Log splitters come in many varieties and many price ranges. It’s possible to get an inexpensive log splitter that meets your needs, but upgrading to something that’s more expensive can make your jobs easier. The Huskee Log Splitter is one of the most expensive options on the market so you might be wondering if it’s worth the added cost—most people think it is.
What do you need to know about the Huskee Log Splitter and is it worth the money?
Huskee offers a 22 ton log splitter that is hydraulic. If you’re comfortable working with something that has an engine and requires pull starting, you’ll be happy with this quality wood splitter. There are other models available, but most people who have tried the Huskee have found the 22 ton version is able to handle just about anything they throw at it.
What does this mean?
You probably don’t need anything greater than 22 tons unless you plan to be splitting on a commercial basis. The higher level models are more money so since you’re already looking at a decent chunk of change for the 22 ton model, you probably don’t need to spend any more.
The Huskee is going to allow you to do some of the manual work of log splitting without having to use an ax every time you need to chop wood. If your home’s firewood needs are greater than average, this is going to be quite a benefit.
There are a few important advantages to using the Huskee. For one, it’s able to split a lot of wood in a short period of time. In just a day, you’re able to get an amount of wood that would be similar to what it would take you weeks to chop by hand. There are two reasons for this: The splitter works efficiently and can cut through knotty, large pieces of wood quickly and it prevents you from tiring. One of the reasons most people aren’t able to get a great deal of wood at once is because using an axe to chop wood is exhausting. The Huskee takes the strenuous work out of splitting.
Huskee makes a quality machine that is capable of handling most wood splitting jobs. There are less expensive models on the market and there are models that are capable of handling more than this version of the Huskee. However, there are few that are at this sweet spot—this price for this capability. What are the basic specifications and what can you expect from the Huskee?
Huskee Log Splitter Specifications:
- 190 cc Briggs and Stratton engine
- 22 ton splitting force
- 13 second cycle time
- Auto return valve
- 2-stage 11 GPM pump
- DOT approved tires
- Hold logs up to 26 inches in length
Maintenance
As with all machinery, you’ll need to invest some time and money into upkeep for this model.
Check the fluids, take care of the body, and don’t leave it outside in the elements. You can work outdoors, but once you’re finished, bring the splitter back inside.
Pros of the Huskee
- It’s capable of splitting a wide range of logs, even those that are dense and knotty or gnarled.
- It’s able to split in both horizontal and vertical sections. Vertical splitting makes it possible to split heavy logs without lifting them onto the machine. This works great if someone is splitting who isn’t that strong or experienced.
- It features an auto return so, once the log is split, you can move it back up as you’re grabbing more wood.
- It’s family-friendly. Other people in your family will be able to split wood and help you with jobs.
- There are no start-up issues.
As far as price goes, it is more expensive than many electric or gas models on the market, but it isn’t that expensive when you compare splitters by reliability and capability. You’ll be spending about $$$$ on the Huskee 22 ton model and you’ll get your money’s worth.
Cons of the Huskee
Of course, the Huskee is not perfect.
- Some users reported the hydraulic fluid return hose gets punctured by the wood falling off the splitter. It’s easy to fix, which is definitely part of the machine’s ongoing maintenance. If it included a guard or sturdier hose this problem could be avoided.
- Some users also reported the engine rattled loose and screws were stripped. Again, an easy fix but expect that you’ll need to replace the larger screw eventually.
- If you’ll be towing the machine from one location to another, it’s going to bounce around. It’s light, which makes it easy to move, but it’s probably better loaded into a trailer than it is dragged behind a truck or tractor.
- Some users found that having no vertical locking pin allowed larger pieces of wood to slide off the splitter. This can be added but it would be independently and at an additional charge.
- Like most gas models, some people have had issues with starting the splitter.
- You’ll need to invest time and money to maintain the engine.
Most Huskee owners would recommend the splitter to others and do not regret their purchase, even though they invested a decent chunk of money. If you need a log splitter that can handle big jobs—if you’re heating your home with wood or you live on a property where you need to chop a lot of wood—it’s a must have.
Users of the Huskee range from people who just need to deal with wood on their property to people who heat their homes with wood to those who are preparing for scenarios where there might not be any access to electricity. Their goal is to have a reliable piece of machinery that can help them conserve energy and still be able to split a significant amount of wood.
If you fit into these categories or you want to feel confident you are investing in a quality piece of equipment—even if it means spending more than other models would cost—the Huskee is a great option.
