Buying a Log Splitter: How Powerful Does it Need to be?

So you’re ready to cut a lot more wood with a lot less effort. Now ask yourself how powerful of a log splitter you’ll need. If you’re sticking to small branches, and you don’t mind waiting a while between splits, an electric model will probably do the trick. But if you want to snap large logs quickly with tons of hydraulic force, ask yourself a few questions to determine which wood splitter is right for you:

Will you be splitting hardwoods like oak or walnut? Or soft woods like pine?
With log splitters, power is measured in tonnage. The harder the wood, the more tonnage you need to split it. If you’re dealing with hardwood, consider a gas-powered model that packs 20 or more tons of force. 

Are you splitting green wood (not dried) or seasoned wood (dried)?
Green logs still have moisture in them, so they’re harder to split than dry wood. You’ll want more tonnage if you plan on splitting newly cut logs. 

How thick are the logs you need to split?
As you can guess, the thicker the logs, the more tonnage you’ll want. It takes a lot more power to crack a 2-foot-wide tree trunk than a limb 8-inches in diameter.

Are you home splitting, or heading to where your future firewood is?
If you’ll need to tow your log splitter, consider a model that’s DOT approved for road safety.

Besides the size and types of wood you’ll be splitting, you should also consider what your new log splitter is made of. Look for one with sturdy construction and few welding points, and ask about things like how efficient the hydraulic pump is. When it comes to log splitting, anything beats swinging an axe. But if you’re going to make an investment, make sure it’s a wise one.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty log-splitting machine built for the long haul, check out a few log splitter options.