Huskee Log Splitter Review

"I have an outdoor burner & burn 10+ cords a year. I have my own woodlot where I cut oak, hickory, walnut, cherry and hackberry.

My Huskee 22 ton splitter does NOT fail. I split all my wood vertically, some of my oak must be moved under the wedge with my tractor arm.

It splits 40 inch diameter logs just fine...in winter, sometimes I need a spritz of ether...but TAKE NOTE...as soon as you pull the string and it fires, start pumping your bulb or it'll die.

Just feather the primer bulb until it all warms up and gets comfortable..then start splitting. This might take 2 minutes but it'll run...I know, I've had my splitter for 9 years now...I have it figured out and it works!"

- Jim , New Cumberland, PA

"This article is just exactly what my experience has been and what I feel is the best solution for 95% of firewood burners. 

My  first experience with Huskee was a friend's, with the 20 ton designation and only a 5 HP Tecumseh Engine. This unit was 20 years old and only the connector, between engine and hydraulic pump changed. This was all that I needed for splitting almost any piece of wood I could put to the Huskee. 

As time went on I got a newer unit of my own, a used 22 ton, 6.75 HP model, and it too, is as much as I will ever need. It simply splits anything I put under the wedge. 

I, wholeheartedly recommend this splitter, and not a larger one in almost all situations. In earlier years I rented various log splitters, with some brands not in business anymore, however they were good units. I have been; cutting, splitting and  burning wood for 45 years, so a tad qualified, IMHO."

- Denis C. Quinn, Nottingham, PA 19362

"I bought my Huskee splitter for $900.00 and absolutely love it.  My only issues with it was that it did not have a vertical locking pin and the base plate is small.  This allowed many of my larger pieces to slide off if they were abnormal in shape.  

After my first fall with the splitter, I took it to a local welder to add these things, which cost $75.00.  It has made the splitter safer in my wife's eyes and was well worth it.  I would highly recommend the Husky splitter."

- Ken Shilt, LaPorte, IN

"I have the Huskee 22 ton log splitter.  I actually received the log splitter from my step father. The unit was practically brand new.  When I first got the unit home I could not get it to start. I removed the carb and cleaned it thoroughly.  Rust has already set up in the gasoline bulb so I cleaned that thoroughly as well.  Once I reassembled the unit it started and ran flawlessly.  I split wood for about seven hours that day w/o any problems.  

Fast forward to February and I went out to start the log splitter to split some wood. It took me over an hour to get it started.  I ended up pulling off the air filter box and spraying starting fluid down inside.  Finally, the machine ran.  Pulling and tugging on the unit completely wore me out and it had me very frustrated.  Most people would have given up.  I estimate over one thousand pulls before it started.  

One other thing about the log splitter, the stickers for the choke and gasoline fuel line are backward.  Basically,  if you want to turn the choke on,  you turn it off according to the sticker.  Also,  in order to get your gas line open, turn it to the off position.  Further,  there is no primer bulb as the directions call for.

Like most other small engine items that can be mass purchased at a box store, it seems like the carburetor is defective and needs continual maintenance to keep it running."

- G Kennedy, Laeger, WV

"Biggest piece of junk I ever bought. If it's a little cold out it will NOT start!!  Even after pulling it 100 times, starting fluid, cleaning plug, still wont start.  It will run when it's warm out when you don't need it, but the ram will slow down almost to a crawl. Will never buy again. Will not recommend. Better off splitting wood by hand. Out of 10 stars, I rate this splitter a -3."

- Bo, Wallkill, NY

"I have a 22 ton Huskee splitter too. It was very hard to start in the cold but after talking with someone with a lot of experience, he told me to push the primer about ten times.  Now it starts with about 3-4 pulls and runs great."

- Mike, Wisconsin

"I own the Huskee 22 ton splitter. It's 5 or 6 years old and has the Kohler engine. The motor always ran hot until I removed the plastic cover and allowed air to flow through the engine.

Now, it has oil leaking out around the cylinder shaft. When the cylinder goes down to split the wood there are no leaks. However, when the cylinder returns back, about 12 inches before it stops, fluid leaks out at the gland nut. Hopefully I can fix this.

I used 2 gallons of fluid today. I've added Stop Leak which may have slowed the leak."

- Chief Redelk, Minden, Louisiana

"The Huskee log splitter has been a very good investment for me.  I’ve made a lot of money with it.  My only complaint is that it’s not made for long distance or high speed travel.  The  owner’s manual even tells you that.  Common sense should tell you that just by looking at it. 

I replaced the Briggs & Stratton engine because I wore it out.  I keep my splitter in a garage out of the heat, cold, sun and rain, which goes a long way.  I have not had any issue with a hydraulic hose being in the way of falling logs.  You basically should take care of your equipment and it will take care of you."

- Fulton Ramsay, Calera, AL

"I purchased the Huskee 28 ton log splitter from Tractor Supply about 4 years ago. This splitter has worked great. The biggest problem with it is everyone wants to borrow it. 

The hose did split and leaked. Replaced with the next higher rated hose and haven't had a problem since. This machine has split cords and cords of wood. My current problem is finding a 4 way splitting head for it and finding out who makes it."

- Bob, Uniontown, Ohio

"I bought a 28 ton from TSC with the Honda GC190 engine.  I have been using it for 8 years now and have split a lot of wood with it.  Zero issues.  It has split every type of wood I have thrown at it. The Honda engine starts first pull every time any temp."

- John, North Dakota

"This is the best machine I've ever owned.  I bought it used and I haven't had any problems with it at all.  The split logs hit the hose once and I realized it could be a problem so I welded a guide to protect it from happening again.

Now it kicks them safely away and no issues with it thanks to this thread and careful reading, I avoided those problems.

It's cold here in Ohio and I've found that if you gap the plug right she'll fire up every time.  Thanks Tractor Supply!

-Donald, Coshocton, Ohio

"I have used the huskee log splitter for 32 years: it is on its third engine! First Two where Briggs and fuel tank carb assembly rusted out bad design. The third engine is a Honda , it always starts on the first pull, even after sitting for several months, great improvement over the original.

It still splits just like the day we got it 32 years ago; we bought it used one year old from neighbors that stopped cutting wood."

-Michael Koch, Wellington, Ohio

"Sorry to be a buzz kill but everything Husky makes is garbage. Poor design is the Achilles heel to everything made in this country.

The briggs and pissin engine is total garbage to say the least. Leaving mine in the field to rot where it belongs. Never buy a splitter without a Honda motor on it as American made motors just suck." 

Wolhir, NY

"We bought a Huskee 20 ton 5hp log splitter in 1991.  It STILL works like a charm.  Like most things that get old (even people) it needs a little work but we are AMAZED it is still running great after all these years.  

It's a great machine and we would recommend it without hesitation.  Great quality.  It has the Tecumseh engine as well, which is probably why it is so great.

- Char, Sunbury Ohio

"Bought a 35 ton Huskee log splitter from Tractor Supply and used it 4 winters and now it's pure junk.  The Briggs engine has a plastic carb with a quad ring that goes bad and you can't find a replacement without ordering one.

The hydraulic cylinder is leaking profusely!  I feel that what I paid for this rig it should have lasted a lot longer.  NOT A GOOD VALUE!!

- Max Johnson, Camden Tennessee