What to Look for When Buying a Log Splitter: Key Features to Consider

If manually splitting wood feels like a chore, a log splitter can make a world of difference. Designed to handle everything from backyard firewood to heavy-duty land clearing, a log splitter is a must-have for many Australians. 

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or planning to go DIY, we’re here to provide some pointers on what to look for as you scour the market. Let’s help you navigate the key features and explore some highly recommended models.

What Is a Log Splitter?

Log splitters are a type of outdoor equipment designed to cut through large logs, turning them into smaller and more manageable pieces of firewood. Unlike axes and mauls, which require physical strength and manual effort to split logs, a log splitter uses hydraulic or mechanical power to apply force to the log, splitting it quickly and efficiently.

Log splitters come in various sizes and styles, from compact models for occasional use to heavy-duty versions that can handle large volumes of wood. They are typically more precise than hand tools. This means they allow you to achieve more consistent splits, and they can handle tougher, thicker logs that might be difficult or dangerous to split with an axe.

How They Compare to Other Outdoor Equipment

While log splitters share some similarities with other outdoor machinery like chainsaws and wood chipper shredders, they serve a different purpose. Chainsaws are primarily used for cutting logs down to size, whereas log splitters focus on splitting the logs after they’ve been cut. Wood chippers, on the other hand, are used to break down branches and foliage into smaller chips, not logs.

Log splitters are more similar to other types of heavy-duty outdoor machinery like ride on mowers or tillers in that they are built to handle tough outdoor tasks with minimal physical effort. However, unlike these tools, which typically work by rotating blades or tines, log splitters apply linear force directly to the log to split it, offering a unique approach to outdoor work.

The Benefits of Log Splitters

Log splitters are essential for anyone handling large amounts of firewood. Whether you’re an industry pro, preparing for winter, clearing land, or just enjoying a backyard fire, a log splitter can save you time, effort, and frustration. 

Here’s why investing in one is a game changer:

Saving Time

A log splitter works significantly faster than your more traditional manual splitting methods. Where using an axe can take several minutes to chop through a log, a hydraulic or mechanical splitter does the job in a matter of seconds. 

This time saving aspect is especially helpful if you need to split a large quantity of firewood or work with dense and tough logs. With the help of a log splitter, you can process wood in a fraction of the time, leaving you more freedom to do other tasks or enjoy your firewood.

Improving Safety

Using an axe to split logs requires considerable strength and precision, and there’s always the risk of the axe slipping or misjudging your swing. A log splitter, however, takes the physical exertion and danger out of the equation. 

Hydraulic and mechanical splitters safely direct force onto the log, so your hands and feet are kept far away from the splitting action. This reduces the chances of injuries like axe slips, cuts, or even the back strain that comes with constantly bending up and down.

Consistent Results

It’s no secret that achieving uniform splits with an axe is seriously difficult. Log splitters, on the other hand, help to ensure that each individual log is split evenly, making stacking and storing firewood much easier. Consistent results also mean that your firewood burns more efficiently, as evenly split pieces also fit together a lot more neatly.

Minimising Effort

Splitting logs by hand is physically demanding, and after a long day of chopping, it’s natural to feel exhausted or overwhelmed. This is exactly where log splitters are so useful. Using hydraulic or mechanical power, they essentially do most of the heavy lifting for you!

Whether you have a few logs to split or need to tackle a massive pile, a splitter reduces the physical effort required. They’re also really beneficial for anyone with back, shoulder, or arm issues who still want to get the task done effectively.

Durable and Reliable

If you select the right make and model, a log splitter will serve you well for countless years. Because they are built with durable materials, these machines can handle tough wood types, high volumes, and long hours of operation without wearing down. 

Investing in a reliable splitter means fewer maintenance costs and a tool that will keep working for years to come, no matter how many logs you throw at it. This makes it a dependable companion for anyone regularly splitting wood, whether you’re using it seasonally or for ongoing projects.

Types of Log Splitters: Which One Suits You?

Not all log splitters are created equal. The type you need depends on how much wood you’re splitting, the size of the logs, and how often you’ll use the machine. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types:

Manual Log Splitters: These are simple, budget-friendly tools, often powered by human strength or hydraulics. They’re great for small jobs, but they might struggle with larger, knottier logs.

Electric Log Splitters: Compact, quiet, and eco-friendly, electric models are perfect for suburban homes or smaller properties. They’re best for lighter use and can handle logs up to about 20 cm in diameter.

Petrol-Powered Log Splitters: The heavy hitters of the log-splitting world! These machines have the grunt to tackle large, dense logs and are ideal for rural properties or commercial use. The trade-off? They’re noisier and need regular maintenance.

Popular Log Splitter Models and Recommendations

Here are three fantastic log splitters available from BW Machinery, each suited to different needs and budgets:

Masport 7-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

Manufactured by the world-renowned Masport brand, this is a domestic use model that’s both solid and reliable. An ideal replacement for an axe or maul, this electric log splitter is an effective way to create firewood from a pile of logs.

Features:

• 2300W, 230V motor
• Simple to operate and maintain
• Electric power means less noise and no fumes
• Can also be used indoors or in covered areas
• 320mm (12 1/2″) max log diameter
• 520mm (20″) max log length
• Hydraulic 7 tonne ram
• And much more

BWM LSE30 Essential Series Log Splitter

The BWM LSE30 Log Splitter is powered by a genuine commercial Briggs and Stratton 6.5HP OHV engine and built to perform in demanding applications. Featuring a 2-stage, (11GPM/3000psi) pump for maximum speed without loss of pressure, it can split in both vertical and horizontal positions. 

Features:

• Powered by commercial Briggs and Stratton 6.5HP OHV engine
• 30 tons splitting force
• Working in both horizontal and vertical positions
• Split logs up to 20″ (508mm) diameter
• 2 stage pump at 11GPM/3000psi
• 16 seconds cycle time
• Auto return valve
• Heavy duty tow bar with 2″ (50mm) coupler
• Portable design with a 6″ jockey wheel
• 2 Years Warranty & 3 Years Engine Warranty

BWM LSV30H Log Splitter

The BWM LSV30H Log Splitter is powered by a genuine Honda GX200 OHV engine (Honda Australia Approved), and is built to perform in harsh Australian applications.

Every BWM log splitter comes with a 2 year warranty, as well as a money back guarantee if your log splitter fails to split your wood.

Features:

• Powered by commercial Honda GX200 OHV Engine (Honda Australia Approved)
• 30 tons splitting force
• Split logs up to 30″ (762mm) in diameter
• 2 stage pump at 12GPM
• Up to 15 seconds cycle time
• Auto return valve
• Heavy duty tow bar with 2” (50mm) coupler
• Portable design with a 8” jockey wheel
• Hydraulic lifting table
• Heavy duty tyre design
• 3 years domestic warranty
• 1 year commercial warranty
• 3 years engine warranty

Key Features to Consider

If you’re convinced and ready to purchase a brand-new log splitter, there are a number of important factors to keep in mind. These include:

Power: Measured in tonnes, this determines how much force the splitter can apply. Tougher logs require higher power.

Orientation: Vertical splitters handle large, heavy logs, while horizontal splitters are more versatile.

Portability: Wheels and compact designs make it easier to move your splitter around.

Fuel Type: Electric models are quiet and eco-friendly, while petrol-powered options handle tougher jobs with ease.

Find Your Perfect Log Splitter at BW Machinery

Whether you’re after an electric splitter for light use or a petrol powerhouse for heavy-duty tasks, we’ve got great options to match. As a leading supplier of gardening and outdoor equipment, we partner with the best brands in the business to give our customers nothing short of the highest quality products.Ready to make wood-splitting easier than ever? Explore our excellent range of log splitters or stop by one of our Melbourne stores today.