8 Best Log Splitters – Most Reliable Splitters [Updated Guide]

Are you looking for the best log splitters?

Well, you’ve come to the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be going over in this post.

I’ll be covering the best log splitters for all uses including the best overall splitter, budget, splitters for really large logs, manual splitters, and more.

So let’s get straight into this!

1. Champion 7-Ton – Best Overall

[Link to the product]

• Splits up to 19-inch wood
• Gas-powered
• Weighs 143.3 lbs.

Powerful

This Champion may be small but it’s still very powerful. The engine is gas-powered with only 80cc or 80 cubic capacity. It’s strong enough to split through even the hardest wood. These can vary in size up to 19 inches long and weigh 50 lbs. 

Portable

Because the engine is so small the machine is also lightweight. At a mere 143.3 lbs., it can easily be transported by hand. Simply tilt it up onto its 10-inch, never-flat wheels and push or pull wherever you need to go. Don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of dragging it around?

Well, you’re in luck! It’s also small enough to fit into most truck beds. As a third option, you can tow the machine up to 45 mph using the 2-inch ball coupler provided. The low profile build also makes it easy to load by allowing you to remain low to the ground instead of needing to lift the logs higher.

Durable and Fast

The integrated log cradle on this splitter is sure to withstand those tough jobs. It features a cast-iron sleeve which is designed with hard work in mind. The auto return runs at a speed quick enough to allow a 20-second cycle time. What good is this to you?

Basically, the arm will fully extend and retract every 20 seconds. This ensures a new split can be made every 20-seconds. There’s also hydraulics helping you along the way.

2. WEN Splitter – Budget

[Link to the product]

• Splits logs up to 20.5 X 10 inches
• Electric
• Weighs 98 pounds

Powerful

The Wen is an electric log splitter that runs off a 15amp motor. This can produce a force with up to 13,000 pounds of pressure to push the log against the wedge. You’ll be sure to obtain an efficient split. With this wood splitter, you can be ensured that all 20.5 X10 inch or smaller logs will break apart with ease.

Portable and lightweight

Portability is easier to achieve with a lightweight machine. This splitter only weighs 98 pounds which is much less than any gas-powered splitter. Because of this, you’ll find its maneuverability to be much more manageable.

There’s a handle conveniently located to help with this and 5.5-inch wheels that have been designed to never go flat.

3. Champion 37-Ton – For Large Rounds

[Link to the product]

• Splits logs as big as 24-inches long
• Gas Powered
• Weighs 573 lbs.

Power

The Champion 37-ton is the leading wood splitter when it comes to larger rounds. The engine is large at 338cc or 338 cubic capacity and allows for the use of 37-tons of pressure.

The 4-stroke engine is reliable while having the advantage of using straight gasoline. This takes out any room for error as there is no need to stress over mixing fuel. 

Fast and efficient

The cycle time is a mere 16 seconds. In other words, it only takes 16 seconds for the arm to fully extend and retract. This allows for a total of 225 cycles per hour. But what does this mean for you? The splitter runs fast enough to make up to 225 splits in only an hour. 

The efficiency of this splitter is due to the 2-stage gear pump. This gives you the advantage of being able to control the pressure applied to the log. For instance, any hardwoods are best utilized with the low flow/high-pressure setting.

This means it will split slower but will have more power to drive through the wood. On the other hand, softer woods that can be split much easier can use the high flow/low pressure option.

This uses less pressure but will move at a faster pace. You can also alternate so that you start off with the high flow option until the arm reaches the log and then switch to the low flow. 

Built to last

This machine is tough. With a durable, cast-iron sleeve, you’ll have no issues with it bending out of shape or breaking off.

The low oil shut off makes sure it won’t run dry and wreck the engine by stopping the splitter when it’s too low. It’s able to host logs that weigh as much as 100 lbs. by providing a high-quality log cradle and catcher.

Portable

One great asset to this machine is the 2-inch ball coupler complete with an extendable arm. Not only do these things make it easy to tow but it also allows for a wider range of ATVs, tractors, and vehicles to take on this task.

As is the case with the other towable splitters I’ve looked at, this one can also be transported up to 45 miles per hour. The oversized, 16-inch tires allow the machine to travel smoothly over uneven terrain.

4. Sun Joe LJ10M – Manual

[Link to the product]

• Splits logs up to 18X8 inches
• Manually powered
• Weighs 87 pounds

Power

Unlike the other splitters we have looked at so far, this one is manually powered. 2 levers operate the hydraulic arm. One of these is a high speed/low pressure while the other one is low speed/high pressure.

Like the 2-stage gear pump on the Champion 37 ton, these are best utilized depending on the hardness or softness of the log. They can also be alternated so that the higher speed is used to reach the log, but the lower speed is used to split it.

10-tons of pressure is used to ram the log against the splitting wedge. Even though this is manually operated, the extended arms on the levers allow for maximum leverage making this much easier to split wood with than using an ax. 

Built strong

This splitter was built using durable steel. The 10-tons of pressure from the ram will withstand an everyday beating. There’s also a log cradle that holds the wood in place. 

Portable

Even though this is light at only 87 pounds, it can still be a challenge to carry around. Fortunately, Sun Joe has you covered by adding on a set of 2.48-inch wheels. 

5. Kindling Cracker

[Link to the product]

• Splits wood up to 6.5X12.5inches
• Manually powered
• Weighs 10 pounds

Power

The Kindling Cracker is another manually powered log splitter but is set up a little differently. With this one, you slide the logs into the top of the device and then pound on it from the top with either a hammer or mallet of your choice. This forces the wood down onto the splitting wedge which forces it to break apart. 

Safe

With no moving parts to worry about, this is the safest wood splitter I have seen so far. There’s no risk of hands being pinched in any of the crevices nor of a hydraulic arm catching your hand in its path. On top of this, it’s also the lowest maintenance splitter. Nothing needs to be greased, replaced, filled, or oiled. 

6. Champion 25-Ton

[Link to the product]

• Splits logs up to 23.8 inches long
• Gas Powered
• Weighs 430 pounds

Powerful

The Champion 25-ton log isn’t quite as powerful as the 37-ton but is still great for the toughest woods. As the name suggests, it uses 27 tons of splitting power or 27-tons of weight to force the logs against the splitting wedge. The reliable 224CC engine allows for logs as heavy as 100 lbs. to be split.

Speed

This has one of the fastest cycle times at only 12-seconds which allows for 300 cycles per hour. But what does this really mean? The arm takes 12 seconds to fully extend and fully retract from the splitting wedge.

At this rate, you can expect to be able to make up to 300 wood splits every hour. Any larger jobs will make good work of this increase.

Versatile 

Comfort is a key factor when hunkering down on a long job. Thankfully, Champion has thought of this and prepared accordingly. By allowing the beam to convert to either a horizontal or vertical state they have allowed you to reduce the stress levels on your limbs and back.

You can easily interchange this state to suit the area you are working in as well as the logs you’re dealing with.

Portable

Being portable is an essential asset with any splitter. To make this easy, it’s equipped with a 2-inch ball coupler and an arm with an extended reach. This allows it to be towed behind a wide variety of ATV’s, tractors, or small vehicles.

The 16-inch tires help it to move over rough terrain with ease. The maximum recommended towing speed is 45 miles per hour. At 430 lbs. I don’t suggest trying to move this by hand.

7. YARDMAX YS0552

[Link to the product]

• Splits logs 20.5″ X 10″ in 
• Electric
• Weighs 108 lbs.

Power

This Yardmax uses a 5-ton ramming force to push the logs against the splitting wedge. It allows you to cut logs as big as 20.5X10 inches. There’s also a short cycle time of only 16 seconds.

In other words, it takes 16 seconds for the arm to fully extend and retract before you’re able to add another log. This allows for 225 splits to be made per hour.

Portable

The 7-inch wheels and low weight make this easy to transport from job to job. Simply tilt it up onto its side and you’ll easily be able to wheel it around. Since it’s electric, there aren’t any harmful fumes to worry about. This gives you the freedom of operating virtually anywhere.

Too cold to work outside? No worries! You can pull it indoors to an area such as a garage or shop and continue to work away in comfort.

Versatile

A removable stand makes this splitter extra versatile. If you’re more comfortable working close to the ground, simply take it off the stand. This makes it easy to lift those heavier logs into place. Or perhaps you want to save your back? Then onto the stand, it goes.

Working in a shop and you’d rather place it on a workbench? This works too! Whatever your preference, this machine can do it.

8. Timber Tuff TMW

[Link to the product]

• Splits up to 24 inches wide and 15 inches long
• Manually Powered
• Weighs 13.73 lbs.

Power

Timber Tuff TMW is another manually powered log splitter. Its function is like that of an ax except safer as you aren’t swinging a sharp blade over your head.

The use is simple. Just slam the splitting wedge straight down onto the log you wish to split. Next, keep slamming it down again and again until the log eventually breaks apart. You can use either a one or two-handed operation.

Environmentally friendly

Since this splitter is manually powered, there are no harmful fumes or emissions to worry about. This gives you the advantage of being able to split wood virtually anywhere. This can benefit you by allowing you out of the weather and into a more comfortable place such as a shop or garage. 

Portable

Due to the small lightweight size, you can easily pack this around from job to job. It’ll easily fit into even the smallest car. It can also be operated anywhere without needing to worry about power outlets, any cords, or fuel. You won’t need to worry about a place to store it. Any small garden shed, or closet will be able to accommodate this splitter.

Conclusion

So those were the best log splitters for all uses and occasions.

Hope you found what you were looking for in this guide.

Happy splitting!

– Adam