Horizontal log splitters work by laying the log on top of a splitter where a ram forces it against a stationary wedge, splitting it in two.
For giant-sized logs, a vertical-horizontal log splitter is more suitable as it can be pivoted into a vertical position allowing the log to be rolled into position without lifting it.
Horizontal splitters are the most common type of splitter used for small to medium size logs but if the logs are huge and too heavy to lift, a vertical log splitter is required.
Horizontal Log Splitters
For smaller logs, a horizontal log splitter will work well. If you have a load of logs on a tailgate or a cart, you can easily perform the task of splitting the logs without bending.
For a more productive option, you can use a dual-action splitter that works in both directions, allowing continuous splitting without having to wait for the ram to return to the starting position before splitting the next log.
If you have larger logs that are too heavy to lift, you can opt for a horizontal log splitter with a lift.
This will not only take the strain out of your back but you won’t have to change the log splitter’s orientation into a vertical position every time you want to split a log as you would have to do with a vertical-horizontal splitter.
Vertical-Horizontal Log Splitter
A vertical/horizontal log splitter has a splitting wedge built into the ram with a flat base that allows you to roll the log into position in a vertical position.
The biggest advantage is that you do not have to lift heavy logs that are too large to handle.
If the majority of logs you want to split are massive and too heavy to lift, a vertical/horizontal log splitter is what you need.
A vertical/horizontal splitter can be pivoted into a upright log splitter position that makes it easier to roll a large log onto it. When the large log has been split, the splitter can be returned to a horizontal position to split the larger pieces into smaller chunks.
It can be towed around in a horizontal position and smaller logs can be split into firewood.
However, when larger logs are found that are too heavy and large to lift, you can easily pivot the splitter into an upright position.
This is what makes the vertical-horizontal wood splitter a more versatile option and will most certainly prevent lifting logs that are too heavy with the risk of injury.
When it comes to which log splitter is best for you, it largely depends on the size of logs you split on a regular basis.
If you only split small to medium sized logs you only need a horizontal splitter but if you primarily have larger logs to split or you like the flexibility of having the vertical log splitting option on hand when needed, a horizontal/vertical splitter will suit your needs best.
