Well I was in Menards and saw this splitter a few years ago. Since then out of curiosity I started researching it and found a lot of info. I know at $699 sale I would buy it but not any more than that. Its decent but the welds are hideous looking. That doesn't mean they aren't strong but…… There is a lot of interested folks on the internet questioning about this splitter so I thought it would be good to answer some of the questions I have seen. For $999 regular I would go a few more hundred and buy a USA made unit. I do know not everybody can afford that however and this goes to $699 a few times a year. Even Speeco, Country Line, Huskee and MTD is chinese build aside from the engines so thats a non issue if your budget is $999 and down. Facts The manufacturer is WEN products which these days is a big china importer of goods. http://www.wenproducts.com/store/YTL23308-20-ton-log-splitter It is sold through Agri supply under a ( No Name ) and Menards as the forrest king and probably others. http://www.menards.com/main/p-2365180-c-10115.htm http://www.agrisupply.com/log-splitter/p/63867/ LCT Engines are Chinese however the are USA owned and managed. They are apparently good engines. http://www.lctusa.com/page.cfm?sp=about Due to being USA Managed and owned parts are readily available from there site where they also include a phone number. http://www.lctllc.com/service_parts_catalog/ Powerful 208cc OHV engine Splits logs up to 24" L Heavy-duty steel log cradle and 8" hardened steel wedge Convenient vertical and horizontal operating positions 14 second cycle time Some assembly required Hydraulic oil sold separately 1 year warranty on Parts and Labor of the log splitter 2 Year warranty on the engine 45MPH top speed The reality is its a good basic splitter with some bells and whistles.
I think if it hit $699 its easily worth it but its also a slower cycle time at 14 sec vs most between 10 and 13 sec in todays splitters.
Ck out dht tools log splitters a little more money but the quality is way better an awesome customer support. Imo
I just sold mine to get a horizontal vertical and brother the DHT 22 ton is on my short list for sure!
The vertical does come in handy with the size of some of the rounds I am splitting from two 80' oaks I had taken down. Would have to do alot of noodling to be able to lift these bad boys.
Im probably buying this bad boy! http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ariens-1...11/204248703?cm_mmc=sem|psocial|fbx|dynamic:D
That one was on my short list when I was looking Pete. It's got some nice features and seems to be pretty stout and well made.
Interestingly enough LCT makes a bunch of named engines such as all the Ariens are branded and built by LCT for Ariens. I would imagine there could be a build quality difference though between the lower end and higher end like anything else.
