An MTD 20 ton log splitter price is usually a used-equipment price because many MTD units are older and may no longer be sold new. Buyers commonly pay $300-$900 for a working machine, with condition, engine, hydraulic repairs, and local availability driving the quote; comparable new 20-ton splitters often cost more.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used MTD 20-ton splitter | $300 | $600 | $900 | Working unit, condition varies |
| Repair-ready or nonrunning unit | $100 | $250 | $400 | Value depends on parts and repair needs |
| Comparable new 20-ton splitter | $1,000 | $1,400 | $1,800 | Current models, before delivery or tax |
| Pickup or local delivery | $0 | $75 | $200 | Distance and loading access affect charge |
What a used MTD 20-ton splitter typically costs
A typical buyer can budget about $600 for a running MTD 20-ton log splitter in usable condition. A lower-priced machine may have worn tires, a weak engine, or a hydraulic leak; a clean, tested unit with a reliable engine can approach $900. These are private-sale estimates, not fixed dealer prices.
Most of the price difference comes from whether the engine starts easily and the ram cycles without leaking or stalling. Exact configurations vary by model and age, so buyers should confirm the data plate, rated capacity, engine type, and included accessories before comparing listings. Assumptions: used unit, ordinary wear, local pickup, and no major engine or hydraulic repair.
How engine, hydraulics, and hauling shape the quote
For a used splitter, the purchase price is only part of the immediate budget. A basic tune-up may be inexpensive, but pump, cylinder, or engine work can quickly make a low asking price uneconomical.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine tune-up or carburetor service | $75 | $175 | $350 |
| Hydraulic hoses or fittings | $40 | $125 | $300 |
| Hydraulic pump replacement | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Delivery or trailer rental | $0 | $75 | $200 |
| Sales tax, where applicable | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A $600 purchase with $250 in repairs and $100 delivery can cost $950 before tax. Shop labor commonly runs $75-$125 per hour, and diagnosis or parts availability may add time.
Which 20-ton specifications and wear points change value?
Rated tonnage alone does not establish condition or market value. On an older splitter, engine displacement, pump output, cycle time, beam and wedge wear, and whether the machine is horizontal-only or converts to vertical all affect usefulness and price.
A running test under load is more informative than a seller’s claim that the unit is 20 ton. Ask the seller to split a log roughly 12-18 inches in diameter; a unit that stalls on ordinary rounds may need service. Check for hydraulic fluid around the cylinder and hoses, and look for a bent beam, cracked welds, or damaged tires. A cylinder leak or pump problem can add several hundred dollars.
Age and parts support also matter. If the engine is hard to identify or the pump has no readable part number, repair estimates can be uncertain. Get a mechanic’s quote before paying near the top of the used range.
How can a buyer lower the MTD purchase total?
Compare the asking price with the cost of immediate repairs, transport, and replacement parts rather than negotiating on the machine alone. A seller demonstration, cold start, and loaded splitting test can reveal issues that are easy to miss in photos.
Set a maximum all-in price before making an offer. For example, a $450 unit needing $250 in known work may be a better buy than a $700 unit with unknown hydraulic performance, but only if the repair estimate is credible. Bring a trailer when practical, verify the splitter’s dimensions and weight, and avoid paying extra for accessories that are not needed.
Do rural and metro listings differ in price?
Local supply can shift used-equipment asking prices by roughly 10%-25%. Rural areas with frequent firewood use may have more listings and lower prices, while metro areas can have fewer machines but higher delivery charges or stronger demand in fall.
Compare listings within a practical pickup radius, not just the closest seller. A $100 lower price may not save money if a long-distance haul costs $150-$200. Prices can also rise around fall and early winter as buyers prepare for heating season; late winter and spring may offer more time to inspect and negotiate.
What repair and delivery charges should be checked first?
Before purchase, inspect the engine oil, fuel condition, hydraulic fluid, hoses, cylinder rod, control valve, tires, and hitch. A basic service can cost $75-$175, while a cracked hose or worn tire may be manageable; a failed pump or cylinder can change the economics of the deal.
Ask which repairs have already been completed and request receipts when available. Confirm that the seller can demonstrate the full ram cycle and that the machine returns properly. Delivery may be free for nearby pickup, but hired local hauling often adds $75-$200 depending on distance, loading, and trailer requirements.
Used MTD versus a new 20-ton splitter
A used MTD can be the lower-cost choice when it runs reliably and parts are available. A comparable new 20-ton gas splitter generally costs about $1,000-$1,800 before tax and delivery, with a new warranty and less uncertainty about wear. Features and rated capacity are not necessarily identical across brands.
Choose by expected repair exposure, not purchase price alone. If the used unit needs $400 or more in uncertain hydraulic or engine work, a new machine may offer better cost predictability. A maintained used splitter remains attractive when its total price, repairs, and hauling stay well below the new-equipment quote.
Three realistic used-splitter budget examples
A basic local purchase might be a running older unit priced at $450, with no immediate repair and buyer pickup, for about $450 before tax. A cleaner machine listed at $700 may need a $125 tune-up and $75 delivery, bringing the pre-tax total to about $900.
Repair-ready listings need the largest contingency. A $250 unit with a $300 pump repair and $100 hauling totals about $650 before tax, assuming no additional failures. These examples illustrate how inspection and transport can outweigh a modest difference in asking price; actual parts and labor depend on the machine and location.