The wedge does not extend all the way for safety reasons, people were not taking hand off wood and getting fingerer broke or removed. Wood looks great and nice machine!
With the auto retract you tighten or loosen the center bolt which puts pressure on the spring to adjust how the lever works. The nut is just a jam nut to hold it in place.
Excellent! I did play with this the other day and got it working a little better. Another commenter left a link to a service bulletin on this from Champion and that helped a lot. Thanks for the comment. Take care!
Good work Mister. I agree, auto return may make it travel too far and waste time. Nice couple rows of split wood and GOOD LUCK with the rest of the rounds.
Hello Phil, I find it easier to move those Big rounds by first putting a big one down behind the truck, then roll another round up on top of the on that is on the ground. It saves your back. Then you only have to move the big one last, or leave it there and come back for more rounds. Also some times it is easier to remove the tail gate to get closer, Try it. I have this same splitter from Home Depot. The only thing I Do Not like the run out table is not big enough to catch some of the big pc, that you just split, they fall or you have to pick them up again. I have the same thing with the wedge also. I also have added an extra wing over the motor to protect the gas tank and motor. It is suppose to make it go back. Go on line and get a manual from Champion. When I got mine one of the hoses was put on back wards from Home Depot. The guy at Home Depot did not know what he was doing. You still need some adjustment on your return.
THANK YOU for that bit of info. these little things don't matter if you're not splitting for a season i'm sure, but when it's needed to split for a season or more worth of wood, it's a bigger deal. They can just make that completely hollow there and let all debris fall through instead of that little hole.
My wedge does not go the full travel. I think it is a safety thing to keep your fingers from being cut off. I keep everything clean as I am splitting. I put a spray a lube on it every time before I use it.
Hey Larry, I think there is suppose to be a small gap at the end of the wedge's travel, but it was at least 3/4" larger because of all of the debris build-up. I haven't done anything to lube this up. Will probably start keeping the whole slide oiled with waste oil since we tend to leave this outside.
We have a countyline with the same wedge track setup and it doesn't go all the way down either. I don't think its the debris holding it up. If it can split wood and can smash debris down to at least an inch haha
I bought a new 27 Ton Champion Splitter at Home Depot on 6/26. I used it for the first time on 7/18. I used it for about 4 hours and it started easily multiple times within that 4 hour period as I would shut it down after I filled a wheelbarrow and would stack the wood. I then started it easily again today 7/22 and split multiple logs and shut it down twice. On the third start it still started easily and after splitting 4 logs I moved the control arm back to return the wedge. It still had just under a 1/2 tank of gas left when it started to sputter a little as it returned to the full backward position and I shut it down. The fuel was in full open position and the throttle was in about the 3/4 position where it had been the entire time that I successfully split many logs. Even though it still had almost a half tank of gas I still refilled it and tried to restart it. The Starter cord was very hard to pull on unlike previous starts. Just for precaution I rechecked the oil level and hydraulic fuel level which were both fine. I left it alone to cool down since it was pretty hot on the top canister as well as the black hoses. After 1.5 hours I tried to pull the starter cord again and it was still very hard to pull and I could not get it to start. Has anyone had this problem or any suggestions of what could be wrong with it?
Assume you figured it out by now?…you did not have the lever in the “neutral” position so the hydraulic pump was engaged and causing back pressure…kinda like trying to start a car while in gear…
I have a different version of the champion 27 ton splitter.. mine takes 13 secs to cycle through.. to speed it up and utilize the auto return feature I put 6 to 8 inch chunk so it didn't have to travel that distance to start splitting.. still slow but saves 3 to 4 seconds per split..adds up quick!!..
Good idea. I might have to give that a shot too since I cut everything down to 16inches. Thanks for watching and taking a moment to leave the comment. Have a great day!
Add an additional metal piece to take up that space. Usually you can split wood before it gets to the end except for those twisted pieces of course. Love that popping and cracking of the wood when splitting. As for auto return it is good but a lot of time it returns it to far and you don't need that extra return to split in my opinion
Hi Dan! Thanks for the comment. I think you're right that sometimes the auto-return can slow the workflow. The gap at the end of the splitter's is bigger in the video because of debris buildup. If there was a plate, it would just build up more and create a new gap. Because the splitter wedge slides in a notch, it seems to always get filled with debris at the end
Many splitters have their beam flush completely across and the wedge rides on top secured by two guides per side sandwiching it over the rails on each side off the top of the I beam. Yours, the wedge rides between two rails running the length which creates a pocket to capture the debre. Thus, the issue is due to the design. You can better understand this by looking at videos from other manufactures.
Mr Wilensky. I noticed that too. I've been binge watching fire wood processing machines for a few weeks now and you're correct. The only way to solve this is maybe to weld a piece of plate wider than the beam (say one inch either side) and modify the wedge mounting so the wedge mounting runs flat on the beam and not in a trough. All in all it looks a good machine. Take care Mr Wilensky and woods tree farm.
I have the 34 ton just like that 1 almost identical, I run it full throttle all the time, I don’t have any problems except I don’t like how they stand up, my old 1 seemed sturdier how it stood up, but it’s much better in every other way, good video
If you are building a log splitter, one way to add a return function that i haven't seen done, other than in other uses such as power steering, is to turn the hydraulic ram around so that the chrome end is fixed to the bed and the cylinder moves in and out. then you mount the valve on the cylinder, and fit a spring to the valve to retract it. then you can weld an endstop to push the valve to neutral when fully retracted. this requires removing all the original position hold springs from the valve.
Great! Thanks for watching. I just put a 30 minute speed test on my other channel. I was surprised how much I got done in 30 mins. ua-cam.com/video/nzWgdc4tWqw/v-deo.html
Spring load for auto-return looked like it may be gunked up. Could have gummed up the shuttle spool valve. Suggest a breakdown and cleaning of the spool shuttle and housing. Also, check the quality of the oil filter and hydraulic fluid. The oil filter has a bypass valve built in to keep blowing up a clogged oil filter.
Thanks for the info. Ive since upgraded to a commercial splitter and now share all the firewood stuff on my other channel, Flat Creek Outdoors. Before I sold my champion I replaced hyd oil and filter and replaced the control valve and it worked good as new 👍
You probably got a log splitter by now but I have the champion 34 ton and man have I cut alot of wood over the past few years and this thing has been able to keep up. I split in all seasons and it works and runs great. I see they changed up some things on the newer models but I am very happy with mine.
I bought a brand new Champion 27 ton wood splitter like yours. Had it for 3 seasons now. I split about 10 cords of wood with it so far. In a week or so I will need to split about 5 to 6 cords. In all of this time, my splitter has never extended all the way as you suggest it should. There is always a good 2"+ space when fully extended. I figure this is for safety purposes. Nonetheless, all of my wood split fine this way. Most woods completely have split before I'm half way through (I cut 15" in length). Only some other wood which is very "fibery" need to be fully extended to split. At times a tiny bit of force to finish the splitting job, but rare. Sorry, not good with types of woods (actual names).
Maintenance clean filter keep ram's clean it stops full travel so u don't cut off ur fingers unfortunately most people don't cover them up just leave it out in the weather rust takes a toll on everything
I noticed that your machine has hose clamps on the hydraulic hoses. I purchased mine at Home Depot and this is how I also received it. The clamps failed on two occasions and the hoses spewed hydraulic fluid for several feet. If anyone had been in front of the hose area, they would have been covered by the heated fluid. I contacted Champion and they sent the proper hoses that are shown in the user manual. The hoses are meant to be threaded onto the nipple, the hose clamps are not sufficient after the fluid heats up. Take a look at the user manual and you will see.
You’re absolutely correct. Hose clamps are fine before the pump but not between the pump, valve and cylinder. That’s crazy that they would even let those make it to retail like that.
haha yeah those hose clamps are not meant for hydro systems. even one the return lines low pressure side they make much heavier duty clamps for hydraulics.
Hey, just purchased myself a new champion 27 ton Splitter from Home Depot. Apparently champion pays attention to what is happening on UA-cam. And take your comments seriously. The hydraulic to coming off the filter is no longer a clip. it is now a standard connection. One thing I would still like to see them do is put some type of cover over the old filter. Other than that I’ve had it for three months I’ve split over eight cords of wood couldn’t be heavy.
The detent needs adjusted on the spool valve its under a big jam nut an there will bee a good size Allen Bolt tighten it in a little bit an re try for the re turn for the cylinder. An adjust as needed.
Hey Phil, log splitter seems to work fine, I have a hydraulic splitter and my wedge doesn’t extend all the way either. Doesn’t need to. The levers should lock in extend and retract. A little working with it, it should work fine. Looks to be in good condition.
the lever should not lock on forward, only in retraction. this is for safety. also a wood splitter should go all the way to end, however in this case its a design flaw and there is no real fix.
Good Video. I am glad I saw how the splitter works before I bought one. I decided to buy another brand because of how the wedge travels in the track groove. The Boss doesn't have the track groove you described in the video so I got one of those. Other than that they look like they work similarly. Thanks for the Video. BTW I bought a scratch and Dent from the manufacturer and saved about $400.00 including shipping. $1100 instead of $1500.
sounds good. that track was about the only thing I really disliked about this splitter. I've since moved up to a commercial unit, but for homeowner or hobby firewood seller, I'd recommend the champion again. It was reliable.
Blade is not supposed to go all the way down to the bottom. My Champion does not go all the way down, the lever on mine does not return without me pulling it up. Never has and I bought it new from HD
i hated all the store bought splitters so i built my own. i even built a hydraulic lift on it that serves two functions, one as a place to load several logs, and two as a lift for the big logs that are really heavy, the lift can easily handle 300 hundred pounds of wood before the splitter will start to tip over haha. i put an 11 gpm two stage pump and it and it is a beast. ive never not been able to split a piece of wood. the splitter ram is off a bucket of a backhoe, and the lift cylinder is just a small one i bought at my local industrial supply store. everything is designed around a 10 inch i beam. if you have a splitter you need to build a lift for it. It should be noted i live in canada, and split some seriously nasty hard wood, i buck my logs at 24 inches as well sinve i have an outdoor furnace, and i cut and split 20 cords a season. Great video, i think im gonna make one and put in on youtube to show everyone my fancy splitter hahaha.
THE DEBRE WON,T STOP A 27 TON RAM, MAYBE A HUNK OF STEEL, I USE A SMALL HAND AX TO SEPERATE THE SPLIT PIECE OF WOOD (STRINGY PARTS ) AND ALWAYS ONE HAND ON THE LEVER AND OTHER BY MY SIDE BEFORE INGAGEMENT .!!
Can't help with the auto return, mine just works (similar, but different brand). For those large rounds have you tipped the beam up? Easier on the back to roll than lift. Split quite a bit today, started horizontally for the smaller stuff, then tipped the beam vertically, will probably never go back to horizontal.
I have had the splitter vertical plenty of times with rounds this size and larger. These rounds certainly were at the upper limit of what I'd want to pick up that's for sure! Thank for watching!
My Champion auto returns with one push of handle and then the handle pops back out once the wedge has reached all the way back ready for next cycle. I would take it to a hydraulic company they can test and repair it if needed.
Thanks for the video. I have the same splitter. One question, when was the last time you changed hydraulic fluid? I know you bought it used, but the manual calls for changing the fluid after the first 50 hours and 100 hours after that.
Don't believe the hyd fluid has ever been changed. I had a hose pop off and was forced to refil about 2.5 gallons, but I didn't do a full fluid change. I have more vids of the splitter in action on my other channel. ua-cam.com/video/9vgbtsaLli4/v-deo.html
It never worked like it was suppose to and I've always had to hold it back. I was able to adjust the detent and now it will retract, but it won't pop back to neutral when it gets to the end of the stroke. Champion support says I probably need a new control valve.
Just wanted to let you know we have a 34 Ton Champion log splitter and only used it twice. It threw a log back at me and hit my hand and broke two bones into.. I am still having problems from this injury.
I have learned to always keeping a hand between me and the wood for that very reason. I had a log explode apart and launch half of itself 8' and bounce off my shop wall.
I can hear the crack and pop sound.Mine was just flat it did not have that channel.I just ran mine at full throttle never han any problems after 3 years of hard splitting.
How's she goin'? Champion make some good gear, but the motors are loud my nature. What you were playing with there is the pressure relief valve. That is used to adjust the auto off for the valve. It may not state in the manual how to make an adjustment since the manufacturer doesn't want the consumer messing with the pressure relief. But you should be able to get it adjusted so that the lever pops back to the neutral/off position on its own. Nice looking spot and this time of year it must look pretty nice with all the colors eh!! Take care!!
Thanks Grampie! You're exactly right. Another commenter left a link to a service bulletin from Champion with how to adjust it, which is great because its not in the manual. I tinkered with it some more and got it working pretty good. We're not quite at peak color yet, but will be within the next week or so. I'll take some drone video and share it then. Thanks for watching!
Phil please take this as non critical cause you know what you’re needing to do but it really seems like you are spending a lot of your profit on you planting and maintenance of you trees. All we do here is pot plant, mow, shear and color our trees. BTW we do flocking which is a large part of our business and a huge profit producer.
Interesting perspective. Based on your observations, in what areas do you think I'm overspending? Also, can you elaborate on what you mean by pot plant? Thanks!
@@WoodsTreeFarm we plant seedlings in the 1 gallon plastic buckets. Mark rows off with stretched string and use the orange ground paint on 8 ft centers lining up in both directions. I have an 8inch auger on tractor and just go down row digging about a 10 inch hole. Once holes are dug on a row we throw about a half handful of good fertilizer in bottom of hole, put in about 3 inches of surrounding dirt and with tank on on gator wet the bottom of the hole and put seedling in and tap around with hand pressure. Seedlings average about 15 to18”. We do not use herbicide but simply mow in both directions. Shear with a SAJE every year after about the third year. And by the way we thoroughly wet the seedlings in the buckets. If you do continue to use the bare root I would highly recommend getting them out of the boxes in a cool shaded place and keeping them wet down till planting time. Good luck.
That rail is the worst part of this splitter design. If I was to follow directions, I'd have to clean the rail every few pieces of wood. I've since gotten rid of this one and got a commercial splitter. Ear plugs are always in. I wear over the ear protection when it gets cold.
Well number one you're splitting wood by yourself if you were splitting with another person the other person could remove the debris in that channel and it wouldn't get hung up there just my opinion I love mine I have the same unit
It does the job while last….than if you call customer service it will take over 90 minutes for someone to answer the phone at Champion Customer service….it doesn’t mean you will get the right person for your needs….just someone with or without knowledge. I won’t recommend any of their products due to the low quality parts and bad customer support in case of emergency. Before you buy anything from them,try to call them for information or some instructions in their products and see what further is ahead for you 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Sorry to hear you've had trouble. Sounds like you've got an ax to grind! Ha! I only had to call once and got what I needed. When I sold my splitter, I replaced the control valve and that was the only part I had to order.
@@WoodsTreeFarm Lucky you….I called 4 times within the last 30 days and each time was well 90 minutes waiting for someone to answer the phone . The control valve they sent to me was wrong the first time and second time was used,loaded with oil and rusted. Try to call them this time and see what the message will be….
I have the same one, I don't like the same thing that wood pc. gets caught at the bottom , table wings could be bigger to catch more of the big splits, don't like oil filter up in the air the way it is, I think I'm going to change it around. Also I'm looking to cover the engine because I have had pc. of wood fall and dent the gas tank. Yours sounds very loud. I would check with Champion.
Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I'm about to release a new vid on my new channel Flat Creek Outdoors. I'll be fixing up my splitter and looking for an upgrade here real soon. ua-cam.com/channels/Pmos-Vu8QFlp3lXkQ38hfQ.html
I've split a couple hundred cords with my Champin 27 ton unit. The major problem I'm having is the auto return/detent has not been disengaging when it returns automatically so it lugs until the lever is engaged by hand. It overheats and then conks out. Will eyeball the valve to see if there is any way to adjust.
@@WoodsTreeFarm I'll check on ebay which often has good units for less. There was no way to adjust it, ie the spring which allows the auto return to be in the right position? Do you post on the Tree Buzz forum or the OPE forum?
@@WoodsTreeFarm Thanks; mine really failed today, the control valve wand was engaged, it was not moving then shot out two feet suddenly and now will not work. Champion said they are on back order for my 27 ton unit, 4-6 weeks. Are there any other sources??
the ram is not suppose to go all the way to the block, that would damage the wedge, or splitter, or possibly a body part. watch other splitters and they all do the same. watch a wolf ridge splitter
Why, you know someone? haha! The thought has crossed my mind, but I got 25 acres of woods and plenty of trees I want to take down. I know bringing in logs would be less work though, so I'm definitely not opposed to it.
That was my thoughts. To save you half the time in the processing of it and an abundance of logs and brush in which to make your own mulch and firewood and not run out as you did this season. I didn't realize you had 25 acres. Awesome. Just trying to save you some time with other ideas. Hope it helps in the processing of it. By the way I envy your dreams and hope you very good success in those dreams.
Has it has a lot of use? If no, I'd contact champion about a possible defect. You could also take it a hydraulic shop, or a heavy equipment repair shop to see if they can service the cylinder and repair the seals
I haven't found one person online that knows how to efficiently use a wedge on ram spliter, everyone carves a piece at a time no one realizes how to tare up a round
No. its never worked right. I think I might just need a new control valve. They're about $175 for exact replacement from Champion, or I could probably switch to a Prince valve for a little less, but that might require adjustments to fittings and hoses. I've recently upgraded to a Wolfe Ridge splitter, so this one is going up for sale. I purchased it used, and used it for 2 years. It has served me well. Thanks for watching.
There is no throttle for the splitter. One speed. I think ur closing the choke which slows it.... i was trying to figure out how to lower the throttle to save gas consumption.
Sub 10 sec for a hydraulic splitter is better then average. I'd say 13 to 15 sec is about the average. I have an older mtd that was original with a flat head Briggs and it ran at about 3,200rpm, replaced it with a redneck Honda and went from 16 to 14 seconds as it runs at 3,600 but is definitely more thirsty.. It's a 11gpm pump I'd gain mabe another 2~ seconds if I went to a 13 gpm pump. I think the diameter of my cylinder is 0.5" bigger thus the slower speed. . I'm gessing you all ready have a 3,600rpm engine and 13gpm pump. Thus the above average speed. . Without upgrading from a 3/4" to 1" engine shaft your basically at the limit of the 3/4" shaft engines. Based on my research. But you could possibly use a love-joy with a output size of 1" and go to a 16gpm pump but the life of the engine is going to be shortened running it near its max hp ability. 0.01c
The table on your machine is a poor design, my splitter has it's own problems. However, the table is flat, so the bark falls of the edges. I do not have a problem with jamming.
I have a 22ton Huskee,with a identical wedge, it don't go all the way down either, I'd say it's not supposed to! Heck of allot easier than the way I done it when I was young,maul and splitting wedges lol
YOUR HANDS ARE TO CLOSE TO THE WEDGE OPERATION, LOTS OF LIFTING,....I USE MY MTD AT A VERTICAL POSITION, SAFER AND LESS LIFTING, I CAN ROLL OVER 4/5 HUNDRED POUND PIECES TO SPLIT....BE SAFE MATE !!!
Why in the world would you lift those back breaking rounds when that splitter will go vertical? Save your back! Also, they dont make a splitter with a piston that travels all the way to the bottom plate.
I didn't do a good job at showing the bottom plate issue. When the tracks get plugged up with debris it'll stop 2+ inches short rather than going to about 3/4" as designed. I don't understand why people work hunched over on the ground with these splitters in vertical mode when they could work in a comfortable standing position. Haha. To each his own. If I can't pick it up I'll break it into manageable pieces in vertical move.
Has anyone had their log splitter wedge stop moving? It's like the power from the engine doesn't get transferred to the hydraulic lines or piston / cylinder. I see air in the hydraulic lines. Is that the problem? Or maybe I need to adjust the return pressure nut?
The truth is the splitter is designed to not travel the full length read the manual the full travel is 1 and 7/8th from the stop also really how much trouble is it to clean that area from time to time quit being so picky for god's sake, does it work, yes, does it split wood, yes then it is doing what it was designed to do.
No one seems to have helped with your recording noise issue. Get a remote mic and wear it close to you mouth and have its gain set fairly low. You camera and its mic are right by the engine! Champion has two youtubes on how to set the return and such.
False. The engine has really impressed me. I've got dozens and dozen of hours on it this year and no issues except when I forget to cover it in a heavy rain, I need to drain water from the carb.
The wedge does not extend all the way for safety reasons, people were not taking hand off wood and getting fingerer broke or removed. Wood looks great and nice machine!
Thanks for watching and your support! ☕BUY ME A COFFEE ☕ www.buymeacoffee.com/woodstreefarm
With the auto retract you tighten or loosen the center bolt which puts pressure on the spring to adjust how the lever works. The nut is just a jam nut to hold it in place.
Excellent! I did play with this the other day and got it working a little better. Another commenter left a link to a service bulletin on this from Champion and that helped a lot. Thanks for the comment. Take care!
Good work Mister. I agree, auto return may make it travel too far and waste time.
Nice couple rows of split wood and GOOD LUCK with the rest of the rounds.
Thanks!
Hello Phil, I find it easier to move those Big rounds by first putting a big one down behind the truck, then roll another round up on top of the on that is on the ground. It saves your back. Then you only have to move the big one last, or leave it there and come back for more rounds. Also some times it is easier to remove the tail gate to get closer, Try it. I have this same splitter from Home Depot. The only thing I Do Not like the run out table is not big enough to catch some of the big pc, that you just split, they fall or you have to pick them up again. I have the same thing with the wedge also. I also have added an extra wing over the motor to protect the gas tank and motor. It is suppose to make it go back. Go on line and get a manual from Champion. When I got mine one of the hoses was put on back wards from Home Depot. The guy at Home Depot did not know what he was doing. You still need some adjustment on your return.
www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100424-27-ton-log-splitter/
try this web site for Champion and see support.
Excellent! Thanks for the tips and feedback. Will give it a shot.
THANK YOU for that bit of info. these little things don't matter if you're not splitting for a season i'm sure, but when it's needed to split for a season or more worth of wood, it's a bigger deal. They can just make that completely hollow there and let all debris fall through instead of that little hole.
My wedge does not go the full travel. I think it is a safety thing to keep your fingers from being cut off.
I keep everything clean as I am splitting.
I put a spray a lube on it every time before I use it.
Hey Larry, I think there is suppose to be a small gap at the end of the wedge's travel, but it was at least 3/4" larger because of all of the debris build-up. I haven't done anything to lube this up. Will probably start keeping the whole slide oiled with waste oil since we tend to leave this outside.
We have a countyline with the same wedge track setup and it doesn't go all the way down either. I don't think its the debris holding it up. If it can split wood and can smash debris down to at least an inch haha
I bought a new 27 Ton Champion Splitter at Home Depot on 6/26. I used it for the first time on 7/18. I used it for about 4 hours and it started easily multiple times within that 4 hour period as I would shut it down after I filled a wheelbarrow and would stack the wood. I then started it easily again today 7/22 and split multiple logs and shut it down twice. On the third start it still started easily and after splitting 4 logs I moved the control arm back to return the wedge. It still had just under a 1/2 tank of gas left when it started to sputter a little as it returned to the full backward position and I shut it down. The fuel was in full open position and the throttle was in about the 3/4 position where it had been the entire time that I successfully split many logs. Even though it still had almost a half tank of gas I still refilled it and tried to restart it. The Starter cord was very hard to pull on unlike previous starts. Just for precaution I rechecked the oil level and hydraulic fuel level which were both fine. I left it alone to cool down since it was pretty hot on the top canister as well as the black hoses. After 1.5 hours I tried to pull the starter cord again and it was still very hard to pull and I could not get it to start. Has anyone had this problem or any suggestions of what could be wrong with it?
Sounds like it filled the cylinder with fuel, partially hydro locking.
Assume you figured it out by now?…you did not have the lever in the “neutral” position so the hydraulic pump was engaged and causing back pressure…kinda like trying to start a car while in gear…
You really do have a beautiful property. I can’t wait to see the farm with those trees are full grown
Thank you! The property has really come a long way in the past 2 years. We can't wait to see full-size trees either!
I have a different version of the champion 27 ton splitter.. mine takes 13 secs to cycle through.. to speed it up and utilize the auto return feature I put 6 to 8 inch chunk so it didn't have to travel that distance to start splitting.. still slow but saves 3 to 4 seconds per split..adds up quick!!..
Good idea. I might have to give that a shot too since I cut everything down to 16inches. Thanks for watching and taking a moment to leave the comment. Have a great day!
Add an additional metal piece to take up that space. Usually you can split wood before it gets to the end except for those twisted pieces of course. Love that popping and cracking of the wood when splitting. As for auto return it is good but a lot of time it returns it to far and you don't need that extra return to split in my opinion
Hi Dan! Thanks for the comment. I think you're right that sometimes the auto-return can slow the workflow. The gap at the end of the splitter's is bigger in the video because of debris buildup. If there was a plate, it would just build up more and create a new gap. Because the splitter wedge slides in a notch, it seems to always get filled with debris at the end
Many splitters have their beam flush completely across and the wedge rides on top secured by two guides per side sandwiching it over the rails on each side off the top of the I beam. Yours, the wedge rides between two rails running the length which creates a pocket to capture the debre. Thus, the issue is due to the design. You can better understand this by looking at videos from other manufactures.
Thanks for the info! I've had similar observations
Mr Wilensky. I noticed that too. I've been binge watching fire wood processing machines for a few weeks now and you're correct. The only way to solve this is maybe to weld a piece of plate wider than the beam (say one inch either side) and modify the wedge mounting so the wedge mounting runs flat on the beam and not in a trough. All in all it looks a good machine. Take care Mr Wilensky and woods tree farm.
Nice that you could getting it returning. 👍
Its great when things work as they should. haha! Thanks for watching!
I just bought this brand new at HD and the newer ones don't have throttle control. Awesome splitter though. Thanks for the video.
that's interesting. thanks for sharing
I have the 34 ton just like that 1 almost identical, I run it full throttle all the time, I don’t have any problems except I don’t like how they stand up, my old 1 seemed sturdier how it stood up, but it’s much better in every other way, good video
If you are building a log splitter, one way to add a return function that i haven't seen done, other than in other uses such as power steering, is to turn the hydraulic ram around so that the chrome end is fixed to the bed and the cylinder moves in and out. then you mount the valve on the cylinder, and fit a spring to the valve to retract it. then you can weld an endstop to push the valve to neutral when fully retracted. this requires removing all the original position hold springs from the valve.
That is your detent valve. Once loosened tighten 1/4 to 1/2 turn. See if that works.
This valve was toast. I replace the valve with a new one from Champion before I sold the splitter. 2 years ago I bought a commercial log splitter
Great video wanted to see what I'm getting before buying at Home Depot. Thanks to all the tips commented so I know how to adjust of needed.
Great! Thanks for watching. I just put a 30 minute speed test on my other channel. I was surprised how much I got done in 30 mins. ua-cam.com/video/nzWgdc4tWqw/v-deo.html
Spring load for auto-return looked like it may be gunked up. Could have gummed up the shuttle spool valve. Suggest a breakdown and cleaning of the spool shuttle and housing.
Also, check the quality of the oil filter and hydraulic fluid. The oil filter has a bypass valve built in to keep blowing up a clogged oil filter.
Thanks for the info. Ive since upgraded to a commercial splitter and now share all the firewood stuff on my other channel, Flat Creek Outdoors. Before I sold my champion I replaced hyd oil and filter and replaced the control valve and it worked good as new 👍
I heard the crack!
Very helpful video as I’m currently in the market for a log splitter and doing my research now
Great to hear!
You probably got a log splitter by now but I have the champion 34 ton and man have I cut alot of wood over the past few years and this thing has been able to keep up. I split in all seasons and it works and runs great. I see they changed up some things on the newer models but I am very happy with mine.
I bought a brand new Champion 27 ton wood splitter like yours.
Had it for 3 seasons now. I split about 10 cords of wood with it so far. In a week or so I will need to split about 5 to 6 cords.
In all of this time, my splitter has never extended all the way as you suggest it should. There is always a good 2"+ space when fully extended. I figure this is for safety purposes. Nonetheless, all of my wood split fine this way.
Most woods completely have split before I'm half way through (I cut 15" in length). Only some other wood which is very "fibery" need to be fully extended to split. At times a tiny bit of force to finish the splitting job, but rare. Sorry, not good with types of woods (actual names).
Maintenance clean filter keep ram's clean it stops full travel so u don't cut off ur fingers unfortunately most people don't cover them up just leave it out in the weather rust takes a toll on everything
I noticed that your machine has hose clamps on the hydraulic hoses. I purchased mine at Home Depot and this is how I also received it. The clamps failed on two occasions and the hoses spewed hydraulic fluid for several feet. If anyone had been in front of the hose area, they would have been covered by the heated fluid. I contacted Champion and they sent the proper hoses that are shown in the user manual. The hoses are meant to be threaded onto the nipple, the hose clamps are not sufficient after the fluid heats up. Take a look at the user manual and you will see.
You’re absolutely correct. Hose clamps are fine before the pump but not between the pump, valve and cylinder. That’s crazy that they would even let those make it to retail like that.
haha yeah those hose clamps are not meant for hydro systems. even one the return lines low pressure side they make much heavier duty clamps for hydraulics.
Champion took care of me on that hose also.
The whole beginning of this video was very reminiscent of Fred Penners place
Thanks for a good video. I am looking at getting the same splitter. Lots of wood to split.
I bought a 27 ton champion log splitter and I think it works great
From Lowe’s?
Got one yesterday
@@ObviouslyDan5 I got mine from home depot
If you hold your log close and read the grain and cut outer edge you can get several flat book style layer and it's much easier to handle and stack..
Hey, just purchased myself a new champion 27 ton Splitter from Home Depot. Apparently champion pays attention to what is happening on UA-cam. And take your comments seriously. The hydraulic to coming off the filter is no longer a clip. it is now a standard connection. One thing I would still like to see them do is put some type of cover over the old filter. Other than that I’ve had it for three months I’ve split over eight cords of wood couldn’t be heavy.
The detent needs adjusted on the spool valve its under a big jam nut an there will bee a good size Allen Bolt tighten it in a little bit an re try for the re turn for the cylinder. An adjust as needed.
Gotcha. Thanks!
Hey Phil, log splitter seems to work fine, I have a hydraulic splitter and my wedge doesn’t extend all the way either. Doesn’t need to. The levers should lock in extend and retract. A little working with it, it should work fine. Looks to be in good condition.
the lever should not lock on forward, only in retraction. this is for safety. also a wood splitter should go all the way to end, however in this case its a design flaw and there is no real fix.
Good Video. I am glad I saw how the splitter works before I bought one. I decided to buy another brand because of how the wedge travels in the track groove. The Boss doesn't have the track groove you described in the video so I got one of those. Other than that they look like they work similarly. Thanks for the Video. BTW I bought a scratch and Dent from the manufacturer and saved about $400.00 including shipping. $1100 instead of $1500.
sounds good. that track was about the only thing I really disliked about this splitter. I've since moved up to a commercial unit, but for homeowner or hobby firewood seller, I'd recommend the champion again. It was reliable.
I just bought one and it works on full speed bout not slower. The pressure override the spring.
Blade is not supposed to go all the way down to the bottom. My Champion does not go all the way down, the lever on mine does not return without me pulling it up. Never has and I bought it new from HD
i hated all the store bought splitters so i built my own. i even built a hydraulic lift on it that serves two functions, one as a place to load several logs, and two as a lift for the big logs that are really heavy, the lift can easily handle 300 hundred pounds of wood before the splitter will start to tip over haha.
i put an 11 gpm two stage pump and it and it is a beast. ive never not been able to split a piece of wood. the splitter ram is off a bucket of a backhoe, and the lift cylinder is just a small one i bought at my local industrial supply store. everything is designed around a 10 inch i beam. if you have a splitter you need to build a lift for it.
It should be noted i live in canada, and split some seriously nasty hard wood, i buck my logs at 24 inches as well sinve i have an outdoor furnace, and i cut and split 20 cords a season. Great video, i think im gonna make one and put in on youtube to show everyone my fancy splitter hahaha.
I'd like to see that. Thanks for watching!
THE DEBRE WON,T STOP A 27 TON RAM, MAYBE A HUNK OF STEEL, I USE A SMALL HAND AX TO SEPERATE THE SPLIT PIECE OF WOOD (STRINGY PARTS ) AND ALWAYS ONE HAND ON THE LEVER AND OTHER BY MY SIDE BEFORE INGAGEMENT .!!
Can't help with the auto return, mine just works (similar, but different brand). For those large rounds have you tipped the beam up? Easier on the back to roll than lift. Split quite a bit today, started horizontally for the smaller stuff, then tipped the beam vertically, will probably never go back to horizontal.
I have had the splitter vertical plenty of times with rounds this size and larger. These rounds certainly were at the upper limit of what I'd want to pick up that's for sure! Thank for watching!
I think it needed run full throttle to pop off probably just needs a good cleaning 👍
Hey David! I ended up making adjustments to spring pressure and that helped.
iv noticed most Canadian reviews have the half beam. its a great unit. iv had mine for a couple months now.
My Champion auto returns with one push of handle and then the handle pops back out once the wedge has reached all the way back ready for next cycle. I would take it to a hydraulic company they can test and repair it if needed.
right. Mine definitely wasn't working properly. I replaced the control valve before I sold the splitter.
Great video, and informative as well! Thank You!
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it!
I pulled a back muscle the other day lifting a round as big as the ones he’s lifting. You need to be careful. Out of commission for ten days.😢
It may have that space at the end of the stroke to allow for a four way wedge.
Champion doesn't have a 4 way for that splitter. Just tried to get one recently.
Thanks for the video. I have the same splitter. One question, when was the last time you changed hydraulic fluid? I know you bought it used, but the manual calls for changing the fluid after the first 50 hours and 100 hours after that.
Don't believe the hyd fluid has ever been changed. I had a hose pop off and was forced to refil about 2.5 gallons, but I didn't do a full fluid change. I have more vids of the splitter in action on my other channel. ua-cam.com/video/9vgbtsaLli4/v-deo.html
Do not "escort" the lever back in. Instead, just give it a tap strong enough to let it spring back
It never worked like it was suppose to and I've always had to hold it back. I was able to adjust the detent and now it will retract, but it won't pop back to neutral when it gets to the end of the stroke. Champion support says I probably need a new control valve.
Just wanted to let you know we have a 34 Ton Champion log splitter and only used it twice. It threw a log back at me and hit my hand and broke two bones into.. I am still having problems from this injury.
sorry to hear that. hope you're able to recover.
I have learned to always keeping a hand between me and the wood for that very reason. I had a log explode apart and launch half of itself 8' and bounce off my shop wall.
I can hear the crack and pop sound.Mine was just flat it did not have that channel.I just ran mine at full throttle never han any problems after 3 years of hard splitting.
It seems 3/4 throttle is kind of the sweet spot. Its not too loud and its fast enough. Thanks for watching Russell!
@@WoodsTreeFarm I guess what ever works stick with it, Great content Phil
How's she goin'? Champion make some good gear, but the motors are loud my nature. What you were playing with there is the pressure relief valve. That is used to adjust the auto off for the valve. It may not state in the manual how to make an adjustment since the manufacturer doesn't want the consumer messing with the pressure relief. But you should be able to get it adjusted so that the lever pops back to the neutral/off position on its own. Nice looking spot and this time of year it must look pretty nice with all the colors eh!! Take care!!
Thanks Grampie! You're exactly right. Another commenter left a link to a service bulletin from Champion with how to adjust it, which is great because its not in the manual. I tinkered with it some more and got it working pretty good. We're not quite at peak color yet, but will be within the next week or so. I'll take some drone video and share it then. Thanks for watching!
Phil please take this as non critical cause you know what you’re needing to do but it really seems like you are spending a lot of your profit on you planting and maintenance of you trees. All we do here is pot plant, mow, shear and color our trees. BTW we do flocking which is a large part of our business and a huge profit producer.
Interesting perspective. Based on your observations, in what areas do you think I'm overspending? Also, can you elaborate on what you mean by pot plant? Thanks!
@@WoodsTreeFarm we plant seedlings in the 1 gallon plastic buckets. Mark rows off with stretched string and use the orange ground paint on 8 ft centers lining up in both directions. I have an 8inch auger on tractor and just go down row digging about a 10 inch hole. Once holes are dug on a row we throw about a half handful of good fertilizer in bottom of hole, put in about 3 inches of surrounding dirt and with tank on on gator wet the bottom of the hole and put seedling in and tap around with hand pressure. Seedlings average about 15 to18”. We do not use herbicide but simply mow in both directions. Shear with a SAJE every year after about the third year. And by the way we thoroughly wet the seedlings in the buckets. If you do continue to use the bare root I would highly recommend getting them out of the boxes in a cool shaded place and keeping them wet down till planting time.
Good luck.
If you read instructions, it is clearly said to keep rail clear of debris.
You need to wear eye and ear protection.
That rail is the worst part of this splitter design. If I was to follow directions, I'd have to clean the rail every few pieces of wood. I've since gotten rid of this one and got a commercial splitter. Ear plugs are always in. I wear over the ear protection when it gets cold.
Well number one you're splitting wood by yourself if you were splitting with another person the other person could remove the debris in that channel and it wouldn't get hung up there just my opinion I love mine I have the same unit
The wedge is not supposed to go to the bottom. It stops about 2 inches from the plate.
It does the job while last….than if you call customer service it will take over 90 minutes for someone to answer the phone at Champion Customer service….it doesn’t mean you will get the right person for your needs….just someone with or without knowledge.
I won’t recommend any of their products due to the low quality parts and bad customer support in case of emergency.
Before you buy anything from them,try to call them for information or some instructions in their products and see what further is ahead for you 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Sorry to hear you've had trouble. Sounds like you've got an ax to grind! Ha! I only had to call once and got what I needed. When I sold my splitter, I replaced the control valve and that was the only part I had to order.
@@WoodsTreeFarm
Lucky you….I called 4 times within the last 30 days and each time was well 90 minutes waiting for someone to answer the phone .
The control valve they sent to me was wrong the first time and second time was used,loaded with oil and rusted.
Try to call them this time and see what the message will be….
Put a 45° on your plate get rid of that blunt end. instead of packing , it will be pushing up and out..
Good info. Thanks for sharing
I have the same one, I don't like the same thing that wood pc. gets caught at the bottom , table wings could be bigger to catch more of the big splits, don't like oil filter up in the air the way it is, I think I'm going to change it around. Also I'm looking to cover the engine because I have had pc. of wood fall and dent the gas tank. Yours sounds very loud. I would check with Champion.
Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I'm about to release a new vid on my new channel Flat Creek Outdoors. I'll be fixing up my splitter and looking for an upgrade here real soon. ua-cam.com/channels/Pmos-Vu8QFlp3lXkQ38hfQ.html
I've split a couple hundred cords with my Champin 27 ton unit.
The major problem I'm having is the auto return/detent has not been disengaging when it returns automatically so it lugs until the lever is engaged by hand. It overheats and then conks out. Will eyeball the valve to see if there is any way to adjust.
I replaced my valve before I sold mine. It was an easy job. The valve was like $150 from champion.
@@WoodsTreeFarm I'll check on ebay which often has good units for less. There was no way to adjust it, ie the spring which allows the auto return to be in the right position? Do you post on the Tree Buzz forum or the OPE forum?
@@WoodsTreeFarm Thanks; mine really failed today, the control valve wand was engaged, it was not moving then shot out two feet suddenly and now will not work. Champion said they are on back order for my 27 ton unit, 4-6 weeks. Are there any other sources??
New spring
the ram is not suppose to go all the way to the block, that would damage the wedge, or splitter, or possibly a body part. watch other splitters and they all do the same. watch a wolf ridge splitter
I know. The debris buildup within the track limits it further and that was my point.
I know you are busy with the Christmas tree setup
But did you ever think about hooking up with a tree service to bring in logs for firewood?
Why, you know someone? haha! The thought has crossed my mind, but I got 25 acres of woods and plenty of trees I want to take down. I know bringing in logs would be less work though, so I'm definitely not opposed to it.
That was my thoughts. To save you half the time in the processing of it and an abundance of logs and brush in which to make your own mulch and firewood and not run out as you did this season. I didn't realize you had 25 acres. Awesome. Just trying to save you some time with other ideas. Hope it helps in the processing of it. By the way I envy your dreams and hope you very good success in those dreams.
Hi, this is for anyone that can help. I have the 34 ton and it is leaking hydraulic fluid out of the piston when I am done.
Has it has a lot of use? If no, I'd contact champion about a possible defect. You could also take it a hydraulic shop, or a heavy equipment repair shop to see if they can service the cylinder and repair the seals
Simple clear debri all the time
Time wasted
I haven't found one person online that knows how to efficiently use a wedge on ram spliter, everyone carves a piece at a time no one realizes how to tare up a round
Show us your video doing it right.
Did you figure how to get it to return? Please let me know. I'm thinking about buying the same wood spliter
No. its never worked right. I think I might just need a new control valve. They're about $175 for exact replacement from Champion, or I could probably switch to a Prince valve for a little less, but that might require adjustments to fittings and hoses. I've recently upgraded to a Wolfe Ridge splitter, so this one is going up for sale. I purchased it used, and used it for 2 years. It has served me well. Thanks for watching.
I wonder why the new ones don't have adjustable throttle. They run wide open. No choice.
There is no throttle for the splitter. One speed. I think ur closing the choke which slows it.... i was trying to figure out how to lower the throttle to save gas consumption.
I no longer have this splitter, but mine absolutely had two levers. One for throttle and one for choke.
hi there nice looking splitter john
Anyone having problems keeping it running after about an hour or when you shut it down to take a little break it's hard to start back up once it's hot
Contact champion you need to order a new auto return spring. That secure your problems.
I go all day without using more than 3 inches of travel....try it...the wood will tear if its fractured enough
I can do short strokes like that on smaller red oak blocks, some maple, and poplar, but bigger oak and most other species seem to hold together more.
Sub 10 sec for a hydraulic splitter is better then average.
I'd say 13 to 15 sec is about the average.
I have an older mtd that was original with a flat head Briggs and it ran at about 3,200rpm, replaced it with a redneck Honda and went from 16 to 14 seconds as it runs at 3,600 but is definitely more thirsty..
It's a 11gpm pump I'd gain mabe another 2~ seconds if I went to a 13 gpm pump.
I think the diameter of my cylinder is 0.5" bigger thus the slower speed.
.
I'm gessing you all ready have a 3,600rpm engine and 13gpm pump. Thus the above average speed.
.
Without upgrading from a 3/4" to 1" engine shaft your basically at the limit of the 3/4" shaft engines. Based on my research. But you could possibly use a love-joy with a output size of 1" and go to a 16gpm pump but the life of the engine is going to be shortened running it near its max hp ability.
0.01c
Good info. Thanks. Last year I upgraded to a commercial splitter last year, but had no regrets with the Champion
The table on your machine is a poor design, my splitter has it's own problems. However, the table is flat, so the bark falls of the edges. I do not have a problem with jamming.
I have a 22ton Huskee,with a identical wedge, it don't go all the way down either, I'd say it's not supposed to! Heck of allot easier than the way I done it when I was young,maul and splitting wedges lol
Small engines run more efficiently at full throttle.
I'm looking at the same model. Do you guys recommend this?
It's a good splitter. No real complaints. It's been reliable.
Interesting comment: he takes the wood to the
splitter instead of the splitter to the wood. Why?
.
Split it where its stacked. Unless you're selling green wood and can split it straight to the truck, but I only sell it seasoned. Thanks for watching
The wedge doesn’t go all the way to begin with.
YOUR HANDS ARE TO CLOSE TO THE WEDGE OPERATION, LOTS OF LIFTING,....I USE MY MTD AT A VERTICAL POSITION, SAFER AND LESS LIFTING, I CAN ROLL OVER 4/5 HUNDRED POUND PIECES TO SPLIT....BE SAFE MATE !!!
Relax Neil [male karen]
@@silencz1 🧐
Mabey it needs a new spring
Mine is a devil to start in winter
Why in the world would you lift those back breaking rounds when that splitter will go vertical? Save your back! Also, they dont make a splitter with a piston that travels all the way to the bottom plate.
I didn't do a good job at showing the bottom plate issue. When the tracks get plugged up with debris it'll stop 2+ inches short rather than going to about 3/4" as designed. I don't understand why people work hunched over on the ground with these splitters in vertical mode when they could work in a comfortable standing position. Haha. To each his own. If I can't pick it up I'll break it into manageable pieces in vertical move.
Has anyone had their log splitter wedge stop moving? It's like the power from the engine doesn't get transferred to the hydraulic lines or piston / cylinder. I see air in the hydraulic lines. Is that the problem? Or maybe I need to adjust the return pressure nut?
I just figured out what happened in my case. The hydraulic pump gears were broken.
hey man you need the log ox
The truth is the splitter is designed to not travel the full length read the manual the full travel is 1 and 7/8th from the stop also really how much trouble is it to clean that area from time to time quit being so picky for god's sake, does it work, yes, does it split wood, yes then it is doing what it was designed to do.
5:07 has hand on base ready to get crushed and again on next big round....
Nothing wrong with the splitter just the operator
I can see what you mean, but that was a low-risk resting position. At most, might get a pinch, but definitely not crushed.
You need a log lift on that machine.
Would be nice. I have a bigger better machine now with log lift
No one seems to have helped with your recording noise issue. Get a remote mic and wear it close to you mouth and have its gain set fairly low. You camera and its mic are right by the engine!
Champion has two youtubes on how to set the return and such.
Brother, save your back and bring your splitter to the wood instead of lifting the rounds.
I've upgraded to a commercial splitter with a log lift. Even better :)
Dude, u need a logox
Dude, buy me one!
@@WoodsTreeFarm lol, trust me...its worth the investment.
Wedge isnt supposed to go all the way
I should have measured a before and after. There's commonly one inche or more shorter travel when the end of the track gets jammed up.
Get your hand away from the base....hand should be in middle of log
If it aint a honda its a gonner
False. The engine has really impressed me. I've got dozens and dozen of hours on it this year and no issues except when I forget to cover it in a heavy rain, I need to drain water from the carb.
Low level of hydro fluid
Please just show the content of what you are trying to convey we arent interested in travel or loading trucks just show pros an cons. thank you
I'll keep that in mind. thanks
Haha, it's kinda like watching a movie saying...don't include the intro or introduce the characters, just get to the climax.
I really think you have very little mechanic skills
Everyone starts with zero
Check spring tension
Factory paper on this issue:
files.helpdocs.io/fQ6mHzyLoe/articles/HsUjQjOjfN/1541110280030/cpetb-8010001-log-splitter-auto-return-adjustment.pdf