Why I will never buy another Speeco product again

[stihlcrazy20]

I bought a 15 ton speeco, have used it less then 8hrs. The valve and return hose blew apart (valve internally) and sprayed everything within an 8 foot radius with hot hydraulic oil. The carb float screwed up and filled the crankcase with gas, the motor blew. They cover it under warranty, ok great. But they screwed up and sent me (2) wrong valves at the same time because they don't communicate in the warranty claims department. When I called them to get it straightened out and have the correct valve shipped to me, and return the 2 wrong ones. They got very hostile on the phone and accused me of trying to "pull one over on the company, and get free parts" when it was their mistake and I called to correct it. Finally today I receive the correct valve, cool. When I unpacked it and took the shipping caps off rust came pouring out of the valve. The whole inside is rusted like no other. Called them back and they called me a liar and wouldn't agree to reship a good valve unless I send them a picture. Sent them the picture of the horrible rust and now it won't be ordered until monday. So basically I have a $900 bright red turd in my garage, and got accused of trying to cheat the company to boot.

So how good are Iron and Oak splitters? Any other suggestions for a splitter that won't run me $4k or more, yet is a decent unit?

 

[stihly dan]

$54 fiskers X27

 

[KiwiBro]

Are you busting open many nasties?
How much wood are you trying to split each year?
How mobile do you want the splitter to be - highway towable or is rolling into the back of your truck OK for public-road trips?

Call me a convert but I wouldn't look passed a super split kinetic unless you mainly do nasties all day long or need to tow it on public roads.

 

[redprospector]

I bought a 15 ton speeco, have used it less then 8hrs. The valve and return hose blew apart (valve internally) and sprayed everything within an 8 foot radius with hot hydraulic oil. The carb float screwed up and filled the crankcase with gas, the motor blew. They cover it under warranty, ok great. But they screwed up and sent me (2) wrong valves at the same time because they don't communicate in the warranty claims department. When I called them to get it straightened out and have the correct valve shipped to me, and return the 2 wrong ones. They got very hostile on the phone and accused me of trying to "pull one over on the company, and get free parts" when it was their mistake and I called to correct it. Finally today I receive the correct valve, cool. When I unpacked it and took the shipping caps off rust came pouring out of the valve. The whole inside is rusted like no other. Called them back and they called me a liar and wouldn't agree to reship a good valve unless I send them a picture. Sent them the picture of the horrible rust and now it won't be ordered until monday. So basically I have a $900 bright red turd in my garage, and got accused of trying to cheat the company to boot.

So how good are Iron and Oak splitters? Any other suggestions for a splitter that won't run me $4k or more, yet is a decent unit?

Hahaha, Welcome to the club!
I don't mean to laugh at your misfortune, and frustration, but I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Usually the SpeeCo threads are about 75 posts singing their praises, and my lone post of desent.

Andy

 

[les-or-more]

Hahaha, Welcome to the club!
I don't mean to laugh at your misfortune, and frustration, but I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Usually the SpeeCo threads are about 75 posts singing their praises, and my lone post of desent.

Andy

Ya, but you're one of those surly old guys that expects things to actually work!:tongue2:



Evening Andy!:msp_smile:

 

[redheadwoodshed]

The speeco 35 ton has been a good one for me at 1800$.Sorry to hear about your troubles.Not to bust your chops, but you should turn the gas off when not using it.It keeps the float from screwing up.That's not really a speeco flaw, they didn't build the engine or carb. The hoses and valves should have lasted way longer.Maybe the problem is they don't sell many 15 ton units and this one sat around for a while.There's a speeco rep in here somewhere, maybe he can help you out.

 

[redprospector]

Ya, but you're one of those surly old guys that expects things to actually work!:tongue2:



Evening Andy!:msp_smile:

That's probably an understatement.

Evenin' Less

Andy

 

[stihlcrazy20]

I don't get into too much nasty wood, about the worst I get into is a few oak and elm crotches not many. Most is nice clean tops. And I don't tow splitters down the highway, they either go in the back of the truck or on the trailer with the tractor. I always shut off gas when I stop for more then 15minutes or so. The crank should never have filled up with gas in less then 15minutes.

edit to add- I split under 50 face cord a year, anything over that and I farm it out to a 3rd person.

 

[PEKS]

Of all the things that happened, calling you a Liar is the worst, all day long..

 

[KiwiBro]

I don't get into too much nasty wood, about the worst I get into is a few oak and elm crotches not many. Most is nice clean tops. And I don't tow splitters down the highway, they either go in the back of the truck or on the trailer with the tractor. I always shut off gas when I stop for more then 15minutes or so. The crank should never have filled up with gas in less then 15minutes.

edit to add- I split under 50 face cord a year, anything over that and I farm it out to a 3rd person.

Well, I say buy yourself a super split kinetic splitter and then lease it to the 3rd person when you're not using it. I don't make that recommendation lightly. I'm not one of those trend-following fanboys that use something for 15 mins and feels the need to justify the purchase price by telling everyone how good it is. If it were crap, I'd say so, but it's blown me away how much mistreatment it can handle. I know it's one of those tools that will be around long after I'm gone.

 

[stihlcrazy20]

I have never used a kinetic splitter, any pics of the one your talking about? Whats their advantage over a hydraulic unit?

 

[KiwiBro]

I have never used a kinetic splitter, any pics of the one your talking about? Whats their advantage over a hydraulic unit?

Log Splitter, Wood Splitter - Super Split(R)

It looks like a toy that wouldn't last more than a week.
I swear when it arrived it was probably thinking the same thing about me!

Don't let the looks fool you. It's built to last.

Pros: fewer things to go wrong on 'em - they are a simple concept engineered to last and proven for longer than some of us have been alive. They don't need big engines so sip fuel. Quick production when compared to a single wedge hydraulic. Easy enough to push around a yard by hand if need be. Given the durability, it's very good value even if the initial price is quite high for what it is made out of.

Cons: the flywheels put the weight up high so it can be a bit tippy on rough terrain. Can't tow it on public roads legally (well, not here in NZ anyway), or at speed. Initial price seems high but that's nothing compared to the lifetime of use you'll get out of it. No log lift to help get logs to the table. The table (which really is a must) is sold as an optional extra I think - should be standard. Can bog down in really stringy or knotty wood - it doesn't work like the brute-force hydraulics that will just kick down and shred/crush their way across the grain.

It will handle occasional nasty stuff but is best on regular trees with a few branches and crtches etc. I just find it will be slower if most of the wood ois stringy/clingy or full of big solid knots and the like - because it can often take a few hits to 'impact' shear it's way through 'em.

 

[redheadwoodshed]

Well, I say buy yourself a super split kinetic splitter and then lease it to the 3rd person when you're not using it. I don't make that recommendation lightly. I'm not one of those trend-following fanboys that use something for 15 mins and feels the need to justify the purchase price by telling everyone how good it is. If it were crap, I'd say so, but it's blown me away how much mistreatment it can handle. I know it's one of those tools that will be around long after I'm gone.

I feel the same way about my speeco, Bro. I've put a lot of wood through it.Big,twisted nasty stuff, and she barely breathes hard.I'm sure they make a bad one now and again.I hope they help the OP out with his problem.

 

[KiwiBro]

Big,twisted nasty stuff, and she barely breathes hard.

Isn't it great when we work with the right tools for the job? A nice feeling. Horses for courses I suppose. There's no way I'd want to be using a super split if most of the wood was ugly. That's where brute force trumps kinetic energy every time.

I had to pay a fair bit of $ to find someone willing to part with a super split and then ship it all the way down to NZ, especially when Paul from Super Split refused to sell me one directly. If I'd screwed that up and bought a lemon, and shipped the turd half way around the world, I'd still tell everyone how stupid I was for buying a heap or junk. But it's far from that, fortunately. Unless Paul changes his mind, I may have to find another one elsewhere once I get my firewood yard and ducks in a row down here. the ideal scenario will be a big hydraulic for the uglies (so I can take arborist's rejects) and two kinetics (to make money with .

 

[Whitespider]

If you want the Cadillac of hydraulic wood splitters just contact these guys.
Their 18-ton model (718) will out-perform any 20-25 ton big-box-store splitter any day of the week.
Dollar for dollar these splitters are the best buy on the market.
Mine is 30 years old, never even changed the hydraulic oil, and still splits wood like the first day I used it... big and nasty stuff.
It weighs less than 200 pounds and stores in less space than a lawn tractor.
Mine doesn't have the tow package, which will put bigger wheels and tires on it, making the beam higher.
You'll haf'ta wait for it... they build them by the order, and there's probably a waiting list.

SPLITTERS
SPLITTERS
515 price list
Logboss Mfg

 

[D&B Mack]

Iron & Oak make very good splitters, you won't be disappointed. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Preston]

I don't really care to upset any of you, but my 22 ton speedco has not given me any problem at all. I've split some stuff that nearly stalled the engine. I had to reposition the round but it got through it and went about it's business. I hate to see anybody have undue problems with any product they buy. I had a 79 Ford 1 ton I used when I had my trailer business. With 35000 on it every time I would stop it looked like the truck was crying. Dripping from every seal the truck had. I got rid of that one for another Ford F350. This one was worse than the first one. What did I do about it. Just haven't bought another ford since. Nobody knew it till now but why should I tell the automotive world I won't ever buy another Ford? They are doing just fine without me. Plus, I've had to much good luck with Dodge to even worry about it. :msp_smile:

I would just say chalk it up to a learning experience but the title of you post I don't understand. Why? Revenge?

 

[Marc]

I don't really care to upset any of you, but my 22 ton speedco has not given me any problem at all. I've split some stuff that nearly stalled the engine. I had to reposition the round but it got through it and went about it's business. I hate to see anybody have undue problems with any product they buy. I had a 79 Ford 1 ton I used when I had my trailer business. With 35000 on it every time I would stop it looked like the truck was crying. Dripping from every seal the truck had. I got rid of that one for another Ford F350. This one was worse than the first one. What did I do about it. Just haven't bought another ford since. Nobody knew it till now but why should I tell the automotive world I won't ever buy another Ford? They are doing just fine without me. Plus, I've had to much good luck with Dodge to even worry about it. :msp_smile:

I would just say chalk it up to a learning experience but the title of you post I don't understand. Why? Revenge?

Look, I've been happy with our Huskee 22 ton as well, and like you, I haven't had anything go wrong with it, but even I'd say I'm hesitant to buy another of their products after hearing they have lousy customer service. Yeah, even six sigma manufacturers turn out some lemons, it's inevitable. But I'd rather do business with a company that falls over itself trying to make up for it.

Of course, we haven't heard SpeeCo's side of this story yet, and I'm still keeping an open mind, but given this testimony plus redprospector's, I'm becoming less inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Even if that rep (Kevin I think his name is) shows up and does his best to rectify things, it's going to look more like he's running around to put out fires than it is an isolated incident of bad service set right. No one should have to take to a public forum to get good service. Good service rendered after a public complaint just looks like PR damage control. The real character of a man or a company are defined by their actions done when no one is looking.

 

[George G]

What, no pictures? OK! This is what you wrote on 3/27/2010 about a Speeco 15 ton splitter. i have a15 ton and the father in law has the 25 ton. Cant go wrong with either and i got mine for 750 out the door full of gas and oils. For everyone telling me the 15 ton wouldnt split crotches i had to try it and it popped through an elm crotch just fine, although she did growl down and grunt alot she got through it, the only thing i noticed is the 15 ton hydraulics heat up quicker then most splitters because it is only a 2.5 gallon resievor. The nice thing about the 15 ton is that with two people you can easily pick it up and put it in the back of the pick-up for hauling whereas the 25 ton will likely make you pop a nut, its a heavy SOB. just my 2 cents i would recommend either one

 

[srb08]

I have a 34 ton Brave splitter, says Iron and Oak on the beam. I got it, well used, a couple of years ago. After changing the fluids and filters, I put it to work. So far, no problems, it has split everything I've thrown at it. I mostly split Oak, 16-30 inch diameter. Have split some crotch wood as well, no strain, just pushes on through.
I have the Briggs 14.5 engine on mine but if buying new would have gotten the Honda.
The only difference I have found between the Brave and I&O is the size of the tank for the Hydralic fluid. Both are made in the same factory in Streator, IL. I've never heard anything negative about either brand. The Brave runs around $1800 for the 34 ton with the Briggs and $2200 with the Honda (Missouri prices).
I hope This helps.
Best,
Steve