Champion Power Equipment 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return

Based on the reviews, I decided to take a chance and buy the Champion 7 ton wood splitter. The delivery was a little delayed but it was delivered for free. This is my first owned wood splitter. I have used others in the past and in comparison this is a compact splitter. It came boxed up in several parts as you can see by the photo. The instructions are not precise but all bolts were in their own packaging and only fit in predrilled holes. I managed to assemble the splitter with myself and my helper Laci (shown in picture). :) in about 1.5 hours. Added gas, oil and hydraulic fluid. Slid the choke over and gave it 2 pulls and it fired right up. I started with maybe a 12″ round log and I got no where :( . So I looked and read more and rechecked the hydraulic fluid and it was not registering on the dip stick. I added more fluid. It held almost 2 gallons of hydraulic fluid. On my second attempt the very first pull it fired right up. I went from 6 inch oak to about 18 inch in diameter and it sliced right through them all. I even put some knotted pieces on there and it busted right through.The only drawbacks I have would be no towing capability and like one other reviewer noted, the ram doesn’t go far enough to split all the way through the piece of wood. That’s another reason to read the reviews. I learned from his review to stick a small 2×4 block behind the wood so it would split all the way through. These are not big issues for me. I am not splitting enough wood that I need to tow it to the site. It is rather compact so it probably wouldn’t tow that well behind a truck. But on the other hand it can easily be put in the back of a truck or trailer. I started and stopped it several times and it started on the first pull every time. The next thing I know I looked around and wow, I had a good stack of wood in about 30 minutes. Over all, I am satisfied with the Champion 7 ton wood splitter. If you are just splitting a few cords this is the machine to get it done.2 years later , still loving the champion. Working great . No issues with it. I have slit some 16 in. Logs I know weighing over 80 pounds because I weighed them.It has my recommendation3 years later, still running like a champ. Starts on the first pull. I cut about 2 cords a year. I have put some huge logs on this splitter. The trick to the large logs is to chip away at them until you get them split . But if you just splitting for your home 2 ft. In diameter should be a breeze. [...]