When you are shopping for a log splitting machine, you need to be able to identify the features you should look for. You can find a lot of information about log splitters online, including important facts and even their specifications. However, how can you tell the difference between what is important and what is just fluff?
5 Points to Consider for Choosing a Log Splitter
After many years of talking, designing, building, and discussing log splitters, we have concluded that every log splitter buyer should look for the top five factors. Please read on for more details.
1) Driving power
There are two ways to split logs: the Hydraulic and the Kinetic way. Both kinetic and hydraulic have their advantages.
Hydraulics may split harder logs more efficiently than a kinetic machine. However, hydraulics is slower than kinetic, which is why they excel. A hydraulics’ cycle time is between 10 and 30 seconds, which is fine. However, a kinetic can cycle in a crazy time of 1 to 5 seconds. This will save you a lot of time.
2) Splitting capacity
Once you have decided which type of splitter you want, you can choose the best capacity range for you. Cargo is usually the option for splitting capacity when you choose one of them. Tonnage refers to the force that the splitting ram exerts upon the log.
The higher load it can exert on the logs, the tougher it is and the knottier it will be able to handle. So, get a higher tonnage splitter if you want to increase the working efficiency and speed.
3) Towing
Do you plan to split in the same spot every time? Are you going to keep the splitter in a different place? You’ll likely need to move your log splitting machine around a lot, so you will want an easy way to transport it. Many models can be towable using a pin hitch attached to your property.
Some models can be towable on public roads thanks to being DOT-approved. Be sure to check that the model you select meets your transportation requirements. You can always get an optional towing kit if the model doesn’t have the towing hitch you want.
4) Log size
Knowing the maximum size log a splitter can handle is also important. Before purchasing one, you should know the full-size log you will need to split (in both length and diameter). Then, narrow your choices by choosing those that can handle this size. If you regularly split logs larger than 18 inches, it is not worth investing in a smaller splitter.
5) Ease-of-use features
Log splitters come with many other features that make them even easier to use. Horizontal-vertical log splitters, for example, allows you to split in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. This allows large, heavy logs to be split directly on the ground.
Other models, like the DR RapidFires, have a worktable that holds split logs at a comfortable height for re-splitting. There is no need to pick up pieces for the third, fourth, or fifth split. When you are browsing log splitters, look out for easy-to-use features.
Conclusion:
A log splitter is a great tool, and you can always find one that suits you no matter what models you like. Remember to consider the above points when choosing a log splitter to split wood. And log splitters are highly recommended as they are quite efficient. You can note that even a small kinetic log splitter can be more efficient than splitting wood the traditional way. So go for one to ease your hard-splitting work.