Regarding the DHT brand, they are fairly new but they have quickly earned a reputation as being one of the best. All of the big-box stores (except Menards) carries them and they continuously ranked fairly high in quality and satisfaction.
I know I'm starting to sound like I work for them;
You've got that right! At the time I passed it up because I had just been given a free log splitter; sometimes I wish I would have bought one and sold my 30 year-old freebie on craigslist for $400. For some reason use log-splitters sell for a pretty-penny on CL...
I will have to look into those. I understand when you find a deal pass it along... Wood splitters seem to hold a value. Engines alone anymore are a few hundred. My buddy needed an engine for his and I got him a Harbor freight coupon for just under a hundred for an engine. He has been using it for a few years and it is holding up. (what do you get for $100 anymore??)