PROS:
If you need a log splitter that gives you incredible amounts of splitting power, then the NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter will be right up your alley. This powerful gas unit provides you with 37 tons of splitting power; this 3,5000 pounds of force per square inch makes its way through tough Hickory, Oak and Beech wood without missing a beat. It doesn’t matter if your wood is seasoned or not; this unit’s Honda G270 engine can handle it all.
We love that this unit can be used horizontally and vertically, and it can handle logs up to 25 x 16 inches in size. Use this unit vertically when you have very heavy logs to split; you simply roll them into the machine. If you’re splitting lighter logs, you can use the machine vertically to reduce the amount of bending over that you need to do on the job. This flexibility gives you the opportunity to get your work done efficiently; you can adjust the machine to different positions based on the type of splitting job that you are working on.
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The manufacturers of this unit used a Honda engine that automatically idles down when it isn’t in use, so you cut emissions, save gas and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your engine with absolutely zero effort. They also added a log stripper to automatically clear tough pieces of wood from the unit’s wedge when they get stuck; you no longer have to shut down the unit and manually clean out stuck logs.
This NorthStar unit includes an exclusive concentric pump to increase the machine’s productivity; it changes pressure based on resistance, and this guarantees that you always split logs with the right amount of pressure. This pump never excretes to much pressure for easily split wood, and you never have to worry about tough or knotty pieces being too hard for the pump to handle.
The affordable and fuel efficient split design NorthStar unit leads the pack when it comes to log splitters, and with its 14-second cycle time, there’s no question that it’ll exceed your splitting needs.
CONS:
We really had a hard time finding a problem with this unit. The only thing that we could come up with was a problem with the decals; after a lot of use, they start to peel off very easily. This doesn’t affect the equipment, but if you nitpick about your equipment’s appearance, then you might want to stick some clear tape over the unit’s decals to prevent premature peeling.
FEATURES:
- Measures 90 x 43 x 42 inches; weighs 560 pounds
- Can be used horizontally or vertically
- Automatic cylinder return
- 37 tons of continuous force
- 14 seconds per cycle
- Low oil shutdown feature for safety
- 270 cc Honda GX engine with idle control
- 5 x 24 inch cylinder
- Jack stand and log cradle included
- Two-inch ball coupler for easy transport; 4.8 x 8 inch tires
WHAT CONDITIONS IS THE NORTHSTAR HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL SPLITTER BEST SUITED FOR?
The NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical splitter uses premium components and features like reinforced I-beams to make splitting logs an easy job. This is a real tough unit, so you can literally use it anywhere without worrying about the strength of the wood that you are splitting. That’s one of the reasons why we really like this unit; it gives you industrial strength at an affordable price.
This unit comes with an engine and fuel tank guard that is made of heavy-duty steel, so it can take quite a beating. You’ll never accidentally break this unit during the splitting process; it’s built to last. It comes with a powerful Honda engine and durable hydraulic hoses that will last you a lifetime, and the engine always starts up on your first try.
Basically, this splitter has the speed and power to be used anywhere. It can split knotty pieces of tough wood without slowing down at all, and it’s affordable, so it’s perfect for people who need to split both large and small quantities. This is a great splitter, and it’s perfect for people who need a dependable and high-quality machine that won’t break after a couple of uses.
HOW DO YOU USE THIS UNIT?
When you start your NorthStar unit, you need to lock its outrigger legs into their DOWN position. When you do this, you should also block the unit’s wheels to prevent moving during the splitting process.
After you secure the unit, choose either the horizontal or vertical position. We like to use the unit vertically when splitting heavy logs that can’t be easily lifted, and we like the horizontal position for lighter logs that are easier to manage. After you’ve set your unit’s position, start the engine.
Load your log onto the beam with the flat end against the plate, and use the unit’s lever to control the splitting wedge. Split your log, and retract the splitting wedge. It should take you about 14 seconds to go through this cycle.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR THE NORTHSTAR HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL?
The NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical unit is easy to care for. The first thing you need to do is check the unit’s fluid levels before starting it up. Take a look at its oil, gas and hydraulic fluid, and make sure that there isn’t any left over debris on the unit from previous uses. If you fluids are consistently low every time you check them, you may have a leak in one of your hoses; run a piece of cardboard or paper over your hoses while the unit is running. If you see fluid on your paper, that’s where your leak is coming from.
OUR VERDICT
The NorthStar splitter provides users with more power than they’ll ever need; 37 tons of splitting power can easily get through the toughest wood without any hesitation. We love that we never have to worry about the unit getting clogged up on a knotty piece of wood. We also like its horizontal and vertical positioning; it allows you to easily change your splitting setup based on the type of work you are doing. The Honda engine in this machine is top-of-the-line, and its concentric hydraulic pump always gives you the right amount of pressure to split your logs. From what we’ve seen, this is one of the best machines on the market, so if you’re looking for power and durability, make sure to consider the NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter.
