Just bought a I&O 20ton Fast cycle w/ Robbins engine - previous splitter was an MTD/Yardmachines 25 ton I had for 10+ years. I really can't say anything bad about the MTD, it was mostly trouble free w/ probably 70+ cords through it but was starting to show it's age, cycle time was probably up to 17 seconds w/O load (was 13 when new) & it was moving pretty slow on bigger rounds - new pump & piston seals would have fixed that but would probably need an engine replacement soon after that so I figured I'd put the $'s towards something new & faster. Bottom-line for the $'s paid the MTD was worth it but if you want fast production & expect to put 35+ cords through each year I think your're on the right track in looking @ the I&O FC.
Anyway I only have about 3/4 cord through the I&O so far but from the first split I knew I made the right decision. I've timed the cycle & it's consistently 7.75 - 8 seconds (w/o load) but it doesn't slow much (if any) on the mostly Cherry & Ash I've put through it. Granted those are some easy splitting species but had a few knotty Shagbark Hickory rounds laying around & it had no problem with those either, don't think the pump even geared down on them.
I did stall the ram once but that was a fairly large Maple round that was cut just above the junction of 3 big limbs, i.e. a large "triple knot" about 1/4 of the way in from the end of the round........pretty tough for any splitter out there. Tried to split it straight down the middle & it stopped the ram. I was playing with the new "toy" & just seeing what the thing could do..........wasn't surprised that it couldn't go through it & I suppose the MTD when new probably wouldn't have busted through this round either. Regardless I re-positioned the round & had no problem splitting it by taking it down in 'thirds" then working the splits from there.
Bottom line it's a great machine, is as fast as they advertise, Robbins engine is fairly quiet, & has plenty of power to get through just about anything you can throw at it. As the previous poster mentioned they are made in the USA & are built w/ heavy duty components (I would consider them "industrial grade" machines) so it should have no problem holding up to your target of 35 - 50 cord / year. I must say my MTD 25 ton was a decent unit for the $'s & held-up very well over the years but if you're looking to up productivity & split more wood in a year than the average homeowner like me go w/ the Fast Cycle I&O w/ a removable side table & don't look back.