I just got a new splitter too. Mine is an electric. It is a type that can be purchased either gas or electric, 16 tons. People shy away from the electric ones and I wonder why. It seems that an electric motor will be much less hassle than another engine. Of course if I decide to haul it around I'll have to lug a 3 kVA generator to power it, but I'm OK with that. It's a reason to buy a neat toy. The splitter is US built so I expect it will hold up.
However, it wasn't as good a price as the one at Menard's that began this posting. I guess I didn't save big money.
I don't have an outdoor boiler. (yet) I burn inside and so need less wood than you guys, but I still need enough. I'm tired of the big red monster maul. I never make enough in the warm weather and so find myself splitting out in the cold. This year will be different.
It's sitting in the driveway and is waiting to be assembled. Any suggestions?