The best wood splitters, top 10 rating of good wood splitters for the home

Homeowners who heat their homes with a wood-burning boiler or stove have to prepare 4-12 cubic meters of logs annually. Sure, exercise is good for your health, but chopping with a hand ax takes too much time. There are 2 ways to speed up the cutting process: buy a mechanical splitter for firewood, or save money and make a wood splitter yourself. Let's consider options for homemade devices and the technology for their manufacture.

Briefly about the structure of the wood splitter and the principle of its operation

The main elements of a standard hydraulic log splitter are a frame with a knife attached to it, a hydraulic piston and a drive. The knife plays the role of the tip of the very cleaver, which has to be waved due to the lack of equipment considered here. The necessary force is created by the operation of the engine in conjunction with a hydraulic piston, which pushes the workpiece onto the knife. Everything is quite prosaic and looks something like the video below.

The vast majority of factory products operate on this principle. While studying the information, you may probably come across so-called screw (cone, carrot, etc. names) cleavers. They have gained great popularity due to their simple design and the ability to make them yourself. We will talk in detail about the design features of such wood splitters in the last part of the article.

The best manual mini log splitters

Such devices are used for work at home or in the country. They are suitable for people with good physical fitness, but instead of an ax it is necessary to wield a large hammer or sledgehammer. The device prevents the blocks from rebounding to the side and causing injury to the user.

GreenWeen GW-DR1-T - with 9 expansion ribs

This is the best wood splitter for a combination of moderate physical activity and firewood harvesting. The design involves installing a large log in a circle and hitting it with a sledgehammer from above.

The log splits thanks to the blade and 9 expansion ribs, which spread the wooden walls more efficiently than an ax, which does not require a second blow. The working speed is twice as fast as the conventional harvesting method.

Pros:

• abrasion-resistant paint coating;
• storage case included;
• thick iron on the shell to prevent wooden parts from flying out;
• stable base;
• convenient weight for carrying 5.7 kg;
• compact dimensions 300x300x300 mm.

Minuses:

• the cost of 5,000 rubles for a metal structure is high;
• It will not be possible to install logs thicker than 300 mm into it.

Wood splitter X4 from KOLUNDROV - immediately into 4 parts from one blow

This type of wood splitter is the best for cutting thick logs due to the presence of a blade with four blades and rigid fixation.

The tree immediately splits into four parts with one blow, which is enough for a solid fuel boiler. This gives high productivity, exceeding the classical splitting method by 4 times. The thick circular contour prevents firewood from flying off and causing injury.

Pros:

• the well-thought-out distance of the guard ring protects the blade from an accidental hit with a sledgehammer when quickly splitting a log;
• stable platform;
• Can be used indoors;
• anti-corrosion coating of 8 layers;
• there is a hole for fastening to the floor;
• convenient weight for transportation 6.5 kg;
• compact dimensions 280x280x350 mm;
• ability to chop logs 520 mm long.

Minuses:

• high cost 6500 rubles;
• maximum thickness of the block is 180 mm.

The best inertial wood splitter

KOLUNDROV “Stiletto”

KOLUNDROV “Stiletto”
Impact-inertial Kolundrov “Stiletto” is a confident assistant in the preparation of firewood in a private home or country house. The design of the hammer and wedge makes it easy to split a log without putting stress on the spine. The device meets all safety requirements; if used correctly, injuries are excluded. The case, due to its durable steel, can withstand heavy loads.

Characteristics:

Pros:

• “The tool is easy to use and does its job well. The wood splitter does not put any strain on the lumbar region, the back is almost always straight and does not hurt after work. The set includes a convenient hook, gloves and a chain for tying logs so that the firewood does not fly away. Overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase."

Minuses:

• “I overestimated this product, or I overestimated my strength. Such a cleaver can only be used by those who have a heroic strength. A not weak man splits a medium-sized log with this cleaver only 4 times. It's easier to use an axe. But it turned out to be money wasted.”
• “The rubber bands are a bit stiff.”

Main types of wood splitters

Wood splitters, depending on the presence or absence of a drive, can be mechanical or manual.

Their structure is radically different from each other.

In addition, these machines differ in the method of movement:

• Stationary. They are often industrial machines that are large in weight and size. The use of such wood splitters in domestic conditions is impractical.
• Mobile - devices equipped with wheels for transportation, or have a low weight, which allows them to be moved. According to the method of laying logs, wood splitters are divided into horizontal and vertical.

Manual

The operating principle of manual wood splitters is based on the simplest physical laws, without the use of any additional special devices.

The person himself acts as a source of energy.

Manual wood splitters are preferred in everyday life, since they are not suitable for preparing really large volumes of fuel material.

In turn, they can be divided into several types:

• Manual

The stand is the base on which the blades are mounted in the upward direction.

The workpiece is placed on the blades, and a sledgehammer blow is made from above.

• Crowbar cleaver

It is a pipe with a cleaver at the end, inside which a heavy rod (crowbar) moves freely.

The cleaver is placed on the workpiece, after which the rod drops sharply (it hits the cleaver inside the pipe).

• Spring

It is a lever, on one side of which there is a blade, and the opposite side is movably fixed to the frame.

In this case, the connection point is spring-loaded.

The principle of operation is a large shoulder of force.

• Rack and pinion

The mechanism for feeding logs into the blades is made in the form of a rack with notches.

Mechanical

There are many more varieties of mechanical wood splitters than manual ones, since different types of engines can be used to feed workpieces to the blades, as well as the feeding method itself.

In addition, not only blades are capable of splitting wood well.

• Mechanical wood splitters are a frame with a motor, on the shaft of which a conical screw is located.

The principle of operation is to screw this screw into the wood, due to which the fibers of the material are easily separated.

The block is placed on the cone by means of a stop driven by hand force.

• Cone log splitters are structurally similar to ordinary mechanical options, however, the logs are placed on the cone manually.

Another name for these devices is screw splitters. The cone itself is fixed directly on the axis of the electric motor.

• Geared wood splitters - in their design, a reduction gear is used to reduce the speed on the cone.

Allows the use of a high-speed engine.

Geared wood splitters are often referred to as machines that consist of a frame with blades attached to one side.

On the reverse side there is a motor with a special gearbox that converts the rotational movements of the shaft into reciprocating movements of the piston, which feeds the workpiece to the blades.

Depending on the type of engine used, wood splitters are divided into:

• Electric is the most common option.

The electric motor, which is powered from a household network, is not demanding in operation and maintenance, and has sufficient power for domestic use.

In addition, electric wood splitters are also environmentally friendly devices.

Among the disadvantages, one can note only the low mobility of such machines.

• Petrol – variants with a petrol engine.

They are much more powerful than electric ones and are not tied to a power source (fuel).

Suitable for both domestic use and for harvesting firewood on an industrial scale.

• On tractor traction, the energy source is either the tractor’s hydraulic system or its power take-off shaft.

Another variety is hydraulic wood splitters.

Due to their power, they are able to split wood of any species, both dry and wet.

Due to their productivity, such production devices are often used in logging.

The simplest hydraulic option is a frame on which blades are fixed on one side (they can be at different angles relative to each other in order to completely process an entire block of wood in one pass) and on the other a pushing piston.

This piston can be connected to the tractor's hydraulic system or to its own motor-hydraulic pump system.

Such devices are capable of producing pusher pressure of up to 12 tons.

Which wood splitter is better to choose for a private home and cottage?

Despite the huge selection of machines, most people, unfortunately, do not know how to choose the right tool. In order to accurately decide on a purchase, you should pay attention to the key parameters of the device.

Type and class

According to the type of work, as we discussed earlier, devices are divided into manual, mechanical and hydraulic. To “consolidate” the information, let’s briefly repeat the types and consider the classes of this equipment.

A manual wood splitter is a small device that makes chopping wood just a little easier. To work, you need a sledgehammer, which will need to hit wood. And it will split due to the applied force and the cutting element of the iron structure.

Mechanical - a heavy unit attached to a frame. It is activated by a mechanical lever on a spring.

The screw mechanism is a horizontal welded frame on which a sliding stop is fixed. A hinge pin, rotating due to the gearbox, sets it in motion. Due to the force, the material moves and splits. In this case, the screw plunges into the tree, tearing its structure.

Hydraulic . The rod drives the fence, which moves the log towards the blade. As a result, the material splits. If the power received by the stop is not enough, the cylinder will “stand up” and the pump will continue to work in vain.

Important: the hydraulic type is characterized by a soft cutting of the knife into the workpiece, which prevents its squeezing.

By class, wood splitters are divided into groups:

Household ones are weak and cheap wood splitters with low productivity. Used in everyday life (providing fuel for a fireplace, stove, bathhouse). Such models are the most in demand.

Semi-professional ones are more powerful, more productive and more expensive than household ones. They are used for harvesting large volumes of firewood (boiler houses, hotels, etc.).

Industrial (professional) - the most powerful and efficient. Capable of processing large quantities of wood. Log trimming is often performed. They are more expensive than the previous ones. Used for making firewood for commercial purposes.

Design

The hydraulic machine consists of several standard units:

1. Base.
2. A special stop on which the cylinder rests.
3. Cutters.
4. A hydraulic device that creates pressure.
5. Oil container.
6. Hoses.
7. Power point.
8. Screw design. The working element has the shape of a screw cone. The motor sets it in motion. When feeding the workpiece, the cone is drilled into dense layers of wood and tears it apart.

Structure of the rack and pinion device:

1. Powerful stand.
2. Engine.
3. Rack and pinion.
4. The cutting element is in the form of a cleaver.
5. Pulleys located on the primary and secondary shafts;
6. Device control lever.

The design of an inertial or spring wood splitter is somewhat different. The working unit here is a spring fixed to the frame, the upper part of the spring rests against the crossbar to which the cleaver is attached. In this design, the main force - to hold the tool after the log has split - is taken over by the spring.

Engine types

Electric - budget, lightweight, quiet in operation. Does not require additional maintenance. Used indoors. Used for household models. Afraid of moisture.

Gasoline - an engine that does not require a connection to the network. More powerful compared to electric. Allows you to harvest wood in any area. Not afraid of moisture and temperature changes.

Disadvantages: high cost of equipment, heavy weight, difficult repairs, toxic exhausts, loud operation. Do not use indoors.

There are industrial models that are connected to the tractor equipment - the power take-off shaft or the hydraulic system.

Working position when installing logs

According to the method of loading wood, the device has vertical, horizontal and universal working positions.

Models with horizontal loading are considered the safest and most convenient. In some versions, the log lies motionless in the gutter, taking on the load of the blades. In other options, on the contrary, the log is forcefully directed towards the blade. Such models have low performance, so they are good for household use.

Vertical models are less secure than horizontal ones. The blade is lowered onto the log from above, and knotty and uneven logs have to be held on the frame manually. Such models allow you to split longer logs than devices with horizontal loading. Such units are often used in wood processing plants and boiler houses due to their high productivity.

Universal - the working position changes depending on various factors (for example, the width of the log). The disadvantage is the high cost. Professional equipment is equipped with this situation.

Maximum pressure on workpiece

Operating pressure is the main parameter of a wood splitter, which is measured in tons. High performance makes it easier and faster to split even the hardest wood species.

Devices with low pressure will not be able to handle solid workpieces and will require the operator’s physical strength.

Working pressure depends on the device class:

• household - up to 5 tons (for working with poplar, aspen, linden and other soft species);
• semi-professional - 5-7 tons (for processing oak, pear, walnut and other hardwoods);
• industrial - 7-25 tons (for splitting raw wood and very hard stumps).

Workpiece dimensions

Length - depends on the piston stroke parameter (hydraulic) or the size of the rack (rack and pinion). The length of the log is also affected by the operating pressure of the unit.

Household appliances are capable of processing material up to 50 cm long, professional ones - 50-100 cm or more.

Diameter - determined by the operating pressure of the tool.

For household hydraulic models, this parameter does not exceed 30 cm. More advanced devices process 80-90 cm in diameter. But screw units can break logs of different sizes.

Additional options

On some wood splitters, the height is adjustable. A person can set this parameter to the size of the workpiece. However, the cost of the product will increase.

Piston stroke is the distance covered by the piston at a time. Affects the minimum and maximum log length.

The working stroke is the time during which the moving part of the wood splitter moves from one extreme point to the other. Indicates the splitting speed of one workpiece. In household cleavers, this parameter is 4 cm/s (splitting) and 7.5 cm/s (return).

The volume of a gasoline engine affects power and fuel consumption.

The volume of the fuel tank determines the continuous operation time of the cleaver. The larger the tank volume, the larger the size and weight of the unit. Most often this characteristic is in the range of 1.5-3 liters.

Hydraulic system oil volume —allows you to estimate the volume of oil for refilling the hydraulic unit. Depending on the model, this parameter is 2.4-10 liters.

Weight - depends on the class of the tool. Household structures weigh up to 40-50 kg, due to which they are easily moved. Professional cleavers are much heavier. Their weight can reach 200 kg, so they are stationary.

Theoretical foundations of heat engineering - solid fuel combustion

To make it easier to set fire to wood, it needs to be split into relatively small fragments. After splitting the logs into separate logs, the surface of contact of the combustible material with the air is increased. As a result, instantaneous heat transfer inside the firebox increases in proportion to the combustion area. Therefore, the procedure of chopping wood is a technique that allows you to increase the efficiency of fuel use.

Attention! Firewood chopped into logs is placed in woodpiles. They dry out in them. The moisture inside the wood evaporates rapidly. The apparent heat of combustion increases, since there is no need to waste energy on evaporating the liquid located in the intercellular space.

In thermal engineering, the following concepts have been introduced to characterize fuel:

• The highest calorific value, implying the total heat released during the combustion of a specific type of combustible substance.
• The lower calorific value is the actual amount of heat, which takes into account the energy costs for heating the fuel and the removal of ingredients from it during the combustion process that are not involved in the process itself.

Therefore, drying firewood is a technique that improves the performance of a fuel cell. Pre-grinding increases the efficiency of drying firewood, and subsequently burning it in a stove or other device for burning solid fuel.

The best wood splitters for the home

General recommendations for choosing a household cleaver include the following requirements: an electric hydraulic device with a horizontal workpiece and a maximum force of up to 5 tons. Pay attention to the safety of the unit; it is advisable that the model be equipped with a locking system with two levers. However, discrepancies with the generally accepted approach are also possible, as evidenced by our selection of the best wood splitters.

Gorynych 6T - from 120,000 rubles

The youngest model in the series of domestically produced Gorynych hydraulic cleavers is a unit with the 6T index. A special feature of this installation is the fast stroke of the piston, which ensures high productivity. This can be useful on the scale of collecting firewood for sale - under normal conditions it is not advisable to overpay for speed. And in general, the design is designed for almost continuous operation, which makes it indispensable for large volumes. The position of the knife is adjustable, allowing the operator to quickly choose between cutting two or four logs in one pass.

Important technical parameters of the hydraulic wood splitter Gorynych 6TParameter Value

The Gorynych model range is represented by three more quite popular models. All of them are designed for a maximum force of 9 tons, differing only in the mass of the units, the length of the logs being split, the power and type of engine (petrol, 380 or 220 V), respectively, and the price. You can find out what the Gorynych wood splitter is like in action from the following video.

Raptor t700 - from 25,000 rubles

A 250x80 cone screw made of 45 steel, an AIR 80B2 electric motor, a control unit, a flywheel and a stand - this is a small-scale Raptor t700 screw splitter model. Compared to hydraulic devices, this is a more productive solution, the effectiveness of which is largely determined by the efficiency of the worker. The absence of hydraulics makes the unit simpler and more durable. At the same time, the safety of work and the quality of the splitting are somewhat compromised. The chocks are fed perpendicular to their axis.

Basic parameters of the Raptor t700 log splitter with flywheel Parameter Value

You can see what working with a Raptor t700 screw splitter looks like in the video below.

Assembling the screw and hydraulic apparatus

A suitable engine with a speed of 500 rpm and a power of 1.5-2 kW will greatly simplify the design of the cleaver. This electric motor connects directly to the cone; there is no need to install a belt drive. If a unit with these characteristics cannot be found, prepare the following set of materials:

• 2 single-groove pulleys of calculated diameter, reducing the shaft rotation speed to 500 rpm;
• V-belt;
• bearing blocks and driven shaft;
• screw splitting cone made according to the drawing;

• profile pipes or other rolled products for making a table;
• electric motor mounting plate made of sheet 8-10 mm thick;
• metal 2-3 mm on the tabletop;
• mounting bolts and nuts.

Recommendation. Do not order a screw “carrot” from a turner until you know the diameter of the driven shaft or the main shaft of the engine. The thread of the working cone is made with two starts, the steel grade is St35...St45 (high-carbon).

You need to weld a table from metal profiles and fasten a sheet of metal on top. The motor is mounted on a plate under the tabletop, the secondary shaft with a cone is on top. The pulleys are placed on keys or fixed with locking screws. When connecting the power cable, be sure to ground the unit.

Important point. When chopping wood with a screw device, you must correctly move the block towards the tool - strictly in a vertical position. If you lay it on its side, one log will get stuck between the cone and the countertop.

On the stationary version, the oil station is located separately

The assembly of a hydraulic splitter differs in the installation of equipment. Instead of an electric motor and a carrot, you need to install a blade, a pusher plate and a working cylinder. Please note that the remaining components can be placed separately by connecting high-pressure hoses from the hydraulic pump to the cylinder.

The manufacturing process of a hydraulic unit is shown in very detail and clearly in the video:

TOP 7 best wood splitters

Our review includes only high-quality, effective and proven reliable models.

• Texas 600VG
• AL-KO KHS 3704
• CHAMPION LSV6000
• Gorynych 6T
• AL-KO KHS 5204
• GOMARK – LANCMAN SL10
• Champion LSH5000

Let's analyze each of them in order, consider the characteristics and features of each model.

Texas 600VG

This wood splitter is equipped with a five hp engine running on gasoline. An excellent find for those places where there is no possibility of connecting to the electrical network, for example, country houses and hunting lodges. The hydraulic drive provides the wood splitter with a force of six tons. This is sufficient for working with hard wood. The standard equipment allows you to split logs into two halves. The model is quite compact and can be easily moved thanks to its small wheels. Hand protection is also provided in the form of special metal casings.

Price – from 48,000 rub.

• compact dimensions;
• convenient control;
• independence from power supply;
• work safety.

• meager equipment.

I bought this wood splitter for a village where there is often no electricity, so I bought this model with a gasoline engine. I can immediately say that the engine is powerful, fuel consumption is low, in a couple of hours of continuous operation I used only half of 3.6 liters. It’s convenient to drive and transport too. I didn’t find any cons, everything suits my needs. I cut down both fir trees and birches on it, and did not notice any problems with different tree species.

Texas 600VG

AL-KO KHS 3704

If you have a sauna or fireplace, you will be able to appreciate this tool. The wood splitter is great for household needs, allowing you to split both dry and wet logs. High strength and good balancing of the wedge allows you to achieve even splitting of wood. If you use all-season oil for the hydraulic system of the wood splitter, the unit can also be used in winter. It is equipped with wide wheels that make it possible to easily move on any surface - off-road, grass or rocky roads.

Price – from 15,690 rub.

• ergonomics and ease of use;
• large wheels;
• reliable wedge;
• working height adjustment.

• low working force of 4 tons;
• low power.

Not a bad wood splitter for its price. We didn’t need a powerful machine, so we bought this one and use it to prepare firewood for a small network of Russian baths. He is quite satisfied with his work and performs his functions perfectly. There have been no serious breakdowns in two years of use. German quality justifies itself, in general. The wheels on the wood splitter are very convenient; you can easily move it anywhere without much effort. We use it both in winter and in summer, it’s a workhorse, we fill it with all-season hydraulic oil. It doesn't take much, about 2.5-2.7 is enough to fill the system.

AL-KO KHS 3704

CHAMPION LSV6000

An electric wood splitter with a good working force of 6 tons will help split even the strongest logs. This unit is equipped with an asynchronous motor, which is highly reliable, productive and durable. To work with a wood splitter, no special skills are required; the device is very easy to operate. The safety of the operator has also been thought through. The various attachments that come with the wood splitter allow you to split logs not only into two, but also into four parts. The unit is quite compact, does not operate very loudly, and comfortable wheels allow you to move it on the ground, grass or road. The working position of the log is vertical, its maximum diameter is 30 cm.

Price – from 46,100 rub.

• long log length;
• excellent power;
• reliable manufacturer;
• availability of various attachments;
• high treads on the wheels, allowing you to conveniently move the wood splitter.

• inconvenient long bolts on the control handles;
• large mass.

This wood splitter can easily be classified as professional equipment for chopping wood. I have been using it for more than two years, it easily splits any logs. Very good power, speed, stability. The only negative is its heavy weight; it won’t fit in every trunk. In general, the wood splitter is simply excellent, there are no questions or complaints about its work, everything is of high quality, safe and reliable. Oh, I also wanted to mention oil consumption - it takes a little, four liters is enough to fill the hydraulic system. I take all-season.

CHAMPION LSV6000

Gorynych 6T

A fairly well-known model of wood splitter from a domestic manufacturer, designed for work in large volumes. For this purpose, the model provides an accelerated piston stroke. This wood splitter operates from an industrial network with a voltage of 380 V. It is capable of processing a large number of logs with a diameter of up to 50 cm. The position of the knife is adjustable, and there is also an attachment for splitting the log into four parts. Firewood is stacked horizontally. Small wheels allow you to move the device to a new position if necessary. The knife has excellent sharpening and does not become dull even with increased load and continuous work cycle.

Price – from 125,000 rub.

• high performance;
• excellent performance in any weather;
• reliability of all components and connections;
• high wear resistance;
• ease and unpretentiousness in care;
• work safety.

• quite high price;
• heavy weight;
• work only from the industrial network.

This is the best option for harvesting firewood on a large scale. I looked at foreign analogues, all of them are much higher in price. As a result, I bought this wood splitter and did not regret it. I have been using it for over a year, during which time there has not been a single failure or breakdown. An excellent knife and a powerful hydraulic drive help split half-meter logs in three seconds. Excellent, powerful wood splitter, completely satisfied.

Gorynych 6T

AL-KO KHS 5204

This is a compact professional device for home preparation of firewood for the winter. Can operate in a wide temperature range from -20 to +50 degrees Celsius. It is quite easy to use and does not require long training. The frame is height adjustable if necessary. For safe operation, it is advisable to install the wood splitter on a level surface. The design is equipped with wheels on one side of the frame for more convenient movement of the unit. Splitting occurs in the horizontal plane. The wood splitter works successfully even with hard types of wood.

Lastly about hand axes

If you do not have the opportunity to make a mechanized wood splitter yourself, you will have to chop firewood in the traditional way. Here it is important to choose a convenient tool that will make the work as easy as possible.

How to choose axes for chopping wood:

1. Stores sell cleavers with different handle lengths and blade weights (2-5 kg). Buy a tool that suits your physical form, because you need to swing an ax often and for a long time. You should not immediately take the heaviest specimens.
2. The wooden ax handle of quality products is planed from elm, maple or birch. These rocks do not crumble into chips or split.
3. Do not buy an ax with a handle that is too short, which reduces the power of striking. An overly long ax handle can be easily cut to the required size.
4. Make sure that the “head” sits tightly on the handle.

If your budget allows, you should pay attention to more practical imported cleavers with a durable plastic handle and various blade profiles made of high-quality steel. Popular options are straight axes from the Fiskars brand and wood splitters with a shifted center of gravity from the manufacturer Vipukirves.

The best hydraulic log splitters

The hydraulic splitter works on the principle of applying pressure to the log using a press. The main element that determines power and performance is the motor. For domestic use, a device force of 3–5 tons is usually sufficient. For industrial purposes, it is better to look for more powerful models. VyborExpera specialists studied the market for hydraulic axes and selected the 3 best representatives of this segment.

Champion LSH5001H

A good electric hydraulic wood splitter, which has the only limitation: the length of the workpieces should not exceed 50 cm. Thanks to a force of 5 tons, the machine copes with the most uneven and knotty logs. The model operates from a regular outlet, is safe to use, and does not require special skills to use. The recommended log diameter is up to 25 cm, but users note that the machine can easily split logs 40-50 cm wide. It is convenient to work with a low model while sitting, and if you come across heavy workpieces, you do not need to lift them high.

Advantages

• Convenient to use;
• Leaves virtually no debris;
• Fits into a car;
• Moderate power consumption.

Flaws

• The cross-shaped attachment only works on ideal decorative logs.

Hydraulic oil, which sometimes needs to be changed, is difficult to buy in small quantities. Everywhere it is sold in 200 liter barrels. Therefore, replacement can only be carried out at service centers.

Patriot CE 5215

Inexpensive wood splitter with engine. Thanks to a force of 4 tons and an electric drive, it copes with splitting firewood with a diameter of up to 25 cm. The horizontal model is located on stable supports. The durable frame ensures a long service life of the device. Thanks to its small size, the model is convenient to store in a shed or dressing room; it does not take up much space. You can buy a hydraulic log splitter at most stores.

Advantages

• Manufacturer's warranty – 3 years;
• Easy to install and use;
• There are wheels for moving around the site;
• Clear instructions.

Flaws

• Heavy.

The electric machine from Patriot is designed for summer residents and residents of small houses; the device is not suitable for industrial scale. The model copes well with dry logs; it also chops raw logs, but worse.

Al-Ko LSH 520/5

The safest wood splitter with hydraulics according to VyborExpert. The two-hand control system minimizes the risk of injury and ensures the most accurate splitting of logs. A protective guard protects the user from flying wood. The splitting force created in the machine reaches 5 tons. Electric motor power – 2.2 kW. This allows the device to cope with wide, knotty logs. The model is small in size and can be assembled for storage, so it will not take up much space in the shed. And the wheels are convenient for transportation alone.

Advantages

• 4-year warranty;
• Durable materials;
• Build quality;
• Comfortable height.

Flaws

• No cross.

The Al-Ko model will last for many years. The steel elements are coated with powder paint, which reliably protects the surface from corrosion. All materials used are of high quality.

How to make a wood splitter on a spring

We already wrote above that the frame design is chosen arbitrarily, the main thing is stability. But before making a lever, you need to calculate the main dimensions according to the force distribution scheme. The goal is to achieve the perfect balance between the length of the boom, the weight of the load at the end and the distance from the hinge to the spring. The mechanics of this system is described by the equation:

• M – counterweight mass at the end of the beam, kg;
• F – spring elastic force;
• l – distance from the hinge to the spring, m;
• L – total length of the lever, m.

If you neglect the calculation, then 2 scenarios are possible: you will have to put a lot of effort into swinging the arrow, or the cleaver will hit very weakly. Physical meaning: the farther the spring is from the hinge and the higher its rigidity, the longer the lever and the mass of the load will be required.

Calculation diagram of the length of the lever and the weight of the load at the end

An example of determining the main dimensions of a beam. We take a spring from a Zhiguli car, compressed with a force of about 200 kg (the weight of the car is 0.8 tons), and move it away from the rack by 30 cm. We calculate the remaining indicators using the selection method - we take the length of the boom to be 2 m, then the weight of the load is 30 kg, including the mass of the cleaver and lever. Let's check: 30 / 200 = 0.3 / 2 = 0.15.

To assemble a lever wood splitter, use simple materials:

• spring from a small car (VAZ, Tavria and the like);
• a finished blade from a hand cleaver or a blank made of low-carbon steel 20 mm thick;
• a pipe according to the diameter of the spring - for the manufacture of cups;
• various rolled metal products for the frame - angles, round and profile pipes with a wall thickness of 3 mm.

Advice. It is not necessary to use a shaft on bearings as a hinge; this is overkill. The mechanism is quite rough, so a simple shaft-bushing articulated pair, as shown in the photo, will do. Similar parts are placed on garage doors as awnings.

The assembly process is quite simple and does not require detailed description. Based on the drawing, weld a stable frame, make cups and install a spring with a lever. Finally, attach a weight and a splitting blade to the beam.

If the structure turns out to be unstable, simply place additional pipes on the horizontal supports. For an overview of the finished cleaver with dimensions, see the video:

Wood splitter manufacturers

One of the most important criteria for choosing a tool is the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer. Vyborexperta.ru has selected companies whose products you can trust:

• Champion is a young manufacturer that appeared in the USA in 2005. The main direction of the company is professional equipment for gardening and construction. The brand has found the ideal balance of excellent quality and affordable prices. All Champion equipment is designed to meet the needs of Russian customers and the climatic conditions of the country.
• Patriot is a Russian brand that produces power tools, power and garden equipment. The history of the company began in the USA in 1973. In 1999, it was bought out, and the goods entered the Russian market. Today, a network of authorized service centers has been opened for warranty and post-warranty service of manufactured products.
• Al- Ko is an international concern that began in 1931 with a small family locksmith workshop. The company sells professional forestry and gardening equipment worldwide, and also produces climate control systems and air conditioners for industrial use.
• Kolundrov is a Russian company specializing in the production of wood splitters, stoves and accessories for building a fireplace. The brand appeared on the market in 2016 and has already completed 12,000 orders.
• Greenween is a young Russian company founded in 2015. The main direction is the production of goods for the cottage, garden and life in a country house.

Rating of wood splitters

The choice of a tool for the home depends on the tasks that the user sets for him. If you occasionally need a little firewood for a barbecue or sauna, a hand-held device is sufficient. When it comes to preparing firewood for the winter for a country house, it is better to give preference to electrical devices. When compiling the rating, VyborExpert specialists studied the characteristics of models offered on the market, reviews and opinions of professionals, and customer reviews. When comparing products and adding them to the TOP of the best, the following criteria were taken into account:

• Mobility;
• Performance;
• Size;
• Length of processed logs;
• Functional;
• Value for money;
• Availability in stores.

During long-term work, an important selection criterion will be the availability of bed height adjustment. This will allow you to choose the most comfortable position when working.

Sources

• https://arbolit.org/poleznoe/kakoy-drovokol-luchshe.html
• https://kachestvolife.club/instrument/obzor-11-drovokolov-dlya-doma-i-dachi
• https://nadoremont.com/luchshie-drovokoly/
• https://vyborexperta.ru/sad_i_ogorod/luchshie-drovokoly/