Unless you consider splitting logs to be part of your fitness routine, you probably want to avoid the backbreaking work of doing it with an ax, not to mention the obvious dangers involved with that method. A log splitter allows you to avoid both of these issues. They’re available in manual, electric and gas options.
For the majority of consumers who don’t need to split excessively large logs or run through an extremely high volume of cords, an electric model like the WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter will do the job. It’s reasonably priced, requires almost no maintenance and can handle logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length.
Log splitters are very useful pieces of equipment, but they can be dangerous if you don’t follow proper safety precautions. Before using your machine for the first time, read through the entire instruction manual to ensure you have a thorough understanding of how it works and what to do. It’s important to only operate your log splitter when you’re alert and well-rested.
Never put your hands anywhere near the splitting area when a log splitter is in action, and make sure to wear safety glasses the entire time to protect your eyes from small pieces of wood that may go flying. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and sturdy footwear. If using a gas-powered model, it’s a good idea to wear hearing protection.
Log splitters may be manual, electric or gas-powered. Manual models may be as simple as metal guides that are used in combination with a sledge hammer to drive a wedge into a log, or they may make use of hydraulics. The latter are more expensive but require significantly less effort on your part.
Electric log splitters are a popular choice for many people because they’re quiet, emission-free and require almost no maintenance. They tend to be smaller and easier to move than gas-powered models. However, they aren’t as powerful so they may not be suitable for someone who splits a lot of large logs regularly.
Gas-powered splitters are the most capable, but they’re also the loudest and dirtiest. They require more maintenance than the other types as well. That said, they’re a good choice for those who need to split logs in places where they won’t have access to power or who need to split very large logs.
Log splitters may cut logs in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Neither type is inherently better than the other; however, some people may find it easier to load large and heavy logs in vertical splitters since you don’t have to lift them as high off the ground.
Every log splitter has a maximum driving force that determines what kind of logs it can handle. The higher the driving force, the better a splitter is able to handle hardwood varieties. It also increases its ability to handle very long or thick logs. Most manual and electric log splitters have a driving force from 4,000-10,000 pounds, while gas log splitters may have as many as 20,000 pounds. For the majority of people, a splitter with 6,000-10,000 pounds of driving force should meet their needs.
Along with the driving force, pay close attention to the log capacity. This is determined by a combination of the driving force, ram size and cradle size. For consumer-level electric and manual models, it’s common to accommodate logs with a maximum diameter of 8-12 inches and a maximum length of 16-20 inches. If you expect to cut logs bigger than that, you’ll likely need to purchase a gas log splitter.
The cycle time refers to the amount of time it takes for the ram to split a log and return to the starting position. The shorter the cycle time, the faster you can work through large piles of logs. Cycle times can range anywhere from six to 25 seconds.
On some log splitters, you need to manually return the ram to the starting position. Models with an automatic ram return function eliminate this step for more convenient operation.
Log splitters are generally heavy pieces of equipment. Models equipped with wheels are easier to position as needed. The larger the wheels, the better you’re able to maneuver a log splitter over uneven ground.
Manual log splitters cost $50-$200. Electric splitters cost $250-$500. Gas log splitters can cost anywhere from $300-$1,500 or more.
A. The amount of maintenance log splitters require varies by type. With manual and electric models, you may need to periodically add some hydraulic fluid, but that’s pretty much it. With gas log splitters, you’ll need to monitor oil levels, periodically clean filters, check the spark plugs and perform all the other maintenance that gas engines typically require.
A. Cut logs dry quicker than whole logs. Because of this, many people choose to split their logs when they’re still fresh so they don’t have to wait so long to use them as firewood. That said, fresh logs require more driving force, so you’ll need to make sure you purchase a machine with enough power for that.
WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter
What you need to know: An ideal balance of power, capacity and portability, the WEN log splitter is the perfect choice for many users.
What you’ll love: It can handle logs up 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length, which is more than most splitters of its size. Plus, it comes with a tall, optional-use 34-inch stand so you don’t have to hunch over to operate it.
What you should consider: It’s difficult to get the splitter onto the stand without the aid of a second person.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
What you need to know: If you need a lot of driving force but don’t want to deal with a noisy and messy gas-powered machine, the manual hydraulic LJ10M is the way to go.
What you’ll love: It’s equipped with springs for automatic ram return, which helps save time and makes your job easier. It features long handles for comfortable operation.
What you should consider: It requires a good amount of physical effort, so it wouldn’t be the right choice for anyone who needs to split a lot of cords of wood.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Yardmax 25 Ton 208cc Full Beam Log Splitter
What you need to know: Those who need to split a lot of logs in a short amount of time should look to this powerful gas splitter that can handle logs up to 26 inches long.
What you’ll love: It has one of the shortest cycle times in its class. It can be used vertically or horizontally for maximum convenience.
What you should consider: It’s very loud and heavy.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
