Kensterfly
ArboristSite Operative
I went into an area pawn shop a few days ago and asked if they might have a log splitter. There was none on display. The manager said "I just might. We haven't even priced it yet. It's two months into default on a loan." So, I asked to see it and he took me to the storage building. There sat this 27 ton Cub Cadet that does not look like it's ever been touched by a round of wood. Not the slightest scratch on fenders, ram, wedge, or beam. Tires look like they've never known dirt.
Now, I don't really need a 27 ton machine for the cord and a half or so I burn each year. I have close to three cords of rounds that need to be split right now and a huge, freshly downed Water Oak, worth about two cords, at the neighbor lady's that is mine whenever I have time for it. I have access to more wood - all Water and Pin Oak with a wee bit of Hickory- than I can ever burn in several lifetimes. I have been conflicted between finding a good used Huskee 22 or maybe a Harbor Freight 7 ton electric.
But... I have two friends/neighbors that are also burners and may be interested in a partnership. One of them is ten years older than me. He sells a few cords a year to folks at his church. The other friend rents a splitter for a weekend each year. Two years of ownership would beat renting for two years. He also is a mechanic and knows hydraulics so that would really be a plus in a partner.
So... The Pawn shop guy says they will probably list it for $900. New ones seem to be running $1500 to $1800.
If they are asking $900, I'm told by Pawn Shop shopper pros that they probably have less than half that amount into it. I'm thinking of going in and offering $750 out the door and see what happens. I probably couldn't lose even at $900. Of course I know there is no warranty on it except for the shop's three day guarantee. They are a big chain and reputable. I know I can order owners' manuals.
Seems like a really good deal to me, especially if I can get even lower than $900. I plan on taking some heavy, fresh cut oak rounds up there for a 'test drive' before I buy.
What do you folks think?
Ken
Now, I don't really need a 27 ton machine for the cord and a half or so I burn each year. I have close to three cords of rounds that need to be split right now and a huge, freshly downed Water Oak, worth about two cords, at the neighbor lady's that is mine whenever I have time for it. I have access to more wood - all Water and Pin Oak with a wee bit of Hickory- than I can ever burn in several lifetimes. I have been conflicted between finding a good used Huskee 22 or maybe a Harbor Freight 7 ton electric.
But... I have two friends/neighbors that are also burners and may be interested in a partnership. One of them is ten years older than me. He sells a few cords a year to folks at his church. The other friend rents a splitter for a weekend each year. Two years of ownership would beat renting for two years. He also is a mechanic and knows hydraulics so that would really be a plus in a partner.
So... The Pawn shop guy says they will probably list it for $900. New ones seem to be running $1500 to $1800.
If they are asking $900, I'm told by Pawn Shop shopper pros that they probably have less than half that amount into it. I'm thinking of going in and offering $750 out the door and see what happens. I probably couldn't lose even at $900. Of course I know there is no warranty on it except for the shop's three day guarantee. They are a big chain and reputable. I know I can order owners' manuals.
Seems like a really good deal to me, especially if I can get even lower than $900. I plan on taking some heavy, fresh cut oak rounds up there for a 'test drive' before I buy.
What do you folks think?
Ken