2021 Ultimate Guide of Log Splitter

Cutting wood not only requires strength but also a lot of time. The log splitter can solve this problem well. This article will introduce the knowledge of log splitter in detail to help you choose the right machine.

What is a log splitter?

A log splitter is a machine used to split large pieces of wood into small pieces of firewood. It relies on manual, electric, or gas power to provide splitting force to split tree stumps, large tree branches, large log segments, and harder wood to meet the feed size requirements of the chipper, or split the raw materials into other materials for other purposes.

The log splitter is composed of hydraulic or electric rod and piston assembly. The log splitters are rated according to the tonnage of the force they produce. The higher the rated force, the greater the thickness or length of the wood that can be split. The general stroke specifications are 1000 mm, 1100 mm, 1200 mm, and the nominal pressure is 30 tons, 35 tons, 50 tons, etc.

Log splitters can be used by homeowners as well as in commercial environments. To use the log splitter, you only need to place the wood on the equipment and split the wood manually. It not only reduces the time spent cutting logs but also greatly reduces the amount of manual labor required.

The working principle of the log splitter

The log splitter is considered to be one of the simplest hydraulic equipment in use today. It consists of six key components, including engine, hydraulic pump, valve, hydraulic cylinder, fuel tank, and filter. The log splitter mainly relies on the hydraulic pump system to complete the splitting operation. The system pushes the log into the blade or the hydraulic pump swings the blade through the wood.

Turn on the engine and start the wood splitter. This pushes the liquid stored in the tank through the pump. The pump builds up pressure and pushes fluid into the cylinder, which drives the piston. The plunger pushes the wood into the moving or stationary wedge. Then the plunger continues to move so that the wooden block passes through the wedge, or the wedge passes through the wood, dividing the wooden block into two parts.

Classification of log splitters

The log splitter is important auxiliary equipment in the wood chip processing industry, mainly in two series, vertical and horizontal. In addition, from simple hand tools to powerful large pneumatic machines, there is something suitable for your work.

• Vertical log splitter

  
  

  The splitting wedge of the vertical log splitter is built into the hammer itself. When in use, the end of the log splitter is lowered to the ground, and the logs can be split without lifting. It specializes in decomposing and cutting large woods and various tree stumps. Vertical log splitters are usually driven by gas and are designed to keep your logs on the ground to prevent you from lifting heavier parts. The vertical log splitter has the characteristics of reasonable structure, sturdiness and durability, high output, easy operation, and safety.

  
  

  

  
  

• Horizontal log splitter

  
  

  The horizontal log splitter adopts a horizontal separation mode, which can support logs. But you need to elevate it into place. It is suitable for splitting smaller pieces of wood. The disadvantage of the horizontal log splitter is that you cannot roll a large piece of wood on it.

  
  

  

  
  

• Manual hydraulic log splitter

  
  

  The manual log splitter relies on manpower to pressurize the hydraulic oil to split logs. They are lighter in weight and easier to store. The manual log splitter is the perfect size for small and medium log and small wood storage work, helping to greatly reduce your time and energy on the stakes. The manual log splitter is indeed laborious, but it is very easy to maintain. It is a good choice for people who don't want to pay extra.

  
  

• Gas log splitter

  
  

  The gas log splitter is the most powerful one, used to split larger logs. It is powered by a four-stroke gas engine that builds up pressure in a hydraulic oil pump. Once the pressure is built up, the high-pressure oil will activate a valve. The valve can be released in a hydraulic cylinder to split logs. Gas log splitter requires regular maintenance, including inspection and replacement of pipes, replacement of hydraulic oil, lubrication of moving parts, and keeping the engine in good working condition. The gas log splitter is suitable for various situations and is most suitable for users who plan to chop wood on a regular basis.

  
  

  

  
  

• Electric log splitter

  
  

  The electric log splitter is the most popular type of divider on the market. Compared with many gas models, it is lighter and smaller in size, making it more suitable for residential use. The electric log splitter uses an electric motor to power the hydraulic system and can be operated indoors without worrying about the smoke generated by the engine. The main advantage of using an electric log splitter is that you can use the machine indoors, outdoors, or almost anywhere, as long as you can find a standard power socket. In addition, they are compact, easy to transport, well stored, and quiet. However, electric log splitters' processing capacity is somewhat limited, and they also require regular inspections of pipelines and so on.

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How to choose the right log splitter?

The size of the log splitter is determined by its tonnage. Tonnage refers to the force exerted by the plunger of the wood splitter when splitting the logs. Choosing the right log splitter tonnage mainly needs to consider the following factors.

1. Log diameter

   Logs with larger diameters require more pressure to split. A 4-ton log splitter is suitable for 6-inch branches, but a 24-inch trunk requires at least 20 tons of power.

   
   

2. Density or hardness of wood

   Hardwoods such as oak and maple require more force to split than softwoods such as pine.

   
   

3. Moisture content in wood

   Freshly cut logs contain most of the moisture. They are difficult to cut and require larger tonnage log splitters. As the wood ages, the moisture inside will slowly evaporate, making it more brittle and easier to cut. A log splitter with a smaller tonnage can be used.

Dongquan is a well-known log splitter manufacturer in China, providing high-quality log splitters. If you have any needs, please contact us immediately.