What Size Log Splitter Do I Need?

So you’ve established you need a log splitter for your yard or garden, but that realisation is throwing up more questions than solutions. If you’ve done your research, you’ll have noticed that log splitters come in various different sizes with different tonnages. Unfortunately, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario, but it doesn’t have to be complicated either.

Here at Oxdale Products, we have many years of log-splitting experience, so we’re well-versed when it comes to our splitter’s capabilities. Join us in this quick guide on how to effectively choose the right log splitter for the job at hand.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Log Splitter

There are a whole host of factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a log splitter. At the end of the day, you’re going to want a machine that reliably delivers consistent cuts for the wood you’re regularly going to be tackling. 

Wood/Log Hardness

The likelihood is that you’re going to be cutting the same type of wood, rarely differing to softer or harder logs unless you’re moving location. This makes choosing your log splitter more straightforward as you’ll buy your splitter depending on how well it tackles your choice of wood. 

Some wood is harder than others. We would always refer people to the Janka Hardness Test which lists the most popular types of wood along with the force required to an 11.28mm steel ball halfway into the wood surface. If the wood you’re going to split requires greater force, we’d suggest you look for a more powerful machine. 

Wood/Log Diameter

Of course, it should go without saying but you need to pick your splitter with the diameter of the log in mind. If your ideal log doesn’t fit onto your splitter, then it’s the wrong one. Before you purchase, measure your logs and get an average width to help with finding the appropriate machine.

However, here at Oxdale Products our log splitters are not limited by width/diameter, so you can split whatever the width of your log.

How Many Ton Log Splitter Do I Need?

When those in the agriculture sector refer to tonnage and log splitting, they are talking about the force being driven into the wood, not the actual weight of the machine. The tonnage generally plays a big part in what size wood can be split. 

Here at Oxdale, all of our splitter listings give the user a guideline as to what size of log each machine can split. Our range is not limited by the width of the log, it is purely down to what length you wish to split. Take the PTO400 Big Base Tractor PTO log splitter for example, this splitter is capable of splitting logs up to 18 inches high.

As we mentioned earlier, working out what size logs you’re working with is essential to choosing the appropriate tonnage. All of our log splitters start at 10 tonnes, allowing for the splitting of 18-inch high logs. 

Additional Log Splitting Considerations

It is worth considering how much you’re going to use your log splitter. When it comes to Cycle Time, for someone who is operating their machine for personal use, it isn’t a big deal if it is slow. However, if you work in the agriculture sector and speed is essential to turning a profit, having a log splitter that is capable of operating and returning to its start position quickly is essential. While tonnage is important, how effectively you can use the machine is certainly up there too. 

Still Need Help? Get In Touch With Us

If you’re still unsure which log splitter is the most suitable for your needs, get in touch and one of our experts will help you pick out the right one. Browse our collection of British-built agricultural machinery.