I was at Home Depot the other day and happened to take a look at the log splitters sitting outside. I DID NOT like them.
Mechanically, all log splitters are pretty much the same. An engine, hydraulic pump, valve , reservoir and a cylinder. There's different engines, pumps and valves that make the price differences (e.g. A Honda or Kohler engine will be more expensive than a Briggs) but I wouldn't worry too much about that. Most have log cradles now so that shouldn't be a factor either. No matter what you pick, it'll probably last a lifetime if maintained.
What is important is ergonomics and secondly component placement to avoid splitter damage. When you're in your operator position, how much room do you have and what splitter components are in your way?
My preference is the Speeco brand which are also sold under other names like Huskee at Tractor Supply. I'm posting a picture below so you can see what I'm talking about.
Notice that the axle, engine... are all well forward of your splitting area. This gives you plenty of space to set your logs and do your splitting without your legs having to worry about bumping into splitter components. I don't have a good internet picture of the Cub Cadet but I think you'll find the axle, engine... are all set back further which encroaches on your work space. If your splitter comes with fenders, I'd remove them. Your shins will greatly appreciate that. Bumping your leg into a rubber tire doesn't hurt. Bumping your shin into steel fender edges does hurt. The fender on the other side will eventually get smashed as your split wood falls off the other side. For the engine placement, it can be on either side of the splitter so long as it sits out of the way of your split wood.
As for the kinetic splitters, my experience is they're good if you're young or in a hurry. Personally, I run my hydraulic splitter at no more than half-throttle and that's about as fast as I want to move.
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