Have had this now for several months. Got it after blistered hand thanks to extensive axe use even with gloves. The added features/changes over the prior year models are very nice. Beefier hinge points and mounts, spring loaded pull pin for lifting in vertical mode. Much better jack system, with spring loaded lock too. One thing that did change that even my local TSC didnt know was the location/mounting for a log cradle. The usual SpeedCo cradle which I bought and is very nice wont fit the new 2018 models. A cradle should come with every large 25ton and up splitter sold by all manufacturers. I am welding it to a large steel plate that will be mounted to the new holes. Also for anyone wanting to know as its not in any manuals and noone anywhere knows the size of the welded nuts for the accessory since the bolt doesn't come with it - m12x1.75 pitch bolt. A grade 8 will do perfect. Definitely check the assembly, I did a cursory look before towing it home but saw a handful of bolts, not loose enough to be removed by hand but only half way tight, some significantly like only drawn down 50%. Thats not a product problem just an issue with the folks at the local store assembly. Love this unit. Pretty easy on fuel. Have run 2 to 2.5 hours straight at full throttle, cycling quickly back n forth and have yet to run dry on fuel. Usually by that time I need a break so i shut it down to let it cool for a while then refuel. The cylinder and steel lines get very hot, too hot to touch with bare hands, when running back n forth for hours but no issues so far. This is really a unit that feels stronger than 25 ton. Attached photos of welded up log cradle and log break to keep pieces from hitting the engine. The SpeeCo cradle works with this that TSC sells but will not bolt up directly. So a thick steel plate was needed, welded to the arms of the cradle then bolted thru the new plate. Fabricated a stop/end for the cradle out of 1/4: bar stock to provide protection for the engine.

I don't write reviews but I am so disappointed in this product, its service and my local tractor supply that I had to learn how to post a review so others don't go through the same thing. I bought this "NEW 2018" model at my local TSC. Towed it 5 miles down the road before the wheel on the engine side flew off and almost hit the car behind me. I didn't know it until they flashed me. Stuck in the middle of the road with a broken splitter behind you is no good. Called the manufacturer and they don't have any actual service locations!! Stuck with a boat anchor!!