Best Commercial Log Splitter: Different Types of Log Splitters

Unless you’ve been living in a remote cave, you should know that using an ax to split logs has become a thing of the past. Today, the best commercial log splitter can do the job faster, better, and much more comfortable.

Today, I’ll review among the top five commercial log splitters currently on the market. I tried to diversify my picks to fit firewood producers, landscapers, and DIYers. Let’s get going!

Quick Comparison

Different Types of Log Splitters

Before we get to the actual reviews, I briefly discussed the major types of log splitters. Establishing this information early on should make it a lot easier for you to choose a suitable product.

Gas vs. Electric

The first thing you should consider is undoubtedly the power source. In addition to gas and electricity, some people use manual splitters. I’ll actually feature one of those in the reviews below, so make sure to stick around if you’re interested!

Portability

If you’re buying the log splitter to use it in your home, I think you’ll find electric models super convenient. Unlike gas splitters, you can use them indoors, probably in a basement garage, without worrying about toxic carbon monoxide emissions.

Due to the usually smaller build of electric splitters, you can easily carry them anywhere. This is especially helpful for landscapers who have to relocate to lots of working venues in a short amount of time.

Tonnage

Later in this article, I’ll explain how you can pick a suitable tonnage that isn’t too weak or too strong. For now, let’s explore the general capacity range offered by both models.

With 120V motors, you can never expect electric splitters to be as powerful as their gas counterparts. Finding an electric model offering more than 10 tons is quite rare. That said, most of them lie between 5 and 7 tons. If that suits your need, consider the Boss Industrial ES7T20.

On the contrary, gas splitters can come with hefty motors that cut through the knottiest logs. The highest you can go — without affecting portability — is 37 tons. The Champion 37-Ton Gas Log Splitter is a pretty worthy mention.

Horizontal vs. Vertical

As you’ll see in my featured products, horizontal log splitters are the most famous types. In these models, the hydraulic arm extends horizontally away from the motor.

These models fit landscapers since they can be transported easily. However, they may not be that efficient since their log cradles are usually too small.

If you often work with heavy, thick trees, then vertical splitters would be ideal. Since their hydraulic arm drops down on the log, you won’t have to lift the wood off the ground.

By the nature of the beast, the upright design can be daunting to move around. If you happen to encounter a bumpy road, the splitter may get severely damaged.

To offer the best versatility, some brands release splitters that offer both setups. You can easily flip between these modes if need be. Interested? Check out the Powerhorse Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter (fourth on this list).

The Best Commercial Log Splitters: Honest Reviews and Detailed Descriptions

Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can start exploring the actual products to see what each one has to offer.

Description

Like every electric log splitter, the WEN 56207 sacrifices power in favor of convenience. The good news is, it ranks pretty high above similar models. Its 15A motor is capable of splitting logs with a force of 6.5 tons.

To boost comfort, this splitter comes with an optional 34-inch-high mount. You can install it to avoid lower back pain or ditch it to be closer to the ground. Either way, the splitter will have the same exceptional portability with fully functional never-flat 5.5-inch wheels.

The only thing I wish was different is the cycle time. At 20 seconds, it takes a bit longer than the average. It’s a shame that WEN didn’t implement a faster hydraulic system to make full use of that powerful motor.

Features and Specifications

• Power: 15A 2.5HP motor
• Tonnage: 6.5 tons
• Log size capacity: 20.5” in length, 10” in diameter
• 16-square-inch push plate
• 5-inch wedge
• Cycle time: 20 seconds
• Weight: 98 lb
• Dimensions: 38.5 x 28.25 x 39.25 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

Video: Wen 6.5 Ton Electric Wood Splitter Demo

Description

Want to avoid hassling with wires and gas? Well, I’m pretty sure you’ll love Sun Joe’s LJ10M.

This splitter operates by moving two piston rods back and forth. But don’t fret; the splitting tonnage doesn’t depend directly on your force. Instead, the piston arms push a hydraulic fluid, which, in turn, drives the wedge arm forward. Best of all, after the log splits, you can easily pull the arm back with a turn of a knob.

I know what you’re probably thinking. This manual operation can never deliver satisfying forces. Lucky for you, this couldn’t be further from the truth. At 10 tons, this splitter is more powerful than the majority of electric tools!

Thanks to the absence of complicated parts, Sun Joe was able to bring the weight of this splitter down to an amazing 87 lb. And with the rear wheels, it’ll be super easy to move the splitter around and store it in an upright manner.

Features and Specifications

• Power: manual
• Tonnage: 10 tons
• Log size capacity: 18” in length, 8” in diameter
• Cycle time: not applicable
• Weight: 87 lb
• Dimensions: 41.12 x 8.12 x 11.8 inches
• Warranty: Contact the seller

Video: SunJoe 10 ton Wood Splitter Review

Description

Featuring a 3.5HP, 2200W motor, the Powerhouse XM-380 excels over the WEN 56207 with a small yet significant margin. The extra power translates into 7 tons of force and around 15 seconds of cycle time.

The log size capacity featured here doesn’t differ much from what we’ve seen earlier. But it’s worth noting that it can accept logs 2 inches wider than the WEN 56207, which makes sense given the more powerful motor.

Unfortunately, this one doesn’t come with a mount. This is an obvious deal-breaker for senior users who care about convenience more than anything else.

On the positive side, the welded steel construction of the XM-380 feels a lot sturdier than most electric models. It’s pretty hard to beat its exceptional durability.

Features and Specifications

• Power: 3.5HP, 2200W motor
• Tonnage: 7 tons
• Log size capacity: 20.5” in length, 12” in diameter
• Cycle time: 15 seconds
• Weight: 104 lb
• Dimensions: 38.19 x 11.81 x 19.29 inches
• Warranty: Contact the seller

Video: PowerHouse xm-380 7 Ton review - Log Splitter Review

Description

For professional workers, gas splitters make more sense. Not only are they powerful, but they’re also more durable in the long run. If this is what you’re after, the Powerhorse log splitter should be your best bet.

As the title implies, this splitter is capable of operating in horizontal and vertical orientation. What’s more, flipping between those modes is quite effortless thanks to the heavy-duty pivot. If you’re unfamiliar, splitting logs vertically will eliminate the need for carrying them onto the platform. This would be especially helpful for folks working with extra heavy logs.

The robust 212cc motor of this beast will apply 22 tons of force over 25-inch-long and 14-inch-wide logs when turned on. And to my surprise, it can complete a full cycle in around 13 seconds only!

Needless to say, such a powerful tool will expectedly cost you more than an eclectic splitter. But it’s actually more affordable than similarly-powerful gas machines.

Features and Specifications

• Power: 212cc motor
• Tonnage: 22 tons
• Log size capacity: 25” in length, 14” in diameter
• Cycle time: 13 seconds
• Weight: 593 lb
• Dimensions: 86 x 43 x 15 inches
• Warranty: Contact the seller

Video: Powerhorse 22 Ton Wood Splitter Demo

Description

If you like to DIY stuff from time to time, you don’t have to break the bank in order to ditch the ax. This log splitter from Irontons balances well between performance and affordability.

Although it features a 15A motor, the force of this splitter is capped at 5 tons. And yes, it may feel too low, but you get what you pay for! The good news is, the sacrificed power means a much shorter cycle time. Completing a full cycle in 13 seconds is surely outstanding.

Features and Specifications

• Power: 15A, 1.75HP motor
• Tonnage: 5 tons
• Log size capacity: N/A
• Cycle time: 13 seconds
• Weight: 114 lb
• Dimensions: 52 x 10 x 19 inches
• Warranty: Contact the seller

Video: Ironton Horizontal Electric Log Splitter 5-Ton 15 Amp 120V Motor

What to Look for When Buying the Best Log Splitter

Still can’t decide? Well, how about going with the norm? Based on my experience, I can tell you that most of the American workers rent 20-ton splitters. This can be more than enough for personal use. And it can cover most large-scale commercial projects.

Aim for a Shorter Cycle Time

The cycle time refers to the duration needed to extend and retract the hydraulic wedge arm. As it gets shorter, you’ll be able to increase your work efficiency and ramp up your output.

Ideally, buying splitters from reputable brands should guarantee acceptable cycle times that logically conforms with the tonnage.

To tempt more users, non-famous brands usually release splitters with huge capacities at extremely affordable prices. Even if the motor is actually capable of delivering the claimed force, I’d still advise against buying such products.

More times than not, the “no-name” brands sacrifice cycle time for affordability. I don’t know about you, but I’d definitely hate it if I have to go grab a cup of coffee until each log splits!

Conclusion and Best Offer

After my elaborate research, I can say that WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter is the best commercial log splitter on the market. I like the fact that it comes with a 34-inch mount to make the process more comfortable. It’s pretty rare to see that in an electric splitter.

The Alternative

Want something more powerful? I think you’ll like the Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter. Its 3.5HP motor raises the maximum force to 7 tons, which can effortlessly cut 20.5-inch-long and 12-inch-wide logs.