Kensterfly
ArboristSite Operative
After a day of anxiety, not hearing from the CL seller of the splitter I was trying to buy, she finally called me. I had already written the deal off, assuming that she caved in and sold to someone offering more money. But no, she was having a bad day at work and was running late. She emailed me just before 5:00 and actually gave me her phone number, so I figured that was a good sign. She said she would meet me at the designated place. I need at least two hours to get there so we set up a time of around 7:00. We arrived right on time. She called and said she was running late and would be there in about 45 minutes. My buddy was helping me with his trailer and our brides had decided to join us for the road trip. While we were waiting we went inside the nearby Tex-Mex place and had a great dinner and a margarita. About 8:00 I went outside and the seller was just arriving. She had the splitter in tow.
It's a Huskee 35 ton. She listed it as "new" when it fact it was purchased seven years ago by her errant husband who soon ran off with another woman. It has been in storage since that time. There is no way this thing has ever "known" a round of wood. The wedge is downright virginal. There is not the slightest scuff, scratch or mark on the beam or the cylinder. The decals are all in place and unsullied. The oil looks like it just came out of the can. Not a hint of seepage in the hydraulic hoses or anywhere else in the system. The gas tank was bone dry with no sign that it has ever had any gasoline in there, which I was happy to see. Nothing like storing gasoline in a carb for seven years to really gum up the works.
The thing was covered in dust, which I also took as a good sign, To me, it meant that the seller had not wiped it down to remove any oil leak marks, etc. The bottom end of the toe plate has some minor surface tarnish. I'll touch it up with fresh paint if i can find the right color. One of the plastic fenders is a little deformed. Probably from having something leaning against it the hot storage locker. Not a big deal.
$1000 is what I paid for a never used 35 ton Huskee splitter. Now, I usually only hand split and burn a cord and a half, maybe two cords a year, so 35 tons may be overkill. A 22 ton Huskee was probably just right, but if I can get a 'new' 35 ton for the same price as 22 tons, why not? Besides, I have access to supplies that could probably yield 50 cords right now, all Water Oak, Post Oak, and some pignut Hickory. I 'spect I could sell a little on the side.
I know I've probably posted too many threads in my search for a splitter. I won't start a new another new one, at least on the subject of buying one. Thanks for all the guidance and tips and support. And yes, it really did happen! See Below.
It's a Huskee 35 ton. She listed it as "new" when it fact it was purchased seven years ago by her errant husband who soon ran off with another woman. It has been in storage since that time. There is no way this thing has ever "known" a round of wood. The wedge is downright virginal. There is not the slightest scuff, scratch or mark on the beam or the cylinder. The decals are all in place and unsullied. The oil looks like it just came out of the can. Not a hint of seepage in the hydraulic hoses or anywhere else in the system. The gas tank was bone dry with no sign that it has ever had any gasoline in there, which I was happy to see. Nothing like storing gasoline in a carb for seven years to really gum up the works.
The thing was covered in dust, which I also took as a good sign, To me, it meant that the seller had not wiped it down to remove any oil leak marks, etc. The bottom end of the toe plate has some minor surface tarnish. I'll touch it up with fresh paint if i can find the right color. One of the plastic fenders is a little deformed. Probably from having something leaning against it the hot storage locker. Not a big deal.
$1000 is what I paid for a never used 35 ton Huskee splitter. Now, I usually only hand split and burn a cord and a half, maybe two cords a year, so 35 tons may be overkill. A 22 ton Huskee was probably just right, but if I can get a 'new' 35 ton for the same price as 22 tons, why not? Besides, I have access to supplies that could probably yield 50 cords right now, all Water Oak, Post Oak, and some pignut Hickory. I 'spect I could sell a little on the side.
I know I've probably posted too many threads in my search for a splitter. I won't start a new another new one, at least on the subject of buying one. Thanks for all the guidance and tips and support. And yes, it really did happen! See Below.
