Best Log Splitters in 2021
Log-splitting by hand has been kicked to the curb by mechanical log splitters. With a good one in hand, anyone can prepare their firewood without having to break a sweat.
Nevertheless, not all log splitters are created equal; some are better than others. To help you make the right buying decision, here are our best log splitters on the market right now.
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Our Top Picks at a Glance:
Contents
The 10 Best Log Splitter Reviews
1. WEN Lumberjack 56207 Log Splitter
Ever imagined quickly having 13,000 pounds of wood split into firewood. The WEN Lumberjack 56207 can make this happen – with efficiency and speed. It is electric, but it is also versatile, easy to operate and can be moved effortlessly.
Why we like it
- It is versatile, meaning you only need one machine for multiple tasks.
- Its elevated stand allows you to raise it to the waist level for working comfort.
- The wheels can be joined directly with the body for low profile design.
- Its 15 amperes motor provides you with 13,000 pounds of log-cracking power.
- It does not use gas, so it helps to avoid inhaling carbon monoxide.
What we don’t like
- It does not do well with large-sized logs.
- You have to balance evenly and use both hands for the controls.
- It has small wheels which do not quite suit its design and stature.
Our Verdict
The WEN Lumberjack can split more logs than most of its counterparts can. It gets the job done in a shorter time frame and comes with an adjustable beam to suit any position you want.
2. Southland Outdoor Log Splitter
This a 25-ton gas-powered log splitter that brandishes a 208cc Southland OHV engine. It can handle 25 tons of logs and has enough space for 26-inches long logs. It has 17 seconds of split-cycle and can do the job in horizontal and vertical positions.
Why we like it
- Has an 8-inch heat-treated SW/splitting wedge.
- It can perform well in most rugged situations.
- An internal oil delivery system reduces heating and lubricates the engine.
- It can switch between horizontal and vertical positions.
- It has a 2-inch hitch and 16-inch pneumatic tires.
- It comes with a video that shows the details of its assemblage.
- It has (three/two/one) Year Limited Warranty (three years steel frame, two years engine, one year hydraulics).
What we don’t like
- You need it up during winter before you can start using it.
- It takes more than one person to assemble.
- The assembling takes a load of time.
- Sometimes the hydraulics don’t work properly.
Our Verdict
The Southland Outdoor is a very quiet machine. Its heavy-duty engine works well, making it easy to start and use. It can switch positions to match the comfort of the user and can complete some of the biggest wood-splitting tasks.
3. Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter
If you are on the lookout for a product that wields raw power and efficiency, then this Sun Joe LJ10M is the hulk that will rip wood apart almost like no other. It works with a hydraulic system that makes the work with large log piles a tad lighter.
Why we like it
- The Sun Joe LJ10M is made of steel, which makes it durable.
- It can produce over 10 tons of driving force to split up to 18-inch long logs easily.
- Its quick RAM returns spring quickly for fast resets.
- Its wheels make the machine very flexible in movement.
- No need for cords, oils, and gas, which make its use quite easy.
What we don’t like
- Limited room for about 18 to 20 inches of wood, and nothing more.
- The hydraulic system is not as fast as a gas or electric-powered counterpart.
- Not ideal for long-run use.
- The pump system is manually operated.
Our Verdict
When it comes to efficiency, the Sun Joe LJ10M delivers. If it is radicalness you want, it can do a lot of inches in one sitting. You can rely on it for many years, even though it is not as durable as others in the market. Because it makes your work a lot easier, maybe you might want to give it a try.
4. Champion Log Splitter
This 25-ton, full beam and towable model has an American-made powerful engine that affords it its name. This device has horizontal and vertical splitting positions you can easily change from to suit small to large pieces of logs.
Why we like it
- It has 2 inches of call coupler, green-lighted tires.
- An extended tongue designed to make towing applications significantly less stressful.
- Champion comes with dual log catchers (DLC), which handle logs up to 23.8 inches in length and 100 pounds of weight.
- In work mode, the blades are very useful, moving with one of the fastest speed of 12 seconds per cycle.
- Compared to other machines, the Champion comes at a very reasonable price point.
- The champion comes with 2 years warranty and technical support for a lifetime.
What we don’t like
- Its engine power and make is not displayed in the product specification.
- The wheels’ size makes it need technical help to assemble.
- Its fuel consumption is also very high.
Our Verdict
Under the hood, there is an auto-run valve, an engine that shuts down when there are low oil and a big hydraulic reservoir. An American tech-driven and multi-patented design ensure you get some of the best components and sought-after features that help you save a lot of time. On the back of its full length and waist level beam height, you can split logs for hours and not get tired.
5. North Star Log Splitter
A 37-ton splitter with a 270cc Honda GX270 engine, the North Star can split in horizontal and vertical positions. Designed with cutting-edge technology, it has an American-made concentric pump and value, as well as a heavy-duty steel-reinforced hose.
Why we like it
- The wedge is made of patent-designed alloy steel, which makes for a quality component.
- There is a different ball coupler of 2 inches within the machine.
- This is accompanied by an adaptable jack through and oversized tire system.
- Transporting the North Star from the wood pile fast and trouble-free is made possible by a bumper.
- Your petrol is saved, thanks to an auto throttle control which also dials down the noise and increases the lifespan of the engine.
- It has one of the best hydraulic systems, and this one is protected by a square filtering system.
What we don’t like
- The engine takes much time to warm up.
- The engine also gets hot on extended usage.
- Oil filters that use the patent surface to seal against the gasket can cause leakage.
- It is huge in size, so you cannot assemble it alone.
Our Verdict
The filtration works with four different components that help in ridding the system of any kind of contaminants. The engine has a cast-iron cylinder sleeve, a steel fuel tank, and a substantially less oil close down. One thing that sets the North Start aside from other splitters is its contact area for force penetration. To increase efficiency, you can add wings to save the time and effort invested.
6. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Log Splitter
This advanced model makes this list because it goes a long way to make things convenient. First, it is built to allow you go straight into operation by just screwing a single handle. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in engine power.
Why we like it
- It comes with 7 tons of hydraulic pressure, which enables a user to do an entire month’s worth of log splitting, possibly in a seating arrangement.
- The machine has super strong tube log trays and firm wheels to afford it stability and durability.
- Working with this machine saves time because of its automatic ram return system.
- Its rubber wheels and conveniently fastened one handle ensures you can hurl it around easily.
What we don’t like
- The Boss Industrial ES7T20 seems to have a problem handling large-sized and heavily-knotted logs.
- There is a tendency for the engine to hit a jam in the middle of heavy work.
- You cannot easily roll it on uneven ground or grass.
Our Verdict
You can jump-start it again by turning it on and back on. It falls into a low profile category, which consists of devices that warrant you to sit down while doing the work. Such a position may feel unnatural compared to what’s obtainable with other products. However, on the bright side, it helps you avoid lots of heavy lifting.
7. Powerhouse XM-580 Log Splitter
Rugged, functional, and efficient, the Powerhouse has a state of the art design and comes in a trio of solid colors – black, red, and silver. If you want a machine that will work just about in any environmental or geographic condition, you might want to consider the Powerhouse XM-580.
Why we like it
- It can split hardwood logs, larger oaks, and hickory types.
- It is compact, easy to store, and has a powerful engine.
- This is an electric log splitter, not gas.
- Equipped with a newly-patented hydraulic system that torques up by 45 percent.
- It does not need an air compressor.
What we don’t like
- For a 9-ton motor, it is not as powerful as advertised.
- The packaging could be more detailed because sometimes screws are hard to find.
- The instruction manual has a lot of loopholes.
- Assemblage can be very tasking.
Our Verdict
The Powerhouse XM-580 comes in a portable size that does not take a lot of space in your garage. The size makes it ideal to be used both indoors and outdoors, on the ground or over a bench. It is quiet, does not produce fumes, and can split wood with a hard texture.
What to Look for in the Best Log Splitters
An ideal log splitter is one that has all the characteristics that are required or needed to meet your splitting needs. It is, therefore, necessary that while trying to get a wood splitter that we should try by all means possible check and ascertain that they meet your preference and serve the purpose you need it for.
A Powerful Motor
The power of the motor it comes with is a significant factor that separates one log splitter from the other. In a nutshell, the efficiency and effectiveness of a particular machine is significantly determined by the motor’s power. It must have more than enough power so that it can easily cut through wet and hardwood within the shortest time frame.
The Diameter Splitting Range Log Length
The length and diameter that a log splitter can handle is a major determinant factor that contributes greatly to the performance. This feature helps log splitters keep up with the overall performance. It also dictates the number of logs you will be able to split within a period of time. It’s best to choose a model that can split logs with a diameter of not less than 10 inches.
Portability
Log splitters are heavy, and it is not always an easy task moving from one place to the other. So, place a priority on portability when trying to select one. Move the machine up and about without facing any form of stress. A good product should come with large wheels for easy movement.
Cycle Times
A log splitter will get more work done within a short time, depending on the speed, ideally, it should have a fast cycle time to ensure that it, in turn, has a better efficiency rate. Go for the one that comes with a cycle time of at least 15 seconds for better and enhanced productivity. The ideal way to define the duration of the cycle time is to assess how long it takes for the ram to return to its original position after a split.
Sturdy Construction
Steel construction is ideal. This determines its reliability of that machine and dictates, among other things. Durability. Nobody wants to have a machine that will keep breaking down due to poor construction. A strong build indicates that the unit can handle elaborate splitting jobs for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Powerful of a Log Splitter do I Need?
The more massive a log is, the higher the volume of wood on each side of the grain to break apart. Logs larger in diameter need more division force. So a 4-ton log splitter does well for 6-inch nodes, but a 24-inch tree trunk requires at least 20-ton of power.
How does a Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter Work?
It makes use of hydraulics to cut the log. They are manually operated, pumping handles back and forth, like pumping a jack-up. The hydraulic piston pushes the timber and separates the wood by a slice.
Are Log Splitters Worth the Money?
Many firms have invested in making efficient log splitters. All of them out in the market differ in specs and offer unique upsides. If you select the right machine with the help of research, you get great value. Look for a combo of quality, functionality, and durability.
Conclusion/Winner
The winner of this roundup is the Southland Outdoor. This is a wood splitter that has what it takes to handle 25 tons of logs and has enough space for 26-inches long logs. It has 17 seconds of split cycle and can do the job in horizontal and vertical positions.
As far as the cons go, you only have to worry about assembling the machine and warming it up before use during winter. Aside from that, the splitting warlord is ready to go. It is portable, has one of the sturdiest contractions and can switch between vertical and horizontal positions, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.
