An electric log splitter is one of the best ways to easily cut through a lot of wood in a short amount of time. The problem with manual axes and mauls is that they require a massive amount of physical effort on your part. Depending upon your age and your body condition, this can really take a massive toll on your fitness. The electric log splitter is a great alternative to aching back muscles, and is much more environmentally friendly than gas powered alternatives.
Another advantage that an electric log splitter has over gas powered models, is that they are far, far cheaper in price. The average electric model will cost you in the area around $200 for a good machine, and upwards of $500 for an extravagant one. In contrast, gas powered splitters cost into the thousands in most cases. Also on average, but depending upon where you live, gas is more expensive than electricity. That means a gas powered splitter is also much more expensive to run than an electrical model. Plus electric log splitters are far better for the environment, and don’t release the same toxins into the air as burning gas does.
Although a major negative of electric versus gas, is that a gas powered log splitter is much more effective and quicker for the big jobs. A gas model is also much more powerful than you average electrical model, making them ideal for big outdoor jobs. Electric log splitters are more intended for smaller jobs like home use, and will serve you best there. But electric versions will still get the job done quickly and easily, and with little effort on your part. That’s always a positive.
The biggest decision before you is whether to choose a vertical loading electric log splitter, or horizontal. Vertical loaders stand end to end, with the pump and wood ram towards the top, and a base where you place the logs on the bottom. Vertical loaders are more portable, and lend themselves to various conditions best. Horizontal electric log splitters tend to me much larger and more expensive. Although they can also be more powerful, horizontal splitters can be less convenient than vertical loaders. The average horizontal model will take more effort on your part to control the log, and make sure that the ram split’s the log properly. Whereas vertical loaders are usually much faster.
When you’re looking to purchase an electric log splitter, you can go to a local hardware store like Home Depot, or find a local dealer by using a search engine like Bing. But to find cheaper and more competitive prices, you can find a wide variety of electric styles on the internet. Major stores like NorthernTool.com are good places to start, and offer a wide selection of vertical and horizontal loading electric log splitters. But be sure that any online store has a user guarantee so that you can return your model if it doesn’t meet your standards. Otherwise you’ll be stuck with a splitter that doesn’t get the job done.