I believe there could be a problem with the pressure output or cylinder integrity on your 35 ton splitter. When you say "grunting" are you simply referring to when the pump slows and shifts in to the high pressure stage or is the ram actually being stopped? I have never known any of our 35 ton units to grunt or have any problems when operating correctly. They are beasts! Let me know if I can help you.
thanks
Kevin at Speeco
Hi Kevin,
First of all, I may have mislead people with my Kawasaki "upgrade." The Briggs ran just fine until it began to start very hard, then I switched it out. Turns out it was just a troubled fuel pump. Starts like a champ again (I sold it).
I split a lot of knotty ash. I don't expect it to power through at full speed, but it does shift to the high pressure stage very often and slows significantly. I can't outright say there's a problem. Overall I am very happy with it and recommend it without hesitation.
I bought it new in June 09 and have probably split 12-15 cords with it. I haven't changed the hyd filter yet - maybe I should (maybe partially blocked?).
Also, the wedge sharpness is about the edge of a fifty cent piece or dollar coin. Should I sharpen it?
Lastly I am sorry to derail this thread from the original SS intent. I'l buy the first round...
Thank you for any help! Da Hack