Yep, like Charles I purchased a HF log splitter. Bought it just over a year ago. Unlike Charles I did go with the B&S because that's all they had in the size I wanted... a 24 ton, 8hp. A few months later they changed to the Robin engine.
A year and 8 cord later I have had no major issues with the splitter. My original thought was to pick up something at a reasonable price. The splitter I got retailed for $949. It was on sale for $899. With my good-old 20% off coupon I picked it up for $720. I had a friend who has a truck and they loaded it right on it in no time. Yep, the tough part was getting the thing off of it.
Small problems range from a loose nut (teflon fixed that) and recently a loose filter. The issue with the hydraulic fill is a problem. I used a long neck funnel and bent it. Seems to work... except how the heck do you tell how much is in the tank? It's a pain.
The manual states not to split anything larger than 8". HA! Try 3'. Vertical splitting definitely is a back saver. For the price this thing definitely takes the cake!
Keith
Kubota B7610