used splitter question

[thebull22]

I need some advice. Tomorrow I am going to drive 90 minutes to look at a used MTD verticle log splitter on a trailer. Owner says he's had it 3-4 years, split about 3-4 cords/year. He owns a landscaping company and says he has ordered a Timberwolf stationary firewood processor. Says the MTD is in great shape. Asking $750; I know these sell locally for about $1300-1500 new. Question: What should I look for that would tell me" keep looking for another splitter"? He says he "greases the ram piston with regular grease to protect it" Sounds like maybe I should have him wipe the thing clean and run some logs through it to see if it leaks? He's also concerned about me towing it back home; says he'll put it into my truck with a forklift. (Sounds reasonable to me, since towing those things past 40mph is discouraged by the manufacturer.)
Any other questions I should ask ? Thanks a lot. Time is kinda of the essence here.

 

[Backroads]

Definately inspect the cylinder/hoses ect for leaks. Check the hydraulic fluid level, if it's low that's a bad sign. You are on the right track with running some rounds through it. Listen to how it idles and reacts to a load; see if he's got a narly piece or bring one of your own. Check the engine oil, see how dark it is. Also check the air filter, if it's really dirty that's a sign of lack of maintenance. If you don't plan on towing it anywhere, as long as the tires hold air then there should be no problem. I'd work on the price a little if you can, nowadays cash is boss. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

 

[savageactor7]

If you can score any rounds of elm to split that would be the acid test. Let it warm up properly cycle it a few times check for leaks and see if the detent valve works OK. He's right about not towing that or any wheeled trailer that doesn't have wheel bearings. That's probably the going price good luck.

 

[flyingcow]

Just a thought, kind of a big jump on his part. If he only split 3-4 cords a year, big $$$ jump to buy a wood processor. Seems to me that a person might use a MTD to get started in the wood business, then step into a processor. Which would mean, he split 3 to 4 cord every few weeks? Having the thing coated in grease is also curious way to maintain it. Damn messy to use, or a lot of time steam cleaning. Good luck

 

[drdoct]

Here I was wondering if I was doing something wrong by not coating my ram in grease.... I always figured that as long as I stored it closed then the hydraulic fluid would protect it. Never imagined putting grease on it. I would think that all the little wood bits would get stuck in the grease and have a better chance to get back into the cylinder past the seal. Who knows though.

 

[blades]

If I leave my unit in the verticle posistion the ram will creep down exposing the cylinder rod, so if storing outside, greasing cylinder rod prevents rusting/ pitting, which if happens will play havoc with cylinder seals. Most hydraulic oils are hydroscopic hence the reason for greasing exposed section. I do the same with the rams on the snow plows when stored for the summer.

 

[savageactor7]

About that grease statement I was a little confused.

At one time I coated the 'I' beam the ram head ran on with used oil. As far as putting any oil or grease on the stainless steel part of the expanding cylinder NOPE, never touched that. My dad said a million years ago that oil or grease on that part could collect dirt and draw it against the 'O' rings. I dunno.

 

[blades]

your dad is right during use. I wipe it off aforehand. Also the cylinder rod always has alittle oil on it nature of the system. That is why there is a wiper at the lead edge of the cylinder packing. Hydroscopic = affinity for moisture. I do not grease the cylinder rod for use just for storage protection from the elements. My unit (30t HF) flips between verticle and horz. Takes up less space in vert. configuration. I suppose I have a leaky seal or valve that is allowing the ram/cyl. rod to extend when stored in the vert. posistion. Plus I have not much idea of what quality the clyinder rod might be. Pint of grease ia a lot cheaper than a new cylinder or getting it repaired. All this reminds me that I need to change the hyd oil. and the eng. oil.

 

[thebull22]

Thanks everyone for the timely, helpful advice. In response to "Flyingcow"'s question about the owner going from burning 3-4 cords to buying a Timberwolf; owner said he was getting so much wood from his landscape business that he was going to start selling firewood. Unfortunately, even though we agreed over the phone that he would give me 1st shot at it, and that I would buy it if it was all he said it was, looks like he sold it out from under me without warning. Some folk's word just ain't worth squat these days. Thanks again.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

It seems to me that they quit making MTD a long time ago. They used to be sold at Quality Farm and Fleet before Tractor Supply bought them out. Now they are all Husky. However, they really are the same machine. Ours is an MTD and we've had it 15-20 years (don't remember for sure when we bought it but think it was late 80's which would make it 20 years old at least.

On the greasing, I do grease the I-beam before putting it away for the summer. Oil is cheaper than metal.

 

[rustynut]

backwoods,
wife just told me yesterday that "Do It Center" is handling the MTD's
waiving a hand from se lapeer
rustynut

 

[rowerwet]

MTD lawnmowers, snowthrowers etc. are junk (I've used enough to know) don't know much about thier splitters
look it over good, try it out, at least a splitter doesn't have many moving parts, and parts shouldn't be a big problem.

 

[kevin j]

Ironic, just came back from Lowes before I read this. Looked at the MTD on the way out of store for other reasons.
My opinions. Very nice compact space, BUT:
Wheels are right in the standing area. That would be a show stopper for me. Valve is poor location, vulnerable engine/tank/filter/tubing, cast wedge is too steep, rough, and not sharp. 'log supports' are flimsy and not like a shelf.
I would pass, a long distance, from those machines.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

backwoods,
wife just told me yesterday that "Do It Center" is handling the MTD's
waiving a hand from se lapeer
rustynut

Thanks rustynut. But MTD and Huskee are still basically the same machine.

As far as them being junk; Our splitter has split well over 100 cord of wood.....trouble free. Junk? Maybe so, maybe not. Are there better units out there? Probably. Are there worse ones out there? Probably.

Part of what makes a good machine is how it is operated too and as long as you have a good machine that does a good job and doesn't cost an arm and a leg; it is a good machine! I'll stick with this splitter until it no longer works but I think I have gotten my money's worth already. But then, maybe they've cheapened some since I bought; that seems to be the story with many things.

 

[thebull22]

Thanks again for all the advice. Seller contacted me this a.m. I am going to look at the splitter Thursday a.m. Will advise you all of the outcome.

 

[rustynut]

backwoods,
glad your getting good service from yours
hope you are correct about them being the same
as i'm looking for some good service as well
broke down yesterday and bought the husky 28 t
couldnt see renting one as i cant blast it out in a
weekend like i used to.............
rustynut