Log Splitter Roundup
Plenty to choose from. For a very limited amount of firewood, an axe will do to split it, especially in straight grained timber, but if you want to up production, and not invest in an expensive processor, a log splitter is the way to go. This can make light work of chopping wood – not to mention the improved safety. These days you can get a cheap log splitter that will save you hours of effort, without causing any of the backache that wielding an axe can cause!

A log splitter used with a chainsaw will enable an individual to cut up small, or large, awkward limbs into firewood blocks. Some of the bigger splitters can be used to break down large logs so that they can be further processed. A splitter offers the capability of splitting firewood from difficult timbers which processors can sometimes struggle to handle. As the market has expanded considerably over the last few years, we have listed nine different brands which are currently on offer here in the UK, through companies that specialise in supplying the timber and forestry markets. But do bear in mind that there are other brands on the market which are available through agricultural dealerships throughout the country.

The brands available seem to come mostly from Italy, a country which is probably one of the world leaders in the production of hydraulic components, whilst others are made in Germany, Austria, France and the UK. The splitters include vertical models, horizontal models, those with knife blades, and some with a wedge blade. Some are made to split short billets; others can split log lengths up to 4 feet, and there are fencing post splitters which can split posts up to 2.5m long. Finally, there are the jaw type splitters which are put onto tracked excavators and literally crunch through large rough tree trunks in much a similar way as
cutting jaws work in the demolition industry.

Given the many brands and models available and the increasing similarities between the different makes, it might seem rather confusing to a prospective buyer. Therefore it will sometimes be the relationship you have with your machinery dealer that will guide you.
Riko UK is the agent for the Italianmade Ballario and Forestello range of splitters. The range is quite large, from smaller 5-ton models all the way up to a massive 40-ton model.

They offer a range of vertical and horizontal splitters, from basic models to those with all the bells and whistles to ensure less manual handling of logs. Attachments include adjustable tables on the vertical model, enabling the operator to save his back whilst splitting rings.
Winches are available to drag logs onto the splitter, as well as loaders capable of up-ending heavy billets to be split vertically. Likewise many of the horizontal models have loading arms, speeding up operation. Some of the horizontal splitters have fixed cutters whilst others have
adjustable up and down cutters.
Riko UK 01420 487300

M Large Ltd is the agent for the Thor and Woodcracker ranges of splitters. The Thor range includes vertical and horizontal models, with models running from 6 tons to 22 tons. These splitters utilise a range of power sources – electric, engine, pto and tractor hydraulics. The Thor splitters have a 3-year warranty and come with a range of additional options, including their System- Leader control, two- and four-way splitting wedges, trolley wheels and loading arms.

The Woodcracker range of splitters can be mounted onto excavators, wood loading cranes or loaders. The Woodcracker is a tool like a bladed grapple which is used to split large pieces of logs. There is no limit to the log length being split; therefore this system is ideal to split large or long sections before further processing by smaller machines.
M Large 028 9034 2838

Jas P Wilson is the agent for the Posch range of splitters. Posch makes a complete range of quality vertical and horizontal splitters. They are powered by a variety of sources – electric, pto and engine. The range starts with the Home- Split and Spaltaxt ranges, which are ideal for short timber. A useful feature is the timber retaining tip, which helps to secure thin or angled cut wood in a safe and more efficient manner. Next up in size is the HydroCombi family of vertical splitters. These range from 10- to 30-ton splitting power. They can split up to
1.1m in length, have durable grey cast-iron pumps and brass guides on the splitting knife. To ease the workload of the operator, a log loading device can be used to lift logs vertically onto the machine. A winch with timber tongs is available to help in getting large awkward
timber onto the machines.

The Splitmaster range runs from 9 to 55 tons splitting power, and can handle short or long logs up to 1.3m, with a 2.3m option on the trailed versions. They use two-speed splitting and are designed for continuous operation. All models in the range are horizontal splitters, with some of the larger models being crane fed. For those who need to split oak fencing posts, Posch makes a post splitter capable of splitting timber up to 2.1m long.
Jas P Wilson 01556 612233

Fuelwood acts as the agent for the Woodline range of splitters. This range is made in Italy, and includes both vertical and horizontal splitters. They offer a variety of power options including electric, engine, hydraulic and pto. Options include adjustable tables and multiple-cut knives for the vertical splitters. The horizontal splitters have loading arms with either fixed or adjustable knives.

The range covers all needs from household use to large industrial models.
Fuelwood 01926 484673

Perry Plant runs its own contracting business and supply the BGU range of splitters. They use BGU machinery in their own business. The BGU range is large with models run by electric engine or pto. The smaller models are ideal for household use, with the large machines made for heavy continuous use. They are of heavy construction and have various greasing points to ensure a long life for the sliding surfaces. Options include log lifts, cable winches with timber tongs, adjustable tables and various blades. The ram stroke on certain models can be adjusted depending on timber split, to speed up production.
Perry Plant Hire 01363 866174

AT Osborne Ltd offers the Zanon range of splitters. Zanon produces both vertical and horizontal splitters with some of the vertical splitters being able to be used horizontally should this feature be required. These splitters can be powered via electric, hydraulic, engine or pto. Splitting power ranges from 6 to 20 tons capacity. Features include adjustable blades, trolley wheels to ease movement, log loading arms and variable cutter design.
AT Osborne Ltd 02380 814340

Technorton of Ludlow is well known for its range of debarkers, yet they also make a range of well made, strong horizontal splitters. These splitters either work as standalone units or, in certain instances, can be connected to Technorton’s circular saw bench to make a firewood
processor. The Compact model has a 6-ton maximum splitting force, while the Mammoth models range from 17 to 30 tons. These splitters can be run off tractor hydraulics, hydraulic
power packs, or electro-hydraulic power packs. The largest capacity machine can split timber up to 1.22m long.
Technorton 01584 872689

Marshall Agricultural Engineering imports the Binderberger range of splitters. The range starts with smaller models ideal for the homeowner, and progresses to large models designed for continuous use. All splitters have a combination of galvanised and painted finish. The shortwood combination splitters have a splitting force of between 6- and 10-tons. The upright splitters range from 12- to 30-tons. These splitters have a turntable base as standard to help with splitting twisted logs. Other features include a toothed wood stop to
enable awkwardly cut logs to be securely fixed. A whole range of options is available including lifter arms and cable winches to pull logs to the splitter.

The horizontal splitters range from 20- to 40-tons splitting force, and, depending on model, can split up to 1.25m or 2.5m. Options include towing facilities, cable winches, various blade designs and a removal conveyor belt. The daddy of all the splitters is the Herkules, a 40-ton splitting grab suitable for mounting on a timber crane or excavator. This is ideal for oversized rough timber, prior to its being further processed on a smaller machine.
Marshall Engineering 01892 770788

Caledonian Forestry supplies the Rabaud range of splitters from France. These come in a variety of power options and a range of models, both vertical and horizontal. Some of the larger horizontal models have been made especially to split fencing posts, and so are capable of splitting longer lengths. A wide variety of options are available, including log lifts and winches, but unlike most other makes their winch uses a chain and not a wire rope. Another attachment made especially for the vertical splitters is a post splitting attachment.
Caledonian 01764 663798
Arwyn Morgan
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