British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last
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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
A good log splitter can make a big difference in managing your firewood supply and taking care of your property. At Oxdale Machinery, we understand the importance of having the right tools for the job. That’s why we offer a range of log splitters to suit different needs and preferences, including petrol and electric models in all our splitters.
In this post, we will discuss three types of splitters: petrol, electric, tractor hydraulic & PTO driven. This will help you determine the best option for your needs.
Before diving into the different types, let’s briefly touch on why you might need one. Splitting logs manually with an axe can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. A good log splitter can produce fast and efficient results, saving you hours of manual labor. A splitter simplifies this process, making it quicker, safer, and more efficient.
A splitter can help you save time and energy. Useful for splitting wood, clearing land, or running a tree removal business. You may need to split wood for winter.
Wood splitters come in various types, each with its own set of advantages. The three main types are petrol, electric, tractor hydraulic and PTO driven. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Petrol engines power petrol splitters, making them highly portable and versatile. Petrol splitters are known for being robust wood splitters, capable of handling large and heavy logs. Here are some key features and benefits:
Powerful Performance:
Petrol log splitters typically offer more power compared to electric models. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks and larger logs.
Portability:
Petrol splitters can be used in remote areas since they don’t require an electrical outlet. This makes them perfect for working in the woods or on large properties.
Independence from Electricity:
If you experience difficulty with electricity or frequently have power outages, a petrol splitter can assist you in completing your tasks. This tool is especially useful in situations where electricity is unreliable or unavailable.
A petrol splitter can provide the power needed to finish your tasks efficiently and effectively. This tool is especially useful in situations where electricity is not readily available. It can help you finish your work efficiently and effectively.
Cons: On the downside, petrol splitters require regular maintenance, such as refueling, oil changes, and engine upkeep. They can also be louder and produce emissions, which might be a consideration for environmentally conscious users.
Petrol splitters also come with various safety features such as a kill switch and anti-vibration legs.
Electric log splitters use electricity from either a standard household outlet or a generator to power them. Electric splitters, use an electrically-powered hydraulic pump to effectively chop and split wood. Here are some of their main advantages:
Ease of Use:
An electric log spiltter is generally easier to start and operate compared to petrol models. You simply plug them in and switch them on.
Low Maintenance:
These models require less maintenance since there’s no engine to take care of. This makes them a convenient option for many users.
Quiet Operation:
Electric splitters are less noisy than petrol ones. This makes them a suitable option for residential areas. In these areas, noise can be a concern.
Eco-Friendly: Since they don’t produce emissions, electric splitters are a more environmentally friendly option.
Cons: The main limitation of electric splitters is their reliance on electricity. You’ll need access to a power source, which can restrict where you can use them. Also, electric splitters may not be as strong as gas ones, which is important to think about for tough logs.
PTO (Power Take-Off) driven log splitters require power from a tractor’s PTO shaft for operation. Here are the benefits of using a PTO driven log splitter:
Power and Efficiency:
Log splitters powered by your tractor’s PTO are very powerful and efficient for tough splitting jobs.
Cost-Effective:
If you own a tractor, a PTO splitter is a good option. It doesn’t require its own engine to operate, which can save you money.
Versatility:
You can use these tools in many places as long as your tractor can reach the area.
Cons: The main drawback is that you’ll need a tractor with a compatible PTO shaft, which might not be practical for all users. PTO driven log splitters may be harder to set up and use, as they require knowledge of tractor equipment.
Tractor driven splitters are slightly different from the PTO Log Splitters above. They are still tractor powered but instead they make use of the hydraulic spool connection on the back of a tractor, getting power directly from the tractor’s hydraulic system rather than relying on the PTO. Here are the benefits of using a hydraulically-driven tractor log splitter:
Power and Efficiency:
Wood splitters powered by your tractor’s hydraulics are very powerful and efficient for tough splitting jobs as they are powered by the same pump that powers your heavy-duty tractor implements.
Cost-Effective:
If you own a tractor, a hydraulic splitter is a good option. It doesn’t require its own engine to operate and you can leave the tractor running on idle, which saves fuel compared to powering the PTO.
Versatility:
You can use these machines in many places as long as your tractor can reach the area. You can essentially split logs where ever your tractor can go. This is especially helpful if you store your firewood away from your house or a mains electric supply.
You can also raise or lower your tractor mounted log splitter so that it can be at a comfortable working height for you, whether that’s waist height or down on the ground.
Cons: The main drawback is that you’ll need a tractor with a hydraulic spool connection with a return spool connection, which might not be practical for all users.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each type of log splitter, let’s compare them to help you decide which might be the best fit for your needs. When comparing the various tools available, it’s important to consider factors such as portability, power, and maintenance.
Portability:
• Petrol: Highly portable, no need for an electrical source.
• Electric: Limited to areas with access to electricity.
• PTO Driven: Portable within the range of your tractor.
Power:
• Petrol: Generally offers high power, suitable for large logs.
• Electric: Suitable for lighter to medium tasks, but less powerful than petrol.
• PTO Driven: Can be extremely powerful, depending on the tractor.
Maintenance:
• Petrol: Requires regular engine maintenance.
• Electric: Low maintenance, no engine to worry about.
• PTO Driven: Maintenance depends on the tractor, not the splitter itself.
Noise and Emissions:
• Petrol: Noisy and produces emissions.
• Electric: Quiet and eco-friendly.
• PTO Driven: Noise and emissions depend on the tractor.
Cost:
• Petrol: Mid to high range, depending on the model.
• Electric: Generally more affordable upfront.
• PTO Driven: Can be cost-effective if you already have a tractor.
Choosing the right log splitter ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you require a powerful and portable option and don’t mind the maintenance, a petrol log splitter might be the best choice. If you prefer a quieter and easier option, an electric log splitter is perfect for you. If you already own a tractor and need a high-power solution, a PTO driven log splitter could be the perfect fit.
At Oxdale Machinery, we’re committed to providing top-quality log splitters to meet your needs. Whether for personal or business use, we have the equipment you need to split logs. Helping you split logs quickly and easily will be beneficial. Explore our range of log splitters and find the perfect match for your requirements.
Investing in a good log splitter saves time and effort and gives you a reliable tool for years to come. Happy splitting!
British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last