram is much better made than the 25 ton version available for the same price at HD.

The splitter comes pre-assembled where I purchased it, including the hydraulic fluid and motor oil, so all I had to do was drive the truck over with a 2" ball, hook it up, and drive off. The unit is fairly heavy duty for homeowner use, but balanced good enough so that it is easy enough to roll around by hand. Got it home, filled it up with gas, and it started right up (2nd pull). Note: Very easy pull start -- I'm right handed and can pull start it with my left hand. Wife is small and had no problems starting it either. Nice, quiet engine -- quieter than my lawn mower.

The ram tilts for horizontal and vertical use: originally I thought I would mainly use it horizontally, but I used it to split some 36" diameter chunks, and there was no way I was going to lift those on to the splitter in the horizontal position, so vertical was a lifesaver in that respect.

The two stage pump is nice -- it rarely kicks in, but definitely does so when you hit a big knot, etc. Nothing seems to slow down the ram -- it just keeps going, and you barely hear the engine struggle, even on the big pieces.

I've split a couple of cords of wood with it, been through the first oil change, and must say that I'm very happy with the investment.

Good: More than enough power for average home owner, well built, easy start, quiet, easy to move around, horizontal and vertical operation, up to 25" long logs. Replacement parts easily available from MTD.

Bad: Fenders are plastic and won't stand up to much abuse. Hydraulic hoses don't have a protective metal sheathing. Ram cycle time is 19 seconds vs. 13 seconds on bigger units. Doesn't come standard with light kit (for towing). Only 1.1 qt gas tank, but then again, it runs for 2 hours on that. Oil change is a pain -- plug positioned so that it drains onto the base and gets everywhere. Change the oil outside!

Unit started on first pull and has done so every time since.I chose FREE shipping method of delivery. Only took 10 days. I was expecting to wait a month or better. I have split about 2 cords of wood so far, some hard wood but mostly pine. It has plenty of power for my needs. Even split a few tree rounds 40 inches in diameter with no trouble but that was (easy to split) pine.

I like others shopped around for about a month before buying this splitter. Every user that reviewed this splitter had good comments, and with a Honda engine how can you go wrong. I found the best deal at my local Lowe's store, especially with their 10% for opening a charge account, made the deal even better. Filled it with gas, double checked all the fluids and fired it up on the second pull, I think my 6 year old could probably start it. I am very impressed with its quiet engine and sturdy construction. I actually like the plastic fenders, dropped logs on both of them, I think if they were metal they probably would have bent, the plastic just flexed right back to normal. Did not notice any problem with the cycle time of the ram, I actually need a little time to get to the next log,, plenty of time for the ram to return. If you are looking for a log splitter don't hesitate on this one, its a winner.

UPDATE I purchased splitter on 3/13/07 and on 3/26/07 found a huge puddle of hydraulic fluid on the garage floor, leakage from the hydraulic pump. Took splitter in for repair on 4/3/07 and as of 5/14/07 it is still in the shop. Multiple calls to Troy-Bilt, on hold for hours, have not resolved the problem. After this experience I will NEVER buy another Troy-Bilt product, their customer service is pathetic. When this splitter works, its great, but if it breaks good luck getting it fixed!!!

This is the splitter to have for a home owner that heats their home with wood.

Other reviewers indicate that this 27 ton has plenty of power. I find it just barely strong enough, would not want any less power. It is adequate for green rounds, goes very slowly through some dry oak, madrone, douglas fir, etc. There will generally be a few pieces that I have to give up on. It has split up to 1 meter/yard diameter rounds in redwood and madrone and douglas fir. I've split of order 10 tons of wood on a borrowed 9HP 33 ton splitter and then about 50 tons of fire wood on this 5.5 HP 27 ton splitter over the past 3 years.

This 27 ton weighs much less than the 33 ton, so it is much easier to manually hitch to pickup on slight slope of my driveway. 27 ton costs much less and the 5.5HP lawn mower engine is is far quieter and easier to start, even grandma can start this. The slower cycle time of this 27 ton of about 13s slows jobs by about 10 percent compared to the faster 9s 33 ton 9HP cycle time (13s cycle time is for 16" logs, 19s cycle time for full stroke).

I purchased trhs splitter to split firewood for myself and my family members. After researching on the internet, checking out a couple at local dealers, and trying out a homemade splitter, I ended up with this one. The price of this brand name splitter compared well to unheard of brands. I really like the ability to use it in a verticle or horizontal position. The 27 ton capacity is more than adequare for the average user. I have split approximately 15 cords of wood cosisting of maple, black cherry, hickory, basswood, and pine. This machine handled it all with ease, even when splitting a crotch. The Honda engine starts great and is QUIET. I would have preferred that it had a larger fuel tank, but I can live with this. Also, if I were going to tow it long distances or very often, I would like to see larger tires on it. All in all, it is a compact, powerful, well built unit that can be stored easily. I would recommend this splitter.

I got this splitter and started using it the same day. After several hours of splitting, I have enough wood for the next winter. It is a great time / back saver. It does need 3.5 gal of hydraulic fluid, but you can pick that up at a NAPA or other automotive store. Honda engine is a dream. Start with one easy pull. It had no problem with 18" diameter maple. I assume it can do much more... but that was the strongest wood I had.

Recieved this spliter after almost 2 months. It works like a dream. It started on the first pull after filling with gas and oil. Buy this you will love it.

Stop looking for a log splitter! You have found a great deal on an AMERICAN MADE product in this splitter! I went to my local Troybilt dealter who wanted $1599.99 for the same splitter, and that price didn't event include tax or delivery. This log splitter is one heck of a deal. Do your homework and you'll see. It took only 6 weeks to arrive, which was 2 weeks less than estimated. The splitter started right up and has been running fine and performing well. Most Chinese made garbage is more money than this and will not perform the way this unit will. I am SO happy I decided to purchase from Amazon instead of locally. And with free shipping, you can't beat it. Try this splitter, you won't be sorry.