Whether you’re cleaning a yard, making your own firewood, or love working with woods, cutting trees and chopping them into logs are something you’ll need to decide. Trying to split firewoods or any type of wood into manageable chunks without straining your body is a serious matter to consider; thus, you’ll need to get a log splitter simply.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a log splitter. Most equipment requires you to take into consideration the size of the job before making a buying decision. It is no different for a log splitter.
Owning a log splitter is a good investment that will help you save money on your heating bills as firewood is a good alternative for central heating. Plus, consider that it minimizes the amount of time and energy than splitting wood using an ax, right?
Getting the right log splitter can be an unnerving process. With so many different options, it makes it difficult to find the best one. We have compiled a list of the top 10 best log splitters that are currently available and, their pros and cons to help you decide which suits your log splitting needs.
Top 10 Best Rated Log Splitter
- Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
- WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log-Splitter
- YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton
- Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
- Southland SELS60 6 Ton Log Splitter
- NorthStar Deluxe Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter
- Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
- Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
- Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter, 22 Ton
- PowerSmart 6-Ton 15 Amp Electric Log Splitter
This outline will provide you with an in-depth review of the top 5 best log splitters in 2019. Each one had been rated regarding research, feedback from customers and their overall utility.
Log Splitter Reviews 2020
Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
- Champion’s 7-ton log splitter features an integrated log cradle and low profile for easy loading.
- The 80cc engine easily powers through logs up to 19 inches in length and 50 lb. in weight.
- The 20-second cycle time and auto-return valve reduce work time, while the skewed wedge improves efficiency.
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and portable log splitting solution, this is the model for you. This features an integrated log cradle and low profile, which ensures easy loading. Powered by an 80cc engine, it quickly powers through logs up to 19.3 inches in length and 50 lbs. in weight. The 20-second cycle time and auto-return value tend to reduce your work time, and its skewed wedge improves its efficiency.
The air-cooled engine has a single-cylinder, which has features like low oil shut-off and recoil start. Its 10 inches flat-proof wheels are ideal for moving around even towing with vehicles. It has sleeves made of cast iron for durability, which fits in most truck beds.
- Compact, portable, and low-profile
- Efficient for large logs, gas-powered
- Durable and great build quality
- Better customer support
- Needs gas and hydraulic fluid (up to 1.3 gallons)
- Expensive and heavy
The Champion provides a two-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Verdict
The unit is considered as a beast. It can split logs nearly twice the diameter it’s rated for. This splitter is up for the job and 22-inch to 24-inch logs are no match for this thing. It gets our highest rating!
WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log-Splitter
- Powerful 15A motor provides over 13,000 pounds of log cracking pressure
- Use the log splitter with or without the 34-inch stand depending on user preferences
- Included pull handle and 5.5-inch never-flat wheels make for easy transportation between jobs
Coming in second on the list is the Wen 6.5 Ton Electric Log Splitter.
The WEN 6.5 Ton electric log splitter will easily turn logs into firewood. It features a powerful 15 Amp HP motor that will split logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length. It also comes with a stand which will raise the cradle 34 inches off the floor. For a lower profile simply assemble the wheels right to the body of the splitter. An electric log splitter affords you less hassle and expense compared to the gas-powered alternative. You won’t have to worry about clogged carburettors or cold starts ever again.
Take on the most difficult of woods with its 20 second cycle time, a 5-inch wedge, a 14.75-inch cylinder stroke and a 16 square inch push plate. Feel safe with its two-handed operation and fume-free design that will eliminate carbon monoxide and other harmful toxins. The onboard pull handle and two never-flat 5.5-inch wheels allow easy transport from garage to outdoors.
- Over 13,000 lbs. of log cracking pressure
- Use with or without the stand
- Pull handle included
- 5.5-inch never-flat wheels
- No gasoline or carbon monoxide emissions
- Two year warranty
- Limited maintenance
- Capable of splitting logs 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length
- No foot pedal
- TWheels only useful on a hard, flat surface
- Not good on splitting dry seasoned oak
Remember WEN, when you are remembering when you had enough firewood for the entire winter.
Verdict
This electric log splitter will eliminate fumes, unlike the gas models. Because it is not as powerful as some other models, it is a better choice for smaller, lighter woods used to make firewood. It is easy to maneuver with the built-in handle and wheels. After reviews, the WEN 6.5 ton electric log splitter is second on our list.
YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter
- Powerful, 5 Ton RAM Force to get the job done fast
- Stand, log tray and stroke limiter included
- Two-handed operation puts operator safety first
The YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter comes in third on the list providing the power to get tough jobs and challenges done efficiently and makes log splitting simple. It is lightweight, high powered, and easy to operate and maneuver. This log splitter was designed to maximize the user’s results and experience.
- Years of worry-free use as motors are manufactured, engineered and designed in house
- 5-ton ram force for a faster job
- Included are log tray, stroke limiter and stand
- Operator safe with a 2 handle operation
- Lightweight design and a 6 wheel diameter
- Operational indoors
- 20.5-inch log length and 10-inch log diameter
- 16 second cylinder cycle time
- Benchtop unit requires no assembly
- Clip-on wheels
- Little assembly required for the stand option
- Will not split wood over 10 inches in length
- No disconnect for stand for easier storage
- Ram does not travel far enough
It provides the durability, speed and strength of a higher-end product offered at a much lower price. You can feel confident taking on a job due to its ruggedness to get the log splitting job done with portability, clean splitting and ease.
Verdict
This electric splitter by YardMax is very effective for the price. It has the ability to hold the hydraulic without the engine running which allows for safe and easy use with uneven logs which may not sit perfectly in the rail. The paint on the splitting head may not be the best but this is really isn’t a problem.
While the splitter is heavy, it is very easy to wheel around and the weight stands well so long as terrain and paths are relatively even. The upright design greatly reduces bending over. It is great how it holds the two split pieces instead of just falling to the ground.
Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
- Powerful – 25 tons of splitting capacity with a large 224 cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine
- Versatile – Converts from horizontal to vertical in seconds, allowing you to handle large, heavy logs with ease
- Efficient – 12-second cycle time, expanded operator area and dependable auto-return valve capable of 300 cycles per hour
If you are a big landowner, a ranch, a farm, or even a small business to take care of property clearing and massive firewood splitting, this is a must purchase for you! This Champion 100251 is an ultra-powerful log splitter powered by a large 224cc Champion single-cylinder OHV with a cast-iron sleeve. This is capable of topnotch performance that delivers 25 tons of splitting capacity.
Turning from horizontal to vertical, this handles logs up to 24 inches long and weighing up to 100 pounds with more efficiency of fast 12-second cycle time and dependable auto-return valve.
- One pull start every time
- Superfast cycle time compared with other splitters on the list
- Handles heavy jobs flawlessly
- Includes two-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support
- Easy switch from horizontal to vertical operation
- Assembly is cumbersome
EPA certified and CARB compliant, the unit is easily towable with DOT-approved wheels for up to 45 mph, a 2-inch ball hitch coupler, and an extended tongue that will fit most ATV/UTV towing application.
Verdict
This is a powerful unit for someone who needs to split firewood regularly or occasionally. However, if you are not handy, this is not for you. It may not difficult to assemble, but it may be difficult to maneuver for assembly.
Southland SELS60 6 Ton Log Splitter
- Heavy duty 1.75 HP, 15 amp induction motor delivers maximum performance for the most rugged condition
- Effortlessly does big splitting jobs with a 18-second cycle time
- Integrated stroke limiter can adjust to a shorter stroke for smaller logs
Fourth on the list is the Southland 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter equipped with a 1.75 HP, 15 Amp induction motor. It will split even the most challenging types of wood effortlessly. This is a more productive and safer alternative than using an axe and maul. For shorter logs, the cycle times are reduced due to the integrated stroke limiter. This little gem will with its heavy-duty 5-inch steel wedge split logs easily and quickly. The Southland 6 Ton has a vertical storage option so it will take up less space in the shop or garage.
The low priced 6 ton from Southland is a perfect solution for anyone that is looking to split smaller logs or do not need to split a lot of wood, therefore they won’t have to spend a lot of money on a higher quality splitter.
It packs a powerful punch with 6 tons of splitting power and can handle logs up to 10 inches in diameter. It provides an automatic shut off feature which will allow you to try splitting larger rounds as some users report no problems in doing so. No worries as the splitter will turn off rather than possibly causing a hydraulic fluid leak or damage the seals if working beyond its available power.
- Powerful 1.75 HP, 15 Amp induction motor to deliver maximum performance
- 18 second cycle time to split wood effortlessly
- 5-inch heavy-duty steel wedge for splitting easily and quickly
- An efficient and safe option for log splitting
- Can split logs up to 20.5 inches in length
- Adjustable integrated stroke limiter for smaller logs
- Vertical storage option for saving space and 7-inch wheels
- Power cord is not in a great place
- Not strong enough to split any wet wood
- Short one-year warranty
Verdict
Although this 6 ton comes fifth on the list it is worth stating that while the majority of its users have great experiences with this splitter, some have reported manufacturer defects with poor seals that leak hydraulic fluid and a ram that can fail to retract properly. Southland offers only a one year warranty, so for those who use it infrequently, it could be hard to detect certain issues within that one year period.
NorthStar Deluxe Horizontal Log Splitter with Log Lift
Last on the list, but certainly, not least is the NorthStar Deluxe Log Splitter. If you’ve been searching for a high-quality log splitter that works hard to get the job done fast, then search no more. This 389cc high powered splitter is a perfect choice.
This horizontal log splitter is equipped with a Honda GX390 engine, high-quality components, high speed towing package and a premium filtration system. Its best feature is the industrial-strength I-beam, heavy plated steel reinforcement.
No worries about breakage mid-split as the wedge is constructed from alloy steel. It can take large rounds of wood that most others can’t handle as it is gas-powered and offers over 30 tons of splitting force. You won’t spend your time filling the splitter with fluid as the larger reservoir will hold enough hydraulic fluid to get the job done. You will get from one location to the next quickly as it tows at high speeds.
- Features a Honda GX390 engine
- Provides high-speed towing
- Industrial strength I-beam
- Alloy steel wedge
- Large reservoir for hydraulic oil
- Self-leveling pivot
- More than 34 tons of force
- Full assembly is required by user
Verdict
This NorthStar gas powered log splitter is the perfect choice for those that want the splitter to do all the work. It was designed to do it all so all you have to do is put in the logs.
This log splitter can take care of even the largest jobs. The one problem to this splitter is it requires full assembly by the user. The times for assembly can vary so it could take some time depending on if you have all the tools necessary available and how handy you are.
Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
- For logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
- Powerful hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 tons of driving force
- Log cradle prevents split wood from falling
Sun Joe LJ10M log splitter is ideal for medium-sized jobs as it can handle logs up to eight inches wide.
You have two speeds to choose from with an attached cradle to catch the pieces. It is made of steel and provides a two-year warranty that covers the entire product.
No power supply needed with the Sun Joe hydraulic log splitter as it is a manual splitter. You do have a high or low-pressure option with the dual levers depending on what type of wood you are splitting.
- Cuts log up to 8 inches wide
- Contains a hydraulic ram
- Two speeds
- Made from steel
- Provides a cradle for cut pieces
- Two-year warranty
- The hydraulic ram has a limited reach 18 inches
Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter comes with a 2-year warranty for residential use. Remember to avoid knotty rounds as these won’t be able to split easily. Also, it may not work well for Pecan wood.
Verdict
The Sun Joe cannot split the entire log if it is longer than 18 inches, so your rounds have to be precise. If your rounds are more than the maximum, you will need to make them shorter by hand first.
Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
- Powerful 2 HP electric motor
- 7 tons of splitting force
- Dimensions: 13.5" W x 20" H x 39.5" D | Weight: 121 lb
If you’re searching for a premium brand of power tool because you’re a professional woodworker and cut log for a living, this is the most recommended log splitter on the list. Its powerful motor, durable design, advanced specifications, and ease of use make this as one of the most topnotch log splitters on the market.
Boss Industrial is powered by 2 horsepower electric motor, which delivers 7 tons of splitting force that could cut even through the densest woods. This features a patented hydraulic system and single-handed operation that stand out from the rest of the list.
- The best feature includes 3500 PSI hydraulic pressure
- Handles water-logged and knotted woods with ease
- Sturdy frame and housing, solid steel tubing and brackets
- Electric-powered, which can be used indoors
- Provided with a two-year residential warranty
- It’s quite heavy, weighing in at 117 pounds
- Very low to the ground
- Quite costly for relatively small usage
The handrails increase safety, and its pneumatic wheels make it easy to move wherever you want to use it.
Verdict
If price were not a question for you, then this unit can perform beyond your expectation and can make splitting wood fun and impressive!
Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter, 22 Ton
- 120V Electric Motor
- 22 Ton Horizontal & Vertical Splitting Positions provides ample splitting force for all wood species
- Direct drive reduces the number of moving parts
The Swisher 120V 22T electric log splitter is one of the most leading performers in the firewood processing industry. This splitter can overpower the pudding of those who are average household users. This mid-range log splitter powered by a 120V electric motor offers a quieter option than traditional gas engines and produces no fumes. Its high-end and heavy-duty 2-stage pump bargains a maximum splitting performance that creates 22 tons driving force, which is ideal for home fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
Fitting for horizontal and vertical handling, this unit has a quick cycle time of 13 seconds that can hold up to a 25-inch piece of wood. Other features include a 25-inch opening, 1-inch machined steel compound wedge, and a 2.5-gallon protected poly hydraulic tank.
- Great for dense and knotty woods
- No gasoline required
- Reasonably priced
- Poly hydraulic tank is rust-resistant
- Doesn’t have a bumper at the top of the piston stroke
- Requires hydraulic fluid
- Complex assembly
Verdict
As this unit offers both horizontal and vertical handling, this can be ideal for any low-demand and high-volume jobs. This is perfect for both domestic and professional use.
PowerSmart 6-Ton 15 Amp Electric Log Splitter
- Powerful 1.75 HP, 15 Amp induction motor delivers 6-Ton maximum performance for the most rugged condition
- Effortlessly does big splitting jobs with a 20-second cycle time
- The splitter can split logs up to 21" In length; up to 10" In diameter
If you are looking for a compact and portable electric log splitter, PowerSmart PS9006 is the right choice for you. It is a powerful newly released electric log splitter powered by 1.75 horsepower and 15 amp induction engine that offers a force rating of 6 ton on par with other old released log splitters. This effortlessly works on big splitting jobs with a decent 20-second cycle time that allows quickly cut up 21 inches long and 10 inches in diameter wooden logs.
The durable steel construction ensures the splitter its long-lasting wear. Equipped with rear wheels, its portability suits your various working conditions: on the ground or the beach, outdoors and indoors, wherever you want to.
- Reliable as it’s provided with a two-year warranty
- Customer service support replies within 24 hours
- Lightweight and portable
- No produce of fumes
- Not suitable for heavy usage
- Comparatively longer cycle time
- Mediocre built quality
EPA certified and CARB compliant, the unit is easily towable with DOT-approved wheels for up to 45 mph, a 2-inch ball hitch coupler, and an extended tongue that will fit most ATV/UTV towing application.
Verdict
This comes at a cheap price for an occasional cutting of the tree and using it for fireplace wood. The cost of this splitter would be covered by not renting it three times. So better purchase this one instead of renting many times a year.
Honorable Mention – Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter for Camping
- A safe and easy way to make kindling with no moving blade or sharpened object passing by your hands
- Splits firewood with less force than a standard axe
- 6.5in. inside diameter top ring
The Kindling Cracker is ideal for camping and heating homes with firewood.
Log splitters will only cut the full piece of wood, but they aren’t capable of creating kindling. Problem solved with the Kindling Cracker.
Simply by inserting the piece of wood and tapping it with a blunt object, you will create kindling. It requires less force than a regular axe to chop wood.
The 9in. inside diameter for the top ring offers more space to handle large pieces of firewood and 17in. height allows you to split long pieces of firewood.
- No moving parts or sharp blades
- Made of high-quality cast iron from Australia
- Five-year warranty
- Very little maintenance
- No assembly required
- Fitted with bolt holes for permanent mounting
- Needs to have a blunt object handy for use
It is easily maintained as there is nothing to do to keep it in working order. Just brush off the dust after each use. We highly recommend getting a 3lb striking sledge hammer to have the complete set for splitting kindling firewood.
Verdict
For those that rely on firewood, this tool makes life a lot easier. Even though you need to have a blunt object handy, it is definitely worth it. You can always use a piece of wood to substitute the blunt object. Although it comes with a 5 year warranty, it is do durable, you probably will never need it.
Conclusion
We hope this guide of the top 10 log splitters has provided some useful information to help make your decision a little easier. You have to decide which best fits your needs and budget. Each one had been rated regarding research, feedback from customers and their overall utility.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a log splitter. Most equipment requires you to take into consideration the size of the job before making a buying decision. It is no different for a log splitter.
Getting the right log splitter can be an unnerving process. With so many different options, it makes it difficult to find the right one.
Choosing the Right Logwood Splitter
Begin by knowing what your needs are, the age of the wood, the type and the diameter of the wood are all factors in knowing the type of splitter you will need. Here are the features to look for in a top log splitter:
A Powerful Motor
A log splitter should be powerful enough to split the densest and wettest wood without straining. Consider the unit’s total RAM splitting force, total horsepower, and amps to ensure that you’ll get enough for your log splitting needs.
Average logs with a 12-inch diameter can be chunked using 16 tons of green wood pressure and 7 tons for dry wood. However, at least 30 tons of force is needed to work with green logs double that size.
The Diameter Splitting Range Log Length
Diameter and log length should be considered before buying a log splitter. These would determine the amount of force and work that a unit will need to split and quarter. It’s better to own a log splitter that takes more than enough wood size than not enough.
Choosing a log splitter that can handle large diameters and lengths is a good option. A log splitter’s good size dimension to work with is about 20 inches long and 12 inches in diameter, while high-powered log splitters can accept a total log size of 25 inches.
Portability
Choose a unit with wheels to roll it into a garage or shed to keep it protected from distracting elements. If your unit needs a towing, most of them feature ball hitches. This feature will help you transport the log splitter, but be careful since some of them cannot travel safely at highway speeds.
Cycle Times
The cycle time determines how quick and efficient a splitter will work. It measures productivity and speed. The faster the cycle times, the less time is required to split more wood.
An average of 15-second cycle time is required for high range and industrial-grade log splitters, while around 20-second cycle time provides decent productivity for mid-range log splitters.
Sturdy Construction
Remember that log splitter is designed for many years of usage, so settling with a unit designed with steel construction for durability is a wise decision. This ensures a long-lasting and trouble-free wood splitting. Better invest wisely!
Wood comes in two different types; softwood and hardwood. Softwood would include cypress, pine and cedar. Hardwood includes ash, walnut and oak. A higher tonnage splitter is needed for hardwood and a lesser tonnage for softwood.
Softwoods need only a rating of four and twenty-seven tons while hardwoods require one between seven and thirty tons.
The tonnage needed is also impacting by the diameter of the wood. Larger diameter logs need more tonnage than smaller ones. So logs that are bigger than 12 inches and less than 24 inches require a splitter rated between 20 and 30 tons while logs that are less than 12 inches need a splitter that is rated between 4 and 22 tons.
You also need to consider the age of the wood when shopping for a log splitter. Freshly cut wood contains more moisture which means you will require a higher tonnage than needed for seasoned wood.
You can save a lot of money if you buy a manual log splitter as long as your wood splitting job is minimal.
Different Types of Log Splitters
Log splitters come in three different types. It will depend on the volume of wood you need to cut, how large the rounds are and how often you’re going to use it to decide which type you will choose.
Manual Log Splitters
- The least powerful option that can manage rounds about six inches in diameter and most operate with approximately 4 tons of pressure are manual splitters.
- A manual splitter is operated by hand. It is smaller and lighter than one that is powered. Another option for a manual splitter is one that has a foot pedal.
Electric Log Splitters
- The mid range option are the electric splitters. This type of log splitter cuts a round about 12 inches across and uses approximately 10 to 15 tons of pressure.
- An electric log splitters plugs into an outlet and by pressing a button or pulling a handle the rounds are cut. They are typically bigger than manual splitters and take up more room.
Gas Powered Splitters
- The most powerful option that can split a 24 inch log and contains the most pressure depending on the model between 20 and 30 tons is a gas powered splitter.
- This type of splitter is powered by gasoline resulting in creating exhaust when in use.