A Craftsman 27-ton log splitter typically costs about $1,300-$1,900 new when available, with an estimated average near $1,600; used units commonly list for $600-$1,200. The final price depends on model availability, engine and hydraulic condition, delivery distance, and whether a retailer or seller includes setup or accessories.
For budgeting, compare the delivered, ready-to-use price rather than the advertised machine price alone. The ranges below are U.S. estimates, not a guaranteed current listing for a particular model.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New 27-ton splitter | $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,900 | Price varies with stock, seller, and model year |
| Used, working unit | $600 | $900 | $1,200 | Condition, maintenance records, and local demand matter |
| Freight or local delivery | $0 | $100 | $300 | May be included in a promotion or pickup arrangement |
| Initial fluids and basic setup | $25 | $60 | $120 | Depends on what the seller supplies and the manual requires |
What a Craftsman 27-ton splitter costs to buy
For a new Craftsman 27-ton gas log splitter, a practical budget is $1,300-$1,900 before any local tax. Around $1,600 is a reasonable planning figure for a standard unit when it is sold through a retailer at a typical, non-clearance price. Prices can fall below that range during closeouts or rise when stock is scarce or delivery is included.
Most buyers should budget roughly $1,500-$2,100 after delivery and basic setup, before sales tax. That estimate assumes a standard 27-ton model, residential use, ordinary access for delivery, and no major repair or required towing equipment. State and local sales tax is additional and varies by location.
New inventory may be limited because product lines and model numbers change. A listing with a similar tonnage rating is not automatically the same Craftsman model. Check the model number, engine, beam orientation, cycle time, warranty terms, and included parts before treating two listings as comparable.
For a used machine, $600-$1,200 is a common planning range for a running splitter in usable condition. A clean unit with maintenance history and sound hydraulics may be priced near the high end. A machine with a leaking cylinder, tired engine, damaged tires, or unclear history may be worth substantially less, even if its frame looks sound.
Assumptions: U.S. residential purchase, standard gas-powered 27-ton class, normal retail or private-party sale, and no major mechanical work.
How engine, freight, and setup shape the quote
A seller’s price can include more than the splitter itself. Ask for an itemized quote that separates the machine, delivery, assembly, taxes, and any optional attachments. This helps identify a low advertised price that becomes less competitive after freight or setup charges.
Delivery and the machine’s ready-to-run condition are the most common reasons the checkout total differs from the listing. New machines may require assembly or final checks, while used equipment may need fluids, a battery, hoses, or small repairs. The table gives broad estimates; the exact charge depends on seller and location.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the amount | How to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splitter unit | $1,300-$1,900 new | Stock, model year, promotion, and seller | Confirm model number and included warranty |
| Assembly and setup | $0-$150 | Retailer service, delivery condition, and setup scope | Ask whether fluids and safety checks are included |
| Delivery | $0-$300 | Distance, access, and freight method | Get the charge to the actual drop-off location |
| Initial service items | $25-$120 | Required hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and supplied items | Check the manual and seller’s included-parts list |
| Sales tax | Location-dependent | State and local tax rules | Calculate from the taxable checkout amount |
Used equipment needs a different quote review. The purchase price may exclude transportation, a replacement tire, an engine tune-up, or hydraulic repairs. A seller who has serviced the splitter and can demonstrate it under load may justify a higher asking price than one offering only a cold start.
Which 27-ton specs and wood sizes raise the price
The 27-ton rating describes splitting force, not a guarantee that every log will split quickly or easily. Engine output, hydraulic pump flow, cylinder size, wedge design, and cycle time all affect performance. Compare these specifications in the manual or product listing rather than choosing by tonnage alone.
Log diameter, wood condition, and cycle time can matter as much as the advertised tonnage. Logs around 18-24 inches in diameter or pieces with knots and twisted grain place more demand on the machine than straight, dry rounds around 10-12 inches. Tough wood can require repositioning or repeated attempts, increasing work time even when the splitter has ample rated force.
On a used splitter, hydraulic leaks and slow return travel can signal repair costs. A minor hose replacement may run roughly $50-$200 for parts and labor, depending on hose length and local shop rates. A cylinder or pump problem can cost several hundred dollars or more, so a low purchase price deserves caution if the seller cannot demonstrate operation under load.
Engine condition changes value too. A machine that starts easily, runs steadily, and has documented oil changes may command a premium over one with hard starting or smoke. Ask how long it has been stored, whether fuel was drained or stabilized, and whether the engine has been serviced. These details help distinguish normal wear from a likely repair expense.
For transport, measure the unit’s overall length and width, check its weight and hitch requirements, and verify that the towing vehicle and trailer are suitable. The splitter’s tires and hitch do not remove the need to follow the manufacturer’s towing limits and local road rules.
How much time does delivery and first setup take
Retailer delivery can range from a few days to several weeks depending on inventory and distance. A local in-stock unit may be ready for pickup quickly, while freight delivery or a special order can take longer. Scheduling may also be limited if the seller requires an adult to accept delivery or a clear, accessible drop-off area.
Allow about 1-3 hours for basic home setup and checks if the machine arrives partly assembled. The actual time depends on assembly requirements, familiarity with small engines, and whether fluids or other parts need to be added. Follow the owner’s manual for setup, fluid specifications, safety checks, and break-in procedures rather than relying on a general estimate.
A repair shop’s labor rate commonly falls around $75-$125 per hour, though local rates vary. Diagnosis may add a minimum charge of about $50-$150, especially if the shop must test the engine and hydraulic system.
When comparing a used unit, ask for a live demonstration that includes a warm restart and a split under load. Testing may take only 10-20 minutes, but it can reveal leaks, hesitation, unusual noise, or a slow cycle that a brief visual inspection misses. Agree on where the test will happen and who is responsible for moving the machine.
What delivery, repairs, and attachments add
Delivery is a useful convenience, but it can change the total by $100-$300 for a short regional trip; longer freight routes may cost more. Pickup can avoid that charge if the buyer has a properly rated trailer and a safe way to load and secure the splitter. Confirm the machine’s weight and towing specifications before arranging transport.
Budget separately for any work needed to make a used splitter safe and dependable. A basic service, such as fresh engine oil, a spark plug, and an air filter, may cost approximately $40-$150 in parts if completed by the owner. A shop doing the work may charge roughly $100-$250, depending on diagnosis and local labor rates.
Hydraulic fluid requirements vary by model and service procedure. A fluid change or top-up may cost about $25-$100 in materials, but the manual should determine the type and quantity. A leaking hose, damaged fitting, or worn tire can add another $50-$250 or more. Major pump or cylinder repairs can exceed $300 and should be priced before purchase.
Optional equipment may include a log catcher, cover, or replacement wedge-related parts. Prices vary by compatibility and seller, so verify that an accessory fits the exact model before ordering. Do not assume that a cover, catchers, hydraulic fluid, or protective equipment is included in a used or discounted listing.
Why Craftsman 27-ton prices vary by region
Local availability and delivery distance create meaningful price differences across the United States. In areas with many equipment retailers and competing listings, buyers may find more discounted stock or lower delivery charges. Rural buyers may face fewer local sellers and higher transport costs, while seasonal demand can push prices upward in regions where homeowners prepare firewood before winter.
As a budgeting adjustment, expect rural delivery or limited-stock quotes to run about 5%-15% above a comparable local-market purchase. In a competitive metro area, a promotion or clearance listing may come in around 5%-10% below a typical price, although those discounts are not guaranteed. These are planning comparisons, not fixed regional price data.
Weather and timing also affect the quote. Demand may rise in late summer and fall as firewood work ramps up, making pickup slots and used inventory less predictable. A purchase during a slower period may offer more time to compare listings, but clearance pricing depends on stock and the seller’s plans.
When comparing sellers in different cities, include freight, assembly, and tax in the calculation. A unit listed $150 cheaper may cost more after a long delivery route. Ask whether the seller will deliver to a driveway, garage, or curb, and whether unloading equipment is included.
Should a used Craftsman beat a new splitter?
A used Craftsman can save several hundred dollars if it has sound hydraulics and a healthy engine. A working unit priced at $600-$1,200 may be attractive when its maintenance history is clear and the buyer can inspect it. If the machine needs $300-$500 in repairs, however, the savings over a new or newer unit can narrow quickly.
Compare the used purchase price plus immediate repairs against the delivered price of a new machine. For example, a $750 used splitter with $250 in known repairs has a practical starting cost of $1,000 before transport and future maintenance. If a comparable new unit is available near $1,500 delivered, the extra cost may buy a warranty and a clearer service history; exact warranty coverage must be confirmed.
Other 27-ton gas splitters can be substitutes, but ratings alone do not establish equal value. Compare engine brand and displacement, pump flow, cycle time, vertical splitting capability, beam construction, parts availability, and warranty. A lower-priced machine with a slower cycle may be adequate for occasional use, while frequent processing can make uptime and parts support more important than the initial discount.
Repairing an existing splitter may be less expensive than replacement when the frame, beam, engine, and cylinder remain sound. Get a diagnosis before buying major components. If several expensive systems need work at once, price the repair total against a replacement rather than judging each repair independently.
Ways to trim the delivered splitter price
Start by comparing the exact model number across local retailers and private listings. Request the total price with delivery, assembly, and tax shown separately, and compare machines with similar specifications. A written quote also helps reveal whether a low advertised price depends on pickup, limited stock, or a paid setup service.
The most reliable savings come from reducing avoidable add-ons and transport charges, not skipping safety checks. Pickup can save freight when a suitable trailer and loading arrangement are already available. If delivery is needed, ask whether a nearby store or scheduled route costs less than a standalone shipment.
Inspect used equipment before negotiating. Look for hydraulic leaks, cracked or repaired welds, damaged controls, tire wear, and signs of neglected storage. Start the engine cold if possible and test the splitter under load. A documented defect can support a price adjustment, but a machine that cannot be demonstrated should be treated as a higher-risk purchase rather than automatically as a bargain.
Choose accessories only when they solve a real handling or storage need. Confirm compatibility and compare accessory prices separately instead of accepting a bundle without checking its value. For occasional firewood use, a sound used machine or a lower-cost comparable model may meet the need; avoid paying extra for specifications that do not affect the planned log size or workload.
Finally, avoid rushing into a seasonal purchase if the machine is not immediately needed. Compare several sellers, check current stock, and include estimated first-year service in the budget. A modest difference in sticker price matters less than a reliable splitter with clear condition, suitable specifications, and a manageable delivered total.