Iron & Oak - model BHVH2202FC - is $1200 a good deal?

[Spikem]

I have an opportunity to buy a used Iron & Oak log splitter (model BHVH2202FC) for $1200. It's from someone I don't know.

Would the masses think it's a good deal, assuming it's not been badly used/maintained?

 

[JustWood]

http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/

Check here to compare new prices.

 

[Spikem]

http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/

Check here to compare new prices.

Part of why I was asking is that I'd not heard of the "fast-cycle" models before and figured others might have input.

Also, I was asking because I don't know if others had had bad experiences buying ones that had been rentals.

 

[JustWood]

http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/

Check here to compare new prices.

Part of why I was asking is that I'd not heard of the "fast-cycle" models before and figured others might have input.

Also, I was asking because I don't know if others had had bad experiences buying ones that had been rentals.

I woodn't be afraid of fast cycle. It's just higher volume pumps,valves and ports.
Rental units I can't speak for.

 

[triptester]

Iron & Oak uses a 3 1/2" bore cylinder with a 16 gpm pump to get their fast cycle. This allows for faster ram speed but lessens tonnage compared to a normal splitter. The price could be average to high depending on condition.

 

[jlove1974]

this is JMHO but if I was sinking 3/4 of the price of a new one into a used one from someone I didn't know, I would think hard on it.
In fact, I wouldn't think too hard, and pass....

it's not a great deal. I have seen used ones from rental places selling for $700 in the last week. And those have maintenance histories.

 

[Spikem]

Iron & Oak uses a 3 1/2" bore cylinder with a 16 gpm pump to get their fast cycle. This allows for faster ram speed but lessens tonnage compared to a normal splitter. The price could be average to high depending on condition.

With the lesser tonnage, would their 20 ton model equate to a 22 ton Home Cheapo or Lowes model?

 

[triptester]

Almost all splitter manufacturers tend to exaggerate the tonnage of their splitters.

The pump manufacturers of the pumps used for splitters rate them at 3000 psi max., using this number here are the actual tonnages for different bore sizes.

3.5" bore 14.4 tons
4" bore 18.8 tons
4.5" bore 23.8 tons
5" bore 29.4 tons

Most hydraulic components used on splitters are rated for 3000 psi or less but will allow for momentary surges.

 

[Spikem]

How are I&O splitters for parts availability? Are they American-made?

 

[atvdave]

I have an opportunity to buy a used Iron & Oak log splitter (model BHVH2202FC) for $1200. It's from someone I don't know.

Would the masses think it's a good deal, assuming it's not been badly used/maintained?

JMO, but you could get a new 22 ton Swisher splitter from Rural King (if you have one where you live) for around $1000.00.

Mine has been doing great.

 

[triptester]

Parts availability for almost all splitters is not a problem. The engine , pump ,and valve are common off the self items. Most cylinders are also off the self items although they may be a little more difficult to match.

 

[atvdave]

Parts availability for almost all splitters is not a problem. The engine , pump ,and valve are common off the self items. Most cylinders are also off the self items although they may be a little more difficult to match.

Very true... I have 2 spare hyd valves that my place of work was just going to throw away (they fit a fork truck). They are the same control valve as on my splitter. This is why a lot of people just make there own home made splitters, the parts are very easy to get, and if you know some people with spare parts, sometimes there free.

I really don't think there's much of a differences between the brands, other than the sticker on the side, and who assembled them.

 

[jlove1974]

How are I&O splitters for parts availability? Are they American-made?

http://www.ironandoak.com/braveadvantage.php

"Quality Manufacturing
All our log splitters and other wood handling products are American made and are designed, fabricated, welded, and powder coated in-house for total quality control. "

here some more on the mfg process:

http://www.ironandoak.com/engineering.php

IRON & OAK COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, INC., 1705 N. Shabbona St., Streator, IL 61364
Phone: (800) 817-1005 Fax: (815) 672-9073 Email: [email protected]


Sounds like by buying one I would help to employ some Illini that otherwise would be on the americanized version of the dole (99 weekers)

 

[Splitter77]

I really don't think there's much of a differences between the brands, other than the sticker on the side, and who assembled them.

I completely disagree with this statement. Its like saying all trucks or cars are the same just different names......

 

[Splitter77]

http://www.woodsplittersdirect.com/

Check here to compare new prices.

Part of why I was asking is that I'd not heard of the "fast-cycle" models before and figured others might have input.

Also, I was asking because I don't know if others had had bad experiences buying ones that had been rentals.

The difference in speed on the FC models on the Iron & Oak is about a 4 second cycle time. The FC models run at about 8 seconds and regular models are about 12 seconds. What I mean about cycle times are full stroke of the cylinder and back. In my opinion a 8 second splitter will be tough to keep up with after splitting for awhile. If you have two people then its a great combination.