hobo freight 22 ton

[Highbeam]

Looks positively horizontal in the photo and also to be the non-OHV model but we'll see what arrives. Would like to see a similar write up about the smaller 22 ton units, maybe one of us.

A new engine from HF isn't too expensive should the B&S;prove troublesome, I trust the engine will actually be fine. If not a guy could buy a Robin engine and then sell the B&S;. If a guy were to do that then he could up the HP and then use the big 16GPM pump for another 150$ and get the same 22 tons but have a way shorter cycle time, let the mods begin!

I am actually still fretting over this freight thing. Me somehow lifting a 600# oblong object from a 4 foot high semi deck to the ground while the semi trailer is parked in the street blocking traffic. My other option is to have him drop the splitter in a big box store's parking lot 1/4 mile away if he wants to use, or has, a lift gate.

 

[High_Iron]

Darn! I just got off the phone with HF. The splitter is on BACKORDER! They gave me a date of 2-22. Being that this is a refurb, I am getting a feeling that it may never be available. Fingers still crossed.

 

[High_Iron]

I am actually still fretting over this freight thing. Me somehow lifting a 600# oblong object from a 4 foot high semi deck to the ground while the semi trailer is parked in the street blocking traffic. My other option is to have him drop the splitter in a big box store's parking lot 1/4 mile away if he wants to use, or has, a lift gate.

I asked about this too while I was on the phone with them. I was told that the TRUCK would deliver this Item and that THEY would get it out of the truck. I did not need a forklift or anything.

 

[velvetfoot]

As I recall, my guy had a pallet dolly (or whatever it's called) and a hydraulic gate. It was a little dicey on the gravel driveway () but we got it into the garage. I would advise thinking about getting some burly guys to help, because my cribbing method was quite flakey. That I beam and cylinder is quite heavy.

 

[michaeltexas]

I got my 22 ton hobo freight splitter today. Shame on you hobo freight.
broken leg, stripped hole for hydrolic fluid, dented tank.
they said no parts could be sent to me i just had to send it back if i didnt want it.
After 3 hous of rebuilding with my torch welder hammer and tap set i have a decent splitter.

 

[Highbeam]

I guess,

"Factory reconditioned, factory perfect;"

Doesn't mean what I thought it would. I am now having trouble finding any splitters except the 22 ton refurb on their site.

 

[michaeltexas]

im glad i got it but i was very frustrated about the customer service i got when i tried to get a new foot.
It did come with a 6.5 hp instead of the 5.5 that was on the web page so that is a bonus. However if anybody reads this from harbor freight then i say " shame on you"

 

[kevin j]

I'm unclear on the concept: how can a refurb unit be on backorder? Does that mean they aren't failing and being returned as much as we thought they woud be, so we don't have any defective ones to sell you right now?

and usually reman or refurb means cosmetics, dents, scratches, bent parts, but that fit/form/function have been restored to working condition.

oh well, I learned my lessons with HF and probably have a bad attitude. They do have some good stuff too, just that most is IMO made in china very poor quality stuff.


k

 

[Highbeam]

I wonder if they have a big group of folks that buy a splitter with the intent of splitting their year's wood and then returning them for a refund. If that means they need to break them then they get broken. Since the engine has a low oil shutdown and pretty much is hard to hurt I would think that stripping a threaded cap might be a fine "breakage" since it isn't a part that can be sent out, the whole thing is totalled.

I emailed CS at HF but no response. I suppose I'll have to call. I am pretty certain that I will also be waiting for a fresh refurb since I seem to have ordered after the ironworker. I can wait until Feb22 but cripes, the brand new ones are looking more attractive. HF has been known to have even new items on backorder for several months. I do not want to wait all summer for a splitter.

My rounds are 2/3s cut up and waiting to be split.

 

[Highbeam]

Here's today's CS response from HF on their 22 ton refurbed splitter that is listed right now for 599$.

"The item #55258 is still on back order. At this time, we do not have an estimated date as to when it will be available in stock. You will be receiving a card informing you about the back order date once the vendor supplies the item to us. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation has caused and hope to have your order shipped as soon as possible."

So to those of you who might order this part, be warned that it might be significantly damaged and that it is not available at this time. The current equivalent version of a non refurb'd splitter from HF is 999$ and includes the 6HP Robin engine which is apparently much better than a B&S;engine.

The next size larger splitter is a 24 ton with a larger HP engine but uses the same 11GPM pump at 1159$ The only way to get the 2 extra tons is to use a bigger cylinder but that would make it a very slow splitter and the extra HP is wasted since the pump is no larger, me thinks the 22 at 999$ is better.

On edit: if they cranked up the relief PSI on the 24 ton model then the tonnage goes up.

I'm looking around too. Northern has that super low prices but super high shipping problem. The home made route isn't too bad if you have the time and a welder. 999$ will get you a splitter from a few places but that's way more money than the HF refurb and in my area 1000$ will get you 20 rentals or 20 years of use, maybe a little less. I would much rather own my own.

 

[High_Iron]

This one has caught my eye. www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200316905_200316905

Unfortunately 300 bucks for shipping makes it not cost effective. I really don't want to spend over a grand on a splitter. Still searching.

 

[kevin j]

that northern is not a bad machine. I have a 1/4 share in one, and have a neighbor with one.
-suction hose is clear vinyl and has to be replaced with wire unserted actual suction hose. both machines heated and collapsed and restricted flow.
-no filters. I added a spin on return filter to each one. Added one bent 3/4 tube, reused the existing hoses.
-added a shelf to the far side of the beam to hold tha half wood while the near side half is cycled through for quartering.

Big irritant to me, about all the vendors. This is listed at 20 tons, max 3000 psi, 4 inch cylinder.
First, 3000 psi is a bit high for RV setting, I would back off to 2500 psi for the quality of the hoses and cylinder seals.
Next, even at 3000 psi, a 4 inch cylinder is only 18.8 tons. 20T requires 3200 psi.
At 2500 more reasonable psi, it is only 16 tons.
They quote pump flow at 100% efficiency which is about 10% high, and cycle time calculated at this 100% efficiency, not actually timed. But yes, calculated this one ias about 14 second total cycle on high flow side of the pump

Mfrs know that. One response I got was 'we just round up the numbers' BS, it is purposeful rounding up for marketing purposes.

Overall, a prety good lightweight machine for teh max of about 20-24 inch stuff we do. Lot of elm, some oak. Oak, no worries pops right through. Elm, have to carve off the sides, but but it is appropriate. No leaks or problems. Way better quality of cylinder and valve than the HF ones. Beam is quite high, which is good for the back, much better than bending over.

kcj

 

[gary]

Do you have a Tractor Supply nearby?

Huskee- 22 ton for $999.00 + tax

6.5 hp BS engine
4" x 24" cylinder
14 second cycle time
spin on filter
525 lb. total wt.

I've found the Huskee to be a pretty reliable brand. Used a 20 ton extensively and it's taken everything I've put on it.

 

[michaeltexas]

now that i have rebuilt the harbor freight one it works great, I was just upset that they sent one out that said factory perfect and it was so screwed up. The engine on the one I got had never been started so that was one good thing and it had a bigger better motor than advertised.

 

[High_Iron]

So, how is it working out? I will call again on the 22nd and see if my order will be fulfilled.

 

[michaeltexas]

it actually is working good now that i have re worked all the factory defects. I have a small oil leak from the motor that i noticed today but its a briggs motor and its gotta be something simple. Its a splittin dude. Good luck and let me know how it goes

 

[Highbeam]

I called last week and went through the touch tone menus until they told me that it is backordered with no known ship date. I did get the little card from HF acknowledging my order which has nothing to do with actually shipping my order. I've got 4-5 cords of rounds all cut up and ready to split. Considering renting a splitter to get these put up. High_Iron: how did they tell you the previous back order date? Did you speak with an actual person? Get a card?

 

[michaeltexas]

I got lucky i guess cause they had them in stock when i ordered but i did actually talk to someone when i called to get the tracking number. I have an oil leak on the briggs that i cant find, its really frustrating me but i guess that is not bad after how beat up it was when i got it

 

[High_Iron]

HighBeam. I called to inquire about my order. I spoke to a live person. I have not gotten any card, but I also ordered a moisture meter which arrived today.

 

[michaeltexas]

guess your gonna call tomorrow to see if they have your order. Good luck.
I found my oil leak today, the factory didnt put the bottom bolt in on the crank case cover. I split some dang big wood with it today and it worked great.

 

[High_Iron]

Well, I never got around to calling them . I now have noticed that the website says that this item is no longer available. The search continues... :lol:

 

[michaeltexas]

wow that sucks. I do have to say that even if i would have to paid full price for a new one a log splitter is worth its price in gold. I cant belive that i went this long without one.

 

[Highbeam]

I called the local HFs and the recon splitter item has been "discontinued" which is not pleasant. Even the new in crate splitters of the 22/24 ton size are back ordered as well.

Local rental is 65$ per day for a decent iron and oak 22 ton model, sure to go up after time. Couple days of rental a year and a new splitter is paid for in less than 8 years.

I am now looking for a new splitter at the TSC type places. Speeco and Huskee are common.

 

[michaeltexas]

sure sorry to hear bout that, but even full price is better than not having one. Once you get the unit any part that breaks can be replaced by parts from your local farm supply store. I cant imagine not having this splitter for alot more than 8 years so i agree that a purchase is a good idea. Plus just having one is freakin cool.

 

[gary]

I looked at Speeco, also. Wasn't overly impressed with design or how it was put together. Couple things you might consider depending how soon you want to buy a splitter. Many stores like TSC and Orscheln will bargain with you as it gets closer to spring and they are needing room for mowers and roto-tillers. These things have set on the lot for 6 months now and they are ready to move them. Also, the rental places, at times, upgrade to new and are willing to sell off the the units they are replacing at a good price. Doesn't hurt to check with them.