I am in the market for a hydraulic (gas powered) log splitter. I have looked at the Swisher models and the Troy Bilt/ MTD models. I know someone out there has info on these machines.

 

Hey, I have a MTD model that I picked up at Home Depot a few years ago. It has a Briggs motor. I have had very good luck with this machine and would recommend it. However just like anything else, it does require some maintaince. It sure beats splitting the wood by hand. The main problem is that all your family and friends want to borrow it. It probably weighs about 400-500lbs, so my 700 has no problem moving it around.
Later, Bill

 

I split wood for a guy, and he has a HUSKEE 12 H.P. 35 ton splitter. The engine is a Briggs and Straton. It can slpit a 26" log. Also it spits horizontally or vertically which is nice when your spitting big(really big) billets. He has a Honda Forman, and it hauls it no problem. Tractor Suplly has the exact one in their add for this week and they want $1549.96. It is really a nice splitter.

 

we got a splitter for the tractor that works great but i am sure you don't want to buy a tractor just for wood but if you do have somthing with a 3 point hitch a splitter like I got is great never had a problem splitting anything and we also made a trailer for it and a engine platform with a hidrolic motor on it and it seems to work fine it has a 5.5 honda on it now but it costs quite abit to build one that way

 

I'm also in the market and have been looking at most of the 20-27T offerings. I've noticed that going from Tecumseh or Briggs&Stratton engines to a Honda engine tacks on $4-600 to the price of a horizontal/vertical, trailerable splitter. I've had Honda engines in everything from quads to generators and they seem indestructible. Any thoughts on the differences in engines for this application?

 

I noticed that also and I already own 1 Honda engine and a few Kawasakis. Both of these are really good small engines. I ended up buying a Swisher 7 HP 22 Ton here in Mo. The place I got mine from filled the unit with hydraulic fluid and pre-ran it to make sure everything was in order. Most places will assemble them to an extent but not pay for the Hyd. oil.
This unit has the Briggs engine on it and it starts on the first pull every time but I will what it more closely than my Honda or Kawi engines.
BTW my price was $950 OTD. It works great and even busts up really big and tough p1ss-elm.

 

Glad to year you found something.

 

Tractor Supply has several models. We have really good luck out of the Huskee models in the 25-35 ton range(I work there). We have yet to have one returned, so they must be holdin up good. We also have a three point model, but it only split horizontally, but it is only like $500, and its handy on the back of the tractor. If you get one of the hydro models, make sure your hoses are tight. I have seen them fly off and smack ppl and spray hyd fluid everywhere.