The 8 Best Gas Log Splitters

This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Cutting up wood doesn't have to be sweaty, back-breaking work. With one of these gas log splitters, you can power through hundreds of felled trees without ever having to lift an ax. Most can be towed behind your vehicle for easy transport between locations, and some are capable of both horizontal and vertical use. All of them are strong enough to handle dense hardwoods. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Cutting up wood doesn't have to be sweaty, back-breaking work. With one of these gas log splitters, you can power through hundreds of felled trees without ever having to lift an ax. Most can be towed behind your vehicle for easy transport between locations, and some are capable of both horizontal and vertical use. All of them are strong enough to handle dense hardwoods. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Champion 25-ton

The versatile Champion 25-ton (around $1257) works in both vertical and horizontal orientations. It runs on a reliable 224cc, single-cylinder OHV engine, and has a quick 12-second cycle that will allow you to power through tons of logs in a short period of time.

Can be towed at speeds up to 45 mph
Extended tongue for easy hitching
Free lifetime support

2. Southland SLS20825

The Southland SLS20825 (appx. $1167) features an internal oil delivery system that constantly lubricates its bearings, resulting in less heat buildup and a longer engine life. Its 17-second cycle time isn't the fastest, but it is very reasonably-priced for a 25-ton unit.

Handles stock up to 26 inches long
Durable heat-treated wedge
Starts easily in cold weather

3. RuggedMade 37-ton

The RuggedMade 37-ton (appx. $6590) features a four-way blade that quarters your stock, so you can create bundles of ready-to-use firewood with ease. It also has a built-in catch for collecting it. A long 30-inch stroke ensures trunks are split end to end.

Three cycle time settings
Auto returns to starting position
Heavy-duty push plate

4. YardMax YS2565

With a well-respected Briggs and Stratton engine, you can rest easy that your YardMax YS2565 (about $1443) will last through years of constant use. It has a patent pending U-beam design that is proven to be significantly stronger than the standard I-beam construction.

Compact yet powerful
Includes two log cradles
Relatively simple to assemble

UNDER REVIEW

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5. Samson Machinery 50-ton

The Samson Machinery 50-ton (appx. $2349) will push through even the toughest of hardwoods, though it can only accommodate stock up to 25 inches in length. Its large, pneumatic tires allow it to roll smoothly over a variety of terrains at speeds of up to 45 MPH.

Very fast 10-second cycle time
Fits onto two-inch hitches
Nine-gallon hydraulic oil capacity

6. Champion 90720

Ideal for home use, the wallet-friendly Champion 90720 (around $609) is capable of producing seven tons of force. It only weighs 143 pounds, which is nice since it doesn't have a hitch and you'll need to wheel it around your property by hand.

Air-cooled four-stroke engine
Flat-proof wheels
Cannot handle long stock

7. Wen 56222 Lumberjack

The Wen 56222 Lumberjack (around $1269) provides four hours of splitting on just one gallon of gas, so you will rarely have to stop working to refuel. Its heavy-gauge welded-steel construction and overhead valve engine should last through years of use.

Filter can be accessed quickly
Dot-approved tires
Two-handed operation for safety

8. NorthStar Deluxe 1118

The NorthStar Deluxe 1118 (about $2800) can split the toughest of stock, with its 389cc Honda GX390 engine. It also features a uniquely-curved wedge that minimizes the initial contact area for the utmost efficiency from the power it produces.

Four-stage hydraulic filter
Quickly switches orientations
Base plate is a little undersized

Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

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