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6 Best Log Splitter Reviews and Buying Guide

August 14, 2020 by Lucian

When you cut down a tree in your garden, for example, we all want to be able to make a few logs to warm up this winter. This is where the log splitter comes in. It is a handy tool that makes your job easier. We suggest you discover below a comparison of the best log splitters on the market.

best log splitter reviews

A log splitter is one of the garden tools with a hydraulic cylinder and a blade that aims to cut wood. Depending on the size of the pieces of wood, you will need to either equip yourself with a horizontal type device ( for medium sizes ) or a vertical type product (for larger ones). It is a machine that can be very useful since it allows you to prepare wood for winter effortlessly, for heating, for example.

Table of Contents

  • The 6 Best Log Splitter Reviews
    • 1. Boss Industrial Log Splitter ES7T20 Best for the Money
    • 2. Champion 25-ton Log Splitter 100251
    • 3. Southland SELS60 6 Ton Woodsplitter
    • 4. Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe Hydraulic Log Splitter
    • 5. Champion Power Equipment 25 Ton Gas Splitter
    • 6. Estwing Sure Split Wedge Manual – Best Cheap Log Splitter
  • Log Splitter Buying Guide
    • Motorization
    • Steer flow
    • Splitting power
    • Size of logs
    • Ease of use
  • Types of Log Splitters
    • Manual Log Splitters
    • Electric Log Splitters
    • Gas Powered Log Splitters
  • Horizontal or Vertical Log Splitters?

The 6 Best Log Splitter Reviews

1. Boss Industrial Log Splitter ES7T20 Best for the Money

Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7 Ton

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Right out of the box, you can use the ES7T20. All you have to do is to screw on the handle of the control. For this log splitter, this is the only assembly necessary. This we found to be very convenient.

The log splitter (20 inches tall) is flat. In a sitting position, you must work with this tool. The engine of the ES7T20 does not have much space underneath it. So you can place it on one layer of the surface only.

This machine is designed to work with logs up to 10 inches and a length of 20.5 inches. However, as with most others in its class, the ES7T20 can handle slightly larger protocols. For testing purposes, we have only used the larger sizes. Of course, we don’t recommend it.

To complete a lap, the ES7T20 takes approximately 14 seconds (9 seconds + 5 seconds). The splitting of a wooden string took us about 40 minutes. It took this unit just over 25 minutes to accomplish the job. The remainder was spent loading the cartridges and separating the split pieces manually if they were not completely split.

This log splitter will save you back pain and a lot of trouble, but you still need to put and pick up the cartridges on the device. The ES7T20 splits the wood well, but often not entirely, like most other log splitters. By manual force, you must separate them.

The ES7T20 does not appear to be appropriate for commercial use but exceeds the expected performance for private use. And, especially if you have a four-way room, that should work for business purposes as well. This is the best value log splitter.

2. Champion 25-ton Log Splitter 100251

Champion 25 Ton HorizontalVertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return

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For the best 25-ton log splitter for the coming winter, Champion 100251 should be at the top of your list. It’s relatively fast, with a cycle time of 12 seconds, the speed at which your wood can split. If you have a lot of logs to share, this is important.

A rod and piston arrangement is used in the log splitter, which can be hydraulic or electric. This assembly creates the force necessary for the logs to be shared. Note that this force is measured in tonnes.

This log splitter, which is more massive than most conventional machines, has an enormous force of 25 tons. For extra thick and robust logs, this is an excellent option for professionals who need to split logs regularly. In a single cycle, the logs are easily running in 12 seconds, and you can go through a large stack of logs quickly and efficiently in no time. It even has wheels and attachments that let you move it quickly and pull it up to 45mph.

It is, hands down, one of the most powerful log splitters you can find, and it’s part of one of the biggest brands for this category. We recommend that you save your money on something cheaper if you are looking for simple tasks. It can be a better investment to save you a lot of time if you regularly divide the logs.

3. Southland SELS60 6 Ton Woodsplitter

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter, Red

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For easy maneuverability and portability of the Southland Outdoor Equipment Divider was explicitly developed. The 6-ton power capacity is driven by a 1.75 HP electric motor and has a reset time of 18 seconds. The design also has a stroke limiter that allows you to quickly move through your work without having to readjust.

Consumers report that this is a durable and sturdy machine designed for home use. Because of the sturdy frame and the ability to cut 20-inch logs, this is a great option. With robust tires and easy-to-integrate handles, it is also very compact and easy to stow.

For permanent and portable use, this is the perfect machine. It does big jobs on the go and is compact for movement, storage and transportation.

4. Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe Hydraulic Log Splitter

Sun Joe LJ10M 10 Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green

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Sun Joe LJ10M is a 10 ton semi-manual log splitter. It has a 2-stage hydraulic pump that can produce wood cracking pressure of up to 20,000 pounds. The maximum length and diameter of lumber specified for division are 18 and 8 inches, respectively. The Sun Joe LJ10M log splitter is environmentally friendly. Neither electricity nor gas is needed.

The maximum log length and diameter of the Sun Joe Log Splitter are 18 “and 10” respectively. . Ecological. Maintenance, gas and electricity are not required. Don’t smoke or make noise. It can divide oak rounds up to 30 cm in diameter. It is very compact and easy to store. It fits in the trunk of any car. The process is fun, cuts the effort in half, and saves time.

It’s not that easy to get around because of the small 2.48 inch wheels. It sometimes moves when you share it. The welded wooden support is not very suitable for logs of different diameters. You may have changed the size of the control handles.

5. Champion Power Equipment 25 Ton Gas Splitter

Champion 25 Ton HorizontalVertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return

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Most log splitters are shipped in a horizontal configuration. This means that you drop the wood on the trail and let the ram do the job. It’s good enough for most logs, but gravity can be an issue when splitting something that looks like a mini log. A vertical log splitter will protect your back if the weight prevents you from lifting the log into the correct horizontal position. Here it comes in handy for a vertical/horizontal divider that can quickly change the loading orientation.

Champion Power Equipment’s 25-ton gas splitter is one of the best log splitters to consider for quick conversion from vertical to horizontal. In addition to being able to change the vertical and horizontal position, Aries only takes a few seconds to change, so you can convert on the fly. In addition to its adaptability, the log splitter provides a two-stage hydraulic pump to provide 25 tons of power for logs up to 24 inches in length.

6. Estwing Sure Split Wedge Manual – Best Cheap Log Splitter

Estwing Sure Split Wedge 5 Pound Wood Splitting Tool with Forged Steel Construction & 1 78 Cutting Edge E 5

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The Estwing SSW is another 4-pound splitting wedge, but in this case, it has a trendy design. The revolutionary system makes it possible to split wood much faster and more efficiently, as the manufacturers have marked. This is also made possible by the fast cone head, which eliminates the hassle when you start. The riving knife has split ribs, which can also achieve a more split effect below the woodline.
If you’re looking for quick cutting action, the weighted wedge design can come in handy. Unlike the Ludell 11605, the edge of the Estwing E-5 is much sharper. However, this does not necessarily increase efficiency, as our buying guide shows. The wedge’s length is 9 inches from the slotted end, giving a much larger slope for quick splitting.
The split fins that might add to the effect of your hammer action remain my favorite feature here. However, these fin-shaped extensions are great at keeping the wedge from getting stuck in the wood, safe.

Log Splitter Buying Guide

Motorization

Two types of engines are available: 220 V or 380 V. The first model is relatively quiet and allows cutting wood for anyone wishing to get started with this tool. The second will require you to have an electric meter power greater than the standard 220V current and allows you to cut a larger volume of logs.

Steer flow

Depending on your needs, you will need a more or less powerful device. If you plan to make ten cubic meters of logs in the year, you can be satisfied with a splitter with a thrust of ten tons maximum.

Splitting power

Power, also known as thrust, is an essential element to consider. It is advisable to opt for a product that has a minimum power of 7 tons. Beyond 15 tons, products are reserved for professionals.

Size of logs

Then, the size of the logs is also an important criterion to take into account. Indeed, for small logs ( less than 50 centimeters ), the horizontal type splitter is perfectly suited. On the other hand, for larger logs, you will need a vertical splitter.

Ease of use

Of course, the goal of a log splitter is to save time. It is therefore essential to analyze the ease of use so as not to end up with a device that is too complicated.

Types of Log Splitters

There are four main types of log splitters are available. These three include electric, manual and gas. Despite this, it is actually quite difficult to determine the best type. The most appropriate will largely be dependent on your budget and needs. The manual splitters are the ones that are considered to be the least expensive while the electric cutters believed to be priced in the mid-range. Gas log splitter on the other hand are viewed to be the most costly of all three types. If you want to establish the type that will be most suitable for you, take into consideration the size of logs to be split including price of the splitter. Another aspect that needs to be considered when selecting the right machine is frequency of use.

Manual Log Splitters

Manual provide advantages and disadvantages alike which should be taken into account during selection. A key advantage is the price of the splitter. They are the most affordable machines that can be used for splitting logs. It is possible to purchase the manual splitters which incorporate either a horizontal or vertical design which have the capacity to split a maximum of ten tons. This kind of processor loads slower. Furthermore, they are physically demanding when compared to the other models currently available. They have numerous advantages too. Manual cutters are the lightest options when it comes to portability. They are consequently easier to transport from one place to the other.

Electric Log Splitters

The electric log cutters are the most popular with many individuals since they can be used indoors considering they do not emit harmful fumes. This is the primary advantage they have when compared to the gas splitter even though they still provide a sizeable amount of log splitting capacity when compared to their manual counterparts. The other advantage the electric splitters have is the fact that they can be powered using standard 120V outlets that are grounded so as to prevent the likelihood of an overload in the electrical circuitry. In addition, they are affordable than the gas powered splitters, lighter and easily moveable than the majority of gas models. The only primary disadvantage of the electric is the need for electrical outlets to be available when they are being operated. When your work will mostly be done in the field, then this may not be a good option for you.

Gas Powered Log Splitters

The gas log splitter are the most costly option but most powerful. They have the capabilities of splitting almost 38 tons of splitting logs which makes them the most appropriate option for users who want to split knotty and large logs. They also come with trailer options for most of their models. This way, they can be moved from one site to another with a trailer hitch.

If you intend to use the splitter moderately or for personal use, then it is a good idea to establish log sizes you want to use it on and the budget you have. If you are on a small budget, a manual cutter will be the most excellent option. If you plan to use a splitter indoors, the electric option will be the best for you. However, if you want to split large logs, a gas splitter is the best alternative. Take note that no single one of them is better than the other.

Horizontal or Vertical Log Splitters?

One of the more common questions that people have is whether to purchase a horizontal or vertical Log Splitter. Wood splitters are generally fairly weighty machines and the benefit of a vertical log splitter means that it doesn’t need to be lifted up to your work surface in order to be used; of course there is a downside to this. You do need to be hunched over whilst using one and therefore it is not good for your back. A horizontal wood splitter will allow you to put the machine on your work space and work from a standing position; you will however need the space to do this which many people do not have in their homes. Many people may also struggle lifting the heavy logs that need to be processed up to the splitter. I suggest you look at the numerous advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to go horizontal or vertical. If you want the best log splitter of both worlds however there are wood splitters out there however that can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position so it is worth looking into those.

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