How To Choose A Hydraulic Log Splitter

Anyone who has been manually chopping up wood with an axe will realise how labour intensive it is. Necessity is the mother of invention and, in this case, the answer was the hydraulic log splitter. Here, we’ve put together this guide on how to choose the right log splitter for your needs.

Using A Hydraulic Log Splitter

Hydraulic log splitters can save you valuable time and limit physical exertion; especially if you have a lot of wood that requires cutting. Unlike axes, hydraulic log splitters use strength, not speed, to safely and effectively split wooden logs.

How do hydraulic log splitters work?

A wedge is gradually rammed against the log. The force exerted from the wedge gradually splits the wood in half. A hydraulic log splitter’s force is measured in tonnes. The higher the tonnage, the wider and harder the logs the machine can split.

You may be considering using a chainsaw in conjunction with one of these machines. Indeed, the entire process goes a lot quicker and smoother when you combine the cutting power of a traditional chainsaw with the capabilities of a hydraulic log splitter. The chainsaw is used to cut the wood into manageable pieces then these are fed into the log splitter.

Hydraulic log splitters are powered using two stage hydraulic pumps. The pump itself gets its power from an engine; often petrol, diesel or an electric motor.

What Should I Be Looking Out For When Selecting A Hydraulic Log Splitter?

Firstly, you should be considering your budget. If you already have a suitable engine, then it may not be necessary to buy a full splitter. There are many types of hydraulic log splitter kits available, including those we sell at Flowfit. Many of these kits are adapted to work with Honda petrol engines, Loncin petrol engines, or with a Hatz diesel engine setup. These kits can be more affordable than purchasing a whole brand-new hydraulic log splitter.

You will also need to consider the hardness of the wood you plan on working with. Each wood species has its own unique properties in relation to hardness. Oak is probably the hardest hard wood you are likely to encounter in the UK and pine is amongst the hardest soft woods.

As mentioned earlier, the harder the wood the more tonnage of force is required to split it. If you are planning on working with hard wood types, ensure the hydraulic log splitter you’re looking to buy has the appropriate tonnage rating. The hydraulic log splitter kits we offer at Flowfit are available with a force rating of up to 22.7 tonnes.

Width will affect the tonnage required to split the log as well. The general rule of thumb is the wider the wood, the more force required to split it. So, if the trees you’re dealing with are very wide, get yourself a more powerful hydraulic log splitter!

So, in closing, it boils down to three key factors: price, wood width and wood hardness. A good idea is to stick with a powerful hydraulic log splitter. This way, you can be assured that it will be more than able to handle any wood you may need to split.

Flowfit offer a wide range of hydraulic log splitter kits, components and accessories. they are built and designed by some of the world’s leading manufacturers, assuring you get the highest quality possible. Flowfit offer global delivery as well as free UK and EU postage and packaging on all our items. Order your hydraulic log splitter today!