While we love of axes and splitting wood with our hands here at Axe & Answered, we understand that sometimes you’re limited by time and energy. Sometimes you want a tool that can do more than you can do with pure elbow grease.
Enter, the log splitter. There are a few different kinds: electric, gas powered, and even hydraulic. But be assured, when you leave the maul behind to take a heavier duty approach, you will speed up the your splitting.
If you’re in a hurry, check out our Quick Chart, but if you have a few minutes keep reading to see our detailed reviews.
The Boss Industrial ES7T20 electric log splitter is a pure beast. Good for most logs up to an incredible 16 inches in diameter, there’s not much you won’t be able to split in a single go.
The Boss Industrial ES7T20 electric log splitter is a pure beast. Good for most logs up to an incredible 16 inches in diameter, there's not much you won't be able to split in a single go.
If you're looking for a machine that's both portable and powerful, look no further. The ES7T20 is light enough to move around, but powerful enough to chew through most of what your throw at it.
Major Features
It’s convenient, portable, and powerful. And, due it it being electric, you don’t have to worry about ventilation if you are working indoors.
It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. And, it’s very easy to use.
Features include:
Power – You get a full 2 HP electric motor capable of producing up to 7 tons of force.
Easy – Designed with Boss Industrial’s patented hydraulic system allowing for one-handed operation.
Speed – The automatic ram return saves time and makes for very quick work.
The Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe is a no frills log splitting workhorse.
It's a little different from the other top picks due to being manually operated. But, since it doesn't have an electric or gas motor, it's not going to break the bank. Although you have to do a little manual work with this design, you can build up to 10 tons of splitting force with much less effort than you need to swing an 8 pound maul over your head.
Major Features
For a manual log splitter, this thing is pretty easy to use. The handles are long, so you won’t need to hunch over to operate it, and they give very nice leverage.
Also, once you’ve split your log, it’s easy to reset the ram. All it takes is a single quick turn of the reset knob, and you’ll be ready for your next log.
Features include:
Simplicity – As there is no motor, this is relatively easy to use, and there are a lot less moving parts to potentially break.
Light – Weighing in at under 100 pounds, is light enough to move around without much struggle, and the hydraulics make it easy to operate with out much strength.
Manufacturing – It’s made well and the manufacturers have included a full 2-year warranty showing their faith in their work.
The Landworks is the choice for you if you want a gas powered splitter that's going to churn through a pile of logs in no time. It's going to be able to handle almost anything you throw at it.
The Landworks 20-ton gas-powered log splitter boasts a heavy-duty engine and portable design, making it efficient for large splitting jobs. It features 10" sturdy transport wheels for easy maneuvering.
Major Features
It features a 7HP gas engine and a 20-ton rated system, along with a 2-Stage Bucher Hydraulic Gear Pump that ensures rapid auto-return. At 130lbs, this log splitter is designed for heavy-duty use and is perfect for any serious log splitting job.
The actual wedge that the motor and pump drive into logs is also very durable.
And, it can work for up for 4 hours on a single one gallon fill up if managed carefully.
Features include:
Power – The 7HP gas engine provides a smooth linear power curve to avoid clunky performance during operation. This log splitter delivers consistent pounds per force square inch, making it more versatile for portable applications compared to electric-powered splitters. It is recommended to use the splitter only outside with proper ventilation.
Durability – There’s a whole heck of a lot of heavy-gauge steel that goes into manufacturing one of these, which makes them very durable — so much so that they are backed with a 2-year warranty.
Safety – There are plenty of safety features built in such as log cradles, safety chains, and a two-hand design meaning you can’t accidentally put one hand in the path of the wedge.
When shopping for a new log splitter, you’ll want to make a choice on which is right for you based on a few key factors.
Budget – How much can you afford? There are low-cost models that might get you through some small random jobs, and high end models for commercial level work. You need to have the budget to get the splitter that best matches your needs.
Durability – How often will you use it? Are you splitting some logs a few times a year, or are you going to use it daily? The more frequent the usage, the more durable of a machine you’ll want.
Design– Knowing whether you need a vertical splitter or not will help you narrow down your choices. Some models, like the LJ10M only work horizontally. Also, if you are going to be in a confined space, avoid gas powered models.
You should also only choose models that come with at least a 1-year warranty, as any time you work with these kinds of forces and lots of moving parts, things can go wrong. Any manufacturer that won’t stand by their product with a reasonable warranty is a manufacturer to avoid.
When you axe or maul are just not enough of a tool to get the job done, it might be time to find a machine to help. Luckily, there are some seriously good machines that can make quick work of your lumber without much strain on your body or your wallet.
There are different types of models for different budgets and tasks, so you can choose from hydraulic-assisted manual splitters, or those powered either by electric or gas engines. There are models for one-off jobs, or machines capable of daily usage.
Whatever model you choose, just make sure its the best log splitter for your particular needs. Basically, get the right tool for the job.
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