Which splitter, or what to look for and what to avoid?

No one should take offense.. first thing I saw too. Backs unlike good bourbon don't improve with age!

 

I thought the same thing about no one taking offense. However, I learned a couple weeks ago that some people don't like your thoughts and opinions, on gear we use, unless it follows inline with their thought process. There are things made that are just better suited to individuals than other gear. Old Poulan lovers seem to forget that from time to time. I assumed it might come over to the wood splitters too. So, I explained with a "softer" touch rather than just state the obvious. God Bless

 

Thanks again for all the input.

Things took a funny turn tonight as I was in Home Depot buying some stain for the barn..... There was an Ariens 22 ton splitter outside with a price sheet showing $1199. Subaru engine, cycle time of 12 seconds, and it is a very tall splitter in the horizontal position, as a previous poster pointed out could be a feature for a tall operator (approx. 5" taller than the other brand 22 ton splitter sitting next to it). But the splitter was quite clearly used, and not just for two logs either- it looked used, the bed, wedge and foot (whatever you call it) was considerably scratched, indicating use, and it had some very light corrosion on the outer surfaces of the engine and other parts. I pulled the oil stick and found it was full of clean (brand new looking) oil. Opened the hydraulic reservoir and found the same thing (clean, full and new looking fluid). Went into the store and asked about the unit and found it was a 'sold and returned' and being used for display; they had three new ones in stock for the $1199. I asked about the price, got a fairly good discount on this unit but pressed further and got a price of $800. I started and operated the unit; it started on the fourth pull, ran well and operated correctly in all aspects. No leaks, all fittings bone- dry, no engine leaks, smoke or odd behavior. No leaks or faults found in the hydraulics or the operation of the unit. End of story, I bought it tonight and will go pick it up tomorrow. I get a 30 day, full- refund return policy, along with a 'new' Ariens warranty, which is 3 years, at the end of the 30 day period. I think I did OK overall, as any splitter I buy will look like this one in a month anyway.

So, what say you folks? Is this a decent deal? Is Ariens a decent splitter (it <seems> as good as any I have looked at and is taller to boot)? All comments welcome, the helpful ones appreciated!

Brian

 

I don't know a thing about them. Or many splitters period. I know this much though. Had TSC had the same splitter you described and, it worked as you said, I'd bought it instead of the new one I did. Only difference is, I'd got it for $500. God Bless

 

Two words "you suck!". Great deal!!

 

I have been using one for two years and have no complaints ,i like the height and the area behind the tire allows room to stand ,on some splitters i looked at the tires were in the way . good luck with it you got a great deal

 

I think ya got a good deal there man concrats

 

Yep....you stole that. If you ever decide to sell it, you will probably make money!

Great buy!

 

Yeah been hearing good things about that Subaru engine too

 

Great deal!! I originally was going to get the Ariens, but Lowe's put the DHT on sale one weekend which was the only reason I went that direction instead. But I still wonder if I made the right decision, that Suby engine is supposed to be top of the line!

Make sure you fill out the warranty card, or whatever needs done for that. I've seen a few of those on various forums have some issues, but it seems Ariens always made things right.

 

Ummm does a duck like water

Great score I would change the oil in the motor anyways. Use a good synthetic oil in it

 

I got a Troy-Bilt 33 ton a couple years ago, the thing was like new, I found it on C/L for about 1/2 the price of a new one.

 

Well, went and picked up the splitter this afternoon. Drove it to one wood pile and took a test- split. Started on the second pull, ran well.

So far, it seems to work excellent. But I did find a caveat: As I am right- handed, I guess I was resting my left hand on the wood being split. Probably a bad idea and a bad habit to get into. At any rate, it does really seem to matter... and I mean a lot, exactly where you rest your hand. For example, if a few fingers fold around the log when the wedge makes contact, it makes an odd sensation in those fingers....




Nothing the proper tools cannot take care of though.... Pliers:


A little lube, a couple of grunts later (Easy Boys!) and viola! I think the ring will need a tad of buffing to fully restore it though.


I think I walked away from that one with a lot of luck for such stupidity. Some swelling (the hand, not the ring) but no bleeding and nothing seems broken, and there is no pain. I have had gray hair for quite a few years and spent all of my life working around all types of machinery, up to and including a tractor mounted 'saw rig' (which I think is the OSHA definition of 'too dangerous to use') and have never had even a single suture. With a little luck, and a lot more diligence on my part, I am going to go split some more wood.

Brian

 

Ouch. Do be careful. You might split 50 pieces that give nice and easy and the 51st is the one that will burst.

 

You're lucky! I know a couple folks that really got hurt bad doing that.I'm glad you're alright.

 

x 2 to 10 wow that's swollen!

 

wow I think you got lucky.
As soon as that wedge touches the wood my hand is off

 

Unless you are stuck in California where you're stuck with one I wouldn't waste the money.
Change your oil and use the gas shutoff/run it out of fuel and my chicom Northstar engine starts on second pull everytime.
Going on year 6 - if it dies new engine is under $200, and it doesn't use any noticeable amount of oil