Thank you for the replies
I didn't want to write too much background info or random info about what I'm planning or my experience, only because I could go on forever I felt like people wouldn't read my post if it was too long
I suppose I should have explained a little better. What I'm looking for, is a specific style (and manufacturer) log splitter. It is called Split-Fire, and they make both 3 point hitch versions, as well as stand alone. Here is they're website if anyone is interested....
www.split-fire.com
Regarding my experience with log splitters, I do have pretty extensive experience with wood in general, both with cutting trees down, milling them into lumber and timbers (mostly used for timber framing), as well as using the tops and culls for wood burning. I've used stand alone splitters in the past, and currently have a 3 point hitch model for my tractor, which I really want an upgrade from. I've always been very interested in the Split-Fire models but haven't had an opportunity to try one out, or even see one operate. (I've seen them at fairs such as the Big "E", but not in operation).
Before spending a lot of money on one, I would like to either see one in operation, or preferably spend a day using one.
I own/operate my own business that specializes in low impact and sustainable methods of land management. One of my major offerings is the ability to quickly and efficiently restore old pasture or fields, mostly the 3"-14" range of trees that grow up in old pasture land, which is typically too small for large equipment to bother with, but too large for heavy duty brush hogs/rotary cutters to deal with.
I do everything from stumpgrinding, chipping, power raking for new or existing lawn applications, brush chipping and clearing, grading, new or existing driveway installation/maintenance, creating drainage ditches, etc.
I like to use (or re-purpose) as much as I can from the land that I work.
Regarding the log splitter though,
I'm finally getting an opportunity to move to the area, and will be using it a lot on my own land. I have about 50 acres of unmaintained forest land to thin, as well as another 120 acres of wooded land that I "could" thin. However, this is too big of a project for me or my equipment, but I'm considering using and selling firewood from the trees that most contractors would typically leave in the woods to rot (which isn't necessarily a bad thing either.) My current setup isn't efficient enough with my 3 point hitch homemade splitter. I'm at a spot now, that I either go with a commercial grade splitter, or step up to a processor, which I'm not nearly at that point yet.
Regarding extra personnel/help, I have a 2 yr old and 4 year old sons, and I figure in another 10 years they'll be ready to lend me a hand.
I'm not really interested at this time, in the smaller homeowner versions. However, I'm not ruling it out, but at this point I'm mostly interested in seeing a Split-Fire in action.
Thanks again.
-Matt