Champion splitter any good?

[Machria]

Hey guys,
Are these champion splitters any good? Looks good quality and well built, what's the skinny on them?

I'm still searching for a decent 20-30 ton h/v splitter, which has a nice large log catcher/ table. I hate having to bend over to pick up a split that needs split again, I want it to stay on the table. This Chapion looks to have a nice large log holder.

I wanted to stay at about $1k, but that just isn't hapnin.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/204079...-pricegrabber-_-D28X-_-204079365#.UdBjcsu9KSM

 

[ScotO]

I'm not crazy about the way the ram is mounted on those splitters....I like the "I" beam to go to the very end of the ram....makes for a stronger splitter. A buddy of mine has one of these and he's already had to rebuild the ram because of stress at the seal.....

Look around for a solid, full-length "I" beam splitter. I think TSC is having a big sale right now on their Huskee line...FIL just bought one for a pretty decent price.

 

[ChadD]

Home depot sells the Ariens 27 ton for $1599. I went into the store to the customer service desk told them I wanted to buy a splitter gave them the sku number and asked if they take competitors coupons she explained that they do for similar items and they must have a brick and mortar store in the local area. I presented a 20% off Harbor Freight coupon and scored the splitter for $1260 and it has been great!

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Home depot sells the Ariens 27 ton for $1599. I went into the store to the customer service desk told them I wanted to buy a splitter gave them the sku number and asked if they take competitors coupons she explained that they do for similar items and they must have a brick and mortar store in the local area. I presented a 20% off Harbor Freight coupon and scored the splitter for $1260 and it has been great!

That's good to know, thanks...

 

[Machria]

I'm not crazy about the way the ram is mounted on those splitters....I like the "I" beam to go to the very end of the ram....makes for a stronger splitter. A buddy of mine has one of these and he's already had to rebuild the ram because of stress at the seal.....

Look around for a solid, full-length "I" beam splitter. I think TSC is having a big sale right now on their Huskee line...FIL just bought one for a pretty decent price.

I'll have a look at that, thanks...

Home depot sells the Ariens 27 ton for $1599. I went into the store to the customer service desk told them I wanted to buy a splitter gave them the sku number and asked if they take competitors coupons she explained that they do for similar items and they must have a brick and mortar store in the local area. I presented a 20% off Harbor Freight coupon and scored the splitter for $1260 and it has been great!

Great idea!

 

[bogydave]

Agree with SO.
For that money, I think you can do better.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Check out the guys thread that just got his Husky 22, he seems really happy.....

 

[MasterMech]

Anywhere else Machria might be able to find a less $$ machine. But "on the island" he's limited to HD, Lowes, and the locals. Not a TSC (22 ton Huskee) within an hour of him. IIRC he doesn't want to have to assemble the thing, just pull the rope and go. Unfortunately for you, Machria, that means you will likely have to pay a bit more for it. The Champion units looked OK when I saw them up here, but I'd price compare against the Ariens and Troy-Bilt/MTD/CubCadet 27 ton units. The Troy-bilts and Ariens machines may be easier to get parts/service for down the road.

 

[Machria]

You got it MM regarding Lows, HomecraPot..... But, I would not mind assembling it, that's no biggie for me.

I have a problem with the Troy 27 unit. It's priced ok and looks really well built, but it's missing a decent log cradle. I really want a nice big log cradle. My current electric has not cradle I that drives me nuts.

 

[MasterMech]

I really want a nice big log cradle.​

(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOG-SPLITTER-CRADLE-TABLE-THE-ULTIMATE-BACK-SAVER-/271230635519?pt=US_Outdoor_Power_Equipment&hash=item3f269b0dff#ht_792wt_972)

 

[Machria]

(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOG-SPLITTER-CRADLE-TABLE-THE-ULTIMATE-BACK-SAVER-/271230635519?pt=US_Outdoor_Power_Equipment&hash=item3f269b0dff#ht_792wt_972)

I've seen those. But you have to drill the i-beam to install.. AND, it's another $200+ bucks in cost, cause your going to need one on both sides plus shipping. It's also not even with the top of the I beam, so you will be lifting the log each time to get up on the beam, rather than just rolling it over... I know, picky stuff, but......

 

[Jags]

I am not a fan of trunnion mount cylinders for splitter applications. I know there are a bunch of them out there, but there are also a bunch of broken ones out there.

 

[Machria]

I am not a fan of trunnion mount cylinders for splitter applications. I know there are a bunch of them out there, but there are also a bunch of broken ones out there.

Is that what you would call the Champion "style" mount, a "trunnion mount"?

 

[Jags]

Is that what you would call the Champion "style" mount, a "trunnion mount"?

Well, the true trunnion mount is usually posts sticking from the side of the cylinder. I used the term "generically" to represent a front mounted cylinder.

This illustrates a TRUE trunnion:

 

[KB007]

I'd spend a little more money to get something better, preferably with a better motor.

Me and a nuddy have a Champion 17 ton model which we've had for about 4.5 years now. We do about 20 face cords / year on it and it's definitely showing a lot of wear. It leaks hyd oil in a couple of places, including the main ram seals. Had to have the motor pulled apart this year as it suddenly stopped one day and we could not get it to get going again. Still wouldn't go even after a full carb disassemble and cleaning. The guy who fixed it said he wasn't even sure why it died, he replaced a couple of seals.

We're startin to look for another one and will prolly look for something with a Honda engine and a better ram setup.

 

[ClanCameron]

check this out: (broken link removed)
This $1500 30 ton splitter has a 10 second cycle time, four-way head, road-tow kit, electric start (nice), etc. The secret to the cycle time is the 9+ gallons of hydraulic oil (about $100)! Give Richard a call at 253-951-1945, and he'd be happy to talk through the machine with you. I'm two cords into it now, and I can't keep up - the splitter wins at the end of the day every time. Tell Richard that Duncan and Michelle (eBay) sent you.

 

[Jags]

The tank volume will have no effect on cycle time. Cycle time is a function of engine rpm and the pumps rated flow.

 

[ClanCameron]

I stand corrected on the technical, but there's no doubt as to the machine being always ahead of me

 

[tekguy]

my huskee 22 ton splits everything I throw at it and starts everytime... brand new for less then 1K with tax and made by speeco

 

[Machria]

Home depot sells the Ariens 27 ton for $1599. I went into the store to the customer service desk told them I wanted to buy a splitter gave them the sku number and asked if they take competitors coupons she explained that they do for similar items and they must have a brick and mortar store in the local area. I presented a 20% off Harbor Freight coupon and scored the splitter for $1260 and it has been great!

Chad, I owe you a couple beers! Scored an Ariens 22 at HD with a 25% off harbor frt coupon. They didn't blink an eye, took 300+ off.

 

[ChadD]

I'll take a 6 pack of Sam Adams Octoberfest
Enjoy the new splitter. By the way when you check the engine oil level insert the dipstick but don't screw it in to check for proper oil level and the work table and log cradle are definately worth the extra $100.
I ordered them from homedepot.com with a 10% off coupon code I found online.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Where did you get this 25% coupon from? Thanks and congratulations.

 

[ChadD]

You can find them in just about any Field and Stream,Popular Mechanics,NRA Magazines they usually run a couple page ad every month.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Thank you...

 

[Machria]

I'll take a 6 pack of Sam Adams Octoberfest
Enjoy the new splitter. By the way when you check the engine oil level insert the dipstick but don't screw it in to check for proper oil level and the work table and log cradle are definately worth the extra $100.
I ordered them from homedepot.com with a 10% off coupon code I found online.

Came with log cradles on both sides. But I did order the extra "Work Table" for $50 at hd. . I'll be at the Newport boat show in 2 weeks, come on over ill buy you lunch!

Where did you get this 25% coupon from? Thanks and congratulations.

All over the place.... Local papers, flyers in my mailbox, magazines.... They have been advertising all over the place lately. They just opened a few stores on LI so I think they are promoting the hell out of it locally...