Manual log splitters are log splitters that use mechanic leverage to split a log. These sometimes involve the same hydraulic rams that electric or gas powered log splitters use but it may use some other means to split the log. This guide focuses on different manual log splitters that are available and allows you to compare different models and see what is available.
How do splitters work
Typically, log splitters work by pushing a hydraulic ram. The ram is powered by a pump that pumps the hydraulic fluid. This pump can either be powered by a gas motor, an electric motor or manually activated.
Advantages/Disadvantages of Manual log splitters
Like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to using an manual log splitter. These may or may not affect you but should be taken into consideration when purchasing a log splitter.
Advantages
- No gasoline needed
- Relatively quiet
- Can be used indoors/in enclosed spaces
- Can be more powerful that
Disadvantages
- Some options are less powerful
- More effort needed than powered units for some options
Manual Log Splitter Models
Here are some electric log splitters to consider. The splitters are sorted by power.
Felled Slide Hammer Manual Log Splitter
The Felled Slide Hammer manual log splitter is another splitter that uses hammer force to split the log. You raise and lower a ram on the handle to give it the force to split logs.
Harbor Freight 10 Ton Log Splitter
The Harbor Freight 10 Ton Hydraulic log splitter works much like a traditional log splitter by using a ram to press the log against a wedge. The ram is powered by cranking two levers back and forth to move the piston. At 10 tons it’s more capable than most electric splitters and can split logs up to 18″ long. This unit can also be ordered through Amazon.
Logosol Smart-Splitter 14 Ton Manual Log Splitter
The Logosol Smart-Splitter 14 Ton manual log splitter is one of the more powerful log splitters on our list. It’s easy to use and can take logs up to 21.5″ long and any width. It works by simpy raising a weight and lettering and drop. You repeat this until the log is split.
Sun Joe 10 Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
The Sun Joe 10 Ton hydraulic log splitter looks and works very similarly to the Harbor Freight model. They both can take logs up to 18″ so they are probably made by the same manufacturer and just branded differently.
Timber Tuff Manual Log Splitter
The Timber Tuff Manual Log Splitter works by raising and lowering a hammer weight built into the handle. This action splits the log.
Vulcan 8 Ton Manual Log Splitter
The Vulcan 8 Ton Manual Log Splitter is a vertical log splitter that uses a hydraulic ram that is powered by manually pumping the ram with your foot until the log splits. It can split logs up to 25″.
Wedges and Mauls
In addition to manually powered hydraulic rams and levels that provide mechanical advantage when splitting wood, other manual log splitters include traditional and non-traditional wedges and mauls. Here are some to consider.
Estwing Sure Split Wedge
The Estwing Sure Split Wedge is a powerful wedge design. It helps split logs more easily due to its non-traditional design. This wedge is made in the U.S.A so you are sure to get a quality product.
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
The Fiskars IsoCore Maul is a 36″ long maul engineered with a special wedge to make splitting wood easier. The IsoCore technology means less impact to user when splitting a log.
Manual Log Splitter Wedge
This Manual Log Splitter Wedge is a generic wedge that is pretty much a standard design. It features a four-way split and requires and 8lb+ sledge hammer to force it through a log.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of different options for manual log splitters. They range from hydraulic rams, levers and even simple wedges so there is plenty to consider when looking for a log splitter. If none of these work for you, you can always take a look at electric log splitters or kinetic log splitters and see if anything there will work for you.
Hopefully this guide has been helpful in showing you the different options that are available. Check out our other exclusive Guides on LincOn.com
If you know of any other electric log splitters that should be on this list, please email Dave at dbroer@LincOn.com
