Look at the code on the engine. IF original, expect it to be "slightly" older than the splitter.
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Bring an old oak log with you and make sure it has the "oomph" to split it quickly. Check all the hydraulics for leaks and make sure the frame of the unit is well built and in good shape.

Auto retract is a nice feature that can save you time.

Thanks for the replies. I had hoped to go see the tiller this week but the owner never responded to an email asking for a phone number so I guess it must have sold.

Apparently, the gas powered log splitter sold before I got there.

Yesterday, I went to look at a 6 Ton electric splitter by a very large manufacturer with a good reputation. I had never seen an electric splitter except in ads and once in a Lowes store. After seeing their ads and DVD, they looked pretty good.

I took your advice and took along a log about 13"-14" in diameter and about 16"-18" long. This is within the specs from that company.

We put the log on the splitter, started to split and the cutting wedge went in about an inch and stopped without splitting the log. We tried several more times and never were able to split it.

So much for electric splitters for my needs. I am sure they are fine for lighter work though. It did splitt a small section of a 4"x4" post.