New log splitter

In the market for a new splitter. Want to stay under $3k US. But may go a bit higher but absolutely no higher than $5k. It either needs to have a log lift or have the more traditional design of horizontal with the ability to be vertical. Also looking for a faster cycle time.
Give me your recommendations.

 

Rugged made 322. At least in that price range

Log Splitters | 22, 28, & 37 Ton Gas Wood Splitters | RuggedMade Log Splitters | 22, 28, & 37 Ton Gas Wood Splitters | RuggedMade

 

If we were closer, I’d build ya one.

 

Wasn't someone talking about hosting a GTG in Wisconsin this year?

 

That was me. Still trying to nail down a date. I’m thinking maybe late may or early june.

 

When I'm ready, I'll hit you up.

 

If you can wait until fall, there are deals to be had a the Paul Bunyan show...this one was $4k at the show last year.
https://www.dyna-products.com/ls24-18/
This one too...
WOOD SPLITTERS | 3255 / 3465 2-Way Gas Powered Log Splitter
My brother has an older Splitfire, and these things are the real deal...IIRC it was $4500 with log lift at the show.
There were a couple others too, but I don't remember the name right now...there were one or two others that had processors there that I didn't know made log splitters too (or at least splitter models that aren't just full blown commercial units)
Another option is to add a lift to your splitter...there are a number of decent kits out there...

 

That's the second recommendation for splitfire I got today. When I went to the International Firewood Expo in Cortland last year I was close to getting one. In hindsight I should have. Don't know if I'll make it there or Bunyan this year

 

Patience is something I need to work on. I went and got a 25 ton Hypersplit from Family Farm and Home today

 

I like that color!
Gonna add a lift then?

 

Well it can go vertical or horizontal. So maybe not

 

Oh, I thought you already had a H/V machine...

 

I did. It was getting to the point were it was becoming a money pit to keep running.

 

How does a splitter become a money pit???? There’s like 3 parts!

 

Lot more than a three parts on engine alone
It came down to $400 or more in repairs or replace it. When the original cost was less than $850. When do you call it?

 

It sounds like you are paying for labor.

 

Put some Kubota stickers on it. I'm sure someone will say my _______ has the same Kubota.......

 

That’s one thing I don’t like. When people compare the cost of repair to the cost of new. Sometimes you are better off buying new if everything else is worn out, but sometimes it is better to fix it.
Maybe I see it differently because I am good at fixing things.

 

I agree...my boss is not real mechanical...he is constantly wanting to replace things that would often be easily (and better off) repaired!
I'm still learning to keep my mouth shut...turns out he doesn't want to learn.

 

I hear ya.