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A log splitter will cut the work it takes to split logs in less than half and is so easy to do, you will have freshly cut logs all year long.
Take the chore out of splitting logs with the best log splitter, so you can enjoy more relaxing times in front of the fire instead of having to buy expensive firewood or take the time to cut your own.
In this Tractor Supply log splitter review, we have a rundown of some of the best log splitter options you can buy from one of the most trusted tool shops, Tractor Supply. They’re broken down by price, ease of use, and durability. Plus, some helpful tips on what to look for in a log splitter.
About Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply is known as one of the largest operators of rural lifestyle retail stores in the United States. Tractor Supply was founded in 1938 as a tractor parts business distributing all kinds of parts to help repair tractors.
They specialize in all sorts of items for home improvement work, lawn and garden maintenance, agricultural work, livestock care, equine care, and even pet care items. Today, Tractor Supply has more than 1,900 stores across 49 states in the U.S.
Tractor Supply has been targeting the needs of recreational and professional farmers and ranchers for more than 80 years, with a rich commitment to quality and consistency.
| Kohler SH265 | Best for Heavy Use
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| 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter | Best for Small Jobs
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| YardMax 5-Ton Electric Log Splitter | Best Budget Pick
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| CountyLine Log Splitter | Best Manual Option | Check Price
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| CountyLine Log Splitter 30 Ton | Best for Large Logs
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| Kohler Command Pro CH440 | Best for Commercial Use | Check Price
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Types of Log Splitters
There are three different main types of log splitters:
- Electric
- Gas
- Manual
Here is a brief rundown of each and what makes them different from the others.
Electric Log Splitters
Electric log splitters have hydraulic pump systems to help push a log right into a blade. The pump will then help swing a blade through the chainsaw-cut wood, successfully splitting it in half. This is essentially just like the motion of cutting or splitting a log in half if you were to do it yourself.
But with a hydraulic pump, it takes the work right out of cutting the log yourself and replaces it with heavy-duty machine work. This is a great way to split many logs in no time at all.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Seamless splits
- Hydraulic pump is strong
- Can cut a lot of wood in no time
Cons:
- Won’t work if there is no electricity
Gas Log Splitters
Like all gas-powered tools and machines, you get portability and a bit more power. Gas log splitters have the same idea as an electric log splitter, but instead of using electricity, these log splitters require a hydraulic cylinder filled with hydraulic oil to split the logs in half.
This machine will also help split a log in half by pushing a piece of a log into a sharpened wedge. Giving you a seamless split down the middle. You have control over this machine by way of the hydraulic pump which is run by a hydraulic valve to help you have more control over the cylinder.
Pros:
- Portable
- Has a hydraulic pump
- Uses hydraulic pressure
- You can still work it with no electricity
Cons:
- Much heavier machine than electric
Manual Log Splitters
If you do not want to mess with electric or gas-powered log splitters, then a manual option could be the right choice for you. A hydraulic manual log splitter will help split logs through a network of pumping a set of handles, kind of like the motion you’d use if you were ramping up a car jack.
Through manpower, this force will help you push a log wedge through the wood to split the log in half. This is a great option for anyone who might now be near an electric outlet and doesn’t have gas to power a gas log splitter.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Not as noisy as electric or gas
- Lighter than electric or gas
- Can split many logs with this machine
Cons:
- Hard to use
What to Look for in a Log Splitter
Here, we have a rundown of some of the most important features and specifications you need to look at before you purchase a brand-new log splitter.
All of these features will go into the overall process of how your log splitter works, so be sure to pay careful attention to these details as they will help you decide on a machine that is perfect for your needs.
Tonnage
Tonnage is used to determine the amount of pressure a log splitter needs to precisely split wood. A few different things need to be determined before choosing a log splitter that can hold the correct tonnage.
Things like the size of a log or the diameter, the type of wood, whether it’s seasoned or green, and the density of your wood. The harder the wood the more tonnage you will need. The more green your wood is, the more tonnage you will need here, as well.
Capacity
Another very important factor, capacity helps determine just how big you’d need your log splitter to be according to the size of the logs you intend to split. A log splitter that comes with more tonnage will have a higher diameter and the ability to cut larger logs.
To give you an example, a log splitter that has about six tons will allow you to split logs up to 10 inches in diameter, so the higher the diameter, the higher your tonnage will need to be.
Engine
What type of engine you have will help you with the overall amount of wood you can cut in a given time and how much effort your machine needs to put out. Most log splitters use a hydraulic cylinder or pump to push wood into a sharpened wedge.
The more horsepower you have in a log splitter engine, the more quickly your machine can work. The higher the engine output, the better your machine can split larger logs with little to no effort at all.
Hydraulic Pump
A hydraulic pump is often used in combination with an electric engine, or solely for gas-powered log splitters. A hydraulic pump is what produces pressure needed to help drive hydraulic oil into the engine of a log splitter to make it work.
This pump will supply power for the entire system and is a simple hydraulic device that packs a lot of power. Since your engine is attached to a hydraulic oil pump, in oil machines, the hydraulic oil is what is used to create a steam of pressure. It applies the pressure to get your machine to split a log.
Valve
Any oil that is in your log splitters pump will have to run through a hydraulic valve to get control over the power of the machine’s cylinder. In some machines, a directional valve is used to funnel fluid from the pump to the hydraulic cylinder to get the power moving that way.
The valve is sort of like a flood gate that helps control the amount of oil and power that is flowing into a log splitter engine.
Tank
If you want your log splitter to work continuously or for a longer period of time, the larger your gas tank is, the better. A larger tank will allow you to work with your machine for a long time without having to stop to refuel.
A tank of anywhere from 10 gallons to 15 gallons is more than enough to work with your machine continuously. Estimate this is by taking the high-pressure flow capacity of the pump and figuring three times that amount is the gas that you will need.
Warranty
As will all large machines, having a great warranty to back it up is key. While most log splitters come with a basic manufacturing warranty, you may want to look into an extended life warranty to make sure your machine is still covered years down the road.
While an extended warranty might cost you an extra fee, it’s better to be safe than sorry with these types of large-scale investments.
What Type of Wood Are You Cutting?
A very important factor you need to figure out is what type of wood you are planning on cutting. The thicker the wood, the higher-powered machine you will need, and the same goes with how to green your wood is.
Since green wood is not properly seasoned, it will take more tonnage to cut properly. Greenwood is more fibrous and isn’t dried out like seasoned wood is, so you will need to either find a machine that is great at cutting greenwood or make sure that your wood has a place to properly season for a few months before using your machine.
The thicker the diameter of your wood is, the higher your tonnage will be. This also goes for the density of your wood whether it is seasoned or not. The harder the wood, the higher your tonnage will need to be.
Best Tractor Supply Log Splitters
To take the guessing game out of which log splitters are the best, we’ve rounded them up for you! Each of these machines is sure to help you get the job done without any headaches as these are the best machines you can find on the market today.
25 Ton Splitter, Kohler SH265 6.5HP Engine
Best for Heavy Use
Perfect for heavy and constant use, this County Line log splitter comes complete with a Kohler high-powered engine. This log splitter comes with a rapid cycle time which is perfect for those who regularly split wood.
- Price Range: Less Than $1,500
- Tonnage: 25 ton
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
- Type: Manual
Not to mention, it comes with the best residential warranty you can find within this industry, so you are protected even further. This engine isn’t complicated and can be easily operated by those who are experts at using log splitters and those who are just starting to learn.
7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter and Auto Return, 90720
Best for Small Jobs
If you don’t cut wood regularly, or you just need a log splitter that can work part-time, this log splitter is the ideal machine for you. It may be small in size, but when you need it, it is highly reliable and ultimately dependable.
- Price Range: Less than $1000
- Tonnage: 7 tons
- Warranty: Limited 2-year warranty
- Type: Gas
This is a quick solution for splitting logs with a reliable recoil start and a single-cylinder OHV engine. This machine has a cast iron sleeve and a 0.4-quart oil capacity with a 0.4-gallon fuel tank which makes it perfect for small loads. It also comes with a low-oil shutoff mechanism for the ultimate safe machine.
YardMax 5-Ton Electric Log Splitter and Stand, YS0552
Best Budget Pick
The best bang for your buck, the Yardmax electric log splitter comes with a stand that can get the job done without breaking the bank. All you have to do with this nifty little machine is plug it and start splitting your wood.
- Price Range: Less than $350
- Tonnage: 9 tons
- Warranty: 2-year residential warranty
- Type: Electric
The stand helps with his setup because it enables you to split your wood on a cleaner level which is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes fully assembled so no need to spend hours trying to screw things in. It’s the perfect machine for those who aren’t very familiar with log splitters overall.
Best CountyLine Brand Log Splitters from Tractor Supply
CountyLine is a leading brand in log splitters and Tractor Supply showcases these machines regularly. If you are interested in Coutnryline specific log splitters, this is the round-up for you!
CountyLine Log Splitter, 25 Ton, Kohler Engine
Originally showcased for its ability to be a great heavy use machine, this machine is perfect for constant use, too. All of this power is due to the highly reliable and finessed Kohler motor which comes complete with a rapid cycle time for those heavier jobs.
- Price Range: Less Than $1,500
- Tonnage: 25 ton
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
- Type: Manual
You simply cannot beat the smooth power of this engine and it comes with plenty of safety features that work with both vertical and horizontal operation. A built-in log cradle is a nifty addition as it can hold 24-inch logs.
CountyLine Log Splitter 30 Ton, Kohler Command Pro Engine
For the wood splitting extraordinaire, the CountyLine 30-ton splitter will only help you along in a process you are well familiar with. You simply cannot beat the high-performance hydraulic motor to this machine, and it is ideal in saving you time and effort when it comes to the laborious work of splitting wood.
- Price Range: Less than $2,000
- Tonnage: 30 ton
- Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Type: Gas
This machine also tilts vertically so it’s extra handy when you have to tackle larger logs. Best yet, you can clean this machine with ease due to its durable pneumatic tires which means easier hauling up and down the road into the fields or woods.
Related read: How to Find the Best 30-ton Log Splitters.
CountyLine Log Splitter, 40 Ton, Kohler Command Pro CH440 Engine
A big, perfect machine for any type of job, this 40-ton splitter from CountyLine is ideal for large loads and heavier loads. If you have a pile of unseasoned, hardwood to cut, you can’t go wrong with this log splitter due to the sheer power volume alone.
- Price Range: Less than $3000
- Tonnage: 40 tons
- Warranty: Three-year manufacturers warranty
- Type: Gas
This bad boy comes in with a Kohler command pro engine with a 40-ton splitting force and a smooth 9.5 second cycle time. This machine can be both vertical and horizontally operated for extra easy use and comes with an auto-return valve.
Other Things to Consider with Log Splitters
Before you go falling in love with any of these incredible machines, first take a look at these key facts to consider. Each one of these factors should have a heavy role in your decision-making before making final purchase on your log splitter.
Performance
Some key performance factors include looking up the type of motor your log splitter will come with. It should have a powerful motor that can cut through all types of wood.
Since your log splitter will be an expensive, long-term investment, you need to make sure that your machine will be reliable for years after purchase. Your log splitter should have quick cycles so you aren’t wasting any precious time and it should be capable of being able to handle larger-sized pieces of wood if you need it to.
Your log splitter should come with a great manufactures warranty with an option of purchasing more protection if you wanted to. It should also come from a reliable manufacturer and it doesn’t hurt to check out the reviews and ratings to help you along.
Safety
Safety is always a number one concern and it should be the main priority before you settle on a log splitter. Always make sure your log splitter has a two-handed operation feature so both hands will be firmly planted on your machine giving you more control.
Also, check out the control levelers so you know how easy they are to use and how to use them perfectly. There should also be an adjustable swing-out foot option to your machine for more stabilization as well as an emergency stop in case you need to turn off your log splitter very quickly.
Convenience
Last but not least, your machine should be convenient to use. Your log splitter should be easy to move, and it should be comfortable to use, even for an extended amount of time. Always make sure your log splitter comes with adjustable height specifications so you can easily tailor your machine to your personal specifications.
FAQs
Question: Is a 25-ton splitter enough?
Answer: Yes. A 25-ton splitter is pretty standard when it comes to common machines and it will easily be able to handle normal day-to-day log splitting on top of some heavier jobs in there.
Question: Who makes CountyLine splitters?
Answer: Tractor Supply. Log splitters made by CountyLine is an exclusive brand of log splitter from Tractor Supply.
Question: How many tons does it take to split a log?
Answer: Up to 6 tons. At least 6 tons of power will enable you to split logs up to 10 inches in diameter, so this is a good starting size if you need to split normal logs.
Question: What is the best hand log splitter?
Answer: CountyLine’s 4-Way Wedge log splitter will work great. While this is a manual labor machine, you can’t go wrong with this make and model.
The Verdict
So, there you have it, so many great log splitters you can find from one of the most trusted brands out there – Tractor Supply. Whether you are looking for gas-powered log splitters, electric or manual, you can’t go wrong purchasing from a brand with exceptional customer service and reliable products.
Personally, I think one of the best choices is the 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter for its price, good warranty, and ease of use.
Did you find this article helpful? We hope you did! Do you have any experience working with log splitters? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to put your questions in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other helpful tips like this guide to forestry mulchers or guide to kinetic log splitters.