Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter, 7-Ton

I wasn't expecting a lot for the price and one lever wouldn't thread completely into the knob (still completely functional). When standing vertical for storage, the splitter rests on the control levers and they get scuffed. The unit I received did not have the guard around the levers - which is fine. The plastic handle split carrying the splitter down a flight of stairs (bad, but no damage)POSITIVE parts -This has "stalled" twice on green oak branches - no damage to the pump, motor or a tripped breaker- it just stops. Power off and back on and keep going - much prefer it protects itself before anything breaks - don't have to worry if you are over using it -Split lots of mixed wood - mostly oak - split 18" long by 10" diameter green oak without a problem - splits dry oak about the same - no issues -The two actuator levers are close enough you can push them both with one hand - very convenientIts performed beyond expectation, been easy and quiet to use and easy to move and store - great value for the price.

As a woman, I wanted to recommend this product for the women out there. Since splitting firewood is typically a 'male' oriented chore, this easy to use unit makes the chore a breeze. Surprising power to split nice sized logs of hardwood. Sometimes it jams or stops before splitting certain deformed pieces, but typically it can tackle it by turning sections. For us, we need 6 cords for woodstove only heat. This workhorse (Powerhouse) does the job with ease. Fast enough and powerful enough for home use. Being off grid, we like the fact it is electric so we can just use our solar power on sunny days! No fossil fuels, which we try and avoid when possible. Also, quiet operation! Highly recommend. Oh, and the price is so right. Gas powered ones are insane cost and have much more moving parts needing maintenance. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a homeowner and use this item for non-commercial use. Purchased this log splitter about a month ago, and have used it for a total of about 6 hours. Overall it worked highly satisfactorily, and it split even larger diameter logs then specified without hesitation.I gave it only a 4 star rating for the following reasons:1) Unless you are pulling this machine on a level paved surface, the wheels are too close together for proper stability. I replaced the axial, and spread the wheels 6" further apart.2) The spot weld on the protection hood broke apart during the installation.3) The log guide plate thickness is rather thin, it has bend out of shape, however this may be due to me splitting oversized logs.4) The Oil Fill Drain/Fill Plug requires an Alan Metric Hex Wrench that is NOT included. A disappointment since I do not have one in my tool box.5) The Operational Manual is just about the worst I have ever used. Throughout the manual, it is totally inconstant in identifying parts. The same letter "A" is used in four different Fig. identifying different parts, and to confuse you even further they sometimes also use numbers. For the parts diagram (in numbers) you better use your reading glasses and a magnifying glass.Otherwise, so far I have no regrets with this purchase.

Used the unit once and was initially pleased with the performance. Stroke a little short, but overall cutting ability okay. Then things started to go south, as the wire clamp came loose, the bar rack bent, and the motor quit working. On off switch started hanging up as well. Will return to Amazon for refund, which will not be easy for a product like this...

I wanted to let people know what my experience has been with this so far. I was skeptical like many others based on the low cost and the couple negative reviews. First let me say that I think a couple of the negative folks may have got a lemon. To the gentleman that has a hard time going through any logs at all, you have a lemon or you work for a competitor! Granted, I only got this yesterday. But let me tell you what this splitter has done thus far. I cleared about a half acre of black birch, oak, maple and some pine. I unpacked this thing and started small and easy. Within 10 minutes I was up to 24" diameter fresh cut oak and this thing was splitting these logs like they were nothing. I kept expecting this thing to at least bog down a little with the big stuff, but nothing. Even knotty pieces were fairly easy. So power is plentiful and a non issue for me. This thing executed splitting very similar to the big gas splitter I rented a couple of weeks ago. So the power is there folks. Do keep in mind that there is a bleed valve nut that needs to be loosened every time you use the machine and then re-tightened when not in use.I was also concerned about power draw and thickness of power cord and tripping breakers. Well I was again very surprised. I strung two average extension cords together for testing purposed to a regular 15 amp circuit. Now this setup does not and should not meet the manufacturers minimum specs. But guess what? I proceeded to split logs with ease with no power issues at all. I was afraid I was going to have to run a dedicated circuit for this thing. No worries any more on that front.The draw backs mentioned in some of the other more thorough reviews are right on the money. The throw on this is bit short. Like someone mentioned in another post, it is nothing that a piece of 4x4 as a spacer wont remedy, but it is slightly annoying. The wedge itself could be a little wider as well. So I do find myself having to finish pulling the split apart by hand if there is any material left holding the log together. Not a big deal.Yes, the wheels are too close together, so be careful pulling it behind you. If the surface is not smooth it will easily tip over. Again, not a big deal.As far as a stand in concerned, yes you will want one. I can point you to a really cheap one. It's called two upright logs. I placed mine on top of the flats of two 20" logs and it worked flawlessly.This also comes with a shield to install that forces two-handed operation as a safety feature. I was happy to leave this off and enjoy one-handed operation. That is up to you.I do hope very much that this product holds up over time. If it does, I feel like I made a great purchase. And that is the feeling we all strive for isn't it? Nothing worse than regret of a big purchase. And that's why I took the time to place this review. Because I almost did not buy this based on a couple of the negative reviews that I see do not paint an accurate picture of this unit.I hope this helps