Echo/Bearcat LS22. Very compact, but everything is build like a brick ****house. It was definitely more $ than the standard, made in China, Speeco/Husky/County Line, etc... but, my local small engine shop recommended it and I know he will service it if I ever need it. I'd definitely prefer to keep him in business rather supporting the local big box.
Yes! However, I've got the the cradles on back order. Either way, everything about this unit is very ROBUST. I was a little worried about spending more for a non-China model, but everything is top notch and way better than the rinky-dinky China models.
No problems! Everyone on here advised that a simple, inexpensive, 22 ton model would be fine for 99.9% of what I (typical homeowner) would need. I looked around at all our local big boxes and several independent small motor shops and weighed my options. Yes, I could have spent less at the big box for bargain model. If my budget was absolutely the bottom line, that's what I would have chosen. However, I chose to support my local, small engine shop. That said, this thing is truly a BEAST! Everything is built super solid and well exceeds the specs of the economy 22 ton units.
Good luck with it. Only thing I see that I question is the flat landing for the log. My Huskee has a channel that holds the logs. Never loose one. Ever.
Log holders are coming soon. I totally agree. If you have to bend over an pick up the splits, you are definitely behind.
Looks nice! What are the specs on the engine, pump, cycle time etc? When I bought mine I didn't know much about this stuff, if I had it to do again I doubt I'd own it. Nothing to do with the quality of the unit but the cycle time sucks. Of course if I'm splitting nice straight grained wood cycle time doesn't matter and if I'm on the controls I just don't let it fully return. I split by myself 99% of the time so I'm usually not in some big hurry so in the end I guess it's fine for me.
You are so right you only need buy what you need to get the job done. As for that Subaru engine where do you think that it is made? Even my Timberwolf that cost about $3,00.00 eight years ago has a Honda engine so part of my money went overseas as well. It's never what we think and the only problem I see with that splitter is that the hydraulic tank should be wider as it gives more surface area to cool the fluid. Wider is always better then deeper as heat rises a must when running hydraulics.
Good call with the small engine shop. That engine blocker is a great idea for sure and got my little brain a thinking with mine. Cut a chunk metal for the cradle which covers it but just not quite enough.
I hope it is made in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries... Just like my 2002 Subaru Forrester... Even so, the rest of this unit is WAY over built in the USA.
Nice looking machine. It's small like my Ariens 22 ton. Looking forward to a field report when you get it going.
Glad you like it. It's great supporting small business I try to do so as much as possible You might check but I remember reading about a recall on those particular non economy units. It gets steller reviews on other sigjts as well
Yes, you are right!!! The Google machine does identify the recall. However, that is way in the past ant no longer relevant to current models.
We're getting it installed in May, no rush since heating season is over for this year. That said, I'm trying to maximize the fast drying woods, ash, cherry, red maple, black birch, that I can possibly stockpile. I've got a bunch of standing dead oak, but it's second in line to the faster drying woods.
Sounds like a good plan and I know you guys will have no problems with it. But if ya have any questions next fall..Ask raybonz! as it took me forever to figure mine out.
