Reliable and hard-working are two words that fit well with the Ariens’ 22-ton splitter. With a powerful 174cc Subaru Engine, the Ariens runs extremely efficiently and will provide many years to come of hard splitting force. Subaru Engines have a great reputation on the market and will often out perform more popular models such as Honda or Strattons.
The vertical splitting feature allows you to much more easily attack large, chunky pieces of wood as you don’t need to manually bend and lift as much as you would on just a horizontal log splitter. You can throw almost any type of wood at the Ariens 22-tonner and it will rarely skip a beat. The cast iron tapered wedge is pretty much indestructible and will split the gnarliest, knottiest logs and is designed for hard use.
The centrally located controls allows you to operate the log splitter from either side of the machine which saves time walking around the machine and you can spend more time actually splitting. The main components are at the front of the machine for ease of access. There is also an open operating zone meaning you can operate from either side of the splitter. This saves a lot of bending and navigating around the machine and you can walk straight up to the working zone. The small cradles either side of the beam will prevent almost 100% of all logs falling to the ground once split. Easy to start on second or third go, or even first go if the machine is already warmed from previous use. The Ariens 22-Ton Gas Log Splitter sits at a great operating height and there’s no need to awkwardly bend over to place logs on the beam and remove them.
The Ariens 22-Tonner is towable up to speeds of 45MBH which is great for transporting the splitter from site to site, meaning jobs get completed quicker, freeing up valuable time.
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Pros
The Ariens is easy to operate, hard-working and extremely reliable. The operating level of the splitter is well thought out unlike some other splitters currently on the market where you still need to do a lot more bending and lifting than you’d expect for the money you invest in a quality splitter. Subaru engines have a great reputation for being one of the most reliable and long-lasting engines on the market.
Cons
Small working surface. Perhaps that’s why Ariens has bought out an optional work table which can be attached to the splitter for extra room (can be found here). The front log of the splitter is made of a light steel therefore when working on unsteady surfaces the splitter tends to lean to one side- one reason to be operating on a flat surface!
Ariens 22-Ton Gas Log Splitter Features:
- Vertical/horizontal operation system
- Subaru Engine 174cc / 4.5 HP
- 13 second cycle time
- 11 GPM Dual Stage Hydraulic Pump
- Splits up to 25inch logs
- Log cradle
- Towable
- 3 year warranty
- .32gal fuel tank capacity
- 367lb total machine weight
- Recoil starting system
- Open operating zone
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84.68 X 37.58 X 46.25Inches
Using The Log Splitter
To use the Ariens 22-Ton Gas Log Splitter follow the operational manual that came with your machine to ensure you have set up the splitter correctly. Add the recommended amount of the hydraulic fluid and engine oil. Ensure the fuel shut-off valve is in the closed position each time before moving or using the splitter. Place the splitter in the intended position and location where you wish to split the logs, then add blocks under the wheels for added stability. Make sure the area is level and free of obstacles. Switch the engine switch onto the ON position and pull the engine starter handle to fire up the machine. You may need to use the choke control lever- if so gradually open the choke after the engine starts. Try not to let the starter handle snap back once started as the handle will break and crack a lot quicker over a short period of time.
Place the log in the tray and use the control lever to bring the splitter wedge flat against the log, hold the control handle in place until the log is fully split or the cylinder is fully extended. If the log doesn’t split all the way through,release the handle and re-position the log, holding the control handle in place again in order for it to split all the way through.
The Bottom Line: Ariens 22-Ton Gas Log Splitter
The Ariens 22-Ton Gas Log Splitter is great value for your money and well worth the investment for how many years use you will get out of it. The open operating zone cuts down time used positioning yourself on an otherwise one sided operational splitter. Towing capacity allows you to also move about from location to location with ease. You can depend on a job well done with a Subaru Engine that will last for years to come.
Top highlights of the machine:
- Vertical/horizontal operation system
- Open operating zone
- Reliable Subaru Engine 174cc
