The most I've dropped on an individual pieces was like $240 for my log. I have a ton of other stuff but the next most expensive thing was like $180(harness). All my other strongman stuff I either acquired for free or made myself on the cheap.
I'd throw maybe $500 for any one piece but any more than that and it's not going to happen. The only fancy piece of cardio equipment I like is the elliptical and since my gym membership is like $10 a month there isn't a point in even thinking of buying one. Besides most of my cardio work is in the form of carrying, dragging, or pulling implements.
Cheers,
Scotsman