British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last
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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
While the days of manually chopping wood are long in the rearview, log splitters have become quite the minefield when it comes to finding the right one for you. With so many different things to consider, including size, ease of use, portability, and fuel type, you’re forgiven for thinking it’s a lengthy task to pick the correct one.
But fret not, that is where we come in. With several years of experience manufacturing forestry machinery for agricultural clients and customers, we know a thing or two about log splitters. Before we jump into our buyer’s guide and how to perfectly identify the ideal log splitter, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.
You’ll be shocked to learn that log splitters do exactly what they say on the tin. They are pieces of machinery designed to use hydraulic pressure to chop larger pieces of wood into small pieces. They are commonly used to create smaller and more manageable pieces of firewood. They’re widely used by those working in agriculture and domestically within homes.
Chances are if you’ve considered a log splitter and you’re reading this blog, you’re likely to be aware of the advantages of using one. However, we’re certainly in favour of driving home their clear benefits.
One of the biggest reasons people move towards using log splitters instead of an axe is down to the rate at which you can reliably chop wood. Using an axe relies on human strength, precision, and concentration, all of which can waver should you become tired.
A good log splitter will allow you to reliably chop your logs into regular and consistently sized chopped logs. Better yet, they can safely chop at a faster rate than any axe-wielding human can, so you’ll either have considerably more chopped in the same time or you’ll have the job done quicker.
It’s not rocket science to understand that operating machinery is less physically demanding than using an axe to chop your wood. What was once a labour-intensive task is now a matter of pressing a few buttons or pulling a couple of levers.
Not only is it less physically demanding, but it is also a darn sight safer than wielding an axe. While the flannel jackets are key to using an axe, they’re still optional with a log splitter.
As previously mentioned, as is the human way, mistakes are possible. The likelihood of an axe striking the absolute centre every time is slim, which is why you can’t beat the modern method. Embrace the log splitter and enjoy a precision blade delivering consistent cuts every use. It is also worth noting that logs cut to the same size each time are likely to be safer when burning, that and they become easier to gauge burn time.
There are plenty of factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a log splitter. When you take into account these points, you can be sure you’ve found the right one.
One of the biggest factors to consider before you buy a log splitter is how much you’re going to use it. If you operate in the agricultural sector, then fair enough. You’re likely to need a log splitter pretty regularly and purchasing one makes a lot of sense.
However, if you’re likely to be using one for domestic use, then the regularity of use might be more infrequent. With this in mind, it is possible that renting a log splitter is the sensible option. But, you are then limited to whatever stock your local forestry machinery provider has available at the time. So take into account how often you’re going to need to use a log splitter.
Now you’ve established how regularly you’re going to use your log splitter, it is now time to begin working out what size log splitter will suit your needs. Choosing the wrong machine can lead to many a headache and many an unchopped log.
A more compact log splitter, like the SE400 here at Oxdale, is a great option for those who don’t possess too much space. The versatility and strength of these smaller log splitters have come a long way so they now are capable of chopping increasingly large bits of wood!
Obviously, for larger pieces of wood, you’re going to need a more substantial log splitter. If you work in the agriculture sector and are likely to be chopping large portions of wood, something that can be mounted to a tractor is likely to be your best option. Something like our tractor-mounted hydraulic range. These are designed to get through bulkier and larger quantities of wood with ease.
Of course, if you fall somewhere in between these two you’re likely to be unsure which one is right for you. So if you have any questions or require help identifying the one suitable for your needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at Oxdale.
As we touched on briefly earlier, portability will play a part in deciding your log splitter. If you’re looking to move yours around regularly, then refrain from buying the bulkier machines. However, portability doesn’t necessarily have to mean small. If you can hook them up to the back of a tractor, they become infinitely more portable, but you do require a tractor. So be sure to assess your usage and storage needs before purchasing.
For those with a tractor and needing a reliable log splitter, we recommend our range of Tractor Mounted Hydraulic Log Splitters. These are especially popular with professional loggers and homeowners alike, making log splitting a breeze for everyone. Our splitters have a strong base that doubles as a table, offering stability and support for effortless splitting.
Deciding what fuel source you want to run your log splitter on is as equally important as the previous factors. You need to pick the one that is going to be most reliable for you and how easy it is to source said fuel. We can’t fault the reliability of petrol log splitters, so they will always get our vote, but with that being said electric log splitters are getting better and better each year.
Here at Oxdale, we specialise in forestry machinery and more specifically, log splitters. Having begun production in log splitters, you can trust we know a thing or two about what makes a good one. Dream of retiring the axe? Browse our range of log splitters today.
British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last