DR Log Splitter

I just wanted to share my experience so other people don't make the same mistake I did. I'm not one of those people who only post their bad experiences online, most people only post when their mad or dis-satisfied. I actually post when I'm satisfied as well but this time I'm not.

I bought a DR 28 Ton Log Splitter online from their website based on a few things, I have a couple DR products and liked the quality and the Log Splitter had a no interest and free shipping promotion. So I figured, hell that's a good deal for me. I always like supporting an American made product even if it costs a little more in the long run. Well, the free shipping doesn't apply to in home shipping so it costs an additional $120.00 to ship to your house. Okay I understand so no big deal, but wait..... The no interest and free shipping also includes a promotional fee of $125.00 so not only can you kiss the free shipping goodbye but they tack on a fee just for financing even though it says no interest for 3 years! But what ever, DR is a great product and I don't mind spending a few extra hard earned bucks for a superior product right?

Well, they shipped me an absolute piece of chit! I apologize for my language but it's required here. I got it and it was in a hundred pieces in my driveway, no problem I said, I'm mechanical so I'll slap it together and all is well. Nope, 4 hours later and I couldn't get it running! I finally realized it wasn't getting any spark and it didn't have any oil in the motor and the manual said it was shipped WITH oil so DO NOT ADD! Nope, no oil! No problem, I'll add oil and get this this thing running. After 10 minutes of running I noticed all the fittings installed from the factory were leaking, so I cranked them in tighter and all is good. Then while I'm splitting wood, BANG!! A hose popped off that was installed from DR splashing hot oil in my eyes and draining $75.00 worth of Hydraulic oil from the splitter. Now I'm fricking pizzed!!! I send them an email and I get an automated piece of chit response and they could care less! I paid $1699.99 for this and it's worth about $1000.00 so do yourself a favor and just buy a Husky locally and stand clear of DR because their quality is worse than China!!!! I'm a Machinist for more than 25 years and I'm disgusted by their quality!
And I have about 8 nuts and bolts that were stripped and had to re-tap them!
So I ended up spending almost $2000. for this piece of chit!

 

Can't you return it?

 

I probably could but I spent all that time putting it together and fixing it so I'm keeping it! I guess I'll just let everyone know not to buy one from them, they're an absolute joke!

 

I have the same one. I called and spoke to a dr sales rep and the lady on the phone was so helpful about all the hidden fees with the shipping and so on. I had mine for 3 years and have no complaints. I hate hearing stories about product problems but we all go thru it sometimes. Keep your head up and start splitting. It splits wood so fast. I love it.

 

When I was looking at the DR a couple years ago they were also running the same promotion. I also like that it was American made and that it was a quick splitter. The local dealer I visited to see the machine told me the DR would be shipped to him and they would assemble it, I thought that was good. The financing part is what got me, the price was $1500.00 and I couldn't see spending the extra $500 on something I could get for $1K. I ended up passing.

 

Bummer Dylskee. There is no undoing what you have already been through. Very frustrating. I know with your knowledge you can do is make the machine right. Get ahold of someone who has some power in that company. And don't give up until you are satisfied. Sometimes it can help to write them a well thought out letter explaining what just happened to you. I know you should not have to. You should not have to do any of the stuff you have already done. Send it to them and then call the same person a week later and make sure they got it. Let them know you had to put many, many hours of your own time into fixing things that were wrong with it. Hopefully they will do something to make it right for you. I think they will.

I wish you the best of luck with it and hope you can turn the situation around and split a chitload of wood with that thing. I have a neighbor who is a machinist. He is working on some sleeves and bearings and welding them to a quick attach plate for me to convert my loader over. You and him are very talented people. Make the best of it man. Some day post us a picture of a huge pile of wood that you split with that thing.

 

I got it up and running last week but I still need to replace a couple fittings. It just amazes me how it could have shipped like that, if I did my job like that I wouldn't last a day! I already sent their customer service an email explaining my experience and I got a very vague and almost automated response. That's as far as I will take it, if they don't care about their customers then the customers won't care about them. I myself will never buy another DR product.

But on a better note, I am splitting away and have a pile of hickory going right now. I have some red oak and some maple next!

 

I thought DR splitter was like the super splitter and had a flywheel and pushed the wood fast.

 

Yes, that's the Rapidfire splitter they sell. Speed really didn't interest me so I stuck with the old school technology.

 

I got the rapid fire and had it for 4 years now and never had any issues. I change the oil grease it up and have kept it outdoors for years covered and still works like a charm..the subaru engine is great. There are times when somebody has to experience bad product and its not good..