For instance, a model with 5 tons of pressure maxes out on logs that are 8 to 10 inches in diameter, while a 20-ton product can handle logs up to 24 inches in diameter. The 4" cylinder has a 3" rod and 26" stroke with a 5-second cycle time and 37,680 pounds of splitting force, while the 5" cylinder has a 4.5" rod and 26" stroke with a 7-second cycle time and 58,875 lbs. If using a gas splitter, make sure it has enough fuel. Since the motor is quiet and clean, you can even use the splitter indoors when it is too cold or wet outside. Depending on where people live, it is possible to pay several hundred dollars for a cord (8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep) of split and seasoned firewood. Manual splitters and splitting axes also take up less storage space than powered splitters. Maximum log length is limited, often to around 16 inches long, so a chainsaw may be necessary for cutting longer logs to length. At only 7.43 pounds and requiring almost no storage space, this tool punches well above its weight. Horizontal or Vertical: Take a load off! 4 Titan Outdoors. It takes about 14 seconds for a hydraulic piston to drive the log into a fixed wedge and return to the ready position. Most commercial log splitters have the capacity to split larger logs faster than traditional log splitters. Power Source: Electric | Driving Force: 22 tons | Cycle Time: 13 seconds | Vertical/Horizontal Options: Yes, Only for logs up to 10 inches in diameter. Use bricks or a block of wood to wedge the log splitters wheelsif it has themin place so the device cant roll or move unexpectedly. RuggedMade 37-Ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter[Link] https://amzn.to/39Uh6NQ4. The cycle time is 11.5 seconds. By contrast, powered log splitters are pretty heavy and can be several hundred pounds for gas-powered models. Its sturdy steel construction will provide years of use, and the two back wheels make it easy to maneuver the device right where you need it. There are three basic types of log splitters: gas, electric, and manual. Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. While there are no exact figures, generally speaking, a 4-ton splitter would be expected to handle logs up to 6 inches in diameter, whereas a massive 24-inch tree trunk requires at least a 20-ton splitter, if not larger. The Swisher 14.5 HP commercial grade log splitter features a powerful Kawasaki V-Twin electric start engine to ensure top end performance. We also talk about the purchase price, who it's ma. How do you choose the right size log splitter? Swinging an axe to split logs is hard work and can quickly result in sore arms and shoulders. Each type is suitable for certain splitting jobs, and each has benefits and downsides. High Output Commercial Log Splitter Full size high output commercial grade log splitter. The 1.8 HP motor, providing 5 tons of force, operates on a standard household electrical outlet, produces no emissions, and its safe to use indoors. Learn more. Standing just 9.5 inches high and weighing in at 9 pounds, the Hi-Flame log splitter is designed for reducing larger pieces from the wood pile into thin, kindling-size pieces, and its small dimensions make it suitable for transporting in a car or truck. Swisher LSED14534 34 Ton Timber Brute Commercial Pro 14.5 hp Log Hud-Son's offers traditional commercial grade splitters as well as a self-centering "V" style wood trays. BEST OVERALL: Wen 56208 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 Super 36-Inch Splitting Axe BEST FOR KINDLING: Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter. Different species of wood split more or less easily, and seasoned wood often splits more easily than green wood. Otherwise, expect to pay $500-$2,000 for a log splitter. The resultNorthStar log splitters outclass the competition in every category: quality, performance, reliability and value. The full-beam design of this log splitter from Bosscan handle logs cut from softer woods. This type of combo splitter varies slightly from a horizontal-only splitter in that the sharpened steel blade is positioned on the ram, just as it is on a vertical-only splitter. Your log splitter should be on level ground with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. Those who only do a few at a time may find it more convenient to use this simple hand tool rather than setting up a much larger electric or gas-powered machine. And at only 5 pounds, the wedge is light enough to carry around with you for splitting while camping or out at a cabin in the woods. In addition, the log cradle stops split logs from falling off the machine once separated. #49 Eastonmade Commercial Log Splitter - YouTube As a general rule, gas log splitters are far more powerful than their electric counterparts. Each side of the vertical blade features a slanted steel guide that directs the split wood at a diagonal angle to reduce the chance of logs getting stuck on the blade. Image credit: Shutterstock/Animaflora PicsStock. Highway towable up to 80 MPH. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission. The driving force will split the wood into kindling-sized pieces ready to go into the fireplace, fire pit, campfire, or wood-burning stove. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Join PopSci+ to read sciences greatest stories. 5 Best Log Splitters of 2023 - Top Picks & Reviews | House Grail Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. The Champion Power Equipment log splitter provides the ability to switch quickly from horizontal to vertical operation, thus avoiding the need to lift large, heavy logs onto the carriage. All Wood Log Splitters Commercial Log Splitters Skid Steer Log Splitter Maple Series Oak Series Locust Series Musclewood Series Hickory Series Petrified Series It has horizontal positioning for medium to large wood and is also a vertical splitter for heavier pieces of wood. There are a couple of things that set this Countryline model apart. The best log splitter will get you out of the woods fast, saving you time, money, and stress. Either way, you can tackle logs up to 20.5 inches in length and 12.6 inches in diameter, which is well within the size range you are likely to face when splitting wood at home. An electric log splitter isnt as powerful as a gas-driven one, so its best suited to log diameters under 12 inches. Its tough to start a roaring fire without some kindling to get things going. Innovative design elementssuch as a patented log stripper, heavy-duty log tables, auto throttle control, and engine guardhelp you work more efficiently and safely. This manual splitter holds logs in place while the user hits them with a maul or malletno axe necessary. These powerful machines are capable of turning sections of trees into perfectly sized pieces of firewood with the pull of a lever. A gas splitter usually has a pull-cord, while an electric log splitter might just have a switch. This compact manual splitter is portable and well suited to taking on camping trips or just to the backyard for splitting small logs with a mallet or sledgehammer. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Commercial Log Splitter vs. Firewood Processor - YouTube Today we visit a good friend Joe at Ohio Woodburner. The wedge-shaped maul head is specifically designed for, and highly efficient at, splittingsignificantly better than the thin, relatively lightweight head of an axe. Youll find gas log splitters with well over 30 tons of driving force, but 25 tons is about average. Electric log splitters are generally powerful enough to tackle mid-size logs of light-to-moderate hardness. Log Splitters Logging Equipment For Sale - 178 Listings Champion Power Equipment 27-Ton Splitter at Amazon, Sun Joe 5-Ton Electric Log Splitter LJ602E at Amazon, Yardmax 9-Ton Electric Log Splitter at Amazon. That kind of rapid production makes a big difference to those who split logs for a living. Best Sellers Rank #113,307 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #63 in Power Log Splitters: Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No : Warranty & Support . 18 Firewood Storage Ideas You'll Be Burning to Try, The 10 Best Pressure Washers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, To start with, you need to dress appropriately. A hydraulic log splitter comes in two basic configurations: horizontal splitters and vertical log splitters. When the ram is activated, its blade is forced into the end of the log, splitting it apart. A log splitters cycle time measures how long it takes the tool to split through a log. Tanisha Peten, Chief Marketing Officer at outdoor-living website Garrett Wade, cautions, "When using a log splitter, you need to be equally careful of the wood youre cutting and the splitting wedge. This allows the user to quickly remove a split log and position a new one on the machine while the ram is retracting to its starting position. In the vertical position giant, heavy logs can be chopped with no lifting. Although some are manual, many log splitters are heavy-duty tools that run on hydraulics. Each is assembled and welded by hand, ensuring the highest quality possible, and we offer a wide variety of models to suit ever need; from homesteading to commercial use. Plus, the sculpted, soft-grip handle fits the contour of your hand and promises to transfer 2X less shock and vibration than wood handles. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Trouble is, the tedious, labor-intensive process of swinging an axe can hurt the hands, shoulders, neck, and back. When it comes to high performance, few log splitters can compete with the 40-ton model from Countyline. The Fiskars axe is fully manual, but its advanced bevel convex blade concentrates splitting power with each strike and also makes it easier to pull the blade out of the wood if the split is incomplete. Iron and Oak 26 Ton HV Log Splitter - Gas Log Splitter. While the details can vary slightly from brand to brand, the basics of using a log splitter, whether gas or electric, are pretty much the same. It did a great job, they wrote. Our buying guide below can help point you in the right direction. There are a lot of variables that affect this number, however, including the size and the hardness of the log. Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best commercial log splitter 2023. The solution? 3. Earthquake W500 5-Ton Electric Log Splitter. But as a general rule, gas log splitters are faster than electric log splitters, with an average cycle time of anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds, although youll find some high-powered models with cycle times as short as three seconds. Electric log splitters are one of the easiest log splitters to use. The patented IsoCore handle greatly reduces shock and vibration to your arms and hands, and the dual-layer rubbery coating further reduces vibration. It is a highly regarded power unit known for reliability, easy starting, and ease of maintenance. Some common brands for log splitters for commercial use include makes like Dirty Hand Tools, Ruggedmade Splitters, Tractor Supply Co., and NorthStar (although none of the Dirty Hand Tools or Ruggedmade Splitter options made it to our list of the top machines this time around).