The 10 Best Hydraulic Log Splitters

Safe for use with timber up to about 10 inches wide, the Wen 56207 (around $228) delivers 13,000 pounds of pressure, which is enough for many consumers' needs. Its 15-amp electric motor eliminates the cost, mess, and emissions of gas-powered models.

Using a mechanism much like a standard bottle jack, the Sun Joe Logger (about $150) lets you break down wood without gasoline, electricity, or damage to your back, by applying up to 10 tons of force. It can handle pieces as long as 18 inches and as wide as 8.

The Boss Industrial ES7T20 (about $449) shines in its simplicity, constructed for easy one-handed use, as well as nimble navigation on two large and nearly indestructible wheels. Its 3,500 PSI cylinder allows it to tackle denser material than its similarly-sized competition.

With a 2-inch ball-hitch coupler and DOT-approved, 16-inch wheels, the Dirty Hand Tools 100950 (around $949) is perfect for trailing behind you en route to the job site. It features a wide, I-beam body with large upper and lower brackets to secure large pieces of wood evenly.

If you regularly face vast amounts of downed lumber, the Yardmax Full-Beam (appx. $1613) can help clear it out, thanks to a 6.5-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine. It's easy to tow behind an ATV or truck, and cycles in a relatively quick ten seconds.

The Yardmax 5-Ton (around $261) plugs into the wall to provide you with a cleanly-powered experience, finishing small to mid-sized jobs with ease. It resets automatically after each stroke, which is roughly 21 inches long and lasts 16 seconds.

Tree removal specialists and other professionals may want to consider the RuggedMade 37-Ton (about $6590), a commercial-grade machine that can dismantle timber as long as two-and-a-half feet, and up to two feet wide. Despite its size, it runs as quickly as 9 seconds per cycle.

A three-inch-wide cylinder, powered by an 80cc gas engine, affords the Champion 90720 (about $609) up to 3000 PSI and 7 tons of force. It's powerful enough to rip through dense material weighing up to 50 pounds, with lengths of up to 19 inches.

Built around an immensely popular four-stroke engine, the Northstar 1131 (about $1900) can force apart any but the widest, most resilient tree trunks. At under two thousand dollars, it's a good deal for a unit that's ready to stand up to heavy use.

Designed with owners of large properties in mind, the PowerHorse 3-Point (appx. $770) affixes to category 1 and 2 tractor hitches, so you can split your cords first, and move them later. It runs off the vehicle's own hydraulic systems, drastically cutting fuel and maintenance costs.