If you depend on a wood fire for heating or cooking at your place, then you will understand the hard work involved with cutting and chopping firewood. If you have to collect your own firewood, then you will know all about cutting and felling trees. Even if you buy firewood in bare logs, then there is still a lot of work required to break down those logs with a log splitter. If you rely on manual labor to cut and chop firewood, then we have provided some information about the best log splitter reviews in this article to make your life easier!
The Best Log Splitter makes life easier
We understand that gathering enough firewood for the whole winter is a big chore, however, it is a chore that has to be done. Even when it comes to splitting logs to allow them to dry out more quickly, it can be a thankless task. Nevertheless, the job of log splitting has to be done, even if it means cutting wood this year for next winter! At least you know that you will have a steady and dependable source of dry wood that is ready to use for when that cold winter weather sets in.
How to Choose the Best Log Splitter Reviews
Manual, Electric or Gas powered Log Splitter
There are many options when it comes to choosing the best log splitter for your needs. It depends on how much manual labor you are able to exert. It also depends on whether you want to eliminate how much manual log splitting you want to do. The best log splitter is designed to make your life easier, so why not spend a little money now, and save a lot of time and effort in the future! We have found some options for the best manual log splitter, which require less manual labor. But if you wish to make life easier, then there are options for the best electric log splitter and even the best gas log splitter which can do all of the hard work for you.
Manual – Best Log Splitter Reviews
The old fashioned and labor intensive way to split wood is swinging an axe shaped wedge, which is both hard work, and just a little dangerous. Not only is a manual log splitter difficult to work with, there is always the frustration of getting the wedge stuck in the wood. Then there is the frustration with logs that are too difficult to split, and even breaking the handle of the log splitter.
A better alternative is to choose a manual log splitter with a hydraulic actuator
Although this device is still labelled as a manual log splitter, it does not have much in common with a swinging wedge style log splitter. With a manual hydraulic log splitter, the operator is required to pump the manual handles, which drives a hydraulic ram. It is the ram which magnifies the power behind the cutting wedge, which drives into the wood and does the log splitter function.
A good example of this type of hydraulic log splitter is made by Sun Joe.
1. Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe – Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter
How does the Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe operate?
The Sun Joe LJ10M makes the task of wood splitting much easier. Simply place a log of wood into the rack of the log splitter. Then move the piston and wedge into position against the top of the log. The operator needs to manually pump the handles of the log splitter, which drives the hydraulic piston. The piston drives the wedge gradually into the wood until the log splits in two pieces. This method of log splitter does not rely on dramatic and dangerous swinging and hammering.
The Sun Joe log splitter is a large machine, but this is offset by wheels which makes it easier to move around. It also comes with a ram reset spring. This is useful to speed up the task of returning the heavy piston ram to the start position. The machine comes with a simple to use instruction guide. We think you will have no trouble operating the log splitter when you learn how to use it.
Features of the Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter:
- Split logs up to 18 inches long and 10 inches diameter
- Manually operated hydraulic ram
- Builds up to 10 tons of cutting force
- Safe to use – no swinging parts
- Easy to use – does not require electricity or gas
- Easy to move and transport
- No maintenance, 2 year warranty
The Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter is safe to use
The Sun Joe Log Splitter uses hydraulic force rather than swinging and hammering. This makes for much safer operation of a log splitter, which is a definite advantage. Better still, we always like the safety aspect of two handed operation of machinery. This means that the operator cannot inadvertently operate the machine with one hand. It also means that a careless operator cannot get one hand trapped when the piston makes contact with the wood. Yet another safety feature is that the split wood is constrained within the safety racks. Sometimes, a log splitter can result in pieces of wood splitting off at high speed. This can cause a hazard to both operators and bystanders. The Sun Joe log splitter incorporates log racks which prevent flying pieces of wood, for improved safety.
Click here to see the price of the Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter.
Electric – Best Log Splitter Reviews:
2. The WEN 56206 Electric Log Splitter – Best Electric Log Splitter
One of the best wood splitters on the market is the WEN 56206 electric log splitter, with a 6 ton cutting force. The design of this log splitter is based around a 2 horsepower motor which can be powered from a typical household power supply. With all the extra power provided by the electric motor, it can split logs more than 20 inches long and 10 inches in diameter.
Features of the WEN 56206 Electric log splitter
The 2 horsepower electric motor drives a 15-inch hydraulic ram which is the driving force behind the WEN log splitter. With a two handed operator control, we believe that the WEN log splitter is safe to operate. As long as you follow the safety guidelines. This log splitter also comes with simply to use operating procedures, so there is no excuse for not using them. The WEN log splitter comes with a set of wheels built into the device to make it easy to transport. This also makes your life easier, and eliminates all the hard work from log splitting.
Click here to see the price of the WEN 56206 Electric Log Splitter at Amazon.
3. The Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter
The Powerhouse Log Splitter is an electric powered log splitter. It provides up to 7 tons of cutting force, and is powered by a 3.5 horsepower electric motor. The additional power and cutting force, places this machine high on our list of nest electric log splitter reviews. The Powerhouse XM-380 can split logs more than 2 feet in length and up to 12 inches diameter. The Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter can tackle larger log splitting jobs because it has a large 1.18 inch diameter ram and a 15.75 ram travel length.
Safety Features of the Powerhouse Electric Log Splitter
The Powerhouse Log splitter has two separate safety features incorporated into this machine. The two handed operation feature is always a welcome safety feature, to prevent accidents. Additionally, this log splitter has an automatic stop feature which acts as a shut off when the log refuses to split when the machine reaches the load limit. With this combination of safety features, the Powerhouse Electric log splitter protects both the operator as well as the machine from accidental damage.
Additional Features of the Powerhouse Electric Log Splitter
The Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter runs very quietly and efficiently, with no nasty exhaust fumes. The machine is too heavy to lift, weighing in at around 50 kg. Fortunately it comes with a sturdy frame with wheels, so it relatively easy to move around the backyard or work site. Once it is up and running, the Powerhouse Electric Log Splitter can cut up to 100 logs per hour. So if you have a lot of wood to split, and if you can keep up the pace, this is a very fast log splitter!
Click here to see the price of the Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter.
4. Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter – 10 ton electric log splitter
The Boss Industrial 10 ton log splitter is a seriously powerful machine! It is capable of splitting logs more than 20 inches long and 12 inches diameter. The Boss Industrial 10 ton log splitter is the perfect log splitter for those big jobs. And it is fast as well, because it comes with a professional hydraulic system, and automatic ram return. After each log splits off, the hydraulic ram is programmed to return to the start position. By the time you clear the split log, all you need to do is place the next log into position.
Features of the Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter:
- 10 ton log splitter
- Hydraulic ram actuator
- 2.5 HP electric motor
- Dual direction log splitter
- Easy to transport with built in wheels.
- Comfortable to use in standing position
- 2 year warranty
Safety Features of the Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter:
We need to discuss a word of warning about the Boss Industrial ED10T20 log splitter. This is a large and powerful machine, but does not provide two handed safety control. With one handed control mechanism, there is some risk to the operator if not paying attention. The log racks are capable of fitting logs larger than 12 inches diameter, but this is not advised. There is a high risk of accidental damage by trying to split logs that are too large for the log splitter.
What we like about the Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter:
The Boss Log Splitter is a fast and powerful wood splitter which is capable of making your life much easier. If you need to cut and split a large supply of timber, then this is one of the best log splitter options to choose from. With a 10 ton actuator ram, it can easily split logs up to 12 inches in diameter. We highly recommend that you look at buying the handy 4 way cross wedge. Although this is an optional extra, the cross wedge splits the wood into 4 pieces, rather than just 2. The 4 way cross wedge needs more power, but the Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter has enough power to do the job.
Click here to see the price of the Boss Industrial ED10T20 Electric Log Splitter.
Best Gas Powered – best Log Splitter Reviews
5. Dirty Hands Tool 100171 Gas Log Splitter
The Dirty Hand Tools 100171 gas log splitter is designed to produce an incredible 22 tons of splitting force. The benefit of using a gas log splitter is the much higher power rating that can be achieved. The overall design is the same as an electric log splitter, except a gas engine drives the hydraulic system. The extra power provided by the gasoline engine, provides for a much larger hydraulic system, with a larger ram. The Dirty Hands Tool 100171 Gas Log Splitter can split logs up to 25 inches in diameter. The best gas log splitter is also a very fast machine, with an automatic ram return. The Dirty Hands Tool 100171 Gas Log Splitter can cycle log at less than 11 seconds between logs. Another clever design feature is the ability to configure the machine for horizontal and vertical wood splitting.
Additional Features of the Dirty Hand Tools 100171 Gas Log Splitter
- Kohler gasoline engine with 6.5 horsepower
- 22 Ton hydraulic force
- Log Size – up to 25 Inches
- 24 inch ram length
- Configured for Horizontal and vertical wood splitting
- 11 Second Cycle Time
- Very heavy – up to 600 pounds
- Very expensive
- Built in wheels and sturdy frame
- Towable for easy transport
Safety Features of the Dirty Hand Tools 100171 Gas Log Splitter
If you are uncertain about how to operate such a powerful machine, then we recommend to follow the manufacturer instructions. At all times, be sure to observe the operator safety zone, and to exclude access to bystanders. Even if the machine is safe, there is a risk that split logs can move at high speed, so be sure to stand well back. The biggest issue with a gas log splitter is the exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide. A gas log splitter should never be operated in a closed space, and requires a well ventilated work space.
What we like about the Dirty Hands Tool 100171 Gas Log Splitter
Without a doubt, this is the most powerful log splitter that we have reviewed, and can handle the biggest logs. With a 6.5 horsepower gas engine, and a 22 ton wood splitting force, this is a brute of a machine. This is a serious gas log splitter, with a price tag to match. Perfect for professionals or those with a large pile of firewood, this is a good way to go.
Click here to see the price of the Dirty Hands Tool 100171 Gas Log Splitter at Amazon.
Traditional log splitter options – manual log splitter
Cheap and Best Log Splitter Reviews:
Using a wedge log splitter can be quite hard work, and there is always some risk of an accident. There is a lot of kinetic energy involved with swinging a heavy wedge, with risk of injury. Even the split logs can fly off in all directions and potentially injure somebody.
4 way cross wedge log splitter
A slightly safer option is provided by the 4 point log splitter
The best thing about a 4 Way Cross Wedge is that it Splits the wood 4 ways rather than just two. This manual log splitter can be wedged into the log, and then hammered into the wood with a sledge hammer. Although this is somewhat safer than swinging a heavy axe shaped splitter, there is still a lot of hard work involved in this method.
Thankfully, there is a better way – the Slide Hammer log splitter:
6. Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer – Best log splitter reviews
The Anaconda 878 slide hammer is still designed as a manual log splitter, but is much safer to use. The Anaconda slide hammer operates with the usual wedge shaped cutter in contact with the log, and has a sliding handle design that the operator uses to slide up and down in a hammer action. Repeated applications of the slide hammer serves to gradually drive the wedge deeper into the wood, until the log splits in two halves. With no swinging parts, the Anaconda slide hammer is a much safer and cheap log splitter, but still requires a lot of manual labor.
Features of the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer
- Cheap log splitter
- Requires less manual labor
- Safer to use
- Slide hammer action splits logs in half
- No dangerous overhead swinging
- Reduced risk of flying pieces of wood
- No jammed wedges
- Saves broken axe handles
- No back breaking labor
Additional Features of the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer
It is the low price and the simplicity of the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer that puts it high on our list of best log splitter reviews. It can be a bit tricky to understand how it works. The Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer is a safe and easy to use Manual Log Splitter. It consists of three simple parts, with a rubberised handle, sturdy steel wedge, and sliding hammer. This log splitter works by simply placing the wedge tip against the end of the log. The wedge is hammered into the log using the slide hammer action. Simply slide the hammer up and down to gradually drive the wedge deeper into the log. There is no need to rush the process, just gradually drive the wedge until the log splits into two.
Safety Features of the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer
To make the job even safer and easier, the Anaconda log splitter has rubber handles to reduce the vibration. The energy absorbing slide handle prevents the operator from getting sore hands from hammering. The solid steel wedge is made for heavy duty application, and will provide ample log splitting power. The Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer Log Splitter is cheap to buy, easy and safe to use. This type of log splitter does not require overhead swinging like an axe, so it is much safer.
What we like about the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer
This cheap log splitter is high on our list of best log splitter reviews because it is small and safe. Most log splitters involve some risk of danger and accidents. The Anaconda log splitter does not involve swinging actions or flying pieces of wood. It is simple to use and can split logs or produce kindling or whatever sized split wood you prefer. Although it is a manual log splitter, and is slow to operate, it is a cheap and reliable tool for wood splitting and making firewood.
Click here to see the price of the Anaconda 878 Slide Hammer.
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