Sawinredneck,
Now that you've heard everyone's opinion's, and what they think I'll let you know what I've learned about my Chomper.
First off; For real dry wood it's not a good choice, it will basicly just shatter it. If the wood has a little moisture in it, it will do fine.
Second; The longer the log's the more productive you will be. I can process a cord in 1 hour 20 minutes average time with log's 16' long from 6" to 14" diameter. I can process a cord in 1 hour average time with the same size log's 40' long.
I have the 14" Chomper with the automatic option. It came originally with an 18 horse honda, but since I'm at higher elevation I upgraded to a 35 horse Brigg's.
It will handle some crooked logs, as long as you're not crowding the capacity of the machine. An 8" log can have a pretty good "dog leg" and still go through.
Yes, the wood will season faster. I don't know the science behind it, I just know it does. That's all I need to know.
Do they hold up? In the last year mine has probably processed 250 cords. 200 of that being Pine, & Fir the rest Gambel Oak. No problem's yet.
Is it the fastest? No!
Is it faster than a chainsaw & splitter? Yes!
Is it reliable? Yes, so far.
Is it amazing to just stand there with your arms crossed, and watch it chew up & spit out wood to deliver and never break a sweat? Definatly!
Is it a POS? Nope.
Is it the right machine for your aplication? I don't know.
This is as honest an evaluation as I can give my chomper. It work's for me.
Andy