Splitting logs is a difficult job that can burn as much as 400 calories per hour. This is almost what you lose when you play a full game of basketball. Does it have to be this grueling? Certainly not; not in this era when people are using mechanically driven devices that have made previously detested tasks so enjoyable that you do not want to stop.
Regardless of the style of splitting you are doing, chances are that you do not have the luxury of time. That is the reason why taking time to choose the best log splitter is so important. Power, performance, price and construction are all factors to consider when choosing an electric or manual log splitter. However, the question still lingers, which is the best log splitter?
Each of the log splitters featured in this list offers something unique- something that you need desperately. Whether you are always felling logs and splitting them, or yours is an occasional task, you have a reason to check out the following 10 informative reviews. Let us go now!
Preview
Name
Rating
Price
More Details
Dirty Hand Tools 100171
excellent
$$$
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Southland Outdoor SLS20825
excellent
$$$
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Champion Power Equipment 90720
excellent
$$$
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Boss Industrial ES7T20
very good
$$
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Powerhouse XM-380
very good
$$
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WEN 56206
very good
$$
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Pow' R' Kraft 65556
very good
$$
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Earthquake W1200
very good
$$
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10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
good
$
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Sun Joe LJ10M
good
$
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1. Dirty Hand Tools 100171
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For a wood splitter, the time it takes to split a piece of wood matters a lot. In the technical world, they call it cycle time. When you consider this tool’s cycle time is only 0.9 seconds, then you know why it had to be on this list. It is so powerful and quick regardless of what type or pieces of wood you through at it. The secret to its incredible performance lies in the 6.5 HP 196 cc Kohler engine. If you have used a Kohler engine before, then you know these engines are some of the most reliable in the market-relentless in different applications.
Its 22-Ton splitting force can split wood as long as 22 inches quite effortlessly. If you want to split the log in either vertical or horizontal position, there are no worries; the machine converts very easily. Your can now deal with all those difficult pieces without having to haul them to the cradle.
Frictionless World, the manufacturers, is living up to their name considering the quiet operation of this log splitter. The flawless Kohler engine ensures that there are no startup noise problems and the machine is not as noisy as other models.
It appears that price is a significant factor for this log splitter-the one-time user may be hesitant to buy. Be careful when using the equipment in an enclosed area; the carbon monoxide exhaust can affect your respiratory system.
2. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825
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From the tonnage alone, the SLS20825 is designed for commercial use. However, you will find it in many homes thanks to its amazing ease of use and wood splitting capabilities. It splits wood in both horizontal and vertical directions. The best thing with a 25-ton splitter is that you can even give it a combination of logs.
What can a 208cc Southland OHV gas engine do? It is so powerful that it can split a massive log as if it were a one-inch speck. What does a 17-second cycle time mean? In 17 seconds, this machine will have split the wood, and returned to its original position. Remember that the SLS20825 has a log length capacity of 26 inches.
Large and powerful log splitters normally have portability issues. Knowing that 214kg is not light by any measure, the designers did something important on the splitter. They fitted it with large pneumatic wheels. The ball and coupler hitch components also enhance movement of this powerful machine.
You cannot talk about the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825 and fail to mention its smoothly operating gear pump. The splitter has an inbuilt oil deliver system that lubricates internal engine bearings. This not only reduces build up of heat, but also extends engine life.
3. Champion Power Equipment 90720
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Professionals and homeowners alike love this log splitter because of three main things: portability, toughness and dependability.
The first thing that impresses is the engine-a powerful Champion 80 cc engine. Now, before we go to the cc, there is something special about Champion engines. These engines have the efficiency that allows them to reliable for splitting both hard and softwoods. So, bring on those Cedar, Ash and Birch logs!
If you are a regular log splitter, you want to get efficient equipment. This wood splitter gives you the efficiency that you would expect from a machine of its caliber. It can handle 19.3 inches long logs within a 20-second cycle. At the center of this efficient performance is a state-of-the-art auto-return control valve.
For an equipment of 65kg, movement is going to be a concern for most prospective buyers. However, you only have to look at the haulage system to gain confidence. The machine comes with never flat tires. Furthermore, the 44.7 x 19.5 x 14 inches big product can fit in most truck beds. Mobility is so easy thanks to the simple foldaway handle.
Lifting logs for hours on end is enough to break the back of even a professional bodybuilder. That is why we also admire the low profile design on this splitter. Unfortunately, there is a bit that a good number of users will not like; this is a horizontal-only wood splitter. Overall, this splitter is totally worth its price tag.
4. Boss Industrial ES7T20
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Compact and powerful, this electric log splitter should elicit excitement in many users’ faces. Its appearance does not necessarily portray high capability, but you will be surprised at the features and capabilities of this machine. The manufacturer log recommended capacities are 10 inches diameter by 20.5 inches long. However, some users have done even bigger diameters successfully-as much as 17 inches diameter.
One thing that enables the machine to handle such workload is 7 tons force. Of course, this would not have been possible without a powerful engine. The splitter relies on a 2 HP electric motor and has an easy to ignite start. Throw in the automatic ram return and you have an unbelievably efficient tool.
You know that a log splitter is not from Boss Industrial, Inc. if it has a poor hydraulic system. This is what this splitter’s system offers: 2.64 Quarts oil capacity, AW-32 type oil and 3500 PSI hydraulic pressure. Ask any expert; this is what a professional grade system looks like.
Despite all these capabilities, this machine is very easy to operate. Specifically, it is one-hand operated. Just switch it on and get splitting. Are you worrying about power? This machine uses 115V and 15 amps, so you can plug it in any socket.
5. Powerhouse XM-380
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As a homeowner, you need compact equipment that minimizes injury risks. When it comes to log splitting, very few tools fit this requirement better than the Powerhouse XM-380. One notable feature on this red splitter is the two-handed operation that retracts automatically, allowing the user to load quickly and safely.
Weighing in at only 103.62 pounds, this machine surprises many by what it is can do. For instance, its 520mm by 300mm logging capacity is simply astounding. Splitting a log as big as 12″ diameter takes only six seconds on this log splitter. Within five seconds, the ram will have returned to its original position.
Portability, being an important feature for log splitters, is something Powerhouse Log Splitters clearly thought about exhaustively. This machine comes with sturdy wheels. Therefore, you do not need to lift it when you need to keep it in the store or move to the next spot of work.
If you can this splitter in your home, you will be assured of not only safety and performance, but also peace with the neighbors as well. You do not need the noisy air compressor. The machine does not produce fumes so the air will be as clean as ever. Finally, the splitter is as quiet as a lamb.
Like any other mechanical and electrical device, long-term performance depends on maintenance and handling. Expect some oil leaks and noise if you delay maintenance or overwork this splitter.
6. WEN 56206 6-Ton Electric Log Splitter
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Formed in the 1950s, WEN is an established brand in the industry, and a reliable one at that. They have given us remarkable power tools such as soldering guns and chain saws. Their log splitters are equally good as these specs and features portray.
For a brand such as this one, safety comes first. Like the Powerhouse XM-380, this splitter is two-hand operated. This is important as it minimizes the chances of one hand landing on the ram during operation. Safety is also enhanced by the fume free operation.
Have you ever owned one of those log splitters that fail to start or jam just when you are starting? The reliability of the 2 HP motor on this splitter will reignite your smile. It uses electricity, so unless you are experiencing shortages, you can split as much as you want, whenever and wherever you wish.
You know it is a WEN when you have so much choice over what you can split. The splitter can handle 20.5″x 10″, thanks to its inbuilt log guide. Add that to the sturdy steel push plate and you have a significantly roomy splitter. No log will possibly survive the 12,000 Pounds generated by the monster.
When it is time to move, simply grab the soft but strong handles and let the 6-inch never-flat wheels do the rest.
7. Pow’ R’ Kraft 65556
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One of the most important components of any electric log splitter is the motor. When you realize that this tool relies on 1,500 watt, you expect nothing short of excellent performance for home-based tasks. For sure, it does not disappoint.
First, the tool is built to last. Its steel frame is visibly prepared for any amount of work you throw at it. The 4 tons splitting design force is a reminder that a lightweight tool is not necessarily weak. The Pow’ R’ Kraft 65556 weighs only 105 pounds!
The sleekness of this machine will undoubtedly excite many users. At 40.5 x 23.2 x 14 inches in dimensions, this tool should not worry you when it comes to relocation or storage. Chances of it being damaged during stacking are minimal. You will also note that they have included a NEW stronger packaging to minimize damages during shipping. Not forgetting safety, the tool has two hand operation features. A Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protection prevents overload of the equipment.
Generally, users are all over each other for this tool. However, we think that for its price, you can get something with a higher capacity, for example, the previously reviewed Powerhouse XM-380 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter. Many users also complain of the size of wheels-too tiny for rugged terrains.
8. Earthquake W1200 Compact
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Lightweight and no fumes, this is a tool you can use anywhere, including the basement. Its 99 pounds weight sits majestically on two strong wheels and an equally sturdy metallic stand on the other end.
With the wheels and rubber-coated handle, this splitter has incredible flexibility. Whether you are working in the woods or on rough patches in the yard, you can move the tool quickly. We especially like the way the center of gravity seems to be concentrated at the bottom if you are pulling the splitter along.
What should you expect once you plug in the power? The Earthquake W1200 is reliably powerful, providing a massive 5-ton of splitting force. It takes a whole 22 seconds for this tool to split a log. This process can be frustrating if you are in a hurry to stock your fire pits and fireplaces. Its precision gears and expertly done copper windings give this tool admirable constant performance. Capable of handling logs of up to 10″ diameter and 20″ length with ease, this a machine you can consider for both outdoor and indoor tasks.
A big drawback with this model is that it tends to struggle with knotted or hardwoods, but works effortlessly with softwoods. This can be disappointing to some users because the name and design force suggest otherwise.
9. 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
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Are you in carpentry business and need the best support? A basic hydraulic splitter, such as the 10-ton hydraulic log splitter from Wel-Bilt, is your best bet. Of course, it is not electric, but its performance is electrifying. It comes with a 2-speed pump capable of providing 10 tons splitting force. For a hydraulic pump this compact, the ability to split huge logs is commendable.
The hydraulic system builds pressure, while the two long handles subjects it to the log. The splitter may not be as light as the Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe Manual Log Splitter, but it is highly manageable at 94 pounds. Light-weightiness added to compactness can only mean one thing-portability.
Because of obvious power and size limitations, this machine can only split logs of up to 18 inches length and 6.5 inches diameter. It could do beyond this, but the result would be fast deterioration.
Why spend a fortune on an engine-powered splitter when this manually driven tool can work as good. Remember it has two sturdy wheels for the easiest maneuverability. The base of 10-ton hydraulic log splitter is not satisfactorily stable and rigid, according to some reviewers, but still, the tool has outdone itself-light, powerful, long lasting and fast. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best manually driven log splitters out there.
10. Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe
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Finally, we have the 10-ton force steel machine from Snow Joe. We could not also resist the urge to add this manually operated log splitter to the list because of several reasons. It has a solid design, but it is easy to operate and carry. Dimensions of 41.1 x 8.1 x 11.8 inches allow you to carry the splitter anywhere you want. As hinted earlier, the LJ10M is very light-only 87 pounds.
Like the second last reviewed splitter, Sun Joe LJ10M does not use petro or electricity. The user’s manual input is all that is needed here. Two-hand operation is a key feature of this model and it enhances safety. You will also notice the racks on the ram’s sides. These secure wood pieces after splitting to prevent injury.
If you perpetually split sizeable logs, you may not notice one serious issue with this machine. It does not crack smaller logs. The ram is designed (deliberately or erroneously) for big logs. It can split logs of 8 inches diameter and 18 inches long. Very important: Make sure log ends are cut at right angle to length to prevent slipping.
For the Sun Joe LJ10M and indeed any other log splitter, following manual advises on the dos and don’ts. Follow this product’s user instructions for safe and reliable service.
Conclusion
Do you already have an electric or manually operated log splitter in your yard? Whatever the case, you will agree that relying on a Mesolithic wood-splitting tool is not an option. If wood splitting is still backbreaking, you need something better. Having checked this review, you are one-step closer to stress work.
All the log splitters reviewed here are some of the best in the market, going by user reviews so far. Choose your most preferred one from among these. It is very easy to get them in online shops; some may also be available in your local store. Every user’s dream is to get the perfect log splitter, but you might never find a machine that fulfils every bit of your requirement 100% in this lifetime. As long as a splitter is easy to handle, safe, relevant and within your budget, go for it.
