Happy beneficiary of a fireplace, an insert or a wood stove , are you looking for a simple, effective and safe solution to prepare your stock of steres for the winter? Forget axes and other hammers that are energy-consuming and sometimes dangerous for the uninitiated. With the log splitter , you will benefit from all the advantages provided by wood heating without risking your health when cutting!
But before that, you will need to choose equipment adapted to your needs. The diversity of the offer available in terms of splitters or “wood breakers” as some call them is so great that the amateur quickly gets lost. To help you make your decision, we have listed the different criteria to evaluate before you get started. Follow the leader !
Here’s how to choose your log splitter:
Choose a manual, thermal, electric or hydraulic splitter?
The manual log splitter is intended for individuals with small needs. Handy, easy to transport and easy to use, it is generally necessary to fix it on a block of wood using a drill. The electric splitter allows you to prepare a larger quantity of wood, between 10 and 12 cubic meters per year, without effort. It requires connection to the electrical network and must be stored protected from bad weather. If you want to know more ,
Beyond these quantities, a thermal log splitter can be a worthwhile investment. Operating using a gasoline engine, it is noisier than its electric cousin but remains easily transportable for the smaller models. Hydraulic models allow large quantities of wood to be cut but require the assistance of a tractor to operate. In this way, they are more intended for professionals.
Horizontal or vertical log splitters?
Log splitters, regardless of the power chosen, come in two models, horizontal and vertical. The first are ideal for logs less than 50 cm and of reduced diameter. Indeed, although easier to use because they have a table on which to place the log , they require more handling.
Vertical models allow you to work with logs of larger diameter and greater length because the wood is simply placed against the mast. For greater safety and ease of use, these models are generally equipped with a guide which holds the logs in place after action of the blade on the log.
Other criteria to take into account when making your choice
Furthermore, the choice of a log splitter must be guided by multiple criteria which arise from the intended use of your machine . The thrust, which expresses the power of the machine, is expressed in tonnes and depends on the size of the logs to be worked. It defines the motorization of your splitter. Also take into account the noise produced during use. If you work in an urban environment, noise pollution can be annoying for your neighbors.
The dimensions, weight or capacity to be towed must be considered in light of the characteristics of your land. Above all, remember that the number of cubic meters produced per year is the central criterion which will determine your needs, so evaluate your consumption correctly!
