Choosing the Best Log Splitters - Basic Buying Guide for 2014
So, what features in log splitters really make the grade? That’s a good question and one that we’re going to answer with our buying guide. Here are the features you want to be looking for in a quality log splitter.
1. Powerful Motor
A log splitter has to be powerful enough to get through hard and wet wood without straining. For this reason, you should only opt for a log splitter that has enough power to get through the toughest jobs. Consider the total RAM splitting force, amps, and total horsepower, and choose one that’s adequate enough for your needs.
2. Log Length And Diameter Splitting Range
On a similar note, the log length and diameter that a log splitter will accept will determine the amount of work you can get done with it. Remember, it’s better to have a log splitter that accepts more than enough wood size than not enough. For people who work with wood frequently, airing on the side of caution would be best.
Choose a log splitter that can handle large diameters and lengths. 20 inches length and 12 inches in diameter is a good size dimension for a log splitter to be able to work with. Even a total log size of 25 inches is possible for some high powered splitters.
3. Wheels For Portability And Ball Hitches For Towing
Being able to roll your log splitter into a shed or garage to keep it protected from the elements is important to the health of your splitter. Also, just one man or woman should be able to move the splitter to a safe place, so most splitters with wheels allow for this.
Champion Power Equipment No.92221 22-Ton Gas Powered Log Splitter
And, if you need to tow your log splitter, most of them come with a ball hitch so you can accomplish this too. But be careful when traveling with a log splitter, as some of them might not be able to travel safely at freeway speeds.
4. Fast Cycle Times
A log splitter with a fast cycle time means that you’ll be able to get more done in less time. Around 15 seconds is respectable as far as cycle times go, and you’ll find that this plays a key part in your splitting efficiency and productivity. Obviously, a log splitter that has a faster cycle time, as in the amount of time it takes for the ram to go back to the starting position after splitting, will be able to split more wood in less time.
5. All Steel Construction
Log splitters are designed to be used for many years of trouble free wood splitting. The only real way to accomplish this is by having a durable, all steel construction design. Look for this in any log splitter you consider, because remember, you’re going to need to be using your splitter for years to come.
6. Warranty, Manufacturer, and Amazon Review Score
These three factors are very important. Your log splitter should come with at least a 1 year warranty. Read the reviews to ensure they make good on their warranty claims. Secondly, be sure to choose a reputable manufacturer. Troy-Bilt, Pow ‘R’ Craft, Powerhouse, WOODEZE, and Swisher are all making quality log splitters these days.
Finally, be sure to thoroughly check out the Amazon reviews and really read into the feedback. These user reports contain valuable information you can use to your advantage to make a smarter purchasing decision.
