Have you got the 25 or the 27? The 27 model came out early in 2011 and has the longer handle. I've got both but like the 27 better because of the length. I also have a Brave 35 ton splitter as well. Not the cheapest, but made in the USA by Iron and Oak. I split my splitting evenly between the hydraulic and the Fiskars.
How much more money is the one you suggested Greg? I don't see that one listed on Fleet Farm.com Is 22 ton typically enough to handle most projects?
If you have a tractor with hydraulic hook ups, I would definately look into one like this. It uses the hydraulics from the tractor, so you don't have to worry about keeping up another engine. Definately go with a verticle model. It can be a pain rolling bigger logs up on the horizontal models. http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=31_48&products_id=127 My dad had one like this and we split a ton of wood with his every year. Low maintanance on this type because it doesn't have a motor. My tractor doesn't have hyd. hook ups so I have one like GregH has now. Its a nice unit too, but I now have to worry about another motor starting all the time.
The one we bought last year at F&F was about $1200. Then you have to buy the engine oil and the hydraulic oil. I also bought the optional work table that bolts to the side. That works really well. Total for everything was about $1300. I've used a 22 ton befor and it worked pretty good also. It might have creaked and groaned a slight bit more when the going got tough. I can't find the 305cc Brigs 25 ton at F&F either. Take a look at the Speeco web site. I like the engine to be on the opposite side of the operator station. http://www.speeco.com/products.php?id=95
Although my tractor has plenty of hydraulics, I prefer not to use them on a 3 point wood splitter. The Brigs and Honda engines are quite reliable when it comes to starting. Like I said, my GF fires up the log splitter in cold weather after it has sat for months with no problem. As for tractor hydraulics, I'm outfitting my tractor to be a wood gathering bad ***. I just purchased a grapple for the front and am adding a thumb to my backhoe so I can grab, carry and handle all the wood at the splitting and stacking site.
