Best Hydraulic Log Splitter (Buyer’s Guide)

Log splitting is a tedious, back-breaking task that most people would rather avoid. If you are one of those people, then this article will help! We have compiled the best hydraulic log splitters on the market to make your life easier and more enjoyable. From electric models to gas-powered ones, there are many options available for all budgets.

Best Choice

Sale
SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton Rapid Auto Return Ram System Bucher Gear Pump 7HP Engine Horizontal Full Beam Steel Wedge Firewood Splitting Forestry Harvesting
  • SPECS - Built with a heavy-duty 7HP gas engine, powering our 20-ton rated system, utilizes the...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN - Our lightweight horizontal full beam and steel wedge log splitter design is built...
  • EFFICIENT - Our 7HP Gas Engine provides a smooth linear power curve to help avoid clunky performance...
  • PROPER USE - (POWER) unlike electric-powered splitters, gas-powered units produce greater consistent...
  • SAFETY - Always operate the Log Splitter with eye and hand protection, utilize the controls and shut...

The SuperHandy log splitter is a quiet, compact and portable electric log splitter that can do the work of an entire team. It has a rapid return ram system which means it’s able to be one of the most energy efficient machines on the market while still splitting logs in less than half the time as other models.

Best Hydraulic Log Splitters

Hydraulic log splitters are a great way to make cutting firewood easier. They also come with the added benefit of being able to cut logs that are too large for an ax or maul. There are many different types, so it can be hard to choose just one. In this blog post, we will review some of the best hydraulic log splitters on the market and hopefully help you decide which is right for you!

Sale
SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton Rapid Auto Return Ram System Bucher Gear Pump 7HP Engine Horizontal Full Beam Steel Wedge Firewood Splitting Forestry Harvesting
  • SPECS - Built with a heavy-duty 7HP gas engine, powering our 20-ton rated system, utilizes the...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN - Our lightweight horizontal full beam and steel wedge log splitter design is built...
  • EFFICIENT - Our 7HP Gas Engine provides a smooth linear power curve to help avoid clunky performance...
  • PROPER USE - (POWER) unlike electric-powered splitters, gas-powered units produce greater consistent...
  • SAFETY - Always operate the Log Splitter with eye and hand protection, utilize the controls and shut...
Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter, Red
  • Heavy duty 1.75 HP, 15 amp induction motor delivers maximum performance for the most rugged...
  • Effortlessly does big splitting jobs with a 18-second cycle time
  • Integrated stroke limiter can adjust to a shorter stroke for smaller logs
  • 7" wheels and configuration to vertical position provides maneuverability and easy storage
Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green
  • [POWERFUL]: Hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 Tons of driving force
  • [LARGE CAPACITY]: Splits logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
  • [EFFICIENT]: RAM return spring for quick resets
  • [DURABLE]: Steel frame construction with wheels for easy portability
  • [EASY TO USE]: No gas, oil or cords. Wheel Size:2.48 inch

SuperHandy Log Splitter

Sale
SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton Rapid Auto Return Ram System Bucher Gear Pump 7HP Engine Horizontal Full Beam Steel Wedge Firewood Splitting Forestry Harvesting
  • SPECS - Built with a heavy-duty 7HP gas engine, powering our 20-ton rated system, utilizes the...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN - Our lightweight horizontal full beam and steel wedge log splitter design is built...
  • EFFICIENT - Our 7HP Gas Engine provides a smooth linear power curve to help avoid clunky performance...
  • PROPER USE - (POWER) unlike electric-powered splitters, gas-powered units produce greater consistent...
  • SAFETY - Always operate the Log Splitter with eye and hand protection, utilize the controls and shut...

Product Description

The SuperHandy log splitter is a quiet, compact and portable electric log splitter that can do the work of an entire team. It has a rapid return ram system which means it’s able to be one of the most energy efficient machines on the market while still splitting logs in less than half the time as other models.

This machine includes: 20 ton horizontal beam with wedge for fast and simple wood cutting; full steel construction makes this machine very durable; heavy duty universal wheels make transportation extremely easy; hydraulic pump delivers powerful splits up to 12 inches wide (fast); comes with split firewood rack for better storage options once you get your wood home from splitting all those logs! This model weighs 145 pounds and dimensions are 32 x 21.25 x 21 inches (height, width and depth).

This log splitter is made in the USA but imported parts are used to build it so not all of its components and materials qualify for American jobs and production standards which we think consumers should be aware of before making a purchase decision on this model. This isn’t really an issue with most consumers however because reviews show that people love their SuperHandys! It also has several different modes depending on your preferences including vertical or horizontal operation mode as well as auto return ram system or standard hydraulic pump control handle. In both cases it works extremely fast while being very quiet compared to other machines in its class. Users report splitting logs up to 30 inches wide when using firewood racks included with this machine.

This log splitter is sold by a third party called “Handy and Sons” and they offer excellent customer service, shipping times and overall value for your money. These machines are incredibly popular because of their high power to weight ratio which allows it work as quickly as other similarly powered models but with the ease of transportability you get from smaller electric splitters. Most users state that the only downside to owning one of these units is that after splitting all those logs (up to 12 inches wide) it can be difficult to lift into trucks or trailers which makes hauling them away kind of annoying….

See also
How To Season Firewood (A Complete Guide)

Pros

  • quick and easy to set up
  • high power to weight ratio (powerful for its size)
  • quiet operation compared to other models in this class
  • split logs up to 30 inches wide with included firewood rack accessories
  • can operate vertically or horizontally depending on preference of the operator
  • comes with free spare parts like main pump, ram cylinder gasket kit, hydraulic hose repair kit & more!

Cons

  • not all components are sourced from USA suppliers so not good for supporting American jobs.

Recommended?

This is a great machine for anyone who has limited space and wants to be able to split logs quickly without having to rely on an electrical outlet. It’s also very popular with people who live in rural areas where they may need the portability of this unit as well as other types of log splitting machines like wood chippers, augers or chainsaws used more often during periods when it isn’t cold enough outside for good firewood storage.

Southland Electric Log Splitter

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter, Red
  • Heavy duty 1.75 HP, 15 amp induction motor delivers maximum performance for the most rugged...
  • Effortlessly does big splitting jobs with a 18-second cycle time
  • Integrated stroke limiter can adjust to a shorter stroke for smaller logs
  • 7" wheels and configuration to vertical position provides maneuverability and easy storage

Product Description

The Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 is an electric log splitter with a max tonnage of six. It has an overall dimension of 95 x 30 x 34 inches and weighs 133 pounds. The unit comes equipped with two safety features, which are the overload protection system that will automatically shut off the motor if it detects any overloading or overheating problems; along with the anti-kickback device to ensure greater user control when splitting logs.

A detailed instruction manual for this model is available online at their website as well as some helpful videos on its usage and maintenance procedures (including spare parts). As far as assembly goes, you can expect it to take between one hour and 90 minutes before getting started on your first project using this splitter.

The Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 is a good choice for those who need to work on splitting logs with less power but more safety features and control.

Pros

  • Electric, safety features, easy to use.

Cons

  • No hydraulic pump system – requires manual pumping of the piston before splitting logs. Not powerful enough for tough jobs. Needs more control when operating it due to lack of power compared with gas-powered models.

Recommended?

This electric log splitter is a good choice if you are looking for portability and ease of assembly above all else; but not necessarily suitable for tougher jobs where there may be higher tonnages involved or projects that require greater control over its operation (i.e., thicker logs). It’s also one of the most affordable electric splitters in this review roundup so definitely worth considering as well!

Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green
  • [POWERFUL]: Hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 Tons of driving force
  • [LARGE CAPACITY]: Splits logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
  • [EFFICIENT]: RAM return spring for quick resets
  • [DURABLE]: Steel frame construction with wheels for easy portability
  • [EASY TO USE]: No gas, oil or cords. Wheel Size:2.48 inch

Product Description

The Sun Joe LJ-series hydraulic splitter is an electric log split that has a compact and lightweight design. The product features a telescoping side levers for easy one handed use, as well as an adjustable splitting wedge to speed up the process of splitting firewood logs. It also comes with rubber wheels so it can be easily moved from place to place making storing your wood no trouble at all. With its low weight of 90 pounds this model won’t take long to assemble or remove from storage when you need it again. Amazon buyers give this machine high marks for being able to tackle any size piece of wood they put in front of it without breaking a sweat!

  • It is a small and lightweight unit: only 90 pounds, with telescoping side levers for easy one handed use.
  • The Sun Joe LJ has an adjustable splitting wedge to speed up the process of splitting firewood logs. It also comes with rubber wheels so it can be easily moved from place to place making storing your wood no trouble at all. With its low weight of 90 pounds this model won’t take long to assemble or remove from storage when you need it again. Amazon buyers give this machine high marks for being able to tackle any size piece of wood they put in front of it without breaking a sweat!

Pros

  • It is a small and lightweight unit: only 90 pounds, with telescoping side levers for easy one handed use.

Cons

  • Some users find that the motor overheats if too many pieces are added consecut

Recommended?

Yes, if you are looking for an inexpensive log splitter that can get the job done quickly and easily this may be just what you need! With its low weight of only 90 pounds this model won’t take long to assemble or remove from storage when you need it again. Amazon buyers give this machine high marks for being able to tackle any size piece of wood they put in front of it without breaking a sweat!

See also
Best Corner Electric Fireplace (Buyer’s Guide)

Buyer’s Guide

Best Hydraulic Log Splitter (Buyer’s Guide) When you start looking for your best hydraulic log splitter, the first thing to think about is what you are actually going to be splitting. This can make a huge difference in the type of machine that will work well for your needs and could end up saving you money on something that isn’t right for you. The following list includes some common choices:

  • Hardwood – this would include cedar, oak, cherry, ash etc., it should split easily with most machines but not so soft as pine or fir which may require more strength than usual.
  • Pine & Fir – these trees yield many different types of wood including construction framing lumber and landscape timbers; both types are very soft and will not split well with most hydraulic log splits.
  • Concrete & Asphalt – these are extremely hard, dense types of wood which would require a machine specifically built for splitting them.

If you need to split these types of wood, take your time selecting the right machine.

What is a Hydraulic Log Splitter?

If you are looking for a tool that can split your logs quickly and easily, then read on. This article will introduce the top log splitters available today so you can find something suitable for your needs.

A hydraulic log splitter is an efficient device used to cut firewood into smaller pieces of wood through high pressure hydraulics. It uses oil or gas as its power source which makes it more powerful than manual splitting axes and saws. Hydraulic Log Splitters come in various sizes with varying capacities depending on how large a pieceof wood they could handle successfully without any problems arising from the use of the equipment itself, such as broken gears or overheating motors due to too much activity at once! If there is one thing I would like you to take away from this article, it is that buying a good hydraulic log splitter (or any other equipment for outdoor use) will save you money in the long run.

One thing I would like to clear up before moving on is how important safety should be when using one of these machines. Always wear protective gear if necessary and read all operating manuals carefully! NEVER play with firewood near flammable objects or materials. This includes trees, cars, houses etc., because being caught unaware could lead to serious injuries or worse- death! Be careful not just while handling logs but also after splitting them so they don’t fly off at high speeds towards your body parts! A Hydraulic Log Splitter can help make firewood splitting a quick, easy and painless task.

Types of Hydraulic Log Splitters

Types of Hydraulic Log Splitters There are two types of hydraulic log splitters: electric and gas. Electric models run on either 110-volt or 220-volt power supply, while the best gas powered ones can connect to a standard 20 pound propane tank in most cases (check user manuals).

Electric Log Splitters

An electric hydraulic log splitter is great for those who want to split logs without the noise and hassle of a gas model, but more importantly it’s perfect if you don’t have access to electricity outside. For home use (especially in smaller homes) an electric hydraulic log splitter will usually be sufficient; however, they aren’t powerful enough for commercial purposes. The power source can also limit your range of motion since most models only allow splitting from one end of the machine at a time (this can vary depending on unit). Also keep in mind that not all units are meant to run constantly 24/seven; some require rest between uses similar to running any other type of electrical appliance such as lights or a refrigerator.

Gas Powered Log Splitters

A gas powered hydraulic log splitter is the most powerful type available on the market and may be more than what you need for a home use if splitting wood occasionally, but they’re also excellent for professionals who require high performance almost everyday. Gas logs splitters will typically provide between three to five tons of force at around 60 cycles per minute (more or less depending on unit). Like electric models though there are various levels of power that vary from one machine to another; so make sure you read reviews before making your purchase. Keep in mind that many units can run continuously without overheating thanks to their thermal protection systems which shut them off when necessary (this feature isn’t present with all machines however).

The major con of gas powered models is the noise they produce, but there are some units designed for residential use that do a fairly good job at keeping it to a minimum. Also keep in mind that you’ll need to buy fuel before using them and plan accordingly (especially if your property doesn’t have access to propane tanks).

Benefits of using a Hydraulic Log Splitter

  • Logs can be split almost anywhere, even for people who live in remote areas like cabins or homes.
  • Split logs take up less space than unbroken ones and offer more surface area to catch fire easier while camping outdoors.
  • It doesn’t take much effort to split logs with a hydraulic log splitter even if it is your first time.

Drawbacks to using a Hydraulic Log Splitter

One drawback is that it takes time to cut the pieces of wood. If you need a large quantity for a project, then you can’t rely on this type of log splitter. Another disadvantage is that the hydraulic fluid used in these types of splitters will contaminate your soil after use and kill any vegetation growing near where you’re using it.

See also
Can you add Wood to a Duraflame Log?

Therefore, if there’s no other option but to use one around your house or garden, be sure to spray down all surfaces with water afterwards. In addition, these devices are often noisy when they work – which could lead to problems at home or even interfere with neighbors who live nearby while working outdoors! Also make sure not only take care about clean-up process from machine itself but also check the oil in the machine is not spilled on surface or ground.

Another drawback to using a hydraulic log splitter is that you must have an outdoor power supply where it can be plugged into for power which makes these types of splitters less mobile than other types of machines. If you need something more mobile, then this may not be your best option and instead consider electric-powered models if portability matters most to you! However, some people may enjoy having one specific place they use their wood splitter so they don’t have to move it around too much – just keep that in mind when considering all possible options available before buying!

How to use a Hydraulic Log Splitter

First, you’ll need to make sure that the hydraulic pump is running. If it isn’t working properly, then there could be an issue with your machine. This can cause some serious problems if you are operating in a remote area without help nearby.

You need to be sure that it is working properly before you get started.

When the pump starts, then hold down on the lever and slowly begin pressing downward with your foot while making contact with a piece of wood against the splitting wedge. If there’s nothing but air underneath the log splitter, then this will result in little or no movement at all. You want to make some sort of resistance so that when you press down on the hydraulic levers, it begins pushing into whatever object is beneath it. It may take several tries until everything works perfectly together and you can split one large piece of wood into two smaller pieces without any problem whatsoever. In most cases, if something feels like its going wrong or not operating right during this process – then it probably is.

It’s not as easy as you might think, and if something does go wrong then you could end up with a serious injury on your hands – so be sure to practice this several times before actually trying it out for real.

Things to Consider Before Buying your new Hydraulic Log Splitter

  • What are you splitting?
  • The weight of the wood, size and shape can affect what type of tool is best for your needs.
  • How much area do you have to work with?
  • If there isn’t a dedicated space in which to store it, something smaller might be better suited to your situation.
  • How much space do you have to maneuver?
  • With a smaller splitter, it may not be possible for the logs to pass over your head.

Environmental Protection

When you are looking for a way to make splitting logs more environmentally friendly, then your first choice should be an electric log splitter. Electric units do not pollute the air or produce any noise that might disturb neighbors or other people in your area. They also don’t need gasoline or diesel fuel, which means they will never leak harmful chemicals into streams and rivers during spills.

Hydraulic log splitters offer a lot of power and can be really effective when splitting large logs, but they do require you to use energy in the form of external fuel. That means that there is some pollution involved with their use as well as noise production.

Safety Tips

  • Keep children and pets away from the area where you are splitting wood. The splitter could kick or bounce if it is not working correctly, which can result in injury to anyone nearby.
  • If your machine falls over when it is plugged into a power source, unplug immediately and do not continue using until checked by an experienced technician. Injury may occur!
  • If you notice that your machine is emitting a strange odor or smoke, immediately unplug it from the power source and have an experienced technician check it. Injury may occur!
  • Do not use under any circumstances if there are malfunctioning parts such as hydraulic leaks or bent blades. Such problems must be taken care of before further usage by an authorized service center to avoid injury.
Sale
SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton Rapid Auto Return Ram System Bucher Gear Pump 7HP Engine Horizontal Full Beam Steel Wedge Firewood Splitting Forestry Harvesting
  • SPECS - Built with a heavy-duty 7HP gas engine, powering our 20-ton rated system, utilizes the...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN - Our lightweight horizontal full beam and steel wedge log splitter design is built...
  • EFFICIENT - Our 7HP Gas Engine provides a smooth linear power curve to help avoid clunky performance...
  • PROPER USE - (POWER) unlike electric-powered splitters, gas-powered units produce greater consistent...
  • SAFETY - Always operate the Log Splitter with eye and hand protection, utilize the controls and shut...

FAQs

What is a hydraulic log splitter?

A hydraulic log splitter uses the power of hydraulics to split logs into smaller pieces. It works by creating very high pressure, which forces one end of the log up while pushing down on the other end of it. This causes either side to separate until you have many small chunks that are easy to burn in your fireplace or place into your wood stove for heating purposes during winter time.

How does this device work?

You can use gas-powered or electric models with some manual splitting required but most offer an automatic model where you simply push a button and wait as they do all the hard work for you! What type should I get based on my needs? There are three different types: manual, power-assisted manual or fully automatic. Manual models are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of space to store it as they are smaller and lighter than an electric model but require more physical work on your part so you can split logs into small pieces easier. Power-assisted manuals also tend to be more compact which makes them ideal if you live in an apartment with limited storage options for this type of equipment while still providing more ease during use compared to the manual version. An automatic splitter is definitely the easiest way to go, especially if you plan on splitting lots of wood throughout winter time or at least several times per week! You can just push a button and let it do the work for you as long as you have logs to split.

What type should I get based on my needs?

There are three different types: manual, power-assisted manual or fully automatic. Manual models are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of space to store it as they are smaller and lighter than an electric model but require more physical work on your part so you can split logs into small pieces easier. Power-assisted manuals also tend to be more compact which makes them ideal if you live in an apartment with limited storage options for this type of equipment while still providing more ease during use compared to the manual version. An automatic splitter is definitely the easiest way to go, especially if you plan on splitting lots of wood throughout winter time or at least several times per week! You can just push a button and let it do the work for you as long as you have logs to split.

Conclusion

One of the first things to consider when buying a log splitter is how much you’re willing to spend. If it’s just for some occasional firewood, then you can get away with spending less on something that will serve its purpose well enough. However, if this tool is going to be used frequently or if your family really likes bonfires and campfires in winter (like we do), then it might make sense to invest more money into a high-quality model like those mentioned above.