Today, we’re looking at the Eastonmade Ultra Log Splitter, which I think is a very practical and well-made log splitter that would give you many years of service. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers value in terms of longevity—it could last you a lifetime if you take care of it.
I posted a blog about this a few years ago, and not much has changed since then. It looks like Eastonmade have a very well-proven design. We’ll come back to that in a moment, but let’s have a look at the log splitter itself in this YouTube video.
Take A Look At The Video Of The Eastonmade Ultra Log Splitter Below
Comfortable Working Height
Something I like about this log splitter is the fact that you’re working at waist height. Some machines, especially the ones designed for home use, require you to bend right down, which is really uncomfortable if you’re using them for any length of time. Of course, you have to pick the wood up off the ground, but some people use a loader to raise the bucket so they don’t have to bend down as much.
Ease-Of-Use
You can see the speed at which it gets through the logs. It has a straightforward, single-lever control with an automatic release. If you look closely, when the lever is pushed and then released, the hydraulic ram automatically retracts.
Now, as the operator bends down to pick up another piece of wood, the machine is already ready to go again. It’s a very straightforward design.
It’s powered by a Honda engine, though I believe they now offer a Briggs & Stratton engine option, which is slightly cheaper. Personally, I would go for the Honda engine. It’s a 16-horsepower engine, although I’ll double-check the specification in a moment.
This machine is straightforward—nothing too fancy—but it gets the job done. It’s well-made, and that’s worth a lot. You can tow it behind a vehicle, which is great. It’s roadworthy with proper tires and everything you’d need.
I believe this machine could give you many years of trouble-free log splitting.
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Cost
Now, the price isn’t cheap. In the UK, it costs £6,250 plus VAT, so it’s not a budget option. However, if you’re looking to process logs regularly, I think it’s a great machine with brilliant output.
With 14 tons of push, it goes straight through the wood. Of course, the type of wood you’re splitting makes a difference, but this machine doesn’t seem to struggle—it just powers through effortlessly.
Let’s Take A Look At The Specifications
The Honda GX340 overhead valve engine is an economical petrol engine. The machine is road-towable, with a 16-gallon-per-hour oil sump on the hydraulics, a 4-second cycle time, highway-rated tires, and a large 20-gallon hydraulic oil tank. It also has an auto-retract feature, as I mentioned earlier.
The weight of the machine is 800 pounds, and the force is 14 tons. That’s quite a lot of power, so it easily splits logs without the need to fiddle around.
To Conclude
For reference, we also have some much smaller log splitters listed on our website. These are more basic models and don’t compare to this one, but we do have larger models as well. Stock changes all the time, so I’ll put a link in the description below.
It’s also worth checking eBay—you might find one of these secondhand. However, I think they’re quite sought after.
If I were looking for a log splitter and processing logs regularly, I would definitely consider one of these Eastern Made Ultra Log Splitters.
If you have any comments on this video, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.
In this post, we will look at Forst wood chippers 8-inch diesel versus petrol. When considering the choice between a petrol or diesel engine for your eight-inch Forst wood chipper, you’re delving into a crucial decision. Let us assist you in making an informed choice by providing you with comprehensive insights. At Forst, we offer two primary options: a 55 horsepower DPF diesel engine in our 8 D series or a 57 horsepower petrol engine in our 8 P series. These machines share a fundamental design while differing in power sources.
Analysing performance, both engines exhibit admirable chipping speeds. While the petrol engine boasts an additional two horsepower, the diesel engine excels in torque. Their material handling and chip-throwing capabilities align perfectly with Forst’s renowned performance standards.
Fuel Efficiency Distinction
The fuel economy aspect is where discernible differences surface. For the 8-inch models, the petrol engine tends to consume more fuel compared to the newly introduced DPF-equipped diesel version. This cutting-edge diesel engine, engineered from scratch for Stage 5 compliance, displays commendable fuel efficiency. It’s worth noting that the variance in fuel economy is more pronounced in the larger engines, with the six-inch models showing negligible discrepancies between petrol and diesel options.
Maintenance Simplified
Turning to servicing and maintenance, the petrol engine adheres to a traditional schedule, necessitating the first service at 50 hours and subsequent ones every 200 hours. On the other hand, the DPF diesel engine follows a more modern regimen with a 500-hour interval service plan—akin to modern cars’ maintenance patterns. This interval service is straightforward, involving a few part replacements and fresh oil. While diesel oil may be costlier, overall service expenses remain competitive. The petrol engine’s maintenance, though more frequent, remains uncomplicated, primarily requiring filter and oil changes.
Forst Wood Chippers
Warranty And Ease Of Ownership
For your peace of mind, the diesel engine offers a three-year warranty, while the Kubota petrol engine carries a one-year warranty. Both engines provide hassle-free ownership experiences. The petrol option is user-friendly and aligns with Kubota’s reputable reliability. Additionally, if bulk-storing petrol is impractical, refueling at standard stations mimics regular vehicle practices. Contrary to misconceptions, the diesel option is also user-friendly, requiring daily maintenance akin to the petrol variant. Notably, the diesel option’s service interval is extended to 500 hours, and using red diesel translates to tax savings and enhanced convenience.
When it comes to engines of this size, I would definitely go down the diesel route. Although petrol engines have come a long way in the last few years, I believe that it makes more economic sense to run a diesel engine.
I know the laws have changed for some people, regarding red diesel. However, in the UK, according to the government website, read diesel can still be used in chippers. If you have a bulk tank, this really can be quite a money saver over the years.
Regeneration Process Insights
The DPF-equipped diesel engine entails a unique regen or burn-off process. Passive regen occurs automatically while operating, without any noticeable disruption. Full regen, a 40-minute process occurring roughly every 300 hours, requires minimal intervention. The machine notifies you when a regen is due, allowing you to schedule it conveniently.
To Conclude
In summary, both petrol and diesel models offer excellent performance. The choice largely hinges on your preferences and operational needs. To truly experience their capabilities, we encourage you to arrange a demonstration. Furthermore, both machines are available in wheeled or tracked variants, ensuring suitability for various applications. Whether you require an eight-inch chipper, Forst has your requirements covered.
Today we are looking at the Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter, this is Eastonmade’s largest log splitter. Yesterday we looked at the Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter, which is their basic entry-level machine which is excellent value for money.
If you’re looking for a powerful wood splitter then the Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter could be your answer. This machine retails at around $15,000, however, if you are looking for the most powerful and high-performance wood splitter, you have come to the right place.
The performance of the Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter really is quite amazing. I have been watching the video of this machine which I have embedded at the foot of this page. With a six-way wedge, splitting wood becomes very easy and quick, I don’t think I’ve seen a wood splitter work so quickly and efficiently.
This machine will cope with any wood that you throw at it, whether its knotted Beechwood or general large logs, it quickly splits through your wood pile. This machine offers a cycle time of six seconds with a 5-inch splitting cylinder. With Eastonmade’s wedge design timber is quickly sliced as it travels through the legendary wedge design!
Log Lift
Splitting logs can be hard work even if you have a powered log splitter, however, the Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter comes with a log lift as standard. To me this is a great feature, it minimises the lifting and bending downtime, which can be pretty hard on the back!
Performance
With the six-way wedge, large logs can quickly be split into multiple pieces, making your log pile disappear quickly. This wood splitter comes complete with a catch pan, full auto cycle, electric start and an oil cooler.
Spool Valves
Hydraulics
The powerful hydraulics are backed up with a 28 gallon per minute hydraulic pump. 25 gallons of hydraulic oil and oil cooler to keep your machine running smoothly all day. A 4.5-inch hydraulic ram which offers tremendous splitting power. Eastonmade fits exclusive Galtech hydraulic components which it says outlasts the competitor brands by 10:1, quite an amazing fact!
Honda GX Two-Cylinder Engine
Engine
It’s always good to know that if you’re buying a piece of equipment is powered by a decent engine. The Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter comes with a 22 hp Honda GX V twin series engine, complete with electric start. The Honda engine has a 9.3:1 compression ratio generates high power output without the need for premium fuel. Honda also offers a standard rev limiter that protects the engine from damage against over-revving. As usual, this two-cylinder Honda engine has low vibration, a 36 blade cooling fan, aluminium pushrods with steel tips, which all adds up to give quieter operation.
Honda engines are many people’s preferred choice for horticultural and forestry machines. I know of many people when purchasing a machine will deliberately look to see if the machine is powered by Honda!
To Conclude
I like the idea of having a compact, powerful and well-built machine, the Eastonmade 22-28 Wood Splitter certainly has everything you need in a wood splitter. If you are looking to be in the business of logs, then this is definitely a machine that needs to be looked at.
Today we are going to look at the Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter, this is the smallest and cheapest Eastonmade log splitter. The other day we looked at the Eastonmade 12-22 Wood Splitter midrange wood splitter.
Over the years I’ve come across many different machines in all shapes and sizes. I particularly like the build quality, simplicity and practicality of the Eastonmade wood splitters. The Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter retails at $3500, the largest machine costs around $15,000.
The Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter is a compact machine that has great capabilities, don’t be put off by the size. With an affordable price tag this wood splitter can outperform many larger machines. This machine features a four-second cycle time, so even in just one hour, you can see that the performance is excellent. Eastonmade claim that you will not find a better performing log splitter on the market in this category.
Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter
Minimum Maintenance
This is a minimum maintenance machine which is built to compete with the rack and pinion machines on the market. There are no belts, springs, bearings or gears to maintain, which to my mind, is a great plus point. The majority of machines today have a belt or belts to power them, even if it is only to drive a hydraulic pump. The problem is with belts that it’s an efficient and relatively cheap way to power a machine. However, belts do need tightening on a regular basis, especially when the belt is new and is liable to stretch. This can be time-consuming depending on where the belt is located. Having a direct drive hydraulic pump is a great idea as there is no maintenance whatsoever.
Large Wedge
With a large 12 inch wedge, the Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter quickly splits large logs. With the powerful hydraulic ram, there’s no stopping this machine.
The powerful 16 gallons per hour oil pump quickly forces the hydraulic ram through the largest pieces of timber. The hydraulic system is backed up by a 20-gallon hydraulic oil supply. This seems like a terrific amount of hydraulic oil for a machine of this size!
Honda Engine
Honda Engine
The powerful Honda GX340 10.7 hp petrol engine powers the Eastonmade Ultra Wood Splitter. As I mentioned the other day, Honda engines are renowned for their reliability and smoothness and efficiency. There have been many times when I have left a Honda engine for several months, unused in the winter. After pulling the recoil start just once the Honda engines generally fire up the first time! Even after not being used for two or three years I have found that within two or three pulls, a Honda engine will start.
To Conclude
I like to purchase a machine that is well-engineered and straightforward, the Eastonmade wood splitter does exactly this! I have found in general that commercial American machines are often overengineered, which is much better than being under-engineered.
The range of Eastonmade wood splitters is only available direct from the manufacturer. This is good in some ways as it leaves out the middleman. It always worth looking on eBay to see if there are any second-hand machines available.
Certainly, looking at the videos these machines have an excellent work rate and are built to last.
Today we are looking at a very useful piece of equipment known as the John Deere HPX815E Gator. I haven’t used this particular model of the John Deere Gator, but I have used similar models which are an excellent workhorse in the garden or estate.
It is always difficult to know the best way to move things around the garden, the humble wheelbarrow is still a great tool in the garden. I also find that the large two-wheeled type of stable barrows which are good for grass clippings and leaves etc. However, if you’re carting something heavier like earth or compost then this type of barrow cannot be used to full capacity.
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I have used electric and petrol power barrows in the garden, these are good, we will look at these power barrows another day.
I think one of the best inventions to come out in recent years, is the John Deere Gator. It offers a low ground pressure, compact and carrying capabilities that are great for use in the garden or estate. Once you have owned a Gator you will probably hardly use your traditional garden wheelbarrow and never look back!
John Deere Gator
John Deere HPX815E Gator
The John Deere HPX815E Gator is described as a work serious utility vehicle. This particular model comes with four-wheel drive as standard, two-wheel-drive models are available on some models, although I would always recommend four-wheel drive if your budget allows.
The cargo box has a 16.4 ft³ capacity which can carry up to a thousand lbs in weight (450 kg), in other words getting near to half a ton. It also features a pickup style tailgate which in my experience is very useful indeed. This particular model comes with a powerful diesel engine, petrol models and electric model is available. I like the economy of the diesel engine myself.
The Gator utility vehicle has a precision-engineered drivetrain system to utilise engine power and increase acceleration. In turn, this helps with its hauling, towing and hill-climbing capabilities. Power is transmitted to a variable clutch system that then goes to the transaxle. This power system offers variable speed drive.
John Deere HPX815E Gator Precision Engineered Drive System
Variable speed drive
The variable speed drive system consists of two clutches and a drive belt. The drive clutch is attached to the engine which is then rotated by the engine. This then is attached to the drives and the transaxle.
Variable Speed Drive System
How variable-speed drive works
As the engine speed increases on the Gator, the spring-loaded drive clutch is closed by weights that are forced out by a centrifugal force. When the drive clutch closes, the belt rides up the largest diameter of the drive clutch which enforces open the driven clutch. With a belt running in the smallest diameter of the driven clutch the speed that is being transferred to the transaxle is increased.
The driven clutch is able to sense varying loads, like mud and steep inclines etc. The speed can be varied up or down at a constant throttle setting.
There is a two speed, fully enclosed, oil bath transaxle that allows superior pulling quality. The low range speeds are 0 to 12 mph and the high range is 0 to 25 mph.
Four-wheel drive is simply engaged by an electric rocker switch. When the rocker switches in the four-wheel-drive position the front differential will automatically lock for extra traction when needed. If the rocker switch is in the two-wheel-drive position the vehicle will remain in two-wheel drive.
Features on the John Deere HPX815E Gator
Highback bucket seats for the driver and one passenger.
Hip restraints that act as convenient and comfortable handholds.
Occupants protective structure that offers seat belts and passenger grab handles.
The bucket seats can be leaned forward to keep them dry in wet weather.
Easy entry platform.
Cupholders for operator comfort and ease.
12 V charging socket for accessories like mobile phone charger.
Hour metre to keep track of service intervals.
Traction control which is known as a differential lock, easy reach hand lever between the seats.
Glovebox.
Tank gauge which is easily viewed from the operator’s seat.
Storage compartment located under the front hood.
Economical diesel engine.
Heavy-Duty Suspension
Suspension
Heavy-duty suspension on the John Deere HPX815E Gator is standard. This Gator is equipped with a MacPherson strut, independent front suspension, which provides a comfortable ride and has excellent capabilities.
The heavy-duty, cast-iron, single A-arm provides 5.15 inch of suspension travel, which in turn, returns excellent handling and ride quality.
Safety Frame
As with all machinery safety is of great importance. The John Deere HPX815E Gator has a safety Frame built around the machine. These have been designed with safety, easy entry and exit and great visibility in mind.
Large Buck With Tailgate
Cargo Box
The cargo box is constructed from a 15% glass fibre filled polypropylene composite material that eliminates dents, knocks and rust. When I see the word glass fibre I think that this may not be that tough enough. However, in my experience using this John Deere Gator’s the buck has withstood the test of time and it certainly appears like a very tough material.
The tailgate is similar to a pickup truck tailgate, however, the tailgate can be lowered further for convenience.
The deluxe cargo box offers integrated tie-down points which is exceptionally useful for securing items. Another feature is that the cargo box can quickly be converted into a flatbed to hold larger items as shown in the photograph below.
To Conclude
I have used the John Deere Gator’s on many occasions and I see these excellent machines being used in gardens, estates and golf courses. They are the modern version of a powered wheelbarrow! They’re ideal for moving tools around and for carting weeds, compost, grass clippings etc.
I really would recommend the John Deere Gator, personally I would go for the diesel model for fuel consumption. There is an electric model available which I have seen and is surprisingly, exceptionally quiet. So quiet that you don’t hear it coming. Just remember if you are looking at the electric model the top speed is slightly lower.
Today we are looking at something slightly different, the JCB 8008 CTS Micro digger. I plan to cover a range of different equipment over the coming months. From garden hoes to larger powered equipment for the professional landscaper or homeowner who wants to hire a machine for a garden project.
As you know I’m always looking for ways to keep things simple and easy in the garden. It never fails to amaze me how the smallest micro digger can actually do the work of many men and at ease. The JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger weighs just 875 kg, in other words just under 1 tonne. It’s a very compact machine that can reach the most restricted areas, including working within buildings and small rear gardens.
JCB Micro Digger
JCB claims the JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger to be the most powerful machine in its class on the market. This micro digger can drastically reduce manpower and the time it takes to carry out a job. It can carry out jobs that traditionally needed extra manpower due to its compact size and his ability to work in small space.
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This JCB micro digger is a very popular machine which is why rental companies, landscapers, groundscare companies and do it yourself enthusiasts choose the JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger. There is a choice of two options on the JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger making your micro digger even safer. A folding safety frame is available or a front or rear-mounted TOPS protection.
Performance Of The JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger If you are looking for an adaptable machine the JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger certainly offers this. It has a JCB 9 kW diesel engine that can run on less than 11 L of diesel a day. With the extending undercarriage and the class-leading dig depths it has plenty of power to perform a wide range of tasks.
JCB 8008 Micro Digger
Lightweight Micro Digger
This lightweight machine is perfect for the landscape gardener, its low ground pressure and tracks keep ground pressure to a minimum. It’s ideal for levelling soil prior to turfing and can reach those places many other machines cannot enter. With the extending undercarriage, it makes going through gates easy and with the extendable tracks gives the machine stability when it’s working.
The tubular weight-saving boom helps to improve performance even more. The maximum digging depth to this machine is 1.69 m and a maximum dump height is 1.98 m. The normal operating weight is 950 kg.
JCB Micro Digger
Serviceability
If you’re looking for a micro digger that saves man-hours, the JCB 8008 CTS Micro Digger certainly does this. I know from experience the difficulty of getting into back gardens. So many houses are built with no thought for getting into the back garden. The ability to be able to enter through a garden gate is a huge plus point for this machine.
Daily checks have been kept to a minimal and are very simple to carry out on the JCB micro digger. With the 11.5 L fuel tank ensures a full day running time at a minimal cost. I really like the idea of the hydraulic hoses being routed through the inside of the boom for added protection. It may seem like a small feature, however, it’s amazing when you are working in a confined space how easy it can be to catch a hydraulic hose. This design eliminates this problem. I always think simple is good, there’s no need to overcomplicate anything.
There’s plenty of legroom on this micro digger and there are no changeover switches to confuse the user. Each function operates independently which means that novices and new users can quickly become familiar with the micro digger quickly.
Attachments
JCB offers a range of attachments for their micro diggers, the attachments include; various buckets from digging buckets to ditching buckets. A useful attachment is the post hole borer or earth drill as it’s known by JCB.
To Conclude
I’ve used JCB leading us on various jobs over the years. I’d really like the simplicity that these machines offer and the ability to work in tight spaces. It never fails to amaze me the output that these mini diggers have compared with manpower. Another great feature is the very good backup that JCB has for its machines. Parts are readily available and mechanics are on hand should you have a problem.
