#207 Splitting wood and running into problems! Tractor supply log splitter

Does my heart good to see someone half my age who is so in tune with engines and general mechanical knowledge. Seems like so many people today are absolutely clueless about basic mechanical issues. And yes, surging is almost always a lean condition from fuel starvation - restricted jets, filters, debris in the bowl, etc. Your instincts were right on the mark.

I am glad I watched this video a few months ago because today I had a similar problem. My Kohler engine on the County Line 25 ton splitter started racing and I stopped it for a while using the choke but it kept coming back and I remembered your video and watched it again. My problem wound up being a stopped up fuel filter, my carb bowl was clean and my fuel was good and you are right that design of putting the fuel filter at the bottom of the fuel tank was not well planned. Thanks for sharing your experience because it really helped me.

The Wing Nut that holds down the cover to the air filter acts like a "Cup" that catches rain, which then trickles down the threaded rod that runs right into the carb inlet. Leave it out even a few times and you'll find water in the carb. Not the best design.

I've got the same splitter. I've had it for 4 years now. I keep it outside with the engine covered. I also cut the fuel off and let it run dry when done the days splitting. No problems so far.

I only run non ethanol gas as well in all my machines from Stihls to Dodges but youre still relying on others like your local gas station or delivery to be doing you right. When you find the right connection you stay with them even if it costs a bit more, i would rather spend extra for good gas than spend it on parts, time, or mechanics later. Good video

👍 Awesome seeing the wildlife! And love watching wood getting done by someone else. That carb stuff is annoying!!! I took my carb apart four times, but it finally ran right! I like the inline filter idea.👍🇺🇸🚜

I just got this same log splitter and was curious as to the problem you experienced. Glad to hear it was "only" a fuel problem and not a problem with the splitter. I love mine -- got a great deal on it and it works great. Maintenance is the key to long life of the splitter.

Suggestion to make your life a little easier when splitting. Weld a 24” grate to that log table at a 45 degree angle upward. It will keep the splits from falling off, and you won’t have to put a piece at your feet while splitting. To try what I mean, pull your splitter beside a full rack with the table next to the racked wood, with a few inches of space. You’ll be surprised how much you can put on that table while splitting. It saves me time and bending. I have the 30 ton like yours.

I don't know if your tractor can be fitted with a backhoe but if it does and you eventually get one consider making an attachment that takes the place of the bucket and splits wood. That is what I did and never looked back. There are no downsides. You are relatively young now but I am 63 and my back and overall have seen action through the many years of construction work. To sit on the machine and being able to grab the round (no diameter too big) and split it in comfort is priceless. No bad gas, maintenance or just the overall of having another piece of equipment to maintain. Just a thought. Also a 4 in 1 front bucket to grab logs prior to sawing. Excellent production. Great video. Thanks.

Good video! I'm about to tear into my champion splitter with pretty much the same symptoms. Always something to fix around the farm!

I had this problem with my zero turn last spring. I drained it, ran some sea foam and fresh gas and it was good as new.

I have the Dirty Hands log splitter. Same exact splitter other than the color. My engine was doing the exact same thing with the surging, and stuttering. I cleaned the jets, cleaned the carb.. had to end up putting a new carb on it, which was easier and cheaper than fiddling around with the old carb. 20 bucks for a whole new carb. Been running like a dream ever since.

Designed obsolescence!!! Manufactures throw those curve balls at us and trick us into buying replacements before it's due! Bravo on you for digging in and getting to the real problem. I may need to start using Non-Ethanol fuel in more of my equipment. Right now I just use non in my Stihl chainsaw and my Echo weed eater. Love your vids Brother!

I have been looking at this splitter. Thank you for the insight. Have a Merry Christmas!

I have the same problem with my splitter. I haven't torn into it yet. I was going to start with the fuel bowl on the carb & try some Heet ( red bottle for 2 cycle) in case I have some water in the fuel. It will freeze here in Alaska. Thanks for the video it is sure to help!

Runs like a top , good job , usually anything I have that surges like that , is almost always the main jet needs cleaning, another great video and love seeing the deer hopefully a big ol buck comes out for you , keep em coming brother

Great mechanic skills 🇺🇸

Great video! Nice splitter!

Classic case of an engineer never having to work on something they’ve designed.

I started using STABIL in all my small engines. Solved all my issues. Also I left the gas valve open last winter and had gas fill the carburetor float and go into the engine. Bought a new carburetor on Amazon for $16. Hope it lasts.