need quick help - beater log splitter $$

hazmat · Aug 24, 2004

What would you pay for a beater log splitter?

I'm looking at one this afternoon. Guy says it ran last year. Old wisconson engine 8-10HP. He's asking $250.

Couple questions - what would you pay if he can get it to start

If the engine doesn't run?

Anything I should look for on the machine besides scored cylinder, worn out bushings, and hydraulic hoses?

Thanks

Jim_Fisher · Aug 24, 2004

( Anything I should look for on the machine besides scored cylinder, worn out bushings, and hydraulic hoses?
)

Are the welds intact? Is the beam straight? Is the cylinder shaft straight?

Wisconsin makes a very durable engine. A bill for parts to rebuild a Wisconsin engine will reflect this and may, in fact, resemble the national debt of a small third world country.

I think that I would try to estimate how much it would take to replace the wearing components and then compare the amount to the cost of a new splitter.

Wannafish · Aug 24, 2004

For me price would depend on the size of the cylinder, pump, and the I-beam. The larger they are, the larger/harder wood you can split.

I have a splitter my FIL built back in the late '60's with a Wisconsin air cooled 2 cylinder on it. I have to burn lead additive in it or the valves hang up in the guides when it sits. Other than that, it is unspottable...I have never found anything I couldn't split - Oak, Ash, Elm, Twisted Maple.

If it runs and everything works - $250 is a steal IMHO.
If it doesn't and you have a motor for it $100-$150, assuming everything else works.
However therein lies the problem if the motor doesn't run. You have no way of knowing if the pump works, if the cylinder needs repaired, etc.

I have seen several at auctions over the last couple years go for $100-$200 that were built real solid, 3 point hitch mount, and powered off the tractors PTO.

Good luck in whatever you end up doing.

Cliff_Johns · Aug 24, 2004

( I have seen several at auctions over the last couple years go for $100-$200 that were built real solid, 3 point hitch mount, and powered off the tractors PTO. )

Which I could lay my hands on one of those. Sounds like a very good deal.

Cliff

beenthere · Aug 24, 2004

If it will start and split wood, then the $250 sounds good. If not, then have him call you when it will start and split wood.

Pic would be great. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

hazmat · Aug 24, 2004

Thanks guys. I figure if the motor is shot - I could run it off the tractor (remote or PTO pump).

$200 + bits and pieces over time is easier to keep under the CFO's radar vs. buying a gently used one for $650.

Besides, I'm a glutton for punishment - I've spent more time fixing my chipper/shredder than using it. Although it is running like a champ now. I've got my snowblower in pieces right now refurbing it for the winter.

Wannafish · Aug 25, 2004

"Which I could lay my hands on one of those. Sounds like a very good deal."

Cliff,
If you're serious I'll snag the best one for you ext time I'm at an auction and they're in that price range. Just let me know. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I like buying items for others...the wife can't complain too much about it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SPIKER · Aug 25, 2004

it all depends on the area and he local energy costs, back in the 90's you could barely give away a good wood splitter, (cost were down work and pay were up everyone oe wanted NEW) now work is down, costs are up, and you can usually find a trashed barely running splitter for 1/2 cost of NEW. good used ones you might as well head to TSC for one of their NEW ones.! auctions around here are 90% nuts, last week 5' KK brush hog, not totally beat, went for 490.00 add 100 more and you could get a NEW one!? not sure what some people think...

anyhow we have about 4 or 5 scrap dealers and too many restorers to get a deal on much at auctions locally...
/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Mark M

hazmat · Aug 25, 2004

Well I bought it. $200. We couldn't get it running at his house, but he seemed like an honest fellow & he swore it ran last year when he bought it. Got it home last night. A little research on the 'net and I've downloaded the repair & parts manuals. Got her running tonight. Wired the ignition system properly, new spark plug and a little duct tape in the ignition timing assembly (it was grounding itself out).

Needs a carb rebuild, and air filter & muffler. Might need some work on the governor. 12V starter works great.

Next step, see if it will split wood.

hazmat · Sep 1, 2004

Carb is rebuilt.

Still waiting on muffler & air filter assembly.

Split the first log today. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I figure I'll have put another $100 into it by the time I'm done.