Rejoice with me! Looks like I'm buying a Huskee 35 ton. Have questions!

[Kenster]

I have made several previous posts regarding my search for a splitter. I think my patience had paid off. I found a Craigslist post a few days ago for a New Huskee 35 ton splitter......$1000!!

I emailed right away, maybe half an hour after the listing went up. I asked several questions. The lady said that it is in fact "new" in that it has never, ever been used. She has all the paper work, owners manual, etc. After a few email exchanges, I told her that I will buy it for her listed price, as long as everything checks out upon my inspection. I am definitely first in line, though she told me this morning that she has several 'back ups' if I decide not to buy it. Of course, that is only fair and certainly expected at this price. It's a little over an hour away and we have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

Now, I really don't NEED a 35 ton splitter but if it is new, or anywhere close to new, and it's operating as it should, why not take it for the same price as a new 22 ton? I wonder if I can get the warranty coverage?

I've never owned or operated a splitter. A neighbor owns the local Rental agency and I went by his shop a few days ago. His rental unit is a Speeco 35 and he checked me out on it. Really, not much to it, is there? Fire it up, pull the handle, it splits!

So, please help me. What should I look for during my inspection? Any tools I should take? I have to assume that it has hydro and motor oil in it as they (are suppose to) come from Tractor Supply with fluids. I'm going to take a little can of gas with me.
If this has been sitting in storage for a while, should I do anything special before firing it up?
Since it has been in storage, should I just go ahead and change the fluids when I get home?
Any advise or guidance is appreciated. I'll be trailering it home. I'm not going to pull it through Houston's Friday afternoon rush hour traffic without it being on a trailer.

Thanks!

 

[velvetfoot]

I didn't use my splitter for a while and the gasket for the carb bowl leaked.
The bigger motor will use more fuel.
Look for hydraulic leaks.
I wonder what the situation is that she has a never-used splitter.

 

[lukem]

Couple things that come to mind, I doubt you'll find any of this if it truly hasn't been used.

Bring a chunk of wood with you too!

1.) Check engine oil. Should be light and clear if never used.
2.) Check hydro fluid for proper level.
3.) Check for wasp / rodent nest activity around carb and muffler.
4.) Check ram for rust and/or pitting.
5.) Check hyrdo hoses for leaks, cracks, dry-rot, and bulges.
6.) Check tires for dry rot/cracking.
7.) I don't if this is belt driven or love joy, but check the connection from engine to pump.
8.) Check pump for leaks.
9.) Start engine and let it idle for a couple minutes (can maintain idle).
10.) Set engine speed to WOT.
11.) Cycle ram, look for smooth operation and no signs of binding
12.) Split a chunk of wood or two.
13.) Listen to engine at WOT for pings or knocks.
14.) Return to idle and listen for pings, clicks, ticks, knocks.
15.) Check hitch for good operation.

 

[mayhem]

When you say trailer it home, you do mean you're taking a trialer to put it on, right?

 

[thewoodlands]

I have made several previous posts regarding my search for a splitter. I think my patience had paid off. I found a Craigslist post a few days ago for a New Huskee 35 ton splitter......$1000!!

I emailed right away, maybe half an hour after the listing went up. I asked several questions. The lady said that it is in fact "new" in that it has never, ever been used. She has all the paper work, owners manual, etc. After a few email exchanges, I told her that I will buy it for her listed price, as long as everything checks out upon my inspection. I am definitely first in line, though she told me this morning that she has several 'back ups' if I decide not to buy it. Of course, that is only fair and certainly expected at this price. It's a little over an hour away and we have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

Now, I really don't NEED a 35 ton splitter but if it is new, or anywhere close to new, and it's operating as it should, why not take it for the same price as a new 22 ton? I wonder if I can get the warranty coverage?

I've never owned or operated a splitter. A neighbor owns the local Rental agency and I went by his shop a few days ago. His rental unit is a Speeco 35 and he checked me out on it. Really, not much to it, is there? Fire it up, pull the handle, it splits!

So, please help me. What should I look for during my inspection? Any tools I should take? I have to assume that it has hydro and motor oil in it as they (are suppose to) come from Tractor Supply with fluids. I'm going to take a little can of gas with me.
If this has been sitting in storage for a while, should I do anything special before firing it up?
Since it has been in storage, should I just go ahead and change the fluids when I get home?
Any advise or guidance is appreciated. I'll be trailering it home. I'm not going to pull it through Houston's Friday afternoon rush hour traffic without it being on a trailer.

Thanks!

Just checking our local store on the same unit, what is carb compliant and NON CARB Compliant because they make two units.




zap

 

[Kenster]

When you say trailer it home, you do mean you're taking a trialer to put it on, right?

Yes, my buddy is going with me to help me load it. He has a 10 foot trailer with a ramp/tailgate.
I know it's street legal but I don't want to haul the splitter on its own wheels 60 miles in Friday afternoon Houston traffic.

 

[Kenster]

Couple things that come to mind, I doubt you'll find any of this if it truly hasn't

Bring a chunk of wood with you too!

1.) Check engine oil. Should be light and clear if never used.
2.) Check hydro fluid for proper level.
3.) Check for wasp / rodent nest activity around carb and muffler.
4.) Check ram for rust and/or pitting.
5.) Check hyrdo hoses for leaks, cracks, dry-rot, and bulges.
6.) Check tires for dry rot/cracking.
7.) I don't if this is belt driven or love joy, but check the connection from engine to pump.
8.) Check pump for leaks.
9.) Start engine and let it idle for a couple minutes (can maintain idle).
10.) Set engine speed to WOT.
11.) Cycle ram, look for smooth operation and no signs of binding
12.) Split a chunk of wood or two.
13.) Listen to engine at WOT for pings or knocks.
14.) Return to idle and listen for pings, clicks, ticks, knocks.
15.) Check hitch for good operation.

Just to clarify... WOT = Wide Open Throttle??

I have a gallon of universal hydraulic fluid that I use in my Ford 8N tractor. Will that work if I need to top the hydro fluid off?
It's 134 B, not quite as thick as 90wt but works for just about every tractor out there.

 

[Kenster]

Just checking our local store on the same unit, what is carb compliant and NON CARB Compliant because they make two units.

zap

Zap, I'm not sure what you're asking. Do you want to know which kind of carb this splitter has? I have no idea. Does it matter?

 

[lukem]

Just to clarify... WOT = Wide Open Throttle??

Yessir!

 

[lukem]

Just checking our local store on the same unit, what is carb compliant and NON CARB Compliant because they make two units.

zap

Zap, I'm not sure what you're asking. Do you want to know which kind of carb this splitter has? I have no idea. Does it matter?

Doesn't really matter...CARB compliant is more emissions friendly. Just if you are doing a visual reference, they probably won't look exactly the same.

 

[thewoodlands]

Just checking our local store on the same unit, what is carb compliant and NON CARB Compliant because they make two units.

zap

Zap, I'm not sure what you're asking. Do you want to know which kind of carb this splitter has? I have no idea. Does it matter?

Just never noticed it before, just asking.


zap

 

[Mesquite]

When you say trailer it home, you do mean you're taking a trialer to put it on, right?

Yes, my buddy is going with me to help me load it. He has a 10 foot trailer with a ramp/tailgate.
I know it's street legal but I don't want to haul the splitter on its own wheels 60 miles in Friday afternoon Houston traffic.

You may want to throw in a come a long to help load it. That unit can be heavy to move especially up a ramp. Hate for you to go all the way to Sugar Land and not be able to load it!!

 

[Kenster]

When you say trailer it home, you do mean you're taking a trialer to put it on, right?

Yes, my buddy is going with me to help me load it. He has a 10 foot trailer with a ramp/tailgate.
I know it's street legal but I don't want to haul the splitter on its own wheels 60 miles in Friday afternoon Houston traffic.

You may want to throw in a come a long to help load it. That unit can be heavy to move especially up a ramp. Hate for you to go all the way to Sugar Land and not be able to load it!!

Come-along, gallon of hydro fluid, heavy duty ratcheted ties down straps, gallon of fresh gasoline.
All loaded in the truck and ready to roll.

Thanks!

 

[Jutt77]

Good price, congrats! I've used my buddies 22t Speeco a few times and its great...35ton should be even better.

 

[Kenster]

Good price, congrats! I've used my buddies 22t Speeco a few times and its great...35ton should be even better.

I won't breathe easy until it's strapped into the trailer and I'm headed home. The seller is suppose to notify me tonight or in the morning to firm up the time and place for pick-up. Tentatively set for 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. Haven't heard from her yet.

Makes me nervous!

I want this so bad!

 

[firefighterjake]

Crossing my fingers that this works out for you . . . I know you've wanted a splitter for quite some time.

 

[muncybob]

So today is the BIG day? Hope it's what you expect it to be...I had a similar chance awhile back but waited a few hours too long and it was gone!
On the Carb compliant thing..like has been said something about emissions...and about another $100-150 to the price!

 

[WoodPyro]

I have had people tell me they will hold an item for one day for me and they always sell it to whoever gets there first. I can't say I blame them since every time I have offered to hold an item for someone they always end up never buying it. For the record, I would have bought the items they were holding if they were in good shape. I hope you finally get a good splitter as I think you have started like ten threads on the subject between here and AS (not saying I blame you, I do the same thing when I am gettin ready to buy a saw or other wood item). Good Luck.

 

[Kenster]

Still haven't heard from the seller today. I know she has been out of town and was not returning until last night. Not sure why she even listed it if she was not home to sell it immediately. I would have been there that night with cash in hand.

She wanted to have time to get home and dig up the papers/owners manual. etc. We are suppose to meet at 3:00 this afternoon but she has not given me the exact address yet, just the general area via a major street intersection. I'm a little nervous about this falling through but I still TRY to believe in the basic goodness of people. So many things had to come together for this work for me. Ebaying a few items to come up with more cash. Finding a good deal not too far away. And most importantly, getting my Bride on board (sort of.) We don't buy big ticket items without discussing it with each other.

We'll see.... and believe me.... I'll let you know the outcome!