Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter
$799.99
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Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter Review
If you find yourself splitting wood regularly and have been thinking about purchasing a log splitter then the Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter is a good option. It’s not the smallest splitter on the market and not the biggest, making for a good balance between features and price point. You’ll be quite surprised at the power you get for its relatively low cost (under $400 on Amazon).
Don’t let its compact size put you off, it’s anything but a toy, it’s powerful and fast at splitting. It has a simple operating system that requires no previous log splitting experience. A great size splitter if you are working alone.
It hums along at a quiet level of noise which makes it handy for operating in residential areas or in and around the family home. Grab a generator and the Powerhouse 7-Ton is a great camping companion for your trips up to the cabin for the weekend.
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Pros
The quality and size of the two wheels featured on the Powerhouse 7-Ton are actually quite rare in other log splitters around this size in terms of usability. Some other models feature wheels that are far too small and weak for the size of the unit and practically useless when it comes to moving it from location to location without difficulty. Powerhouse have really thought ahead and added large, durable wheels making it a breeze to wheel and tow.
No need to worry about running out of gas or the heavier maintenance required in the gas splitters. It’s far less cleaner with the electric model and you can even operate out of your garage or other indoor area without the noise and toxic fumes. Perfect for cold winter days or rainy days when you have run out of firewood.
The power factor is certainly there and will exceed your expectations. It will cut through hard, knotted and gnarly wood without a drama. The Powerhouse 7-Ton is sturdy and reliable.
Cons
Poorly written instruction manual. The grammar is less than average and the pictures are not numbered correctly. Some parts are not addressed in the manual. It’s a bit of a worry if something was to go wrong and the manual didn’t assist in any way in solving your problem.
The gauge rails that hold the logs seem to be made out of weak material. Quite a few customers have complained of the rails bending easily after logs fall to be caught. A bit of a failure considering it’s meant to be built for tough jobs such as log splitting.
Another common complaint seems to be that the hydraulic ram only travels about 16” and therefore doesn’t completely split the log. Perhaps an additional couple of inches would come in handy as it seems to be quite a big limitation.
The safety feature of the two handed operation is an inconvenience and adds extra time to splitting hours. Previous customers seem to rectify this problem through modification.
Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter Log Splitter Features:
- 7 Tons of splitting force
- 3HP engine
- Splits up to 21in length/12in width
- Weight 104lbs
- Automatic ram retraction
- Hydraulic rod diameter 1.2in
- Compact size
- Hydraulic oil capacity 3.1L
- 110V electric (power type)
- Overall dimensions (LxWxH) 42.12in x 11.81in x 19.29in
- Rolls/tows on two wheels
- Runs on regular household current
- Ram travel distance 15.7in
- 3500RPM electric motor
- 2500 watt
- Two handed operation
- 11 second cycle time (6 sec split/5 sec retract)
Using The Log Splitter
Remove the main body of the splitter from the box and the motor assembly which is packed in a separate poly foam box. Turn the main body over and remove the alan wrench from the spare parts bag. Unscrew the three silvery inner bolts on the end of the main body. Remove the yellow iron plate and two o-ring oil seals and insert them into the two holes on top of the oil pump cover (which is attached to the motor assembly).
Install the o-ring seals on the pump cover. Connect the motor assembly onto the main body by aligning the three holes on top of the oil pump cover with the three holes on the main body. Install the wheels, supporting feet and handle as per the instruction manual. Set the splitter up in the position you wish to operate from and plug into the nearby power source by extension cord. Use protective gear such as safety goggles, ear plugs and steel caps. Open the air bleed- this is the most important thing to remember when you are using the splitter.
When in operation the air vent is always open and always closed when you are moving the splitter or have finished splitting. Place the log on the splitting tray. Remember to follow the direction of the vein on the trunk otherwise it may jam in the machine. As this is a two handed operating system use your left hand on the control while you use your right hand finger to engage the motor. Once the log has split the ram will retract back to the beginning. Always keep anything and anyone away from the sides of the splitter as from time to time logs may fly out and cause damage or injury.
The Bottom Line: Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter
While Amazon’s customer reviews boast all the good reviews at the top, take time to go through the further pages as you will come across mixed reviews. If you are a casual user looking to purchase a splitter for home or camping trips and are not too fussed on specific features, you wont have much to worry about. However, if you are looking for something a bit bigger and more reliable probably best to spend a bit more cash on upgrading.
As much as I wanted to have a list much bigger in positive aspects of this machine I couldn’t help but notice common customer complaints on some flaws in the Powerhouse 7-Ton Electric Splitter.
Top highlights of the machine:
- Portability
- Durability
- Splitting power
- Compact size
