I have read so many threads aboutthe tsc splitters and just felt the need to chime in.
I ended up building over buying as I wanted something different. ( I built a 3pt stand alone unit with a 4x30 cylinder, and kubota diessel, using all prince hydraulics and parts on hand) This being said I leaned heavily towards a tsc/speeco splitter.
First step.. google tractor supply discounts... usually can find a 10% off code to print out... Also if you are Military( I am) you may talk to manager at store if not near a base... They support the troops, will usually grant a 10% of purchase with an id card.. Only will get one discount though..
I will say that hands down in their respective price point ( under 1799 in most areas for a 35ton, usually around 900 for the 22 ton they cannot be beat)
A few tips,
While inside tsc go to the hardware section and grab some grade 8 hardware, bolts nuts, washers lock washer etc. Go down another isle and get blue lock tight(service removable), and liquid pipe sealant. Go over everything ( lines fittings get liquid pipe tape, all bolts and nuts get blue lock tite, to include the engine mounts,before using it. Replace bolts as you think needed, use lock tight and the heavier washers and such.. It is a good idea, It will save you time in the long run, and overall you can get familiar with the machine. Check all fluids, run the briggs engine for a little while, idle , then spin it up under zero load. Shut it down and change the oil. Keep the oil clean and it should last a while... dont store it with fuel, the carbs are crap as are the floats and the ethanol fuel will mess with them in short time. Grease the inner area of the i beam that the wedge plate slides in, cheak it cloase for cracks, as that is a common problem area...
Everyone complains about the fenders, they are cheap. If you need them for your piece of mind and want something better than th efrmed plastic ones,, upgrade to jeep style trailer fenders and use the heavy L brackets they sell from national that are galvanized to fabricate fender mounts... they will be stronger, last longer .
while you are still in the store get another spider coupler insert, if eveything is not lined up at the factory it will blow apart at a rapid pace,, you will want a spare( they are 6 bucks)
Ask for additional oil to top it off when you buy it, usually they will throw some in for free. If not get some atf while you are doing the next step.
As to filters.. If you have an advance auto nearby, they sell hydraulic filters. You can get a 3/4 pipe thread fram filter for hydraulic oil not a car filter... for about 8 bucks. I advise running the splitter for a few hrs and changing filter, fluid should be ok but the filter will trap a bunch of initial gunk from manufacturing.. weld slag, paint/ rust . etc..
Also.. people debate engines all day long, I honestly would prefer a cheap harbor freight Honda clone over all but the I/C briggs.
Honda gx being my engin eof choice, but at this price point you would add 500 just for the honda if it were an option..
Upgrades..
Get on ebay... remove your 16 gpm pump,, you can sell it easily for 120 .. put that towards a 22 gpm pump.... seller
Junk from mytrunk has them all the time and is GTG in my book( I bought a 16 gpm and 22 recently from him)
Good luck