Choosing a Hydraulic Log Splitter

Fireplaces are great as an alternate heat source but require a lot of wood and you may want to consider using a hydraulic log splitter to ease that burden. You could also use it to create an alternate source of income. When you are purchasing a hydraulic log splitter, you must keep in mind the following considerations: service, loading, horsepower, the capacity in tons, and the maintenance requirements.

A hydraulic log splitter is a good investment for those who own a fireplace and need to cut wood in large quantities. They are especially useful to those who may want to operate a business cutting wood to make extra money. If you have such a business, then you are quite familiar with the long hours of back-breaking work involved. A hydraulic log splitter can do everything you need in a smaller amount of time and save you a great deal of labor in the process. These powerful machines not only chop and split firewood, but they can also be used to prepare pieces of wood for other types of wood-working projects that could generate additional income for you.

Considerations for Choosing a Hydraulic Log Splitter

1.) Service

Your first priority in selecting a hydraulic log splitter is to understand how it would be of service to you. Select a high-end model if you will be using the splitter to split logs that will be used for commercial building projects. If you need to chop firewood, a cheaper model is a better option for you and will save you money. Don’t be fooled by fancy extras on certain models, especially when they don’t suit your needs.

2.) Loading

Another consideration when using a hydraulic log splitter is how the logs are loaded. There are two ways to do this, either horizontally or vertically. When you do your work on a sloped terrain, a log splitter that loads horizontally will be the better choice for you. This type also ensures your safety and makes it easier to operate.

3.) Horsepower

One of the things you’ll need to know is the rated horsepower capacity of the splitter. If it will be used for chopping and splitting wood, you can settle on one with about five to eight horsepower. If you need to use this for commercial or business purposes, you will probably need to purchase one with a larger horsepower capacity and a much stronger engine. This is mainly for safety purposes. Overusing a weak log splitter with a heavy load can create unsafe working conditions, cause damage to the machine and may also overheat or burn up the engine.

4.) Capacity in Tons

The capacity in tons of your log splitter should also be part of your consideration. A hydraulic log splitter’s ton capacity is generally in the range of one to twenty-five tons of splitting power. One to five ton capacity is capable of splitting logs and wood to be used in a fireplace. One that ranges from five to twenty-five ton capacity or higher is better suited for professional or business use.

5.) Maintenance Requirements

Before making your purchase, inquire about the maintenance requirements of the hydraulic log splitter. It is advisable to purchase one that is self-lubricating and can maintain itself without too much time and effort on your part. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with constant sharpening of the blades because regular usage makes them dull rapidly.

Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions in handling and using your log splitter. You should also learn from a professional operator or one who has experience with this machine before handling one yourself. It also won’t hurt to do a little extra research about hydraulic log splitters in order to have as much information about their use as possible.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Hogzillas in Texas

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs are a big problem for many people in my area. They do quite a bit of damage out at my farm, as well as other farms, each and every year. They get to be a fairly decent size for feral hogs and are usually in the 250 to 300 pound range. While not exactly what you may call a "hogzilla", when you get a bunch of these critters together they can do a lot of damage in a hurry.

Despite what many claim, feral hogs don't get much bigger than the ones shown above.

Post edited to include informational link:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/PUBL/wlnotebook/Pig.htm

They're eatin' good in my neighborhood!

Got hogs?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Alternate Income From Your Land - Feral Hogs

Many people may have land that in the future, as their financial resources permit will become their homestead and a place of refuge. Finding ways to make this land profitable until it's ultimate purpose can be attained should be a vital aspect of your preparations. There are probably many ways to do this and this is but one example of something you can do to derive alternate income from your land. Through the sale of trapping and hunting rights for feral hog populations on your property you can generate additional income for yourself in these difficult economic times.

Texas has one of the largest feral hog populations in the United States. The numbers of feral hogs in the state vary from about a million to quite possibly as many as several million. The problem is that there is really no accurate way to count them. Texas has had feral hogs for a very long time and the number of feral hogs continues to increase at a remarkable pace. Feral hogs are also found in numerous other states in the United States. Feral hogs cause a huge economic impact on the agricultural industry and huge amounts of property damage in many areas. They can damage crops through their rooting activities and cause numerous other problems.

Feral hogs are extremely difficult to eliminate or control because they can live almost anywhere and reproduce quickly and in large numbers. Female feral hogs start breeding at a very young age and can produce as many as four or five litters in just a couple of years. The gestation period is approximately four months and the litters can have as many as a dozen.

It’s even legal to shoot, trap, or catch pigs with dogs in Texas. You can even do this day or night. You will also need to have a valid hunting license along with the property owner’s permission. If the feral hogs are doing damage to your property or you are working for the property owner you won’t even need a hunting license.Probably the most effective manner of catching feral hogs is by the use of traps.

Most feral hogs travel in large groups known as sounders. Small box traps are cheap and inexpensive and are easy to move and transport and a more common means of catching feral hogs. If you have a small number of feral hogs on your property these small traps will probably be more than adequate. Even larger traps can be made with utility panels (4 x 4 inch mesh type) and can be used to catch greater numbers of feral hogs.

For more information on things like traps, finding someone to trap your feral hogs, or other questions concerning the wildlife in your area you can contact your local state’s wildlife biologist.

Contact information for the State of Texas can be found here:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Another resource for information can be found here:

http://southwestfarmpress.com/mag/farming_trapping_hunting_best/

Hope you will find this information of value in finding alternate sources of income.

BTW, feral hogs can also be quite tasty if properly prepared.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker