log splitter
A log splitter (wood splitter) is a piece of equipment which eliminates the need for a maul and hours of backbreaking labor. A log splitter consists of a hydraulic or electrical rod and piston assembly, often rated by the tons of pressure it can generate. The higher the pressure rating, the stronger the log splitter. Most log splitter models for home use have a rating around 10 tons or so, but professional models may exert 25 tons of pressure or more. There are also manual log splitters, which use mechanical leverage to force logs through a sharpened blade assembly. The log splitters may be powered by a gasoline or diesel engine, making it useful for remote logging work. The entire log splitter is often wheeled out to the location and finished logs are tossed into a waiting truck or wagon. There are also wood splitter models promoted as suitable for all seasons. This type of log splitter is usually powered by electricity, making it ideal for indoor use during inclement weather. No matter what the power source is, a log splitter basically uses a piston to drive the log through a stationary blade. Some models have additional pieces which prevent the split logs from falling to the ground. This allows the operator to reposition the logs quickly for a second pass on the log splitter.
Firewood splitters are generally the self-contained version shown above. There are versions that are attached to tractors and utilize the tractor engine driven power take-off shaft (PTO) to drive the splitter pump. This type of splitter is usually carried behind the tractor via the 3-point hitch. 3-point hitch attachments can vary as well with all 3 points being utilized or just the two lower links with an extension off the base of the splitter extended forward of the link and resting on the 3-point arm. Variations have been made with the hydraulic cylinders enclosed in steel frameworks and exterior mechanisms attached to pull the wood into the stationary wedge. Additionally in the UK the Hycrack machine - also tractor mounted and pto driven - has no hydraulic ram but uses a rotating screw style cone to draw the log over an integral wedge.
The vast majority of firewood splitters are intended for home use through there are commercial units as well. Specialty maple syrup producers use units that split 4 foot lengths. Fence post units also exist though they are few in number as it is generally safer and more convenient to saw the posts.
Although a good log splitter can save the operator hours of labor with a maul, it is not possible to make it 100% safe. Only trained adults should operate a log splitter, since anything caught between the log and the splitting blade will receive at least 10 tons of pressure. The behavior of each log cannot be predicted, so a safety zone should be established around the splitter. Helpers can pick up the individual pieces of firewood, but should not stand near the log splitter while it is in operation.
 log splitter LS4T-37, LS5T-37, LS6T-37 |
 log splitter LS4T-52, LS5T-52, LS6T-52 |
 log splitter LS7T, LS8TA, LS9TA, LS10TA, LS12T |
 log splitter LS8TB, LS9TB, LS10TB |
 log splitter LS22T, LS26T, LS32T |
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