20 Best Log Splitter Honda Engine (2023 Updated)

After a long wait, I received the splitter in early December “21. Came in a large box which I immediately uncrated, and separated. The ram assembly was very heavy, but I was able to move it with a hand truck.

I assembled all the parts except for the ram assembly, and positioned the unit under a nearby rafter, to which I hung a come along. I removed the towing chains from the splitter, hooked the links to the come along, and positioned the hooks in the holes in the ram where the log cradles would later be positioned.

Using the come along, I raised the ram assembly high enough to position the trailer beneath it. Worked perfectly, all by myself. To date, I have split most of the wood from 4 huge oak trees. These were cut by the landscape companies into 22 inch sections, and ranged from 15 to 24 inches in diameter.

Those beyond 16 inches, I split in half by hand, and used a ramp I fabricated to roll them onto the log cradle. I could not believe the performance of this machine! Nothing could stop it! Yes, it did slow down while slicing through or tearing out knots or plowing through areas where limbs had been attached to the trunks, but plow through it did.

Out of about 45 trunk sections, there are about six left to split. When the weather warms, they will be next. If I could give this machine ten stars, I would. So glad I did not opt for anything else! Get one if you can! They are worth every penny!.

I’m 10 hours in and I love it thus far. It’s been fairly cold since I bought this (~5-10*F) but this guy starts well in the cold and runs like a top for hours (seems fairly fuel efficient). The “catcher” (metal plate just off the beam) is a great feature I’ve never had before in a splitter and makes the work easier in not having to bend back over to he ground to lift the split wood (if it needs further split).

I’ve also never had a splitter that has the horizontal versus vertical option before. It is very easy and quick to convert from one mode to the other. The swiftness of the cycle time is very helpful in not wasting any of my time waiting for the ram to return.

In fact, you’ll need to be working pretty hard to be waiting on it. The auto-return-push feature makes it simple to grab another log and the ram is almost never in the way of dropping another log on.

I debated how many ton I needed in a splitter for a long time (delayed my purchase trying to figure out how many ton to pay for) but I will say that this 25 ton version has handled everything I’ve asked it to do thus far.

I’ve split white oak and hickory (higher up on the hardwood scale) and it pushes right through them; even through chunks of log where there was a Y (one branch emerges into two. this can cause weaker splitters trouble).

One minor desire for this model is that I wish the wedge was another few inches taller as I feel it would split more evenly some of the taller pieces. Now, maybe a design engineer could tell me why I don’t want that (maybe a correlation between taller wedge and lost splitting power, IDK) and that would be okay.

Just a helpful tip for anyone reading this review before buying: leave the outlet with a quart of 10W-30 (non-synthetic, for break-in, synthetic is fine thereafter) or 5W-30 (if your break-in period, ~first 5 hours, comes when ambient temp is below 40*F) and 4.

5 gallons of proper hydraulic fluid. My store didn’t tell me this delaying my maiden-voyage fun.

I bought this product based on the good reviews other purchasers made. This is my third wood splitter my two previous ones were tractor mounted 3 point hitch. Good directions on putting it together, I was able to do the assembly by myself.

There is one point they suggest having a second person help due to the weight, you probably should get help. I am 70 and bull headed so I just used my head, figured out where to lift, used my back correctly and was able to put the hydraulic ram piece in position.

There are some improvements on this splitter over my previous splitters. The automatic hydraulic return is a plus. When the ram is in the return position there are steel wedges that will unstuck a block stuck on the splitting wedge.

My previous splitters I had to do that with my maul. Starts up easy every time, 1st or 2nd pull. I discovered that a good rule of thumb to determine when you have operated it through the break in period, is a tank of gas is roughly and hour of operation.

I bought the 25 ton splitter, most of my trees are in a dense woods, very little limbs on them. If you are splitting trees out of fence rows with a lot of limbs, especially elm; you better jump up to the 37 ton splitter.

I bought this splitter at the caution of the guy I talked to at WSO. It works for little stuff no problem, but after you get above 8 or so inches in diameter, it just starts to fall flat. On the smaller stuff, it’s great, but I should have spent a couple hundred more on the 8 ton as was suggested.

Maybe it’s just buyers remorse, but for now, I’m only buying wood that’s less than 8″ to split for firewood.

This splitter lives up to what they say it will do. I think it will be fine though time as long as it is taken care of and not abused. The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the on/off switch quit working after a few logs.

I tried to get a hold of Boss at least three times before i finally heard back from them a few days later. I had to tighten the switch and it is fine now.

This thing is awesome. Splits much larger logs than recommended with ease. But the thing I like best is it allows one handed operation, unlike any of the other electric splitters.

I just finished assembly of my new log splitter Model 100330-1. It was shipped to my home in Colorado-home of the mile high city and over 50 fourteeners. I had to call and order the high altitude jet for the carburetor.

I don’t think there is anywhere in Colorado at an elevation of less than 3000 feet and most elevations are above 6000. It would have been nice if the splitter came with the carburetor the instructions say I need for the splitter to operate properly.

Once the new jet comes, I have to install it myself which will be a first. Champion did email me an instructional video which I hope is very thorough. There were some things in the instructions that could have been better.

One is the diagram showing the location of the oil filler port and dipstick. The one shown is inaccessible once the engine is installed with no mention made of the other filler port, dipstick and drain plug on the opposite side.

The bubble pack of hardware was numbered differently than the reference in the instructions in one case: M10x20 bolts vs M10x15 respectively. The carburetor code in the manual is different than the code stamped into the carburetor so I had to call to verify the code and compatibility of the high altitude jet I required.

The hydraulic fluid specifications are temperature dependent according to the manual. ISO32-10W for 32 degrees Fahrenheit and above and Dexron lll ATF for temperatures below 32F. Today’s temperature will range from 18F to 60F within a 12 hour period.

I’m not sure how I’m going to solve that dilemma yet. Once assembled, the splitter started on the first pull and ran like a champ. There were no leaks and the wedge operated smoothly. I’m anxious to get the license plate and lights ( would have been a nice option during purchase) so I can get it out to my property and start putting it to use.

Even with the shipping, I felt the price was a good value compared to what I could buy locally. There was some minor damage to the splitter that was a result of significant damage to the shipping crate, however, nothing affecting safety or operation resulted.

Some improvement in the packaging would likely prevent similar damage in the future since damage to the crate during shipping is not totally unexpected.

Decent, it’ll get the job done. The product: Assembly was easy enough. I did it myself with the aide of a cherry picker. Quality is ok. Some shoddy welds, mig wire hanging off like a pin cushion. Unit was oxidized because farm and fleet stores them out in the weather (no fault of the product) Engine placement could be better.

2 bolts are difficult to get to. Engine Oil fill is hard to get at. Function; Motor fires right up. Ram moves smoothly enough. Setting it to vertical split can be a chore. Has to be a perfect setup, hitch of my atv is the wrong height so i have to disconnect it to use it.

Then the unit needs to be on perfectly flat ground or have a slight dip to allow you to set it upright. Lots of little details that could be addressed in the engineering department. As far as splitting goes, it had no issues splitting 30″ diameter wet locust.

Quick work of anything dry Really burns through fuel. Burnt about a gallon of 93octane in 45 minutes. I’ll update after more use.

I have RA and a few related medical issues. Last year was the last time I was able to split my wood with axe, maul and wedges. I broke down and bought the Electric 5hp Central Machinery log splitter this season and wish I had done so last year.

Not annoyingly loud, easy enough for me to handle, so far it has handled all the rounds I’ve put on it, at 16″ in length and so far 14″ wide. No problem with knots other than a few poppers which can be nerve wracking because you’re required to be close to the machine in order to operate it.

I tried to purchase a foot pedal but they were out but I will get it as it will allow me to be away from the “pop” zone. The only “negatives” are the two handed operation which can be fixed by using a foot pedal.

The metal grid cover which covers the motor/fan is easily bent. Be careful with wood pieces that may fall down and hit the cover as it may bend in and touch the fan. easy enough to fix, remove the cover fix the dent and put it back on.

😉 The wood I’m splitting is a mix of cedar, fir, birch and maple. All 80 to 100% seanoned.

I will say that this thing is a beast at splitting just about any size log I throw at it. Really does that job well!!! I hate the fact that they have designed it for two handed operation. This two handed operation is designed so you have to turn the power off to the machine, each and every time you have used the ram to split wood.

I simply used a wood clamp to hold the power button down and purchased the 15 amp foot switch to make turning off the splitter easier, but it’s still a pain in the butt to do. Why did they not just design it so when the handle was released and the split completed, it returns to a neutral position.

I hate that aspect of this unit. I might have even given it 5 stars except for this one very aggravating feature. I also think that power cycling the motor every time you want the ram to return to it’s default position will probably cause premature motor failure.

I did a lot of research before buying a wood splitter and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I split nothing but twisted green oak and this log splitter powers right through anything I throw at it.

The wedge is 2″ taller than most competitors’ wedges, which really comes in handy on larger logs, and the ram is incredibly fast! It takes a little over 3 seconds to fully extend the ram and a little over 6 seconds to retract it.

It also starts easily, typically firing up on the first pull. My only complaints are minor: -The 4-way wedge is just about useless. The horizontal blades are too short to cut through anything but the smallest logs.

I was pretty disappointed in that because I thought a 4-way wedge would be pretty handy. -The stand on the tow bar is awkward to flip down. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t just use a wheeled swing-back jack stand with a hand crank to raise and lower.

I was amazed when I compared this to other big box log splitters. This one is so much better balanced making it easy to trailer on a UTV/ATV and making it easy to switch from horizontal position to vertical.

Easy start even in cold weather. The power is amazing!.

I really like that this log splitter comes with all the hydraulic fluid, filter, and engine oil already in it. All I had to do was fill it up with gas and cycle the ram a couple times to prime the system and get the air out of it.

It is very well built and powerful. I really like the fast cycle time and the log table on the side very convenient to place one log half on it while I split the other into quarters. Would definetly recommend this splitter to others!.

This is a Solid piece of Equipment. Well Built. Definitely a Two person Assembly Project. The Wife and I had it together and Running in under 2 hours. Wouldve been closer to an Hour had I done what the Wife was telling Me before I opened the Crate (READ the directions, lol).

All in All this Splits Wood as it should. No issues. Engine isnt as Loud as some of the others Ive seen. Shipping Company used was Awesome. Recommend paying the Extra $ to get the Lift Gate option.

I sell firewood professionally and I split around 100 cords a year. I had been doing this by hand but I am not as young as I was. I did considerable research on which model to buy. What tonnage I would need.

I decided this unit with its very fast cycle time would be an ideal production unit. I was going to buy a second 37 ton unit for large, difficult pieces. Then I got this unit. It has powered through everything I had in my pile.

Hardwood crotches, knotty green wood, knotty dry wood, and stuff I would have left to chainsaw apart later. It busted every piece without hesitation. This thing is built like a tank! Beefy metal components with substantial welds holding it together.

The construction is excellent and well designed with quality components used throughout. I am about 10 cords split with this so far and couldn’t be happier. The only thing to keep in mind is that because this thing is built like a tank it weighs almost as much as one.

It comes on a palletized plywood box that makes a convenient and sturdy base to assemble. I was able to maneuver and adjust the components for assembly but by myself I struggled as they are heavy. It’s best to have help.

I would say I would buy another one but the way this thing works and is built I won’t have to.

Assembly was straightforward even though my ability with tools is only average. After adding oil and gasoline, it started on my very first pull. 15 sections of white oak were easily split. It is a heavy machine and takes some strength to lift the hitch from its resting position.

I am very happy with this PK03 splitter. After unpacking and putting it together it hard to do if you are by yourself the wife helped. It is heavy but that should have been what you expect from a 42 ton splitter.

My video me on first time using it and I sent it to a friend. He had only one word for it BADASS!!! And he is right l love it not hard to use. I had some wood ready to be split and in no time it was done.

I have lots more to split here soon. Thanks for a great product.

For someone who has been using an MTD 20 ton single wedge splitter for about 15-20 years, this RuggedMade 28 ton Honda electric start has been like stepping into a Star Wars movie. What a huge difference in speed alone.

The 4-way wedge and hydraulic lift table have saved my back and knees. I used to have to wrestle rounds onto the plate, hold them with my knees and then operate the handle for the single cut wedge. No more of that ever again!!!! I was able to split 18-20 inch red oak rounds with ease.

I split 2 cords and stacked 1 in a little under 3 hours. Wow !!! Assembly was easy following the video, however, there needs to be a little more verbal directions during each step. I had 2 small hydraulic fluid leaks but tightened those quickly and got to work.

The video needs to let you know that you are going to need METRIC tools for most of the assembly. Also there needs to be a hitch assembly on the opposite end of the splitter to make moving it easier once you have a pile of wood on one end.

If I wear this splitter out in my lifetime I’ll be in line to purchase another Ruggedmade. Thanks for a GREAT product and the customer service is exceptional which is rare in today’s world !!!.

Log splitter is great pushes wool like crazy very strong machine would highly recommend this splitter to anyone looking for a splitter. The only thing holding me back from the 5 stars is the fact that 2 lug studs were cross threaded and had to be replaced, there were loose fittings on the machine with way too much Teflon tape on them as stated in the video not to do.

Lastly I would like a printed instruction manual to go with the machine, the video was very helpful and explained in great detail on how to assemble but for my father who was trying to help build it had to keep going back and forth inside to the computer.

Other than those few things it is a great machine and the salesman Paul who I had ordered with was very helpful and professional. Highly recommend product.

This is by far the best log splitter I have ever owned. Plenty of power and splitting force. I’ve split 30 inch diameter logs and haven’t phased it yet. Fast cycle time makes splitting quit and log lifter makes it easy.

I split 10 cords a year and my back doesn’t hurt no more. I can split a cord in about a hour and a half by myself with this machine. My old 20 ton vertical/horizontal splitter it would take me 3-4 hours and wouldn’t split half the logs I put through this one.

Price is also great compared to all the other comparable log splitters. Probably saved myself 2-3000 dollars. Durable heavy duty machine, well built and reliable. Highly recommend! Five stars! Thanks Ruggedmade.

I opted for the Honda 270 engine although the Chinese engines are getting better. We have several Hondas on various generators etc. and know how to keep them running. I purchased an electric start kit (Ebay around $70) but haven’t installed it as the GX270 is very easy to pull start.

The 537 assembly was straightforward using the YouTube video however; a printable PDF manual would be a great help as we had to keep running back and forth to the office computer. You will need a good metric tool set for assembly as well as a couple of adjustable “Crescent” wrenches up to about 1-1/4″ for the hydraulic hose ends.

We ordered this 37 ton splitter because, here in Northern California we are splitting up to 30″ green gnarly and knotty oak and juniper. This splitter blows through the toughest knots, seldom bogging down.

We did remove the splitting wedge “wings” (10 mm hex X 1/2″ drive) for the larger rounds as they are designed for a 4-way split on smaller logs. A big advantage of this splitter is the ability to work in the vertical position; it’s much easier and nicer on your back to roll big rounds into splitting position than it is to lift them.

We also purchased a Husky 1,000 pound trailer jack with wheel (Ebay $70) as the support legs supplied are not very practical. The 537 splitter can blast splinters a few feet at pretty high velocities so, please use personal protective gear like safety glasses (a must), leather gloves, long pants, boots, and head protection.

The RuggedSplit 537 splitter with Honda power rates five stars for quality, price, shipping, performance, and service/communication. We love it. Buy one, you won’t be disappointed. Gary Davis Winters California.

I’m going to do something I almost NEVER do, I’m going to endorse a product. My Wife and I just bought a Rugged made Type 1, 37 ton log splitter. During the wintertime out here in Eastern Washington, it gets plenty cold, and we heat exclusively with wood, thus we needed a good, tough, easy to use heavy duty splitter to power through the Bull and Knotty pine we use for fuel, as we live on acreage, and there is an almost limitless supply of it.

On Sunday June 28th, we ordered our Type 1 on Rugged Made’s website, imagine my surprise when I was contacted the following day to inquire whether we needed liftgate service for delivery, and then finding out they could save me over $60.

00 by sending it to where I work. Oh, and the hits just keep comin’. THE NEXT DAY, my splitter arrived on the loading dock at work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I took it home, and since I’d just gotten back from a month of working in Kodiak Alaska, I had to wait a week to assemble it.

Well, on Sunday, a week later, My Wife and I got out the tools, queued up the assembly video on YouTube, and went to work (We decide to let my Wife do most of the assembly) about an hour later, our splitter was DONE!!!!! It assembled easily, is built like a friggin’ TANK, and we are THRILLED! Thanks Rugged Made, you guys ROCK, you make EXACTLY what you advertise, and sell it for an INCREDIBLE price! I am a professional welder and fabricator (Have been for over 25 years) so I know a quality build when I see it.

I will tell ALL my friends (A lot of them heat with wood too) and will recommend this product line to anyone. Thanks Rugged Made, you have EARNED Our business! (Oh! And the Rugged Made ballcap was a pretty cool bonus!).

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. This splitter has more than enough power to split the large fir that I am running thru it now. I didn’t get a battery for the electric start because the motor starts with one pull.

Most of my rounds are 30″ to 48″ in dia. The wedge could be a bit thicker at the top to help split these large pieces, but it works great for 24″ and smaller pieces. My only 2 complaints are that the assembly instructions are an online video.

A friend of mine with a smart phone helped me put mine together. The other complaint is that the hydraulic switching valve assembly is right in front and I keep hitting my head on it when I lean forward to pick up the split pieces.

I run the ram vertically because of the size of rounds.

This splitter does what its marketing literature says. It hasn’t failed to split a single log I’ve fed it, including pieces with severe knots. It slows down, but powers through every time. The Subaru Robin engine starts and runs flawlessly on regular non-ethanol gas.

Note: Based on bitter experience I never use ethanol gas in small engines regardless of operator manual guidelines. I have one recommendation for Ariens: Please beef up the hydraulic oil filler cap/dipstick assembly.

It is very easy to twist the vent cap right off if even minimal resistance is met when tightening or loosening the assembly.

it splits all types of wood from gnarley elm to box elder, some pieces were 30 inch plus wide, crotches weren’t even a slow down for the unit. my son is always out in the woods splitting for us or friends, we split elm, box elder, ash, shag bark hickory and both red an white oak.

we use to rent from hardware stores but they mostly rent iron and oak which does not split or trailer very well in my opinion. trailers so well you almost forget its be hind you except u don’t go above 40 mph.

should have bought years ago.

First one lasted 2 hours. Valve failed and ram wouldn’t reverse. Thought it was a fluke. Returned it and bought another identical one. After 1 hour pump quit and that was it for that one. Took that one back.

Learned my lesson and bought high end with good warranty. At barely a face cord with two machines, I’d say avoid orange splitters. But maybe I got both bad ones.

The CountyLine 30 Ton Log Splitter is a BEAST! Full disclosure, my comparison is made against Nothern Tool’s 30 Ton Northstar Log Splitter. Thinking I must have a Honda engine and an onsite mechanic, I reluctantly went with Northern Tool — big mistake! There’s too many good things to say about the CountyLine 30 rather than waste space here bashing an inferior splitter like Northstar.

For starters, the Kohler engine has started first pull every time! It hums when busting through the ,sometimes, 30-inch red oak logs. The 10. 5 second head return is fantastic. My property is 65 miles from my residence.

When I get to it, I’m trying to accomplish as much as I can as quick as I can. I’ve split approximately three cords so far and absolutely NO regrets. Once I finish splitting the storm delivered trees, my CountyLine 30 will get a deserved break.

I don’t think I’ll be wearing it out before then, but if I do, I’ll definitely by another based on its performance to this point. Oh, and I almost forgot, buy the nice, pleasant folks at my Tractor Supply made my purchase even better.

There may not be an inhouse mechanic, but I’m confident the good folks there will direct me appropriately should the need arise.

Hello I purchased my unit from store # 667 about a year ago and it has proven its worth over and over again. My wife accidentally broke the rubber piece that holds up the feet while trying to put the feet down without undoing it and they warrantied me a new one which I didn’t expect to happen.

I was calling to order a replacement and the guy said we will take care of it. Very nice customer service and I really appreciated it. I can only think of two things that I would try to fix. 1. ) Seems to wear the metal plate that it slides on pretty hard and logs often get caught under the lip that keeps it where it’s supposed to be.

2. ) when I tow it somewhere and try to start it after unhooking it I have to pull and pull and pull it to get it started. Sometimes for 10-15 minutes before I can get it started. Not sure why. I’ve maintained the maintenance schedule to a T so any suggestions would be perfect.

Other than that it works great. Very good on fuel. (Lot better than my dads lol) will split about anything at a high idle. The log catcher on the o e side is great too. My dad has one on each side which I would like to have on mine.

Just makes bigger stuff much easier to handle. I recommend this to anyone looking for a great value and time saver. Thanks for your time.

I have owned this product for over 2 years. The warranty is for 3 years. I am a homeowner and use it sparingly. It is always covered and stays under a carport when not being used, I always add a fuel additive to keep the fuel from getting stale and never use old gas.

I drain the gas each year if not used and replace it with fresh gas as I do with all power equipment I own. It runs very rough and stalls, the wheel bearing froze on one wheel, so I had to trailer it to a local “Kohler” certified repairman.

The authorized “Countyline Service Center” is over a 30 minute drive. I will not recommend this product to anyone I know. I am hoping Tractor Supply will pay for the repairs since it is in the warranty period, but I was unable to get it 30 minutes away to the “Certified Service Center.

Very disappointed in the product and warranty. Tractor Supply has given me a run around on the warranty so far. Stay away from this product.

I own a few DR products brush mower with snow blower, chipper/shredder and they are fantastic flawless so far. So I purchased this log splitter with high expectations couple of years ago and split so much wood in such a short period of time(3 days) that I haven’t needed to split until recently.

This thing will not stay running more than 30seconds minute the max until the governor shuts it down. Forget when under load immediately shuts down. I did purchase this from a DR dealer No help. I did talk to DR No help.

They say we no longer use that engine (Suburu). Wonder why. What garbage. I spent a lot of money on this and to buy a new engine from them is so very expensive. This is not right. This has me so upset.

My family and I get so excited to use this and it never works. Guess I’ll have to pay for new engine or I can just trash it. Really sucks cause those 3 days it did work, were amazing. It does really split wood fast, so fast.

When it worked.

I have owned this splitter for 4 years and split probably 20 cords with it. It definitely has lots of power and is generally well designed. However, one main underlying problem cropped up which is a clear design flaw for a splitter with hydraulics of this power.

The single biggest problem I have had from very early during my ownership stems from very soft steel used to construct the main splitting bed. While under reasonably heavy splitting operations the front and rear edges of the wedge’s base plate very easily digs itself into the steel bed quickly causing what I would describe as a built up dam of bed steel at the leading edge of the wedge base which immediately jambs and over stresses other components.

In my case this jamb initially caused lightweight eyelets attaching the wedge to the ram to tear out twice requiring new welded replacements each time. The soft main bed steel also became badly gouged underneath the edges where the wedge’s mounting plates slide back and forth.

Most recently, the problem became much more serious when again the ram jammed itself into the soft bed steel and bent the 3/8″ thick bed so badly I had to order a new main beam from from Ariens at a cost of nearly $500 with shipping.

Needless to say, I am very unhappy with this expense which is entirely caused by very soft mild steel construction of the bed coupled with very powerful hydraulics. Even the new main beam I received last week arrived with deep gouges (not simple paint scratches) from shipping damage.

This was just another indication of how soft the steel is. I would think Ariens could at least specify a hardened plate steel for the main wear surface.

This concern has been voiced in another poor review of the log splitter. The hydraulic valve mounted on top of the cylinder is a very poor design. If a log gets stuck on the wedge and misses the knock off bars on the return stroke, it rips the hydraulic fitting that supports the valve right out of the cylinder.

I have mine at a rebuild shop for a $250 fix. Secondly, the knockoff bars bend easily – further allowing contact of wood with the hydraulic valve. Finally – supporting the whole hydraulic valve on just a single -8 ORFS fitting is a really cheap / poor idea in the first place.

As this is being sold as a premium machine at a premium price – i’m really not impressed.

Design is great (1 exception below). The work area is clear of obstructions, the engine and critical components are away from falling wood, valve is centrally located, splitter is well balanced for moving by hand.

The first round of wood I split with is was one that I couldn’t split by hand. Splitting mall bounced off of it, but this splitter went through it with ease in about 4 seconds. Since I am only retracting the ram far enough to put a round on the beam, the cycle time is about 8 seconds.

Design exception: The eyelets on the wedge that connect to the cylinder are weak. I can easily see these pulling out when retracting, and expect I’ll have to repair this some day. Quality control: The splitter ran for about 30 minutes, and 4 of the hydraulic fittings are already leaking.

Not a huge issue at the moment, but they have obvious drips. I will likely need to disassemble the fittings and add hydraulic teflon paste. I also noticed that 2 of the hoses use crimped connectors while the others use cheap hose clamps.

That is just plain lazy and sloppy. For this price, they should all be professionally crimped hoses.