Log Splitters

Log splitters are devices for splitting tree trunks. The trunk is driven against a splitting cross or splitting wedge and split so that the wood can be used as firewood. Most log splitters operate hydraulically. The hydraulic system of a log splitter is typically driven by a tractor using a power take-off shaft, a 230 or 400 volt electric motor, or a gasoline engine. The following provides an overview of unconventional log splitters before discussing conventional hydraulic log splitters.

Log Splitters with Threaded Rod

Many smaller log splitters, such as those available in hardware stores, are driven by a threaded rod. By eliminating the expensive and complex hydraulic system, inexpensive and compact machines can be offered to customers. However, log splitters operated with such threaded rods are severely limited in their splitting force.

Cone Splitters with Conical Metal Cone

This older type of log splitter is driven directly by the power take-off shaft of the connected vehicle. The power take-off shaft drives a conical metal cone that is threaded. This log splitter is operated by pressing a piece of wood against the tip of the rotating cone. The cone bores into the wood and splits it along the grain. The piece of wood is continuously pulled onto the widening metal cone by the thread on the conical metal cone. Such devices are rarely found today, as their operation is considered very dangerous. A moment’s inattention can cause a loose piece of clothing to become caught in the cone and pull body parts into the machine.

Hydraulic Log Splitters

Modern log splitters are driven by hydraulics and operated with a safe two-hand control system. Fundamentally, these hydraulic log splitters can be classified according to their application and operating method. Depending on the splitter’s design, the wood is split in a standing or lying position. In the standing arrangement, the log splitter cylinder is in a vertical position, while horizontal log splitters split logs lying down. Vertical log splitters are better suited for processing large quantities of firewood.

Depending on the volume of wood to be processed, various log splitters can achieve short cutting lengths or process meter-long logs. The maximum splitting force of the log splitter determines the wood to be processed. Factors include whether it is hard or soft wood, whether the wood is old or young, and the diameter of the log.

Standard Household Log Splitters in Horizontal Position

The working pressure of the fluid used in standard household horizontal splitters is typically between 150 and 250 bar. In most applications, the fluid is conventional hydraulic oil. This working pressure generates an effective splitting pressure of five to six tons. The key performance specifications for this type of log splitter are:

Splitting force, speed of forward and backward stroke movement of the piston, rated power of the driving electric motor, and maximum length and diameter of the material to be split.

The most important distinguishing feature from a vertical splitter is that the material to be split is driven into the splitting wedge by means of a splitting ram moving in the horizontal plane. In a vertical splitter, the splitting wedge moves vertically downward through the standing material to be split.