A log splitter, sometimes referred to as a woodcutter, is a hydraulic device used to cut wood into small pieces for firewood. A typical splitter has a 5-horsepower gasoline engine, an oil pump, a hydraulic cylinder and a valve. All of these parts help to activate a powerful metal wedge that can cut through hardwood.
Log splitters are basically mechanical axes. Instead of straining their muscles and wasting time, people are now favoring this technology for safer as well as more efficient farm work.
There are a variety of brands and types of log splitters on the market. We are here to show you how to choose one of the best log splitters and bring you our picks for the best electric log splitter and manual log splitter under $1000. After all, prices do matter, don’t they?
How to Choose the Best Electric and Manual Log Splitters Under $1000
As long as you don’t go for gas-powered splitters, you are well on your way to getting the best electric log splitter and manual log splitter under $1000 since the gas types are much more expensive. Make sure to check out our must-have tips below to choose a device that fits your demands most.
Motor
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Choose a motor which is powerful enough to help you cut wood quickly and easily. First though, you need to know exactly what kind of wood you mainly deal with in order to choose the most suitable motor.
The electric motor is clearly more powerful than manually operated splitters. Here are some factors that you definitely need to pay attention to when choosing the motors: tonnage, total RAM, amps, and total horsepower.
Length and Diameter
Different log splitters handle different lengths and diameters of timber. If you subject your splitter to logs that are beyond its capacity, the splitter is likely to break down.
For those who need to cut logs on a frequent basis, choose a splitter that can take large sizes. To be specific, the recommended size of logs is 20 inches long and 12 inches in diameter. The splitter you buy should be able to handle these sizes.
Wheels and Ball Hitches
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Most people would like to be able to move their splitters easily to their garages or to another spot in a big garden. Only splitters with wheels make this task easy. Wheels make a splitter portable. Without them, you may need help from strong people every time you want to move your splitter, and that is going to become annoying after a while.
Some people have a need to tow their splitters. If you are one of them, you definitely need a ball hitch attached to your splitter so that you can tow it away easily. There are some splitters that should not be on highways because it is dangerous for them to go at high speeds. Remember to look at the instructions or to ask the manufacturers about this.
Cycle Capacity
The cycle time of a log splitter is the amount of time required for the ram to return to its initial place after cutting. Clearly, the quicker the cycle time, the more logs you will be able to process. Quick cycle time means that your work will be more efficient and productive. The standard cycle time should be approximately 15 seconds.
Durability
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The best way to guarantee the longevity of your splitter is to buy a steel one, as this material will stand up to the ravages of time. Steel will give you excellent durability for the price you pay. What you can do further to make your splitter last longer is to store it in the garage or inside your house. Try to make time to do the maintenance work for your machine.
Horizontal or Vertical Splitters?
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If you buy a horizontal splitter, you will need to put your logs horizontally on a surface for cutting. Some manufacturers sell a “stand”, which provides a flat surface, together with the splitter. For vertical splitters, you can push the logs downward to the wedge of the machine for cutting.
Horizontal splitters are generally less costly, smaller in size and ideal for domestic purposes. Vertical splitters are more suitable for heavy duty work. They process bigger logs in higher volumes. They also need a bigger storage capacity and are best for commercial purposes.
Manufacturer and Warranty
It is important to choose the right producers in whom to place your trust. These are some of reliable brands: Powerhouse, Timberwolf, Swisher, Woodeze, Troy-Bilt.
Regarding the warranty, 1 year is the minimum amount you should have. You should not accept anything less than that unless there are some very compelling reasons.
Last but not least, you are advised to go through the electric log splitter reviews to get the best information on what you intend to buy. They can be considered the reliable sources. In fact, you can check out our picks for the best electric log splitter and manual log splitter under $1000 right now! Have fun to viewing all the best log splitters below.
Top 5 Best Electric and Manual Log Splitters Under $1000 Reviews 2021
Product Name | Price | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
$$ | |||
Quality Craft Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity, Model# LSF-001 | $$ | ||
$$ | |||
Goplus New 1500W 6-Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter Wood Portable Cutter Powerful | $$ | ||
$$ |
1. Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Pros
- Powerful motor with 10-ton force
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Cuts fast
- Requires less storage space
- Log cradle
Cons
- The handles are short and may cause stress on the back
- Suitable for light duty use only
This first product can be considered one of the best manual log splitters for its many desirable features. First, its hydraulic ram is powerful enough to generate 10 tons of force. In fact, this manual log splitter can easily split logs measuring 18 inches in length and 8 inches in width.
It also has a cradle that contains the cut pieces of log, stopping them from falling out. The steel design protects the splitter from the ravages of time. Another reason that ranks this among the best log splitters is the manufacturer’s good warranty policy.
Customers have commented on how easy it is to operate this splitter. The pumping mechanism is almost effortless as even an elderly woman could manage it well. It gets the job done fast, but only for logs measuring the aforementioned size.
Another feature making this the best log splitter under $1000 is its portability. It is light-weight and can be folded to take up less storage space than other bigger log splitters. What’s more, it does not make much noise so you don’t have to worry about waking your neighbors or family up!
2. Quality Craft Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity, Model# LSF-001
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Perfect for light duty work
- Durable
- Extremely portable
- Not much noise
Cons
- Not suitable for wet logs or unseasoned wood
- The splitter may be wobbly sometimes
Here is another best manual log splitter contender with 1.5 tons of foot-generated pressure. It is extremely easy to use and also efficient. All you have to do is put your foot on the plate and focus all your body weight power down onto the lever. Believe it or not, this splitter can handle logs of a larger size than the first product. The maximum size of the logs should be 18 inches in length and 10 inches in width.
This model can also be folded for smooth transport and easy storage. It is designed to be taken along when you are camping, enjoying cookouts or doing field work. The weight is about 23 pounds, so it’s very light. Adults can lift it with one hand, and small children can have fun using this splitter with their parents.
One factor that makes this one of the best log splitters is the solid design. It is said to work well and give around 2 years of use. It gets the job done fast and gets it done anywhere!
3. WEN 56206 6-Ton Electric Log Splitter
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Well-functioning engine
- Costs less to maintain
- Safety guaranteed
- Fume-free
- Log cradle
Cons
- Inconvenient for those who need to adjust logs to cut at specific points because their hands are both busy operating the machine.
- Oil may leak.
First of all, this amazing electric log splitter is very reasonably priced compared to its rivals and especially with all the features it offers!
This model has a powerful copper-wound motor that generates a force of 6 tons. The motor uses domestic current. It is designed to avoid cold-start problems and for easy use. The maximum size for logs is 20.5 inches in length and 10 inches in width. Noise is not an issue.
One feature that makes this deserve the title of best electric log splitter is the safety design. To run the machine, users have to utilize both hands so that they don’t accidentally touch the working ram, which can have disastrous consequences.
Moreover, this electric log splitter does not produce any fumes, which are dangerous to breathe in. It is safe to operate inside or outside a house.
Like the first product, this splitter also has a log cradle that prevents pieces of logs from falling out. Besides, it is one of the best log splitters thanks to the great portability offered with grip handles and tires measuring 6 inches.
The benefits do not end here! Customers get a good warranty policy with their amazing CSA approved electric log splitter.
4. Goplus New 1500W 6 Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter Wood Portable Cutter Powerful
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Efficient, easy to use
- Good insulation
- Waterproof
- Require less storage space
- Safety guaranteed
Cons
- The splitter is positioned low, and close to the ground so it may hurt the user’s back if used for long periods of time.
- Wet logs can be harder to split than dry ones.
This is the best electric log splitter for owners of a fireplace or stoves that use wood. Its motor is as powerful as that of the previous model with a force of 6 tons. It can easily manage logs of 20.4 inches in length and 9.8 inches in width.
Uniquely, this model has Class-B insulation and is very safe to use. The water-resistance level is IP 54, meaning the machine can stand up to the effects of rust pretty well. Moreover, it can be stored away in an upright position, which takes up much less space than other products.
Like the previous model, it has a safety design that requires users to utilize both hands when operating the machine so that they do not touch the working ram or stand in the way of dangerously thrown out logs.
Another feature that makes this the best log splitter under $1000 is that it’s very easy to use. It gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
Great! Now you’ve been introduced to four of the best log splitters. Continue reading to see the last review right below.
5. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
Pros
- Very powerful motor
- Fume-free
- Single-hand operation
- Side rail for accurate cutting
- Quiet to run
- Works efficiently
- Easy to store
Cons
- Long cycle time
- Not as portable as other products in this review as it’s not as lightweight and hard to go through rough terrains
This is the most powerful model in our reviews. It has a force of up to 7 tons that can manage logs of 21 inches in length and 10 inches in width. Some customers have reported successful cutting with slightly larger sizes.
Like the model number 3 in this review, it is fume-free, and therefore safe to use. Many consider this particular model the best electric log splitter because it allows users to operate the machine with only one hand. So, it does not have the safety design like the previous products, but it is more convenient to use in this way.
Uniquely, the ram is designed to return automatically. Buyers also enjoy a residential warranty. This model is certainly among the best log splitters because it has a unique side rail that holds logs in a stable position for accurate cutting.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best electric log splitter and manual log splitter under $1000 help you feel more confident in choosing the best one for you. For us, personally, the last product (Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton) stands out compared to the other four. It just has all the benefits customers want: good price, most powerful motor, no fumes, easy use and store, good warranty. It does have drawbacks, but they seem to be minor.
It’s up to you now. Make sure to note down the important details about how to choose the best log splitters as mentioned above, read our reviews and there you go!
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