Wood splitters: types and tips for choosing

Despite all the innovations in the field of energy, a considerable part of the population of Russia continues to be heated with firewood. And therefore, for a very long time, the tools that allow you to harvest this firewood will remain in demand. The difference between the individual models is quite large - both in the principles of operation and in performance, therefore all this must be taken into account even before the purchase.

A wood splitter is a special machine that harvests firewood. But it is important to consider the difference between "real" wood splitting machines and cleavers. The latter only split the logs, but are not able to perform trimming and divide the workpiece into neat logs. Wood splitters are divided into:

• professional grade;

• household class;

• devices with a gasoline drive;

• electrically driven devices;

• tractor-drawn systems.

Wood splitters work faster and better than simple axes. At the same time, the risk of injury is much less. Preparing firewood for every 5 or 7 days for a house with an area of ​​200 sq. m. will take no more than 3 hours at a time. Those who do the same work with an ax are forced to spend up to 4 hours daily.

Thanks to a wide range of models, you can choose a wood splitter for any need. Using them is no more difficult than using an ax. Even the professional versions require almost no special knowledge. The tool can be used equally effectively both indoors and outdoors.

But it must be borne in mind that:

• some modifications of wood splitters consume a lot of current or fuel;

• device performance is rigidly tied to energy consumption;

• not every device is capable of separating strong wood of great thickness into parts;

• sometimes impractical devices are encountered.

You can put chocks no longer than 50 cm into the wood splitter. They will be split by a special screw, which is screwed into each log. The movement of the screw is provided by various types of motors. The transmission mechanism acts as a connecting link.

In household models, the work is done as follows:

• the machine is placed on a hard, level surface;
• raise the locking handle;
• move the emphasis so that it is exactly opposite the blade;
• put a log;
• lower the emphasis;
• press the pedal to split the log.

There is another design in which the motor is mounted on a bed. The gearbox connected to the motor turns the shaft. The working cone is fixed on the shaft in advance. In some versions, the screw is attached directly to the motor. This requires the use of a reduction gear; sometimes such models do not work satisfactorily.

The most powerful wood splitter options are equipped with hydraulic cylinders. They are capable of pushing either a log or knives (depending on what is the intention of the developers).

Rack splitters are relatively simple. You don't even have to buy them - many people make such devices with their own hands. Instead of branded (rather expensive) rails for assembly, it is recommended to use rails for automatic gates.In practice, they are no worse, but they allow you to save money. The gear pushed by the handle engages with the working rack; its return to its place is due to the spring.

For production purposes, more serious devices with cylindrical elements on hydraulic traction are used. The overwhelming majority of such machines are automatic or semi-automatic, which can significantly reduce labor intensity and the risk of work. Automated systems are divided into stationary and mobile types. Most often, manufacturers of such equipment also provide services for its installation, start-up and commissioning. As a result, the customer receives a fully operational production line.

Returning to the rack and pinion log splitter, I must say that it works due to the gear rack, hence the name. The operation of the moving rack is provided by a gear attached to the lowering pulley. This pulley is directly connected to the motor. In order for the rack and gear to touch, a special handle is needed.

The movement of the main part occurs along the guides. And the guides themselves are mounted on a reinforced frame. A cleaver is placed on the opposite edge. If an electric motor is chosen as the drive, it will be very simple to use the wood splitter.

On the other hand, a wood splitter equipped with an internal combustion engine is equally good at household and industrial firewood. An important advantage of such a tool is productivity. In addition, it is not as rigidly tied to an outlet or generator as its electrical counterpart. At large logging sites, tractor-drawn wood splitters are widely used. Experiments with a combined drive are sometimes carried out there, when energy is supplied alternately from different sources.

The difference between these devices lies primarily in the vertical or horizontal placement of the workpiece. If the vertical scheme is chosen, the block is placed on top of the bed, and only then the cleaver is lowered. Such a solution allows you to process even irregularly shaped lumps. But at the same time, you will need to support them with your hands, carefully watching so as not to get hit.

The horizontal system involves placing the workpiece in a special chute. The wood moves along it to the knife. Convenience and safety are the obvious advantages of this design. However, you will need a little more space. To better understand the specifics of mechanical models, it is appropriate to compare them with manual counterparts.

So, a splitting scrap looks like a long steel rod. There is a pointed cone on one side and a comfortable handle on the other. The cleaver will first have to be lifted manually and then forcefully lowered onto the workpiece. Despite the low productivity, quite a lot of effort is spent.

The manual cylindrical device is compact. Moving it to another place, if necessary, will not be difficult. If you use such a tool, it is quite possible to prepare a small supply of firewood. For kindling a fireplace or for occasional visits to the bath, they are quite enough. The stand of the cylindrical wood splitter is equipped with a blade that looks up; having put the workpiece, they hit it with a heavy hammer.

But the majority of owners of manual wood splitters deservedly give preference to a spring apparatus. Compared to the previously described versions, it is more productive. The workpieces are split using a special blade attached to the beam. The beam is spring-cushioned - hence the name. You can use such a mechanism with little effort.

Another option is the so-called inertial wood splitter. For its shape, this device received an alternative name "crane". The tube serves to secure the blade falling from a height. A counterweight helps to simplify the lifting of the pipe to its original position.

The hydraulic electric wood splitter operates more smoothly than its purely mechanical counterpart. The force of the working stroke is higher. But the pace of work is relatively slow. The energy generated by the electric motor is fed to the hydraulic cylinder. The working fluid entering the rod brings the stop, on which the workpiece is held, to the rigidly fixed knife.

The hydraulic device can temporarily exert pressure up to 10,000 kg. A special distribution unit helps to coordinate the stroke of the stem and the direction of its movement. The distributor additionally prevents the breakage of the wood splitter if there is suddenly not enough power. The screw wood splitter works by screwing in cone-shaped working elements. They split the workpiece into 2 or more pieces.

The difference between screw devices lies in the method of transferring power from the motor to the cone. This element is either directly or with a flywheel fixed to the shaft. The screw log splitter is always equipped with electric motors operating at low speeds only. Cone-shaped piercing parts can also be used in petrol versions. The torque can be transmitted through a belt or chain.

Transfer devices are made in such a way that the cone does not make more than 400 revolutions per minute. The geared motor is used as an intermediary mainly in industrial assembly plants. For a handicraft workshop, this solution is too difficult. In any case, the total drive power must be at least 1500 W. Otherwise, the work efficiency will be unreasonably low.

Making a wood splitter with your own hands is not the best idea. Compared to the used factory designs, it is unlikely to be anything better. But it is very important to choose between the leading structures, to be able to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Model "Stiletto" deservedly included in various ratings of wood splitting machines. The manufacturer claims the design is "revolutionary". Whether it is so or not is up to the consumer to decide. The device is made on the basis of a rather familiar wedge.

Consumers note that this device can even chop wood chips. The level of safety and quality of work is quite decent. But the thickest logs "Stiletu", alas, are not subject to. Alternatively, consider "Typhoon" from a Slovak manufacturer. The firm claims that its products can easily replace the manual labor of 15-20 people.

Model RCA 380 is a complete production unit. It is capable of handling logs up to 6 m in length, with a diameter of up to 0.38 m. The design is thought out in such a way as to eliminate the risk of log jamming. The knives can split the workpiece into 12 pieces of wood. Their further movement is controlled by hydraulic elements.

Speaking of wood splitters, it would be unwise to ignore Finnish-made products. Due to the long tradition of logging, the Finns know very well what such a technique should be. A good example of true Finnish quality is model "Expert 25"... This device supplies Hakki Pilke.

The timber feeding system has undergone a radical simplification, but this does not reduce the quality and productivity of the work. Another advantage is the low price. The lifting device will even allow you to handle very large trunks. The largest dimension of the split logs is 25 cm in diameter and 60 cm in length. The weight of the wood splitter is 830 kg.

Among Russian products deserves attention model "Mint REX"... This is a manual wood splitter. The manufacturer claims that with such a technique, it will be possible to forget about the classic cleavers and axes forever. The tool allows you to split even a knotty log without unnecessary problems. The job is relatively easy (how easy it can be to use a handheld device in general).

Compared to more productive devices "Chekan" stands out for its affordable price. The optimized design greatly simplifies operation. The combination of the blade and the moving part has been carefully selected, which allows to increase the effectiveness of the blow many times over. Thanks to the well-thought-out handle, people of any height can equally comfortably use the machine, and the blade getting stuck in the wood is absolutely excluded.

The designers paid great attention to such nuances as:

• selection of steel;
• determination of the optimal blade width;
• blade sharpening angle;
• increasing the power of splitters;
• the effectiveness of the striking mechanism.

Wood splitters Greenweenhowever, they show themselves no worse. The universal device allows you to prepare firewood for stoves, and for bonfires, and for barbecues, barbecues, fireplaces. Even for more exotic versions of the hearth. The production technology is patented.

A miniature wood splitter with a special ring, according to the manufacturer, works twice as fast as even the best axes. The universal version of the ring does not have and therefore can cut chocks of any size. The production line is equipped with the latest technology. A scrupulous quality control system is also provided. It is confirmed immediately upon initial inspection; the impression is reinforced by the very first split logs.

The company uses a special paint that wears out very little. The paint and varnish material is applied using a special technique. It is possible to store a manual wood splitter in any place where it will be convenient for its owner. A cover in the form of a tube is provided for transportation. It facilitates transportation both in a car and on a motorcycle, and on other types of transport.

A good alternative is RedVerg RD-LS 32-52E. This is an electric wood splitter, designed for a voltage of 220 V. With a diameter of the working part of 32 cm, the length of the device reaches 52 cm. The mechanism is excellent for domestic use. Operation is allowed at temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees.

The force splitting wood can be up to 7000 kg. The hydraulic control lever is located on the left, and the switch buttons are on the right. The developers have provided complete protection against injury. Wood splitter RedVerg cannot be launched unless held with both hands. Transferring a device from one mode to another is extremely simple.

The total power of the wood splitter reaches 2300 W. The hydraulic pressure on the log can be 16 MPa. The mass of the device is 78 kg. The log to be split is fed using a horizontal chute.

Returning again to Russian technology, it is necessary to mention and wood splitter "Bear"... This mechanism is declared by the manufacturer as "business class". Compared to simpler counterparts, the device stands out:

• increased power;
• increased speed of work;
• reliability;
• comfortable use.

The device with an electric motor develops a power of 4 kW. For gasoline devices, it reaches 15 liters. with.The electric wood splitter "Bear" requires a connection to a mains voltage of 380 V. It can exert a force of 9000 kg, the working cycle takes from 5 to 10 seconds. The maximum length of the processed logs is 65 cm.

The weight of the "Bear" is 216 kg. The delivery set includes a wood splitting table. There are hydraulic mechanisms for raising the knife.

Foreign alternatives include wood splitters Japa... They are made by one of the leading companies in this field. Production has been successfully running since 1977. The company produces not only wood harvesting machines, but also accessories for such machines. The Finnish manufacturer has been familiar to Russian consumers for over 6 years. In various regions of our country, its products successfully fulfill the assigned tasks. There are Japa wood splitters for domestic and professional use. Depending on the model, there may be:

• hydraulic stops;
• hydraulic circuits for sawing control;
• levers that start the process;
• workpiece length meters;
• quick-release hydraulic outlets for feed racks.

If you prefer not Finnish, but German wood splitters, you should pay attention to Scheppach brand products... Hydraulic model HS500H is horizontal type. The largest splitting force is 5000 kg. The total power of the apparatus is 2.2 kW. The limiting diameter of the processed logs is 25 cm.

Designed for professional use Scheppach HL-1200 can cut even large logs in a short time, and with sufficient quality. Among other models of this manufacturer with a vertical stroke, the HL-1200 stands out for the greatest power. The drive is capable of developing a thrust force of up to 12,000 kg. In combination with the special wedge design, this allows you to effectively split even the most complex wood structure.

Importantly, this wood splitter produces relatively little noise during operation. It can be used indoors. A button for emergency shutdown is provided. By adjusting the extreme points of the platform, the operator can set the production of firewood to exact dimensions. The situation is excluded when they would not enter the firebox or fireplace.

Turning again to Russian wood splitters, it is worth mentioning the Dobrynya brand. This manufacturer's equipment works with hydraulic components. Both electric and gasoline engines can be used as a drive. The company promises that its mechanism will accurately cope with lumps that cannot be cut by hand. The developers have tried to simplify the daily care as much as possible.

Even those people who are poorly versed in technology will be able to use Dobrynya. A simple and uninterruptedly operating device works stably both in frost of 30 degrees, and in heat up to 40 degrees. In comparison with imported devices of a similar level, the wood splitter of a domestic manufacturer is much cheaper. What is important, at the request of the customer, the standard specifications can be slightly adjusted. The knife for splitting wood is selected individually.

Additional options available:

• conveyors for loading chopped firewood;
• hydraulic lifters of logs;
• wheels that allow you to move the wood splitter;
• trailer for connecting to a car.

Quite often, you can also find the MTD LS 550 wood splitter on sale. It is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine manufactured by the American company Briggs & Stratton, the working chamber capacity of which reaches 190 cm3. The total drive power is 5.5 hp. with. Thanks to the installed parts, the wood splitter separates well workpieces up to 63.5 cm high. Wide wheels make it much easier to transport the device.

The splitting force of the MTD LS 550 is up to 25,000 kg. The device can work in a vertical and horizontal scheme. Its weight is 238 kg. Two knobs are used for control.Duration of the working cycle reaches 19 seconds.

Quite decent results are obtained with the AL-KO KHS 3704. The wedge of this wood splitter is very durable, which is achieved through repeated welding. As a result, it is possible to ensure long-term operation. At the same time, the designers took care of the maximum safety of the product. To guarantee this, a two-handed control system is used.

Thanks to the wide tires, driving on uneven terrain is quite simple; Stability on the move is achieved with a robust frame. Turning back to Finnish products, I must also say about Palax products... Some of them are equipped with a saw blade, but about the same number of devices with saw chains are produced. Disk options are mostly professional class. The fact is that the disc tolerates contact with clogged wood much better than the chain.

In addition, the disc resource between sharpening is approximately 20 times higher than that of the best chains. For ordinary consumers, for whom each sharpening costs a considerable amount, this is very important. Palax can be equipped with internal combustion engines or electric motors. But there are also models driven by tractor power take-off shafts. Logspit X1000 modification can only split wood.

She doesn't cut wood. The diameter of the workpieces to be processed reaches 50 cm. Such lumps are processed in a volume of 3 cubic meters. m per hour. The maximum length of the formed logs is 110 cm. The Logspit X600 has similar functionality, but the hourly productivity is reduced to 2 m3. The length of the log is also smaller - only 67 cm.

If neither these brands, nor Timco wood splitters satisfy the consumers' request, it is necessary to pay attention to the Zver brand. M3 wood splitters are produced on wheeled chassis. The petrol engine transmits power to a powerful hydraulic cylinder. As a result, a wild beast is really awakened with every launch. The device is capable of chopping wood up to 65 cm long, working force - 9000 kg.

A close look at the wood splitter market reveals that it is full of many different models. The selection of the correct version can be quite difficult. But there are elementary recommendations that can significantly simplify the process. So, when you need to cook quite a bit of firewood (for a fireplace, for a small, periodically heated bath), you can use the simplest manual devices.

When it is planned to operate the wood splitter indoors, gasoline models will definitely not work. Comparatively low-noise electrical devices that do not generate exhaust gases are a different matter. Their additional advantages are compactness and comparative ease of use. Importantly, electrical devices do not consume lubricating oils. And the payment for electricity ultimately turns out to be less than for fuel and lubricants.

However, almost all powerful professional wood splitters are equipped with internal combustion engines. In addition, the lack of connection to power supply significantly increases the mobility of the device. Wood splitting machines installed in industrial plants are always evaluated according to the rate of movement of the pistons. For home devices, this indicator is almost irrelevant. The few professional piercing systems that are equipped with an electric drive only work when connected to a 380 V network.

Horizontal wood splitters are considered safer than vertical ones, but they are characterized by low efficiency. When choosing a device, one should take into account the dimensions and length of the logs to be split. The amount of splitting force determines how large workpieces can be cut. In the case of workpieces of the same size, a more powerful device will be able to cope with harder wood.As for the working mechanism, the conical type of wood splitter is considered the simplest solution.

It must be clearly understood that such a device cannot cope with pieces larger than 30-40 cm. Only mechanisms with a hydraulic transmission system are suitable for any mass harvesting of firewood. The simplest manual wood splitters on a spring are better than the usual ones because of the softer stroke. Even quite effective strikes do not interfere with this. Regardless of other features, it is necessary to take into account the height of the wood splitter - whether it will be convenient to use.

For information on how to make a wood splitter with your own hands, see the next video.