Customer Reviews

YardMachines 24AF501B000 5 HP 20 Ton Vertical/Horizontal Log Splitter

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

 

 

I received my order a couple of days ago. It is not a giant machine but a small to nice sized one. When it arrived, being a guy I didn't read the instructions and it went together real easy. I just fired it up today and split one 10" oak log. It went through it very easy.

Some things I would mention are, it doesn't take 3.5 gallons of dexron III to fill it up. Mine took 4.5 gallons of fluid. Some of the attached brackets have to be totally removed and repositioned when you put the splitter together.

The engine started on the second pull and runs great. The first log I split was in the horizontal position. The wood sort of hangs up a bit and one of the halves tends to fall on the engine. I think I will split all others using the vertical postion.

Overall, nice, efficient, easy to move, will be a long time friend.

The 20-ton Yard Machine log splitter is everything we could have asked for AND MORE! It does takes 4.5 gallons to fill the tank upon receipt (3.5 gallons tank capacity - however the lines need to be filled as well!). But, the MOST impressive is the fact that it's been spitting 15-18" logs with EASE!

I just purchased this log splitter from a local hardware store but read the reviews here first. The unit on display had a 5 hp Tecumseh engine, however, the one I received had a 6 hp engine, NICE! See manufacturers site, they show 6 hp.
Yes, it does take an extra gallon to fill the system, but come on folks, that's no secret and shouldn't surprise anyone.
My test splits were made with 12- 16" diameter x 20" long ELM logs, which are notoriously hard to split. The ram started into them , then stopped, but the ram pressure was building...the two stage pump does not load down the engine like a single stage pump, so the rpm and engine load sounded even...suddenly the log went CRACK! and split. I tried other stringy Elm logs and no problem whatsoever. Green and Dry Oak and Maple splits without effort. The log racks on either side let you easily make several cuts from one log. You can beat this splitter for the price!
The eninge location is not the best for horizontal splitting, but with reasonable care, does not present a problem.
My spliiter came with a 2" ball, not the 1 7/8" in the description.
Only part that might ever wear out is the flexible pump coupler that is available on the MTD site for $39.95, but it may last for many years before it goes. I ordered one for my own personal stock, just in case.
Always read the instructions before you assemble or operate something like this. Be sure the hydraulic line runs ABOVE the trailer hitch.

I agree with the other review written about the amount of Hydraulic Fluid needed to get started. The instructions say that you need at least 1 gallon less. It works fine if you are splitting small pieces, but is not the splitter you want for any wood larger than 8 - 10 in around.

I've had mine for 5 years... and have split 100+ cords with this thing... everything from 4" logs
to 4' logs (they take some effort) but it gets through most everything ..

It's not the fastest.. .but I have no complaints... I'd buy it again... but am now thinking
maybe a 30+ ton would be better for me.. I split about 20 cords a year...