A log splitter is a heavy-duty tool that runs on hydraulic fluid. It is used to split softwood, hardwood or firewood into manageable chunks without much strain. It applies a steady and even pressure on the log to split them slowly and constantly into quarters or halves. Before investing in a log splitter, we recommend you consider these 2 key factors. Types – There are three main types of log splitters available, and each type has its set of pros and cons. Motor Power – The motor power will allow the splitter (gas-powered or electric models) to work in less time by preventing the user’s fatigue. It is measured in terms of horsepower (HP).
The gas-powered models produce at least 18 HP and a splitting capacity of 45 tons. Select a splitter if you want to split a large log easily and quickly. Electric log splitters will produce around 2 HP with a splitting capacity of 7 tons. Select this splitter for most household tasks like firewood.
Besides these 2 key points, there are various factors to consider that we mentioned in the detailed “Buying Guide”. To simplify your research, we came up with a list of best-selling log splitters. Read on to know how to pick your right log splitters, as per your wood cutting requirements.
Top Rated Log Splitter 2023
Best Log Splitter Reviews
1. WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter
You can find a wide range of power tool offerings from WEN that have a comparatively lower price than similar alternatives. It also makes electric log splitters for cutting wood. The WEN 56207 electric log splitter is present in the 1st position in this article as it is a great value for money electric option out there. You get a decent cutting force of 6.5 ton with this log splitter that makes it ideal for both home as well as commercial usage. It is able to offer this power rating with the help of its 15 amp electric motor. This motor provides over 13000 pounds of log cracking pressure to effectively cut or split logs. A great thing about this log splitter is that it comes with a 34-inch stand for ease of use. It even has an inbuilt pull handle that allows you to take this log splitter anywhere using its 5.5-inch diameter wheels at the back. As for its capacity, you can fit up to 20.5 inch long wooden logs in this log splitter that can have a maximum width of 10 inches. You also get a 2-year warranty with its electric motor that is quite decent. Best Features:
Electric log splitter 5 ton-force rating 2-year warranty 15 amp electric motor 13000 pounds of log cracking force Cut up to 20.5 inch long logs with a 10-inch width 5-inch wheels at the back 34 inch stand for ease of use
Components:
Electric log splitter User manual Warranty card
2. Sun Joe Log Splitter
Sun Joe makes all kinds of wood and lawn related power tools. You can also find a powerful log splitter offering from Sun Joe that is perfect for heavy-duty usage. Sun Joe’s LJ10M hydraulic log splitter is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the most powerful one in this article. As it is a hydraulic log splitter, you get a high force rating of 10 tons with it. This allows you to easily snap or split wooden logs that have a length of 18 inches and a width of 8 inches. Just like the previous WEN log splitter, this one also comes with a 2-year long warranty. It means that you can use this steel frame log splitter for a long time. While the wheel size is only 2.48 inches, you can still move this log splitter around quite easily. Its efficient ram can quickly reset so that you can continue with the next log right away. Best Features:
Hydraulic log splitter 10-ton force rating 2-year warranty Steel frame construction Cut up to 18 inch long and 8 inch wide logs Wheel size of 2.48 inches Quick reset ram for efficiency
Components:
Hydraulic log splitter User manual Warranty card
3. JOMUGY Firewood Splitter Racker
Though JOMUGY is relatively a new brand in the market, their firewood log splitter provides the same quality as the premium products. As it doesn’t come with any moving parts or sharp blades, you can easily split the wood without worrying about the safety. It is made up of heavy-duty cast iron so it is capable of handling hard impacts while wood splitting. This wood splitter has a stable, bullet-proof and clean design which makes it comfortable to carry. It comes with height adjustment feature. So, you can adjust the height as per your comfort and convenience. This firewood splitter is suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Best Features:
Heavy-duty cast iron material Weighs just 9 lbs Mounting holes for permanent fixing Clean and stable design No moving parts or sharp blades 5 inch diameter ring Height adjustment
Components:
Log splitter User manual Warranty manual
4. Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter
Boss Industrial is a more premium brand of power tools when compared with other options that make electric log splitters just like this one. While this log splitter is a bit on the expensive side, it is the most powerful electric log splitter in this article. It comes with a 7-ton force rating that is possible due to its 2 HP electric motor. This motor is able to offer a hydraulic pressure of up to 3500 PSI for easily cutting logs. And you also get a 2-year long warranty with this motor that makes it quite reliable. Since this is an electric log splitter, it is quite easy to use and convenient. You also get an automatic ram return with this log splitter that can be handy for cutting a lot of logs in a small amount of time. Best Features:
Electric log splitter 7-ton force rating 2-year warranty 2 HP electric motor 3500 PSI hydraulic pressure Convenient one-hand operation Includes automatic ram return feature
Components:
Electric log splitter User manual Warranty card
5. Kabin Kindle Quick Log Splitter
The Kabin is dedicated to providing the most efficient log splitter with the best build quality and long-lasting durability. Although it is a powerful tool that cuts logs into fine kindling without demanding much effort, it does not have any sharp edges or pointy blades to worry about the safety of your kids or other family members. It has handles wide enough to take in logs that have a 6-inch diameter. Moreover, its 15.5-inch height and slanting cutting profile supported with angled and alternating teeth, let you easily cut longer logs without any hassle. The splitter is made of highly durable cast steel that is very less susceptible to rust than cast iron. The material is proven to last longer and due to its all-weather black finish, the splitter is proven to withstand all kinds of climatic tests. It measures 16.22 x 10.63 x 9.69 inches in dimensions and weighs 6.45 kg. It means you can easily carry it around without much effort using its curvy handles and decent lightweight. You can put it in your vehicle while you go camping or traveling. If you have no plans to move the splitter you can bolt it down anywhere through the 4 bolt holes present at the bottom. Best Features:
No sharp blades Durable cast steel Easy to carry 15.5-inch height 4 bolt holes in the base
Pros:
Minimal force is required Long-lasting material High portability Extremely safe
Cons:
Paint is prone to wear off
6. Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
Kindling Cracker is another great option if you are looking for manual log splitters for using at your home. But this one has a high user rating because of its various features. One of the best things about this manual log splitter is that it is highly durable and reliable. It is one of the only options out there that come with a 5-year long warranty. You also get cast iron construction in it for extra strength. This allows you to easily cut 6.5 inch wide wooden logs in it. Since there are no moving blades in this log splitter, it is quite safe and sound for home-usage. It can still be used for cutting wood while needing less force than an axe. This makes it perfect for cutting soft firewood at your home. Best Features:
Manual log splitter 5-year long warranty Cut up to 6.5 inch wide logs Cast iron construction No moving blades for extra safety
Components:
Manual log splitter User manual Warranty card
7. SuperHandy Store Electric Log Splitter
SuperHandy is one of the reliable brands when it comes to power tools and other necessary equipment. Their product has made to our list of best log splitters because of its efficiency and high-quality. It is equipped with 1-3/4eHP 15-amp electric motor which makes it powerful enough to split wood easily and conveniently. It can split up the logs up to 205 inches in length, 10 inches in diameter and weighing 100lbs. This log splitter has a horizontal full beam, steel wedge and 7-inch wheels, so you can transport it anywhere you want easily. Unlike other gas-powered log splitters, this electric one doesn’t produce any emissions, fumes or smog. You can use it indoors, outdoors, ground or workbench. Best Features:
15-second cycle time Auto-retract after the split Never flat tires for easy transportation Less in weight Good quality construction Copper motor windings and precision gears Stable performance Eco-friendly system Portable design
Components:
Electric log splitter User manual Warranty card
8. PowerSmart Electric Log Splitter
Powersmart is known for making decently powerful power tools of all sorts. This is also true for its electric log splitter offering mentioned in this article. Powersmart’s PS90 electric log splitter is powered by a powerful 15 amp electric motor. This 1.75 HP power motor is able to offer a force rating of 6 ton that is on par with other electric log splitters out there. You also get a decent 20 second cycle time in this log splitter that allows you to quickly cut up to 21 inch long wooden logs with a 10-inch width. This motor is also decently reliable as it comes with a 2year long warranty. You can find this log splitter to be quite versatile as it can be used either on the ground or on a bench where you want to. It even offers wheels at the back for easily moving it around if needed. The weight of this log splitter is also comparatively low that makes it a great portable option. Best Features:
Electric log splitter 5 ton-force rating 2-year warranty 15 amp electric motor Cut up to 21 inch long logs with a 10-inch width 20 second cycle time 75 HP motor power
Components:
Electric log splitter User manual Warranty card
9. Inertia Wood Splitter
At the end of this article, we have yet another manual log splitter from a brand called Inertia Gear that is quite similar to the previous options in this article. You get a cylindrical design with this manual log splitter that is quite efficient. It allows you to safely split firewood at your home even though there are no moving blades in it. This wood splitter can also be used for cutting using just one wan. After putting the log inside it, you have to hit it with a hammer in order to cut it. One of the best things about this log splitter is that it weighs just 20 pounds. This makes it a great option for portable usage when you are on a camping trip. Although, you also get mounting holes at the bottom for extra stability. Best Features:
Manual log splitter 5ton-force rating 2-year warranty 15 amp electric motor 13000 pounds of log cracking force Cut up to 20.5 inch long logs with a 10-inch width 5-inch wheels at the back 34 inch stand for ease of use
Components:
Manual log splitter User manual Warranty card
How to Select the Best Log Splitters:
Here are some of the key factors you have to take into account while determining the best log splitter for your requirements. Take a look at them to know what factors to consider when shopping for the log splitters to pick the right one.
1. Types of Log Splitters:
Based on the type of wood cutting/splitting, there are two basic types of log splitters – Vertical and Horizontal. Each type has its own sets of pros and cons. Let’s know about them in detail. Horizontal Log Splitters – It comes with a horizontal cradle or bed on which you have to place the log. To split the log lengthwise, the splitter with the help of a steel ram drives the log into a sharpened steel blade at the other end. It is a compact, lightweight, easy and simple to operate log splitter. This type of splitter is enough to split/handle smaller and average mid-sized logs of size up to 12-inches in diameter and 21-inches in length. While splitting numerous larger logs, it becomes difficult to lift and position them in the bed of this splitter. It is best suited to store wood used in stoves, fireplaces, and burners. Almost all these models are electrical type and can be used both outdoors and indoors. So, it is an ideal option when only dealing with logs that you can’t lift and place on the splitter for its proper splitting. Vertical Log Splitters – It is ideal for splitting massive (larger or heavier) logs, which are quite difficult to lift from the ground and place on the splitter. All you need is to roll the wooden log to the splitter and tip it up onto a flat steel plate sitting at ground level. Here the ram consists of a sharpened blade, in which the blades are forced to cut/split the log while this ram is activated. The log cut pieces fall to sides after the ram split the log and then the large remaining bits are moved onto the steel base for performing a further splitting process. These vertical splitters are large, a bit heavier, and need more space to operate. It is suitable for both softwood and hardwood. Available in both electrical and gas-powered versions. Vertical/Horizontal Log Splitters – Some log splitter models provide a combination of vertical and horizontal splitter that offers you the best of both these types to let your work done effectively. This combo model is used to split logs of all sizes (small-large or heavy ones) by shifting between vertical or horizontal positions. Here you can easily roll the log over the splitter, as it is lowered to the ground and then raise the splitter back to a horizontal position. So, in this way, one can easily split both small logs and large logs.
2. Power Source:
Usually, there are three types of power sources available for log splitters – Gas, Electric, and Manual. Gas-Powered Log Splitters – Gas-powered log splitters will be your best companion whenever you need to split a lot of wood (or) to use in places without any electrical outlet. It runs on fuel at a higher speed and pressure to perform heavy-duty tasks compared to electrical motors, the gas engines are considered more powerful, handy, and efficient to split logs that are greater than 12-inches in diameter and hardwood like maple or mahogany. Its main drawbacks are expensive, operate loudly, need regular maintenance, and not to use inside a workshop or garage, why because they emit hazardous fumes which are not good for your health. Electric Log Splitters – Electric log splitters are powerful enough to handle mid-sized logs that to light-moderate hardness of about 12-inches in diameter. They are lightweight, quieter, easy to use & store, and won’t emit smelly gas fumes while operating. Thus, it makes the better option for those who use log splitter rarely to create firewood at home. The main drawback is that they are tethered to a power cord that won’t allow you to split wood on the go. These are a bit less expensive compared to gas splitters. Manual Log Splitters – There is no power input for these manual splitters, and the axes & kindling splitters are generally termed as the manual log splitters. They are quite cheaper, eco-friendly, lighter, and suits best to handle small tasks or home-based usage. Since you have to operate them manually, so prefer to use them occasionally but not frequently, as it will strain you a lot.
3. Log Splitter Tonnage/Capacity:
Driving force is an essential factor to consider while choosing a log splitter, why because a lot of force is required to push the blade through a log for its splitting. This force is measured in tons. So, the capacity of the splitter will let you know the maximum supported size of the wooden log, which you can fit inside the splitter and split effectively. Let’s know about them in detail as per the power source of log splitters.
Gas log splitters are more powerful that works well over 30 tons of driving force (take an average of 25 tons) which is quite enough to split logs of around 24-inches in diameter. Electric log splitters come with a driving force of about 6 – 10 tons, which is quite powerful enough to split logs with a diameter of around 12-inches. Pump-style manual log splitters have 10 tons of driving force, which can easily tackle logs of around 10-inches in diameter. They work much slower compared to gas or electric splitters, as it depends on your own strength to create initial power for its working.
Based on the wood hardness and log diameter, you have to check the tonnage in the log splitter. Remember that hardwood logs are much difficult to split and need more of this tonnage. We are providing a table to get a clear idea of how much driving force (tonnage) is required in a log splitter for a perfect, easy and effective splitting of a log.
4. Seasoned Vs Green Wood:
Generally, we notice 2 types of woods – green and seasoned wood. Greenwood log is a freshly cut wood log (contains moisture and hard to cut), which is not allowed to dry and age. This greenwood is extremely dense, heavy, and need a lot of pressure to cut. While seasoned wood is at least 6-months old to dry, lighter and splits easily. It is essential to know the age of your logs before cutting wood to confirm that you using a splitter with sufficient tonnage to split the log properly. For instance, a 12-inch seasoned wood log needs 7-tons of force, whereas a 12-inch green log needs 16-ton force to split. Here is a table that gives an idea of the minimum force required to split the log of different diameters.
5. Cycle Time:
A cycle time of a log splitter measures the time (how long) it takes the tool to split through a log. To improve your productivity and efficiency, you have to select the log splitters with faster cycle time. Though there are many variables like log’s size, hardness of the log, etc. will affect this cycle time, it is also differed by the type of power source a splitter is using. Generally, gas splitters are faster than other types, with an average cycle time of around 10 – 20 seconds. A few high-end models have a cycle time of 3 seconds. Yet most people prefer to use a gas log splitter with a cycle time of 15 seconds, which is quite enough to tackle a large load of logs. So, choose a cycle time of a log splitter depending upon your work requirement. For instance, a professional firewood maker needs a faster cycle time to split more logs in less time, whereas a normal person can go with a splitter having slow cycle times to split the log.
6. Motor Power:
A log splitter won’t work without a motor, which makes it an essential part to consider while shopping for log splitters. However, its capacities may vary widely from 80 CC (small units) to 250 CC (top-notch motors) over gas-powered units. So, check out the motor power mentioned in terms of horsepower (HP), RAM splitting force, and amps while selecting the log splitter.
The gas-powered units will produce at least 18 HP and have 45-tons of splitting capacity. The electric log splitters will produce around 2 HP and have 7-tons of splitting capacity.
7. Wheels and Ball Hitches:
Choosing a log splitter with wheels will let you move them easily into your garage or shed after its usage. Also, it provides the ability to move (portable) the splitter with wheels to any safe place either for its storage or splitting the log. While looking to tow the log splitter, then use a ball hitch to accomplish towing. One has to be careful while traveling with a log splitter, why because some may not travel safely at freeway speeds.
8. Construction Material:
The log splitters are designed to last longer with trouble-free wood splitting. However, some splitter models are made with a cheap quality plastic, which won’t last long to be used for many years to come. So, it is essential to select a log splitter that comes with sturdy steel construction for durable and long-lasting nature without letting you buy the splitters repeatedly.
9. Auto Return:
You have to pull a lever and hold it down to extend the ram, and then pull another lever and hold it to retract the ram. This is the way used to split wood on most log splitters. If your log splitter comes with an auto-return option, then it makes the process a bit faster. With this feature, simply position a log, depress a single lever, and when you release the lever, the ram returns to its retracted position without any extra lever to hold down. Thus, it allows you to quickly remove a split log and replace a new one on the device for splitting when the ram is retracting to its start position automatically.
10. Other Features:
Here are some extra add-on features which one has to consider for safe and effective usage of log splitters. Have a look at these features and check while shopping for the log splitters. Fuel Capacity – It is a useful feature for gas-powered log splitters. Checking the fuel capacity (gasoline) of a unit will not waste your time and effort in refilling the fuel. Also, a log splitter with a large fuel capacity will allow it to run for a long time without any interruptions. Detachable Parts – A must to have feature when using the gas-powered log splitters, as it allows you to take out the splitters part separately for deep cleaning and maintenance. Stand – The splitters have to bend a bit while operating. So, to clear this issue, most products come with a stand. It will raise the log splitter from floor level to the required height for an ergonomic operation. Adjustable Height – The log plate of a splitter has a height adjustability feature to cut through logs of various sizes. In general, most splitters offer at least 2 – 3 positions of height adjustment for proper cutting of wood. Zero Voltage Switch – It is a safety feature to consider when using electric log splitters. It turns off the machine whenever there is any power outage. Thus, it prevents the splitter to turn on automatically when the power comes back. Low Oil Switch – This is a safety switch used to turn off the engine when there are running with low levels of hydraulic oil. It avoids any damage caused to its working mechanism and thereby extends the lifespan and machine usage. Also, it let you know when to refill the oil in the tank. Wedge Speed – To check the wedge speed, you have to buy a dual-speed log splitter, where the wedge goes towards the log at high speed and then slows down to apply pressure and split the log. Also, it will enhance the efficiency of your log splitter. Log Clamps – It would be a tricky process to keep the log firm while operating, as some are slippery while large wooden pieces are heavy. So, log clamps are essential to keep the logs/beams in place while splitting them. Grip – Ergonomic grip of a unit is an essential safety feature to check. Especially, while working for extended periods (or) using two-hand operation, where you have to hold the handle with your hands to properly operate the unit. Inbuilt Trays and Log Cradles – It collects and holds the log after splitting without making you bend for collecting all those splits. Also, remember this feature will make the electric log splitters a convenient and better option for users.
11. Brand:
For most people, a brand represents quality, which is true in most cases. If you want to buy a quality product, then go for a branded product that comes within your budget. Also, ensure that the motor/engine is made of good quality while making its purchase.
12. Price:
The price of a particular product depends on its features, brand, power, and capacity along with its usage. The log splitters are used to supply the required amount of woods/firewood for a winter month. The cost of log splitters for occasional home and professional usage will range from around $200 – $700. In case, looking for a firewood supply for 6 – 10 months, it is better to invest in a log splitter with a price of around $1000 or more.
13. Warranty:
We use log splitters to cut large wood or hard log pieces then the splitter undergoes a lot of wear and tear. So, one has to check the reliability and durability of a particular log splitter before making its purchase. For this, you have to look for the warranty duration offered by the manufacturer on their product. Most log splitters (gas or electric models) offer 1 – 3 years of warranty, whereas the manual log splitters come with a 5-year long warranty.
Safety Tips:
Irrespective of the type of wood or log splitter you are handling, there might be some risk involved in its operation. Here are some safety tips that you have to follow while using the splitters to prevent any injuries.
Be cautious while placing the wood inside the splitter. Hold the log on sides instead of keeping it at its ends. Some wooden logs might have scratches, which let them split irregularly, either at an angle or break into bulky chunks. One must be alert while working with machines having blades. Avoid placing your hands in any wrong position on logs, particularly while splitting. Carelessness may result in severe accidents like cutting or squashing your fingers. If you’re using a splitter for the first time or using a new type of wood splitter, then you should take the assistance to let you know how to operate along with protecting you from any accidents while operating. Placing and lifting the log on your log splitters will result in severe backaches, and you need to perform some basic stretches and take adequate rest. Or else select a model that comes with a height adjustment option or electric splitters. Always wear protective gear and appropriate clothing (not too loose clothes) to protect yourself while splitting. Maintain at least 10 feet away from the machine while switching it on. Read the user manual and follow their instruction on your safe distance while working with a splitter. It is a must to wear a mask while working with a hydraulic log splitter, why because the fluid may escape as gas when run under high pressure and this poisonous gas may cause blood poisoning or even death. Also, service the splitter from time to time. Always use a splitter in the right lighting conditions like proper daylight or bright artificial lights. Avoid using them in an area where it is poorly ventilated. It’s better to position the device on horizontal ground and lock it to prevent any movement while not using it. Never place the machine on any slippery, icy or sloppy surface, as they make it unstable and thereby affect the engine’s efficiency and splitting quality.
How to Use Log Splitter?
After choosing and selecting your best and most suited log splitter then you have to know how to use them properly. Here is a detailed procedure that let you know how you have to use them to grab best results.
Initial Inspection – Set up the splitter properly before you start the process. Make sure to wear recommended safety gears like eye protection goggles, hand gloves, long sleeves clothing, and closed toe boots. Installation – Put the splitter in a place which is free from clutter for easy cleaning after completing the task. The splitter placed on level surface and wheels blocked with chucks, bricks, wedges or any other heavy things to prevent it from rolling while operating. Prechecking – Always, check the splitter before using. Check that jack is tight for manual splitter, power supply for an electric model and fuel levels on gas powered models. Log Positioning – You have to place the log in exact location and ensure that splitter has tight grip on the log. Now push the release for actuator to make sure it pushes through wedge of unit. Clean-up and Reload – Take out that split wood from splitter and clean it to reuse/split another log. Cleaning – Once finished splitting the log, you have to wipe out any dust or small wooden pieces, which may get clogged. Finally, store the unit securely in any place which is well protected by weather and other storage problems.
Conclusion:
Log splitters can be highly useful if you have a lot of wood work and want to quickly and easily. You can even find different features and options in different log splitters that we have mentioned alongside with the various best log splitters present in this article. And we have even provided a detailed buying guide here that can be helpful to learn the various factors and options related to log splitters. All of these things can be quite handy if you are in the market for a new log splitter. Although, if you still cannot choose the perfect log splitter for you, here are some of our recommendations that you should definitely consider:
The Sun Joe LJ10M hydraulic log splitter is the most potent option present in this article. It has a high force rating of 10 ton that is much higher than other 6 or 7 ton options out there. You can fit a log up to 18 inches in length and 8 inches in width while using this log splitter. In other words, you can easily and quickly cut large logs using this. This log splitter can also be moved around quite easily due to the included 2.48 wheels. You get a 2-year long warranty with this Sun Joe log splitter that is quite decent when compared with other options. Although, if you are on a budget, then you can consider going with the Kindling Cracker Log Splitter. Since it is a manual log splitter, it is simple and straight forward. You can fit up to 6.5 inch wide wooden logs in this splitter to cut them. As per its name, this splitter is made for cutting and splitting softer wooden logs that get used as firewood. One of the best things about this log splitter is that it comes with a 5-year long warranty with it. It uses cast iron for its build quality that makes it highly sturdy and reliable for longevity. For those of you who are looking for an electric log splitter, the Boss Industrial ES7t20 can be another great pick. While it is a bit on the expensive side, you get a high 7-ton force rating that is much higher than other electric options out there. You also get a 2-year warranty with it that is quite standard in comparison to its alternatives. Its 2 HP motor offers convenient one-hand operation while cutting wooden logs with a hydraulic pressure of 3500 PSI. It comes with an automatic ram return feature for ease of use while cutting wooden logs.
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