I was out cruising around after I made a bank deposit today. I spotted a log splitter on the side of the road with a log lift. I wasn't really looking for one but did a u turn and headed back. It was an American 25hh with all the stickers in place in very nice shape with the 4 way slip on wedge and backer, log lift, tables, extended hitch, and 8HP Honda motor. I took it home after I gave him the $2000 he wanted. I tried talking him down $200, but he wouldn't budge as I figured he wouldn't. This area is where they Used to make them (Black River, NY), I didn't realize they moved the manufacturing to Rochester, NY. The gentleman selling it was part of manufacturing there, (also the one that told me he lost his job due to the relocation), and could tell me anything I wanted to know about it. I got it home and put the 4 way on to tackle some 22" Beech I had that was cut in January. It wouldn't go through and stopped it dead in its tracks. I wacked it back off with a sledge, took off the 4 way and it split fine with the single wedge. It sure did grunt, but it got it done as well as the fresh 20" elm I just cut last week. Is it asking too much for the Beech with the 4 way? I know the elm would be out of the question with the 4 way as it challenges it right to the end and honestly the beech did too with the single. Are all you guys splitting maple, ash and straighter grained woods and such with your 4 ways? I did get through a chunk of maple with no problem with the 4 way. I must say I probably will not have much use for the 4 way as I have a boiler and don't require them quartered usually, but I wanted to try it and see. I now will have a Split-Fire 3 point hitch for sale now as this by far out performs it, although it did me fine the year I have had it and the minimal 3-4 full cord I had split with it. Any advice?