Anyone know anything about (electric) log splitters?

Chris Green · 2022-03-05T13:13:27+00:00

We have a load of newly felled logs to split - strangely enoughnothing to do with the recent Eunice gale.We have a proper log splitting maul (i.e. a big axe with a fat blade)and a manual, hydraulic log splitter.However, looking at the quantity involved, we're thinking that anelectric powered log splitter will make sense, especially as I'mdefinitely not getting younger every day.The logs to be split are up to 500mm long and 400mm diameter, orthereabouts anyway. Anything too long I can cut with my chainsaw butobviously the less I have to do that the better.The choice is difficult as there are several basic options and then one has to decide how powerful it needs to be. So if anyone has anyexperience or knowledge it would be very welcome, I have done lots ofsearching and reading of websites so I know the basics.Choice of type:- Kinetic - energy stored in flywheel, faster than hydraulic but fairly new technology and ones in my price range don't seem to be very well thought of. Hydraulic horizontal - the cheapest, huge range from 4 tonne up to 8 tonne, many manufacturers. Hydraulic vertical - tend to be bigger/heavier than the horizontal ones. In my price range I don't really see what advantages they offer over horizontal (though I'm happy to hear otherwise). Tractor mount - I'd love one as I have a 'proper' tractor with all the hydraulics required but I think they're out of my price range.I want to keep the cost below £500 or so though for something reallygood we can stretch a bit further. Currently I'm tending towards theForest Master FM16D which is a horizontal 8 tonne splitter with two speeds so is reasonably fast for small logs. It's can be found forjust under £500.Any advice would be most welcome. E.g. do I really need 8 tonnes orwould a 5 or 6 tonne splitter be OK (significantly cheaper). Should Ilook harder at vertical splitters like the Ama 92302 (£550 includingdelivery here) from Italy?