The Full Story About
SPLIT-FIRE
An inventor at heart and quick to spot an opportunity, Bert set out to design a 3-point hitch hydraulic log splitter incorporating a two-way splitting action that splits wood in both the forward-and-reverse stroke. With the ultimate goal of designing a log splitter that was safe and productive, he designed a prototype that he tested and modified until he had created a machine that met this criterion. With the full support of his wife Corina, he dedicated himself to building the best hydraulic wood splitters found on the market. Consumers who bought these new 2-way log splitters recognized the quality engineering behind these machines that set them apart from others.
In the late 1980s Bert was approached by a rental operator, asking if he would build a gas-powered version of his 3-pt-hitch splitter for the rental industry. Log splitters were not a popular item among rental stores at the time due to their inherent dangers and liabilities rental shop owners faced if customers were hurt with the machine. Bert worked with rental companies seeking their advice and feedback which allowed him to tweak his splitter to fit this demanding industry. From his experience Bert learned the 3 most important ingredients for success in equipment rentals: first and foremost, the machine must be safe, the maintenance must be low, and the machine must be productive, providing a solution to the end-user.
In 1995, after developing several variations of his log splitter in gas powered, skid steer mounted and 3-pt hitch models, the company introduced a new product line, a wood chipper designed and built with the same ingenuity and durability that made the log splitters so successful. From a one-man operation, Split-Fire Sales quickly grew to be one of the leading manufacturers of hydraulic log splitters and wood chippers serving global markets. As the company continued to grow so did the products they offered; from the addition of excavator mounted splitters to launching additional brands such as the Fast Freddy Winder; an industrial winder for lay flat and larger diameter hose.
In 2012, tragedy struck with the untimely passing of Bert. With tremendous support from the community the Vanderweerd family carried on the torch Bert started. Taking up the helm were his eldest sons; Paul followed by Marco. Keeping to his father’s foot steps, Marco inherited Bert’s eye for innovation and is quick to spot room for enhancement in a design.
Today, Split-Fire offers a full range of log splitters and wood chippers, lay flat hose winders, extension cord winders, 3 point carry all products, industrial waste shredders and steel fire pits.
MISSION
Split-Fire Sales is dedicated to manufacturing high quality, and highly productive products that set themselves apart from others in the market; through their performance, and the personal customer service provided from a family owned and operated business.
Split-Fire has built its business based on its integrity and the family values that guide its business principles to this day. Split-Fire products are always "Quality Built for High Performance".
OVERVIEW
For more than thirty-five (35) years Split-Fire Sales Inc., has been the leading manufacturer of the highest quality wood splitters and wood chippers available on the market today. With a complete product line of log splitters and wood chippers for the agricultural, forestry and equipment rental industries with products that provide the best possible return on investment (ROI).
Split-Fire Sales was founded in 1984 by Lubbert Vanderweerd, known to family and friends as "Bert", who invented the 2-Way Log Splitter. Bert's spirit of invention lives on as Split-Fire continues to not only improve and expand on its log splitter and wood chipper products, but to introduce new inventions and products to the market like the Fast Freddy lay flat hose and extension cord winder, 3 point hitch carry all or bucket products for utility tractors, industrial waste shredders, as well as decorative steel fire pits.
THE SPLIT-FIRE ADVANTAGE
From the beginning, Split-Fire’s 2-way log splitters were manufactured with safety and productivity as its #1 priority. Many of the components that make these 2-way wood splitters special are unique to the Split-Fire brand and set it apart from its competitors.
Customers know that by choosing a Split-Fire they are purchasing a quality built, safe machine that will last a lifetime.
2-WAY SPLITTING ACTION: Split-Fire is the original manufacturer of the 2-way split design. Conventional 1-way log splitters typically see a push plate fitted to the end of a hydraulics cylinder. In this case the push plate will split a log around a knife fitted to the end of the beam, causing the plate to then need to cycle back to the start position. Split-Fire’s 2-way design has the hydraulic cylinder fitted inside a steel frame with the knife protruding up between 2 “V” shaped log stops. This design ensures the knife is always in the splitting position, removing the time wasted during the return cycle.
“V” SHAPED LOG STOP: Split-Fire utilizes their revolutionary “V” shaped log stop design. This design promotes increased safety and maximizes a machines tonnage force during the splitting action. With the conventional flat plate design the 20-30 tons of splitting force is being pushed through the log onto the flat plate, cause it to direct back on to the knife preventing it from splitting easily, wasting tonnage. Split-Fire’s “V” shaped design has the knife focusing the tonnage onto the centre of the log causing it to effortlessly split around the stop and preventing dangerous fly-outs. The “V” shaped design also reduces the hazard associated with the surface area of the push plate. A standard 6” x 6” push plate has 36” of surface area which is potential space the operator could be caught and injured in. The “V” shaped stop only has 6” of surface area (6” tall x 1” wide). This design reduces the hazardous area by 600%.
QUALITY-BUILT DESIGN: Split-Fire log splitters have been designed and engineered over the past 35 years to provide the best 2-way log splitter on the market. Every wood splitter and hydraulic cylinder are built in-house using only high-quality North American steel and components. Through this Split-Fire has earned a reputation as a low maintenance, long last machine that will last a lifetime.
CUSTOM OPTIONS: Split-Fire prides itself on offering a wide range of custom options, allowing the operator the ability to design a splitter that will match their exact splitting requirements. Available custom options included extended stroke lengths, engine upgrades, knife extensions, hydraulic log lifters, raised bed high and oversized tires.
In choosing a Split-Fire log splitter, you are choosing quality. That quality does come at a cost, but that cost is outweighed by the return on investment (ROI) through the productivity and lifespan of the machine.