The process of harvesting firewood is far from the most exciting activity. However, you can hardly do without it if your cottage or country house is heated by a stove. In order to stock up on firewood for the entire winter period, you have to spend a lot of time and effort. However, this work can be greatly facilitated by using a special tool called a wood splitter.
Today, the choice of such products is quite large, but, unfortunately, not all people know how to choose this tool correctly. We decided to help them solve this problem and developed a rating of the best log splitters of the year. In it, we will talk about the key parameters of these tools, help you choose the most suitable copy in terms of price and useful characteristics.
How to choose the right wood splitter for a private house?
The main elements in this tool are the frame and the knife fixed to it, as well as the hydraulic piston and drive. It is the knife that will perform the function of the cleaver. The required force is generated by the operation of an electric or gasoline engine connected to a hydraulic piston that pushes the workpiece towards the knife. It is hydraulic wood splitters that are most popular with buyers due to the simplicity and reliability of the design, the ability to split even the hardest wood. On sale there are screw cleavers, which in the common people received the nickname «carrot». This device is even more durable, since there are no electrical elements, and the drive axis is driven manually.
Most wood splitters operate on a 220 V electrical network, however, there are also industrial wood splitters that require connection to 380 V, there are also machines that run on a gasoline engine. Be sure to pay attention to the splitting force. For domestic conditions, the optimal indicator will be from 4 to 6 tons. There is no point in buying more powerful equipment, since you will not be able to use all its capabilities 100%.
The knife or cleaver can be placed vertically or horizontally, with the second option being the most common, as such placement is much more convenient and safer to use. The average size of logs should not exceed 50 cm, but longer logs can also be loaded into screw wood splitters, but this will negatively affect work productivity.
Many devices are equipped with various additional options. It is very convenient if it is possible to adjust the height of the cleaver — this will allow you to place it strictly in the center of the log in order to split it into identical logs. If wheels are provided, then the equipment will be very convenient to transport from one place to another. The safety system must be well thought out so that the hands or other parts of the operator do not get into the working area of the equipment.
When we chose models to be included in the ranking of the best log splitters in 2022, we relied, first of all, on all the points discussed above. In addition, for each product, we studied a lot of user reviews, found out how high quality and durable it is. As a result, you will not find overly expensive or inefficient products in the review.
Ten of the best home wood splitters
10 CHAMPION LSV6000
The device is ideal for home use. It is equipped with an electric drive, which allows it to work with logs up to 100 cm long. The pressure generated is 6 tons — the device effectively splits even the hardest and toughest wood species. The engine power is 2.7 kW, it is connected to a standard power supply, the working position here is vertical. The maximum log diameter that this tool can split is 30 cm. There is 4 liters of oil in the hydraulic system. The device itself has a mass of 97 kg, during operation it does not make too much noise — at the level of 90 dB.
The wood splitter is equipped with a durable asynchronous motor. The set comes with nozzles that allow you to split the log into four parts at once. It has a carefully thought-out security system, the device has a high speed of operation, and does not require various skills from the operator.
Advantages:
- A fairly powerful semi-professional unit;
- The engine has a high performance index;
- The length of the logs can reach one meter;
- Equipped with high tread wheels.
Flaws:
- Decent mass of the unit;
- The control handles are equipped with bolts that are too long — because of them, the handles often fly off the brackets.
Wood splitter CHAMPION LSV6000
9. Texas 600VG
The first model in our review, equipped with a gasoline engine, the power of which is as much as 5 horsepower. This is a great alternative to electrical devices, as it can be used in holiday villages where there is no electricity supply. With the help of hydraulics, it is possible to provide a maximum force of 6 tons, due to which it will be possible to effectively split logs of any wood species. There are no additional attachments included in the kit — all elements will need to be purchased separately. For greater ease of transportation there are wheels. They operate the equipment with both hands, and the operator’s hands will be reliably protected from possible injuries with the help of metal casings.
The unit is started using a manual starter, the motor shaft rotates clockwise. The wood splitter itself is notable for its insignificant overall dimensions — 313x376x335 mm with a weight of 128 kg, which makes it easier to store. The manufacturer gives a two-year warranty on its products. The working length of the logs is in the range from 50 to 105 cm. The hydraulic tank contains 8 liters of oil, the fuel tank capacity is 3.6 liters. A fully filled gas tank is consumed in 4 hours of continuous operation.
Advantages:
- The manufacturer has done a good job on the safety of the unit;
- There are comfortable wheels;
- Powerful petrol engine;
- Management is carried out by two hands;
- Compact overall dimensions.
Flaws:
- The bundle is extremely poor — all additional elements have to be bought in addition.
Wood splitter Texas 600VG
8. PROFIPLS 700E
Products of domestic production of hydraulic type. It has an increased hydraulic force of 7 tons, which has a positive effect on the operating time. The maximum log length does not exceed 52 cm. The overall dimensions of the device are not very large. It is distinguished by a small high, a nozzle is supplied with which you can split the log into four parts.
Users in their reviews claim that the device is characterized by unpretentiousness and durability, creates significant effort, so it can cope even with very hard and strong woods. The device is equipped with an electric motor that is connected to the household power supply, its power is 2.3 kW. The maximum log diameter should not exceed 25 cm, the weight of the unit is 75 kg.
Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Increased piston force;
- Acceptable cost;
- There is everything you need for comfortable work;
- The security of the device is well thought out.
Flaws:
- You cannot load a log larger than 25 cm in diameter.
Wood splitter PROFI PLS 700E
7. AL-KO KHS 3704
The splitting power is slightly less compared to other models that we have talked about before. However, it will be quite enough for domestic use of the unit. The device is perfect for chopping wood for a fireplace or stove (home, bath, outdoor, and so on). The maximum length of the logs should be no more than 37 cm. Often, such a wood splitter is purchased by heating complexes that are engaged in the formation of a fuel supply to ensure the stable operation of wood-burning boilers.
The device can work with dry and damp firewood. The unit has maneuverable wheels that can easily move over bumpy terrain, grass. The wedge is well-hardened, perfectly balanced, so it splits the wood perfectly evenly. The hydraulic system holds 2.7 liters of oil. In general, the manufacturer recommends using all-weather oil so that the wood splitter can be used in the winter.
Advantages:
- Quickly and conveniently adjust the working height;
- The wedge has the highest strength, well balanced;
- The model is equipped with reliable and large wheels;
- Operate the wood splitter with two hands;
- Differs in compact overall dimensions.
Flaws:
- Not too high power and hydraulic force.
Wood splitter AL-KO KHS 3704
6. Raptor t700
The design of the tool is quite simple — it includes a conical screw with dimensions of 250×80 mm, made of high quality, carefully hardened steel. It is connected to a high-powered electric motor through a control unit, there is also a rack and a flywheel. Compared with hydraulic products, this screw splitter is considered to be more productive. Its effectiveness largely depends on how quickly the operator reacts to what is happening around.
Here, hydraulic elements are not provided, due to which the device becomes more durable, it has a simple design. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not think over the safety system when working with this product, so you have to be as careful as possible so as not to get injured. In this case, the logs are fed at right angles to their longitudinal axis.
Advantages:
- Insignificant mass of the unit;
- Simple construction;
- Great product power.
Flaws:
- Very high chance of injury.
Wood splitter Raptor t700
5. Texas 520H
A very simple, but quite powerful device designed for harvesting wood logs. It is worth noting that initially the manufacturer developed it for use exclusively in private households, but today it is often used for industrial purposes if you need to stock up on not too much firewood. The maximum force is 5 tons, which allows you to cope with any type of wood, also work with twisted and knotty logs. The device is equipped with a powerful 1.5 kW electric motor.
The maximum dimensions of a log that can be loaded into this machine are 52 cm in length and 25 cm in diameter. The weight of the equipment is 46 kg — not too heavy a tool, but it is still equipped with wheels for more convenient movement around the site.
Advantages:
- Optimal force for household equipment;
- He copes well with the tasks assigned to him;
- Working with the device does not take too much time.
Flaws:
- The wheels have smooth tread.
Wood splitter Texas 520 H
4. AL-KO KHS 5204
Belongs to the group of semi-professional equipment, the maximum splitting pressure of the machine can reach 5 tons. This design is optimally suited for harvesting firewood for a fireplace, the length of which will not exceed 52 cm. Small industrial enterprises often purchase such a wood splitter, where there is a need to prepare a small amount of firewood. The unit is able to function at ambient temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. Its hydraulic system is filled with oil, which is able to easily resist the effects of low temperatures, its volume is 3.1 liters.
The frame, if necessary, can be adjusted in height, but it is quite light. If it becomes necessary to split large logs, then there is always the possibility that the machine will turn over, so in this case the equipment is installed on a leveled area.
Advantages:
- You can choose the optimal working height;
- The wedge is durable, does not dull for a very long time;
- There is a reliable system for protecting hands from injury;
- Wheels with a low tread, but very wide, so the wood splitter can be transported on any surface;
- Engine power is 2.2 kW.
Flaws:
- May tip over if handled with too thick logs.
Wood splitter AL-KO KHS 5204
3. Champion LSH5000
It is made on the basis of a metal frame of increased strength, which is coated with special anti-corrosion substances that can significantly extend the period of operation of this equipment. The products are equipped with a high power engine — 2.2 kW, while the wood splitter is designed to operate from an ordinary household electrical network. It is capable of developing a force of 5 tons.
The device is designed to work with logs up to 25 cm in diameter and up to 52 cm long. The weight of the unit is about 43 kg. There is a dividing knife on the splitting chute, with the help of such a splitter you can stock up a significant amount of firewood in a short time. The set includes a nozzle that splits the log into 4 parts. 3.6 liters of oil are poured into the hydraulic system, the manufacturer recommends using a universal one suitable for any temperature conditions.
Advantages:
- High-quality protection of the frame against mechanical damage and corrosion;
- High engine power and effort;
- There is everything you need for comfortable work in the kit.
Flaws:
- The power cable is short — you have to use an extension cord.
Wood splitter Champion LSH5000
2. Gorynych 6T
It is characterized by an accelerated piston stroke, due to which it is possible to provide the highest possible performance. Such a decision will be very useful for people who prepare firewood for subsequent sale. The design is designed for continuous operation without interruption — this approach makes it almost indispensable if it is necessary to prepare a significant amount of fuel. The position of the knife is adjustable if necessary, there is a nozzle for splitting firewood into 4 parts.
The device has a high engine power — as much as 4 kW, but it needs to be connected to an industrial power supply with a voltage of 380 V. The firewood must be laid horizontally, the maximum force is 6 tons, the dimensions of the logs are 50×50 cm.
Advantages:
- High speed of work;
- Good stability;
- Great unit power.
Flaws:
- Works only from 380 V.
Wood splitter Gorynych 6T
1. GOMARK — LANCMAN SL10
The leader of our review of the best wood splitters was a Slovenian-made model. Products are characterized by a high level of strength, reliability, it can last for a long time. The device can be used even on an industrial scale when harvesting not only firewood, but also charcoal.
It works from various sources — a household power supply, from a gasoline engine or from a power take-off shaft installed in a tractor. The model has the highest performance, it is very convenient to work with it. It creates a force of 10 tons. Logs up to 50 cm long and up to 65 cm thick can be loaded into the wood splitter. The device weighs a lot — 275 kg.
Advantages:
- The highest quality of workmanship and assembly;
- Runs on gasoline or electricity;
- High speed of work;
- Long period of operation.
Flaws:
- Very heavy unit;
- Expensive.
Wood splitter GOMARK – LANCMAN SL10
In conclusion, a useful video
Our roundup of the best log splitters in 2022 is over. If you have certain thoughts or suggestions about a particular model, then you can always state them in the comments to this article — it will be very interesting for us and our readers to learn about them.