Gone are the days when you would need to swing an axe with all your strength to cut logs. It does not have to be so difficult anymore!
The best gas log splitter will make your job a lot easier. Today, homeowners are opting for these tough machines to do log splitting jobs themselves instead of hiring people for it.
These devices are strong and easy to move, thanks to the wheels attached to the body. Most of them will also come with a collector tray that will help assemble the log pieces and eliminate the need for bending down every time.
Hi, I am your friendly neighbor, Stacy Smith, and I am going to introduce the best gas log splitters in the market today. Being over 53, I was initially worried about how to handle the large amount of physical labor required for the job. But with these superb devices, my work has been made super easy.
Without further ado, let's dive in!
Best Gas Log Splitters
1.Powerhorse 117510
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Powerhorse 117510
- 10 Micron Zinga-made Powerhorse
- Built-in log cradles
- 40-micron breather
- Fully loaded for continuous use
- Heavy-duty pivot design
- Difficult assembly process
Powerhorse Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter - 22 Tons, 212cc Engine
- Heavy-duty hydraulic system protects and extends the life of hydraulic system components by preventing contaminants from entering and circulating through the system
- 10 Micron Zinga-made Powerhorse filter removes contaminants created during operation or introduced when adding or changing oil
- 100 Mesh suction strainer acts as a pre-filter to prolong the life of the return line filter, valve, pump and cylinder and also prevents contaminants from passing through system components up stream of the return line filter
If you want the perfect combination of innovation with enhanced efficiency, the Powerhorse 117510 is an excellent option. I was impressed by the premium hydraulic system, along with a high-quality valve. You can now split wood with ease, thanks to the powerful 22-ton ram force.
Why Buy This Product?
First of all, the product is equipped with an auto-return wedge that resets to its initial position automatically without you having to do it every time. This saves a lot of time and effort while splitting the wood.
Next, there are built-in log cradles that will help you collect the logs after they are split. You do not have to bend down and collect the logs yourselves. It will be collected in one place, making your job much easier.
Also, it is equipped with a pivot design, which is known to be very sturdy. I used it to shift between vertical and horizontal splitting.
Furthermore, its 10 Micron Zinga-made filter makes sure that contaminants are eliminated. Pollutants can be created during the process or when changing the oil. A 100 Mesh suction strainer keeps the system protected and behaves like a pre-filter. I found that this increased the lifespans of the pump, cylinder, valve, and return line filter.
To add on, it also has a 40-micron breather that prevents airborne contaminants from entering the body. This indeed made the product very safe and more durable.
What Could've Been Better?
The only drawback I found with the item is that it is slightly tricky to assemble. I had to ask a friend to help out in setting it up and ended up watching a few YouTube tutorials. The manual is not very detailed, and I wish it could be improved. Once the product was set up, there were no further issues.
2. Yardmax YU3066
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Yardmax YU3066
- U-Beam structural design
- 30-ton full-beam model
- Hydraulic oil filter
- Log spinner footplate for easy rotation
- Pivot point prone to rusting
Next up is a product that is made for heavy-duty work. If you want something to take care of your large jobs, the Yardmax YU3066 will be a great choice. It will work well for both professional and personal use. Yardmax is well-known for the convenience that it offers, and this is an excellent example of their exemplary options.
Why Buy This Product?
This device is powered by a 10.5HP 306cc 4-cycle Briggs & Stratton engine that can split logs, which are 26 inches long. I found this to have one of the largest capacities and it works both vertically and horizontally. It can split a log into 2 pieces with a 2-way wedge, and if you want smaller diameters, it can even split with a 4-way wedge. This is usually required for firewood.
Once the wood is split, a pair of dual log cradles will catch the split wood. It has 2-positions, and if you want more convenience, you can also attach a log table to it, which needs to be bought separately.
To make the process simpler, a log spinner footplate will help you rotate the logs before splitting. This reduces the pressure on the beam, and hence, will make this machine last longer. It is equipped with a U-beam design, which is more sturdy and powerful compared to I-beam designs.
Overall, I found this to be an ideal solution for cutting wood without paying a large amount to get a professional hired. I can now do the job myself without straining my body.
What Could've Been Better?
The only drawback I found was with the pivot joint. Although it functions really well, it is prone to rust if exposed to moisture. So, make sure that you wipe it clean after every use. Also, it is best to store the device inside your workshop or farmhouse. This will prevent it from being exposed to rain and snow.
3. Champion 37-Ton 100250
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Champion 37-Ton 100250
- 338cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine
- 16-second cycle time
- Integrated log cradle
- Equipped with an auto-return valve
- 2-stage gear pump
- Water may leak into the air filter
Champion 37-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
- Powerful – 37 tons of splitting capacity with a large 338cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine
- Versatile – Converts from horizontal to vertical in seconds, allowing you to handle large, heavy logs with ease
- Efficient – 16-second cycle time, expanded operator area and dependable auto-return valve capable of over 200 cycles per hour
If you want a machine that can slice through heavy wood efficiently, the Champion 37-Ton 100250 will do the job very well. It is designed to tackle large logs and dense wood, which are usually difficult to cut. I was quite worried about backaches, but thanks to its brilliant capabilities, I faced none of it.
Why Buy This Product?
This product is an exceptional choice for large business owners and farmers. Equipped with a robust 338cc single-cylinder OHV engine, it can cut logs that are up to 24 inches long and weigh 100 lbs or more. It has a total of 37 tons of splitting capacity, which makes it a very powerful and heavy-duty option.
Plus, it boasts of superb efficiency with 16-second cycle time and an automatic return valve, which has a capacity of 200 cycles per hour. I was able to get enough wood for my fireplace, which would last for more than a week, within 2 hours because of this device.
Besides, it sports a full-beam design, which helped me with both horizontal and vertical set-up. You can shift between the two easily, and it will save you from terrible backaches. Also, you can tow it behind trucks and tractors when needed, and it will easily fit in behind them.
Lastly, I was very impressed with the customer service. I had faced some problems initially with the setup process, and they were very helpful in addressing my concerns.
What Could've Been Better?
I found a design flaw in the product, wherein water would leak into the engine and air filter. In case you face such an issue, please take it to the local dealers or call up customer care. They will attach rubber rings, which will keep water out and solve the problem. Also, while storing, keep the gas tank and air filter completely covered.
4. NorthStar 110900 Honda GX200 Engine
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the NorthStar 110900 Honda GX200 Engine
- Oversized wheels for easy movement
- Heavy-duty steel-reinforced hose
- Patented log stripper for better cleaning
- Protected engine guard
- Industrial grade, I-beam construction
For those who are looking for a product that’s designed to be rugged, the NorthStar 110900 Honda GX200 Engine will fit the bill perfectly. It is made of premium quality components and is very easy to maneuver. Coupled with adjustable wheels and high-speed tires, you need not worry about transporting it.
Why Buy This Product?
This is equipped with a small Honda engine that is known to tackle the toughest of splitting jobs with ease. The engine may be small, but it surely packs a punch and will ensure that your work is done with utter perfection. That’s not all; it uses less fuel and makes very little noise.
I have always had a problem with very loud machines, which give me splitting headaches, but with this unit, I did not face it at all.
Secondly, the device has a premium Quad Filtration System, which increases the durability of this product. This included a 40-micron breather along with a 100 mesh suction strainer pre-filter and a 10-micron return line filter. Together, they were capable of eliminating the smallest of particles.
Since it has a magnetic drain plug, particles are attracted to the mouth, and hence these are not allowed to enter and flow through the hydraulic system.
Plus, the pump is made of cast iron and accompanies an industrial-grade full I-beam construction. This provides more sturdiness to the product while also preventing twisting.
What Could've Been Better?
I do not have any major complaints about the functioning of this product, but the decal on its body started peeling off within a month. This spoiled the look of the device, and I had initially tried to fix it myself. But that did not work out, and now I have patches of it remaining, and I am not impressed with the look.
5. RuggedMade RS-322-E-LK
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the RuggedMade RS-322-E-LK
- 212cc engine with a 13GPM 2-stage pump
- Minimized overall cycle time
- 4-way blade for easy cutting
- Fast 11-second cycle time
- It takes time to assemble
If you are looking for an excellent alternative to the traditional design, the RuggedMade RS-322-E-LK is going to impress you for sure. I was delighted to work with a powerful 22-ton gas log splitter, which got the work done quickly. If you own a firewood business, this will be a great addition to your workplace. Also, it does not weigh much and will not be very difficult to work with.
Why Buy This Product?
First of all, this is one of the most well-designed products which has been made keeping user convenience in mind. It is created in such a way that the beam is at waist-working height. This will help you relax your back and not put a lot of pressure on it. You will get ample space to work with the hydraulic log lift.
Furthermore, it has the capacity to split wood conveniently and then collect it all. You will not need to be bending too many times. In fact, they are collected in a catcher tray, and you can directly take them out and stack them. Transfer them to a conveyor or truck, and you are good to go!
Coming to the speed, it has a very quick return time. Equipped with a 2.25-inch rod, it can make immediate return strokes. This will help in reducing the overall cycle time. A 4-way slip-on blade will further help you slice the wood quickly, making it less time-consuming.
It is also equipped with 10-inch wheels that are capable of tackling all kinds of surfaces. They are sturdy and will not wobble when moved.
What Could've Been Better?
I would not say that the assembly process is difficult, but you will need a lot of time and help to go forward with it. If it is your first time trying to do it, please watch installation videos on YouTube before proceeding. I took help from a friend, and it still took almost five hours.
Final Words
If you live in an area with a cold climate, a wood splitter will help you save money and time. With this, I have come to the end of my detailed guide of the best gas log splitters.
But before I sign off, here's a quick recap of my favorites. The Powerhorse 117510 is my favorite overall because of its exceptional performance and user-friendly design.
If you are looking for a device to tackle large jobs, the Yardmax YU3066 will serve well. And if you want a machine for heavy wood, the Champion 37-Ton 100250 is a great option.
And if you're somewhat of a DIY kind of a guy, check out my guide on how to build a log splitter by clicking here.
On that note, I will sign off. Happy shopping!