Require a log splitter in your backyard, factory, or for your forest adventures? Let go of generic log splitters and consider investing in a kinetic log splitter. The usual hydraulic log splitters are slow-acting, and cutting large blocks of wood could be tedious. Instead, kinetic log splitters permit much quicker woodcutting tasks.
These splitters allow rapid cycles of log cutting while also accurately returning to their original position. With an average split-to-restart speed of 2.5 to 3 seconds, they compensate for the lesser power.
Compare this to 30-second cycles for hydraulic splitters, and you’ll realize just how amazing kinetic wood splitters are for splitting small to medium logs of wood.
Owing to varying parameters of varying kinetic log splitters, such as for the ton rating, speed, power output, and so much more, we have curated a buying guide to help you search for the best kinetic log splitters.
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Our Top Picks For The Best Kinetic Log Splitter
- PowerSmart Log Splitter 6-Ton Standard Hydraulic SystemWEN 56207 6.5-Ton Black Electric Log Splitter
- WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Black Electric Log Splitter
- Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter
- Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
- Sun Joe L10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PowerSmart Log Splitter 6-Ton Standard Hydraulic System | • Ideal size for home use • Powerful unit • Wide rear wheels | |
 | WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Black Electric Log Splitter) | • Versatile height adjustability • Wheels can never go flat • 20.5-inch main beam | |
 | Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter | • Smooth hydraulic dipstick • Operation is easy • Minimal assembly upon arrival | |
 | Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton | • Large wheels • Sturdy frame • Auto retract feature is gentle | |
 | Sun Joe L10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green | • Fast reset piston rod • Handles offer versatility in usage • Stress-free usability |
5 Best Kinetic Log Splitters
Let’s dive deep into the five best kinetic log splitters’ specifics, pros, and cons.
#1. PowerSmart Log Splitter 6-Ton Standard Hydraulic System
PowerSmart products are top-notch in performance owing to their low failure rate and multi-functionality. This kinetic log splitter has an induction motor of 120V 60Hz running on a current of 15A and can output 1.75 HP. Even better, the six-ton hydraulic system makes this equipment a premium choice by slicing and dicing chunks of logs into easily usable firewood. Considering the fantastic quality of its steel construction, you are purchasing durability at its finest.
Ideally, it can split logs of about 22 inches in length and 10 inches in diameter. It also holds 8-inch rear wheels to help gardeners and backyard owners navigate without any difficulty. These wheels assist in taking the log splitter from your home to the site without any struggle. Since it is sized at 41x19x12 inches, you can take in an SUV or sedan’s trunk.
What’s best, PowerSmart’s log splitter runs on electric energy and doesn’t require burning a hole in your pocket through regular gasoline refilling cycles. This is complemented by its fume-free working, making you an environmental contributor because the log splitter releases significantly lesser carbon dioxide. Guess what? Say goodbye to cold starts!
Don’t forget, with a motor speed of 3450 RPM and a sturdy handle; it works best for home use. Be it ash wood or any other strong hardwood; this kinetic log splitter will chop it clean!
What We Liked
- Ideal size for home use
- Powerful unit
- Wide rear wheels
What We Didn’t Like
- Low height
#2. WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Black Electric Log Splitter
This electric log splitter by WEN offers a log cracking pressure capacity of more than 13,000 pounds. Speaking of numbers, it comes with a 34-inch mounting stand and can slice logs that are 20.5 inches and 10 inches in length and breadth, respectively. Feel free to install the mounting stand for benefitting from its elevated height or straight-up attach the wheels to the frame for a low-height, ground-level usage.
The built is so well-engineered that users haven’t complained of any annoying instances of clogged carburetors or cold starts. When accounting for its herculean strength, we must give credit to the 14.75-inch cylinder stroke, 16 square inch push plant, and the huge, 5-inch wedge that proves effective for high-strength woods as well.
Worried about taking the splitter from your garage to the forest? Fret not! It comes with an onboard pull handle and smooth wheels that make transportation a breeze. While easy to use because of its electrical dependence, it is considered among the best kinetic log splitters because of the 20-second cycle that accommodates 120 small to medium logs per hour.
Users can even regulate the efficiency and reduce reset cycle durations by playing with the 4-inch push plate. Simply enjoy great adjustability by using the ram-limiting adjustment ring.
Finally, no more slipping and sliding of logs from the splitter. The side-mounted support wings will make sure your log stays tightly positioned for the cut to be precise.
What We Liked
- Versatile height adjustability
- Wheels can never go flat
- 20.5-inch main beam
- Attached carrying handle for convenience
What We Didn’t Like
- The position of controls is slightly inconvenient
- Struggles to split hickory
#3. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter
This heavy-duty, red-colored, six-ton electric log splitter works perfectly well in the most rugged of conditions. Offering a horsepower of 1.75 with a 15 amp induction motor, expect utmost consistency in terms of performance. Your physical investments can be considered effortless, and the 18-second cycle time will help you quickly complete log-cutting tasks. In case you desire shorter strokes for small-sized logs, take advantage of the in-built stroke limiter.
Furthermore, this log splitter can be configured into a vertical position. This eliminates any maneuverability hassles and enables making the splitter compact enough for convenient storage. Additionally, it has 7″ wheels and can be run through a fairly long extension cord.
Let’s praise Southland for the superior quality 5-inch wedge. Its constituents have equipped it for executing solid splits that lead to faster and accurate log-splitting cycles—bid farewell to stressing your arm by constantly swinging a maul and ax. Simultaneously be warned, though it has an auto-retract feature, the retraction speed is the same as the chopping speed.
If you purchase this electric log splitter, make sure to regularly check the hydraulic fluid and stay away from the machine’s front end during cutting cycles. The force is so tremendous that users have reported bits flying away as far as 8 feet in front of the machine!
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What We Liked
- Smooth hydraulic dipstick
- Operation is easy
- Minimal assembly upon arrival
What We Didn’t Like
- Small wheels
#4. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
Boss Industrial has maintained a strong reputation because of its 40-year-old industry expertise. They have consistently manufactured products that have helped DIYers, gardeners, and construction workers reduce their workload with high-end machinery. Much like their other products, even this electric log splitter will do justice to burdening woodcutting tasks.
It stands out because of the single-hand operation feature. This allows the user operational freedom and multitasking options too. Above that, this ES7T20 model resonates with the portability and effortless usage of the EC5T20 model. The core difference between the two is the latter’s greater power generation capabilities!
Expect a hefty 7 tons of splitting force to be executed by the 2 HP electric motor. Further on, it has arrangements for locking in the log onto the log placement platform. Besides locking the log, users can evade any hassle of transportation through its front handle.
With the inculcation of patented technologies, you’ll be equipping your DIY equipment arsenal with a highly effective log cutter. If needed, feel free to store it vertically as well.
We found the one-hand operation to be the best trait since electric log splitters are not a standard addition. To sum this up, the tubing and brackets are made of pure steel, so there’s no way of damage unless run over by a heavy vehicle.
What We Liked
- Large wheels
- Sturdy frame
- Auto retract feature is gentle
What We Didn’t Like
- Loud motor
#5. Sun Joe L10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter, Green
The Sun Joe L10M kinetic log splitter can generate an exceptional 10 tons of force when splitting logs. Above this, it’s built to accommodate logs as long and wide as 18 inches and 8 inches, respectively. Even after slicing super-hard wood types, you’ll be rewarded with a high-speed reset cycle. This is attributed to the internal architecture in this log splitter.
To add, it houses a durable log cradle to keep logs intact and ensure precise cuts. And speaking of its cutting speed, users can choose between a manually operated pump that offers two speeds. Go on! Chop your logs without fear.
This electric log splitter is built to survive for several seasons and years at a stretch.
Even the handles of this log splitter are in another league! Sun Joe’s outdoor equipment mastery has been displayed time and again through their electric equipment such as lawn trimmers, mowers, blowers, and so much more! They are long enough to use the machine even though you’ll be standing upright, and the machine will be on ground level.
What We Liked
- Fast reset piston rod
- Handles offer versatility in usage
- Stress-free usability
What We Didn’t Like
- Wheels could have been wider
Buying Guide For The Best Kinetic Log Splitter
Since a kinetic log splitter will be used for all your log cutting tasks, you want to purchase something reliable, high performance, and durable. Scrutinize the log splitters to study what factors matter to you and what can be avoided. Whether you refer to customer reviews or not, we’d like to point out some important factors to consider while determining the best kinetic log splitter.
Firstly, why use an electric log splitter?
Remember, electric log splitters cancel out the possibility of extra loud log cutting episodes that damage hearing and release a series of toxic gases. More than that, you won’t have to spend a penny on gas unless you face a power deficiency at home.
Note: Electric log splitters have low maintenance requirements in the long run.
Mobility and Portability
Always account for how easy or difficult it is to take the electric log splitter from place to place. Is it too heavy? Does it cause too much friction when moving? Are the wheels durable? Is it foldable? All these answers will give you clarity about the portability of the equipment.
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Remember, though kinetic log splitters are smaller in size as compared to hydraulic ones, they are heavyweight and generally weigh above a heavy-hitting 100 pounds.
Depending on the extra equipment, such as wheels and handles, you’ll find it doable to take the equipment while you travel.
Guess what?
Consider ordering a towing kit for making portability a seamless affair!
Log Capacity
Carefully study what type of wood is the kinetic log splitter best at cutting. Even the length and width of the wood matter. While some can easily chop through hardwood, some are purely manufactured for chopping weaker woods.
Be mindful of the splitter’s dimensional readings to plan your cutting sessions accordingly.
Tip: Acquire a telescoping wedge. Such wedges expand the scope of the splitter’s cutting capabilities.
Cycle Time and Operation
Not to forget, the pinion gear decides the splitter’s cycle speed. Provided you can get the pinion gear to force rack retreating; the ram will generate super-fast speeds. This will heighten the productivity of the splitter as well.
While cycle times are generally shorter for this splitter type, you must also verify whether it’s made for single or double-hand usage. For safety purposes, we recommend opting for a double-hand operation splitter.
Maintenance
Analyze the types of material used in making the splitter. This will gauge its durability and approximate lifespan.
Everything from the log cradle, wedge, and handles must be checked for material authenticity. Either way, you will surely have to deal with lesser maintenance issues when using an electric log splitter.
Why Use A Kinetic Log Splitter?
Here is a bonus bunch of facts that will convince you of choosing a kinetic log splitter over a gas-powered one:
- They can easily manage the roughest, bulkiest, and knottiest of logs. And that too at a pace that will surprise you.
- Since there is no inclusion of hydraulic fluids and hydraulic pumps, expect fewer maintenance hassles. You won’t even have any engine maintenance problems.
- While some hydraulic splitters have 15 to 30 seconds of cycle times, electric log splitters have a cycle time of 2 to 3 seconds.
Verdict
Choosing a kinetic log splitter is one of the best decisions you could make for simplifying your firewood and DIY requirements. Ensure you compare the pros, cons, and key features of each of the given products. In the end, your final choice must be tailored precisely to your wood cutting needs.
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