The pump is probably one of the more expensive parts of a splitter, and despite the lower GPM I'm assuming the Iron & Oak has a better quality pump. Perhaps it generates more pressure, which is why although cycle time is slower, tonnage is higher.

One real obvious reason why the rental yards might choose the I&O is simply the axle. Rental splitters get a lot more miles on them than anyone else would put on them, and the I&O has a very roadable axle. The Swisher is rated for the road, but it is a cheap design which would likely fail repeatedly with lots of road miles.

I love Honda GX engines, but the Kawi FS is a better engine all around except fuel consumption.

I think your powerful quad would pull that splitter in Low range easily even up the hills. Ground clearance might be a problem; just avoid driving over high spots.

 

So, which one am I buying?

 

Both........

 

This is a test that needs to be submitted to the dude at Project Farm. He'll figure out the best one.

 

I dunno. I just reviewed the specs on mine...its an Ariens 34-ton splitter. Probably about 15 years old now; has a made in USA sticker on it. Has the cheap axle and wheels like the Swisher, and a 45mph max road speed rating. (Which I think further cements why the rental yards use the I&O). It has a 13GPM pump with an 18-second cycle time, and a 211CC Subaru 7HP engine. It weighs 600lbs. I don't split as much wood as you, but it has been completely reliable. I might move it around the property or occasionally tow it to a friends house, but the towing is basically a non-issue.

Obviously, the I&O is a much nicer unit than mine; larger engine with 8.5HP, higher GPM pump, and probably more pressure as well. For me, if I knew I would be towing it more than once or twice a year, I'd probably get the I&O. Otherwise, I'd get the Swisher.

 

Jim, if each company would submit their unit to me for testing, I'd gladly post my results...

 

Tyler, it's too bad Ariens got out of the splitter game. They would be a 3rd American made option for me to choose from at a better price point.

 

Like the BT ear protection, I just found another product that I can't believe I never knew about. I added a Drainzit tube to the Honda motor on my PW. Many of my small engines are easier access but on the washer, it has two plugs, both facing sideways. They both dump right on to the flat aluminum base that the motor bolts to and are both directly over the axle. So, after oil makes a huge mess dripping in an 18" square, it then continues to seep from under the engine for a month or so. My chipper came with this tube so I looked up their site and they have them for all small engines. Just popped it into the PW and no more mess... although when I had it on it's side, more old oil seeped from under the engine...

 

I created a drain trough out of aluminum flashing so I could drain my Honda lawn mower and Honda snow blower from the fill tube. That bottom drain plug looks like it might be more effective. I'll have to see if there is a plug for that on mine that is accessible.

 

Nice mod for changing oil......

 

These work nice when accessibility is tight. I tried the metal funnel plate trick along with a few others. It would probably work if I took the tire off each time. This was easier for $17.

 

Just got a $1000 offer on my splitter. Looking for $1300...

 

It's kind of like fishing. Just need to tease the bait a bit and wait for the big one!

 

It seems that everyone is on FB marketplace now and CL gets less attention and more scams. I'm not on FB but maybe I'll list it on my mom's account when she comes up for dinner tonight. More exposure might help.

 

FB Marketplace is pretty much all I use now.