fbpx
Skip to main content

Log Splitters: Reliable and Efficient Wood Splitting Technology

October 13, 2023

What is a log splitter?

A log splitter is a mechanical device used to split large logs or pieces of wood into smaller, more manageable pieces. It is a valuable tool for anyone who works with firewood or needs to prepare wood for various purposes, such as heating or cooking. Log splitters come in various types and sizes, but they all serve the same primary function: to make the process of splitting wood easier and more efficient than traditional manual methods like using an axe or a maul.

a person using a chainsaw to cut a piece of wood.

How do they work?

Log splitters work by applying force to a log against a sharp splitting wedge or blade. The log is placed on a platform, and the splitter’s mechanism is activated to push the log against the wedge, causing it to split along its grain. Some log splitters also come with features like adjustable wedges, automatic return mechanisms, and log cradles to make the process more efficient and safer.

There are three main types of log splitters:

  1. Manual Log Splitters: These are operated by hand and require the user to pump a lever or push a handle to generate the necessary force to split the log. They are generally less powerful and suitable for smaller logs or lighter-duty tasks.
  2. Electric Log Splitters: These log splitters are powered by electricity and are more powerful than manual splitters. They are ideal for residential use and can handle a wider range of log sizes. Electric log splitters are relatively quiet and produce no harmful emissions.
  3. Gas-Powered Hyrdraulic Log Splitters: These are the most powerful type of log splitters, suitable for frequent, heavy-duty use or for splitting large, tough logs. They are typically mounted on a trailer for easy transport and are powered by gasoline engines.

Benefits of Log splitters:

  • Efficiency: Log Splitters are much more efficient than manual methods like using an axe or maul to split wood. They can process logs quickly, saving you a significant amount of time and effort.
  • Safety: Log splitters are generally safer than traditional methods, as they eliminate the need for swinging sharp tools, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Consistency: Log splitters provide consistent results in terms of log splitting. The machine applies a consistent force, resulting in uniform-sized wood pieces, which is important for efficiency and even burning in a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Reduced physical strain: Using a log splitter is less physically demanding compared to swinging an axe or maul, making it accessible to people of various ages and physical abilities.
  • Increased productivity: Log splitters can handle a variety of log sizes and types, allowing you to split large quantities of firewood in a shorter amount of time. This increased productivity can be especially beneficial for those who rely on firewood for heating or as a source of income.

Log splitter buying guide:

  • TYPE OF WOOD BEING SPLIT – Knowing what kind of wood you’ll be splitting is essential when selecting a log splitter. Are you primarily going to split hardwoods or softwoods? On the chart, locate the sorts of wood you intend to deal with, and then choose the one with the highest hardness. The hardest wood is used as the basis for the tonnage estimates in the next procedures. Softwoods vs hardwoods chart.
  • IS THE WOOD GREEN OR DRY? – Green wood is challenging to split and requires more horsepower to split efficiently. The wood will become increasingly brittle and vulnerable to splitting as the moisture in it evaporates over time. You will need a more powerful log splitter and some patience if your strategy calls for splitting green wood.
  • WHAT IS THE LOG DIAMETER? – Both now and in the future, it’s crucial to consider the diameter of the logs you intend to split. Is it possible that you might split 12″ or even bigger logs in the future, even though you can only split pine logs that are 6″ thick right now? If so, you might wish to get a splitter with greater power now so you don’t later find yourself with a tool that is unable to perform the tasks you need it to.

Champion Log Splitters

Count on Champion’s trustworthy range of hydraulic log splitters for time-saving, powerful, portable log splitting power whether you’re clearing a field or storing firewood.

Features:

  • Efficient: Champion designed this log splitter with efficiency in mind. Our log splitters have up to an 11-second cycle time and dependable auto-return valve, which is capable of over 300 cycles per hour.
  • Ergonomic: Our log splitters are designed smart low-profile frame or horizontal to vertical operation which makes it easier to load heavier logs.
  • Effective: The skewed wedge improves splitting efficiency
  • Portable: Our log splitters either have a compact, hitch-mount design or are towable making them easy to move and easy to store.
  • Reliable: Champion Support includes 2-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

Overall Champion log splitters are considered great tools for anyone who needs to process a significant amount of wood for various purposes.