Decent log splitter

[walsh465]

I’m in the market for a log splitter, obviously there’s a bunch to choose from the big box stores. But just curious what people like to use since I’ve never owned one. Not looking to spend more than like $1,500 . It will be used a good bit at first then maybe 1-2 times a year.

 

[jblnut]

Decent vs budget is always a heck of a debate. Budget type units is where you’re at with $1500.

Why not rent one for a week or two and the a few times a year ? I own a home built PTO powered splitter, a splitter that mounts on my mini-excavator and I still will rent a gas powered one a few times a year when it’s the more convenient option.

 

[dangerousatom]

Most rental places are $125-150 per day or $4-500 a week. I know my local ORE is a "day" for Friday pm pickup to Monday AM return.

Most of the larger tonnage 27^ are a better quality. Splitting dry PA hard wood you'll need the power as well. There are alot of splitters on FB-M for a good price now that we are out of firewood season.

IMO anything with a Honda motor is likely good quality.
Build quality is the real thing to keep in mind. Particularly where and how the motor is mounted....will it fatigue the mounts if and when being towed? Can it be towed at all? Id say anything that is rated at 40mph and under is not a tow-able splitter unless your only running a few miles down the road.

S

Post in thread 'How to weld log splitter?'

Apr 10, 2026

The new tanks are built different in terms of the motor mounting bracket......way better

View attachment 487490View attachment 487491

Hmm, like they figured out there was a problem.
Might be worth a ph call to see if they would send out an updated version.

• singinwoodwackr

 

[IffykidMn]

Keep in mind that the tonnage rating of most bargain splitters is suspect at best.

Cycle time can be a critical part for many in splitter choice, most bargain splitters will have an appx cycle time of 12-15seconds which does not sound slow until actually operating and standing their waiting for the splitter to complete a cycle.

Apples to Oranges many entry level commercial splitters will have a 4-6second cycle time yes you are paying more monies for that speed.

 

[RichE23ACR]

Keep in mind that the tonnage rating of most bargain splitters is suspect at best.

That seems to be very true! My 22ton Split-Fire 3265 will split anything + that my friend's 37 ton Cub Cadet will!

 

[walsh465]

I’ve thought about renting one but I’d rather just have one to keep around. I’ll probably use it more and more and lend it to family at times. But anyway I’m just looking for a brand to that’s reliable. Idk if I should go with harbor freight or tractor supply ones or is there something out there I havent heard of. Not really concerned with cycle times I understand 12-15 seconds is a lot when you want to get a lot done but it just gives me time for me or someone get another log. I have an electric DR Equipment kinetic splitter but that can only do short logs. And I have a lot of longer ones that we’re left on my properties

 

[Stump Shot]

I’ve thought about renting one but I’d rather just have one to keep around. I’ll probably use it more and more and lend it to family at times. But anyway I’m just looking for a brand to that’s reliable. Idk if I should go with harbor freight or tractor supply ones or is there something out there I havent heard of. Not really concerned with cycle times I understand 12-15 seconds is a lot when you want to get a lot done but it just gives me time for me or someone get another log. I have an electric DR Equipment kinetic splitter but that can only do short logs. And I have a lot of longer ones that we’re left on my properties

Speaking of renting, there's another way to look at your wants and that's the used market. I purchased a used Iron and Oak wood splitter from a rental place well under your budget. These are very well-made machines built to take heavy commercial use.
I also repowered a cheaper model as well as put a new better mader pump on it, it's now a fairly decent machine and also not a lot of money tied up. Which is what you can expect from buying a budget machine.
You may also want to look at Northern Tool for a new splitter.

 

[IffykidMn]

I’ve thought about renting one but I’d rather just have one to keep around. I’ll probably use it more and more and lend it to family at times. But anyway I’m just looking for a brand to that’s reliable. Idk if I should go with harbor freight or tractor supply ones or is there something out there I havent heard of. Not really concerned with cycle times I understand 12-15 seconds is a lot when you want to get a lot done but it just gives me time for me or someone get another log. I have an electric DR Equipment kinetic splitter but that can only do short logs. And I have a lot of longer ones that we’re left on my properties

A chainsaw will make longer logs into short ones.