Used splitter

[begreen]

I have an opportunity to pick up a used splitter. It's a 6 yr old Northern Tool 20T with a 5.5 hp Honda motor Horiz/Vert. operation. In good physical condition and with less than 100 hrs on the motor according to the owner. Any caveats on this brand/model? Anything in particular I should be looking into? The asking price is $695 which is more than the DR electric 6T I had been considering. Does anyone know what this was selling for 6 yrs ago?

 

[begreen]

Done deal. I went and looked at it. Always garaged, it looked almost new. Started first pull. It's all-American made, even the Honda motor and he sold it for $600.

No more rentals, I'm set. Good thing, we have a doug fir and a hemlock that are coming down soon.

 

[paulie]

sounds like a good deal to me BG, I was going to say, offer him 600, , if it's for sale he don't need it, and it's just in his way chances are. good job! I did get a DR 5 ton, like it ! although a nice peice of elm did give it a work out. but did manage to it all done ! and the DR with splitting tray, and table is a really nice unit !

 

[begreen]

This thing is built stout. I'm impressed. I looked at some of the newest inexpensive models and they seem pretty light duty in comparison. I know it's not industrial, but it will handle anything we have growing out here. As long as I take care of it, it should hold its value. In the mean time I no longer have to do splitting marathons on the rental clock. A few hours now and then throughout spring is a much nicer plan.

 

[reaperman]

Its so much nicer to be able to split at your leisure. Looks like you found yourself a deal.

 

[kellog]

Begreen,

I'd say you did well getting a low mileage Northern for $600. I would much prefer that to the DR for the same bucks. Since you are mostly splitting for yourself I assume, you will likely get many years of service from it. Good find.

 

[bjorn773]

BG, That's exactly why I bought mine a few years ago. I've never looked back with any regret. Those weekend marathons are a KILLER

 

[computeruser]

Good deal! Those units will give you years of good service. Keep the fluid clean, motor oil fresh, and the cylinder retracted when not in use, and you should be a happy splitter owner for a long time to come. I would much rather have a gas splitter and be over-splittered than to have a compact electric that is useless on the big stuff. Grab yourself a nice pair of earmuffs with the radio in 'em, and you'll be a superhappy splitter operator!

And you may THINK you'll only be splitting for yourself...ha! Not once family and friends know you have a splitter...

 

[begreen]

Yep, I'm a happy camper. I've been passing up on some free wood that now will be making it into my stacks. I love the thought of being able to take the splitter to the site and filling up the truck with the split wood. Can't do that with an electric splitter unless I lugged the generator along.

I hear you on the earmuffs. I have had them for many years. Actually made my own before they were easily available. About 20 yrs ago I helped build a couple boat where one had to wear ear protectors all day. It got boring so I added a couple transducers to them and plugged them into a portable FM radio. Worked pretty good. But now I have the Peltor muffs and use them for mowing, splitting, etc. I even wore them while the renovation was going on in the house.

 

[Elderthewelder]

BeGreen
I am curious on how you (and othe Pac N/W people) stow their splits.

Myself, I have 2 primitive "sheds" with open sides and backs, but covered roofs to keepmost of the rain out, just curious what others in our area do

 

[begreen]

During spring/summer just outside in the sun and wind. I use the bark to make roof tiles for the top of the stacks or if it is barkless, I use a tarp on top. Then in fall I move it under cover in a lean-to shed attached to the garage.

 

[fullbore]

I'm sure you'll love the splitter. I just picked up a 22ton Speeco from TSC today. I had a coupon for 10% off their normal $999.00. I returned my two week old, 5 ton Task Force to Lowes after realizing it only does well on the perfect rounds(no knots). The gas splitter is a huge improvement!