If you are someone who likes spending cozy evenings near your fireplace on a cold winter evening, you must be keeping a large stock of firewood at your place or having machines to make firewood on your own.
There are two types of machines available in the market which can help for the same – log splitter and firewood processor. Both the machines have their own set of pluses and minuses but if you wish to know the difference and similarities in detail, please read through this article in detail.
Firewood processor vs log splitter – Key differences
Typical usage
Log splitters are generally used by homeowners who prefer to heat their house and need a constant supply of firewood for noncommercial purposes. Whereas, firewood processors are typically used by professional companies who produce large volumes of firewood for commercial purposes and sell them to individual customers, farms, etc.
Splitting Capacity
The splitting output capacity of a log splitter is generally lesser and slower when compared to a firewood processor which is a more powerful machine capable of producing large cords of firewood ranging up to 2-3 cords on an hourly basis.
Costing
This is where the biggest difference lies between the two. You can purchase standard log splitters in the market at a price of $100 to $2,000. However, off-the-shelf firewood processors may cost from $10,000 to $25,000 depending upon the output rate.
Main operation
A log splitter is capable of performing only a splitting operation whereas a firewood processor can both cut the round of trees into logs and split them into standard firewood at the same time.
Size & dimension
Log splitters are generally smaller in size when compared to firewood processors. You can easily attach them with your tractor and move them around between the sites as per your requirement. However, the transportation of a firewood processor is a bit bulky affair.
Outdoor v/s Indoor Operation
As log splitters are smaller in size, you can use them easily both indoors and outdoors. However, a firewood processor is generally used outdoors only because of the size and nature of the operation.
Firewood processor vs log splitter – Key similarities
Power source
Both log splitters and firewood processors can work on gas, electric, hydraulic, or PTO-driven power source.
Manual intervention
Both machines need some level of manual human intervention for their operation. However, a log splitter is comparatively lesser automated than a firewood processor.
Standard products in the retail market
There are a number of manufacturers available in the retail market that make standard log splitters and firewood processors so if you wish to purchase one, you can easily go to your local market or even to an online website.
Top reasons to buy a firewood processor
- If budget is not a constraint for you, a firewood processor can always be your preferred choice for your firewood needs.
- If you do not want to put in too much effort in splitting the logs, go for a firewood processor as it needs less human intervention and performs both cutting and splitting operations at the same time.
- If you prefer having a large volume of cut and split firewood stocked up in your garage or basement, go for a firewood processor.
- If you have a whole round of trees and need quick firewood for your wood stove or fireplace, a firewood processor can prove to be a better option for you for the same.
- If you need firewood for commercial purposes and you sell them to other customers, farms, small local shops, etc, a firewood processor is a better solution for you.
- Some top-rated firewood processors brands available in the market are Hud-Son, Blockbuster, Wood Beaver, Hakki Pilke, Multitek, and DYNA.
Top reasons to buy a log splitter
- If you need firewood for private or home usage for your fireplace or woodstove and do not need too much supply on a constant basis, a log splitter is a better choice for you.
- If you need a pocket-friendly solution to your firewood needs, you can easily choose a log splitter from the market and bring one home.
- If you already have a tractor and want to use its power for your firewood splitting operation, you can buy a PTO-driven log splitter.
- If you are not too bothered about the speed of splitting and need a small volume on a daily basis, go for a log splitter without any delay.
- There are brands like Huskee, WEN, Northstar, Earthquake, Superhandy, Ironton, Powerhorse, etc which manufacture some widely used log splitters in the market. You can also check their products and buy one for your own requirement. You can also choose gas, electric, or manual log splitters depending upon your need and budget.
Verdict
We hope that this article on Firewood processor vs log splitter comparison has given you some direction on to choose between the two machines and you are now able to select which one to buy. You need to prioritize your needs and budget in order to choose between the two.
No one machine is better than the other one in absolute terms and each have their own benefits. A thumb rule says if you need it for home purposes, a log splitter is a preferred choice, however, if you need a large volume for commercial purposes, go for a firewood processor so that you have a higher output rate and better return on your investment.
