Manual log splitters are fantastic alternatives to using electricity, or gas to chop your wood. Unlike either, a manual wood splitter uses only a hydraulic pump that you control manually, to slowly push a ram through a log. This requires minimal effort on your part, and is very beneficial to the environment. A manual log splitter is the best way to chop a lot of wood, without a large amount of physical effort on your part. Plus you’ll be using a method that’s infinitely better for the environment.
Typically a manual log splitter uses a hydraulic pump that you operate with the use of a lever, in order to slowly move a ram through a piece of wood. This is an effective way to split logs in order to use them as fire wood. A manual splitter does require more effort than an electric or gas alternative however. To push the lever back and forth does require quite a bit of effort, and the ram moves fairly slowly so this isn’t a good alternative for chopping large amounts of wood. But it will get the job done, and will do so without relying too much on your back muscles.
Unlike other log splitters that have vertical and horizontal models, a manual log splitter can be used in either position. Most models are made to easily fold onto the ground, or stand vertically during operation. But for practicality, most units are manufactured to sit on the ground to make lever use as easy as possible. Also, if pulling and pushing a lever involves too much of your upper body for whatever reason, there are also models that have pedals that you can operate using your feet. That makes this a much better machine to use than just a simple ax, and doesn’t use up any irreplaceable fossil fuels in order to operate.
Although it’s fair to say that you’d be better off with a gas or electric model if you have a lot of wood to chop fairly often. Both gas and electric log splitters are faster, and can put out more pressure than a manual version. Gas is the most powerful, but most expensive. Electric is cheaper, and has the benefit of not requiring expensive gas in order to work. But electric also doesn’t put out as much power as a gas splitter, and usually isn’t quite as quick at splitting wood. Manual log splitters remain the cheapest on average however, usually rounding out at $100-$200.
When you’re looking to purchase a manual log splitter, the best place to go is a store that specializes in outdoor appliances. Outlets like Sears are a good place to start, and should have a few options at reasonable prices. But if you can’t find anything locally, you can also try using an online web store. NorthernTool.com and even Amazon.com are good places to try. Plus a manual log splitter ordered online tends to be cheaper than marked up models that are sold in a local store.