King Canada splitter?

[maple1]

I've seen a nearly new one that I'll have to think & move pretty quick on if I want to get it. Wasn't even looking very seriously until I saw this one last night.

It's a 15T gas with 6.5hp motor. Does anybody have any experience with them they can share? I've got some King woodworking things that have served me well over the years. I looked a new one over at a store today & couldn't see any "Made in ..." stickers on it, it might be made in "You-know-where" - but it's about everything I was looking for right now. Light, compact, easy to move around with the ATV, & vertical-capable. I don't need a monster, there's one of those kicking around here already.

EDIT: It's this one:

http://www.brettwood.com/inc/sdetail/30/1916

 

[bogydave]

No experience with it or the brand but it looks OK.
Not sure what brands are available in your area.

I agree, probably China , maybe assembled in N America.
Like most splitter if the metal & wleds hold up & it's not abused is should last many years.
Preventative Maintenance &/or few parts here & there over time but that's to be expected with any tool with moving parts.

If it meets your needs, go for it.
Write up a review

 

[MasterMech]

Kinda wierd, a 15T machine with a 4 way wedge?

8 second cycle time , yowza.

Looks fine for smaller logs, save your knotty crotches for the monster splitter you mentioned.

 

[maple1]

About the wedge - the extra two wings are bolted on & can be removed. I think the lightly used one I'm looking at has had them removed. It would be better if the extra wings could be just slipped on & off easily.

About the 8 second cycle time - reading wood splitter specs is new to me. Does that spec mean time for a complete cycle (in & out?). I think most small splitter specs I quickly found had cycle times twice that?

You guys are selling me so far.

 

[MasterMech]

About the 8 second cycle time - reading wood splitter specs is new to me. Does that spec mean time for a complete cycle (in & out?). I think most small splitter specs I quickly found had cycle times twice that?

It should, as that is how most competing machines are listed. Sounds like this is a decent sized pump running a small cylinder, which is a dream for processing moderately sized logs that are generally easy splitting. No way to know for sure unless the pump specs and cylinder size are published.

 

[maple1]

I know nothing about pumps & what is good sized, & what isn't, but found this one seems to have a 3gpm single stage pump:

http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=958&ID=21916

I thought I read elsewhere it was two stage - must have misread something. Their 22 Ton one has a 8gpm two stage pump, but same cycle time stated, which doesn't make sense to me - but I guess might be due to the different cylinder sizes:

http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=958&ID=21917

50% difference in MSRP, not sure if that's worth it for what I'd be doing with it. I've been waffling on this the last two days - the timing isn't right for me to buy right now, but I know I likely won't be having another chance like this whenever the timing gets right. Big question right now is would it be worth the time in the doghouse if I brought it home?

Uuugggghhhh......

 

[MasterMech]

I know nothing about pumps & what is good sized, & what isn't, but found this one seems to have a 3gpm single stage pump:

http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=958&ID=21916

I thought I read elsewhere it was two stage - must have misread something. Their 22 Ton one has a 8gpm two stage pump, but same cycle time stated, which doesn't make sense to me - but I guess might be due to the different cylinder sizes:

http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=958&ID=21917

50% difference in MSRP, not sure if that's worth it for what I'd be doing with it. I've been waffling on this the last two days - the timing isn't right for me to buy right now, but I know I likely won't be having another chance like this whenever the timing gets right. Big question right now is would it be worth the time in the doghouse if I brought it home?

Uuugggghhhh......

First link lists the cyl as a 3.5" x 24", That's just about bang on 1 gal of fluid in that puppy. So with the 3 gal /min pump, the cyl would extend in roughly 20 seconds. Something ain't right, I'm guessing the pump spec is off. Would need a 7.5gpm pump to extend only in 8 seconds. That's in theory, in practice, other machines running that size cylinder are using 16gpm pumps to achieve 8 second round-trip cycles.

I would try it before you buy it, the numbers don't add up, so back to the old fashioned test. Pull the lever.

 

[Jags]

Sounds like a pretty decent low end splitter. I do have to say, I don't like trunnion mount cylinders on splitters. But that just might be my own prejudice.

I agree - pull the lever.

 

[maple1]

He did say test drives possible, so if I follow up on it the lever will be pulled. Wife now has the tow vehicle for the weekend, so I'll be sitting on my hands about it at least until she gets back.

Kijiji & Ebay have gotten me into more dilemnas over the years....