Homemade Log Splitter Power Steering Pump? Best 173 Answer

After reading this article, you will learn steps you can use with a few simple materials and tools to make a log splitter for yourself. It’s pretty easy to make and this DIY gives you that opportunity.

A log splitter is an important part of wood preparation, for woodworkers or if you just want to split wood for your fireplace. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and see the list of inexpensive and super easy DIY log splitter ideas available.

1. Homemade Log Splitter

Here is the first homemade log splitter on this list, it’s a hydraulic log splitter made for under $200, it’s cheap and pretty easy to build if you follow the steps carefully. Most parts of this log splitter were salvaged from an old rusted farm tractor.

2. Homemade log splitter from scrap metal

If you have scrap metal lying around, now would be a good time to use it to make a log splitter. You will need an electric handsaw to cut, a tape measure and a welding kit to weld the metal parts.

3. DIY log splitter from Rebar

This log splitter is pretty easy to craft, you will need iron pipes, steel sheets, a welding kit, a saw and a few other materials. You must have a good knowledge of welding to make this project easier for you.

4. Powerful log splitter DIY

If you have an old ax you probably shouldn’t throw it away, you can make a powerful log splitter out of it in a matter of hours. You’ll need some square metal tubing, an ax head, a large round metal tubing, and a welding kit. When you are done with the manufacturing process, the ax blade faces up and you place the wood on it and hit it with a hammer and the wood is split perfectly.

5. DIY unicorn log splitter

This is quite a technical project, it requires a high level of experience to get this log splitter up and running. First you need to make a drawing of all the parts that will be assembled to make the unicorn log splitter work. After a few steps of assembling and welding here and there, the entire splitter is like an engine, you start it and the unicorn log splitter will split the wood perfectly like an arrowhead.

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6. Do-it-yourself manual log splitter

Humans evolved to split wood by hand, you can buy a log splitter from an online store or you can check out this guide and build one yourself. The creator of this guide couldn’t find the full plans, but you can check the guide and see the video link where you can watch it all for yourself.

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7. DIY small log splitter

With this log splitter in your home, you can split a lot of wood in minutes. This is a heavy duty log splitter, it is mobile and can be easily moved with tires. You will also need an old propane tank.

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8. Build a log splitter

This project, like some on this list, is quite technical, requiring a lot of construction and assembly. This is a project you don’t want to do alone. Things to consider are the oil tank, metal support, axle, pump and more.

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9. Homemade log splitter

To craft this log splitter you will need a few things like an iron bar, an ax or hand excavator head and a few other metal parts. Don’t forget the welding part of this project, if you don’t have any welding experience then you might have a problem there, but it’s pretty easy to learn. All around the project and the steps are pretty easy to follow.

10. How to build a homemade log splitter

This project can only work for you if you already have an old log splitter. The creator found a rusted old log splitter and decided to refurbish it and turn it into a new and improved version. It’s pretty easy to create one using this process, but if you don’t have one and you need to start from scratch, you might want to try a different guide.

11. Homemade Log Splitter with Four Blades

The creator of this video tutorial decides to make a homemade log splitter using four axes and some steel bars. Next you have to cut the handles from the axe, to then only get the ax blades, sharpen them and weld them to the metal bars. The rest of the steps are easy to follow once you are used to welding.

12. How to make a firewood splitter

This is a fairly simple project, the log splitter made by the creator of this how-to video is straightforward and easy to make. First he got a thick wooden base, your ax head and a metal frame on which the ax will rest. You will weld the ax head to the metal frame and then screw the metal frame to the thick wood base. This firewood splitter is cool and effective.

13. Self-made screw log splitter

This is a heavy duty screw log splitter, you will need a motor, some metal rods and the big spinning arrowhead piece to split the wood. This is a convenient way to split wood with ease and style. The splitter is fairly easy to build with a little welding and construction here and there.

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14. DIY Foot Powered Log Splitter

The creator of this how-to video made this log splitter out of a bottle jack and a few other things he could find. It’s a foot-operated log splitter, meaning you can just plug in the foot pedal and the ax head will split the wood easily and efficiently. It’s also pretty sturdy and effortless to build.

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15. How to make a log splitter with a hydraulic jack

Here are a few things you will need for this project: a hydraulic jack, hydraulic hoses, sheet metal, steel clamps, steel girders, a single blade chock, casters for mobility, an acetylene torch, and a welding kit. It’s pretty easy to build if you follow the crafting process correctly with just 6 simple steps.

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16. How to make a log splitter with Jack

Here are the supplies you need to make this splitter with a jack, first a hydraulic jack, an acetylene torch, a T-square, a 140 amp stick welder, a ¾ inch steel plate and a tape measure. Honestly, that’s all you need. The manufacturing process is seamlessly simple and the steps are easy to follow.

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17. Homemade Log Splitter

This is a massive homemade log splitter, it’s like a tractor log splitter, it takes time and patience to build something that big, although the creator didn’t show how to make it from scratch, he only has a few Features mentioned are intended to show you how it works. You need to be an expert to understand the video guide and if you do, it will be quite expensive to make it.

18. Machete with DIY log splitter

This is an easy log splitter idea, no serious welding or building required, just a simple attachment of an ax to a strong machete to make it super efficient and effective as a log splitter. The creator bought his machete for $21, and it’s worked pretty well so far.

19. Homemade log splitter

This log splitter is another large machine that is very effective at splitting many logs. The tools you will need are a belt sander, plasma cutter, welding set, chop saw, drill press, band saw, vise and more. You will use some steel square tubes and other metal frames including a motor for this log splitter.

20. Homemade log splitter

So for this project, the creator used steel beams and various steel plates costing $35, rebar costing $5, an 8-ton pneumatic cylinder costing $68, two 10-inch tires costing $12, a riving knife for $10, and it all totaled $130. The crafting process is quite easy to follow and even easier for those with prior knowledge.

Conclusion

All in all, making a log splitter yourself is pretty fulfilling and better. You have full control over the mechanism and operation, and you can decide to change and redesign any part in the future as technology advances. So thanks for watching and I hope you have the knowledge you need to build an awesome log splitter at home, bye.

FAQ Which oil do I need for my log splitter? Hydraulic oil AW22 or 32 is recommended for the log splitter. Automatic transmission fluid can be substituted and should only be used in place of hydraulic fluid when temperatures are below 32 degrees F.

Why is my log splitter moving slowly? The hydraulic system may be low on hydraulic oil or the pump may not be working properly. Please consult the log splitter owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting instructions.

Why won’t my log splitter start? The engine fuel tank may be empty or the engine may be flooded. To pinpoint the exact cause, consult the troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual that came with your log splitter engine.

These tips are for general information and do not replace the original operating instructions. Always read the operator’s manual before operating or servicing your machine.

Why is my log splitter running slow?

We all know it, it’s a cold winter night, you come home from work and all you want is a log fire. But you’ve burned all your firewood – off to the splitter. Unfortunately, you ignored the nagging question “Why is my log splitter running slow” – and now it’s moving on at a snail’s pace. Not ideal. So, let’s ignore it no longer! In this guide, I’ll walk you through our top troubleshooting tips to get you splitting in seconds.

A slow log splitter is often caused by problems with the power supply, hydraulics, ram, fan, pump, or cylinder. Checking each item individually can help you identify the source of the problem. The speed of a log splitter cycle ranges from 3-5 seconds up to 30 seconds depending on the age and type of log splitter.

Slow log splitter? Quick checklist

Check the power supply: if it’s electric check the wires/fuses and if it’s petrol make sure it has the right amount of oil and gas.

Check the hydraulics for jams, leaks or bends.

Check if the fan spins freely, if not, it may be blocked.

Check that the handle is tight and make sure there is no air trapped.

Check the ram for possible blockages. Something as small as a splinter could cause problems.

Check that the plastic spacers are tight.

Check pump: is there pressure when measuring the splitter? If not, check your pump. If so, check your cylinder.

Read on for a detailed guide as we walk you through each point.

Why isn’t my log splitter working?

The first thing we need to consider is what your log splitter is powered by. Let’s cover gas log splitters first as they usually require the most maintenance. If your splitter won’t start or keep running – maintenance can fix it. Make sure your engine has the correct amounts of engine oil and gasoline, and be careful not to over or under fill.

If your log splitter spends a lot of time in storage, make sure you drain it of liquids. Leaving them in for a long period of time can damage the inner workings of the machine. Also, regularly check your spark plug and clean/change the air filter.

Troubleshooting tips for electric and hydraulic splitters

We’ve covered gasoline, so now let’s move on to electric log splitters. Do you want to diagnose it quickly? Check the power source! This is often the source of the problem, whether it’s a blown fuse or a jingling sound in the wire. Once you get rid of those – check your extension cord – this could be the problem. Make sure all extension cords are up to the task and fully unwound for best performance.

Now that we’ve covered those, it’s time to move on to manual hydraulic splitters. Since you’re the one doing the heavy lifting, there’s less that can go wrong. If you find that the pedal or bar is binding or stiff, simply grease them up. If there are problems with the hydraulics, they are easy to locate. Once localized, contact your manufacturer who can help you further.

Why is my log splitter stuck under pressure?

If you find that your log splitter is losing pressure, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, run some general maintenance checks. Does the fan on the engine spin? If you can’t turn it easily, it could have a jam.

Once you’ve checked this and everything is fine, check the handles or any other places that might come loose. It may seem easy, but having the grip loose will prevent the lever from being pushed all the way down. Likewise, it may seem silly, but making sure the machine is oriented uphill or level helps it distribute power; Driving downhill puts a load on the machine.

Also, there may be air trapped in the machine, affecting performance. To bleed your machine, simply turn the oil filler plug clockwise and remove the oil filler plug. You can then loosen the tappet and replace the oil filler plug.

Why won’t my log splitter’s ram return?

Always be careful when it comes to the ram of the log splitter. First make sure there are no jams on the ram carriage, even something as thin as a hair can cause problems. Likewise, splinters caught under, on, or around the blade or slide could prevent the ram from fully retracting.

Does your splitter have plastic standoffs? If so, they have loosened – if so, put them back in place. Grease the tamper and watch for a build-up of residue or juice – these are easy fixes. Finally, it could be that the plunger is bent. In this case, contact the place where you bought it.

How do I know if my log splitter pump is defective?

If you feel some pressure when you initiate the machine to split, this suggests your cylinder is the problem. However, if there is too little pressure there when the pressure gauge is in the output line of your pump, it is a bad pump.

So the next question is: how do I fix my pump?

You need to start the machine as usual and then put the lever in the neutral position. Then adjust the screw on the side of the pump to increase the pressure.

If you have a two-speed pump, first locate the adjustment screw on the back of the gauge (usually you adjust it with a flathead screwdriver). Behind the hydraulic gauge is the pressure switch, you can use a wrench to loosen it and then adjust accordingly.

What is a good cycle time for a log splitter?

Whether you’re a green novice or a seasoned pro, it’s important to keep an eye on cycle time. A cycle time is the amount of time it takes for the log to fully extend, then split and return to its home position. If your splitter states a cycle time of 10 seconds, that is the time it takes to split the wood. Cycle times range from 3-5 seconds up to 30 seconds – depending on the age and type of log splitter.

What affects the cycle time of a log splitter?

Again, a number of things can affect your log splitter’s cycle time, the biggest of which is GPM (gallons per minute). In addition, it is important to know what type of hydraulic pump you have as this will pump the fluid. Cylinders also play an important role, a smaller cylinder will likely increase your cycle time. Finally, and most obviously, your cycle time can be affected by the type of wood you are splitting. The harder or more knotty the wood, the longer the cycle time.

How can I speed up my log splitter?

Well, there are a number of ways to speed up your log splitter. Obviously a lot of these are related to your cycle time, for the most part it’s about simply upgrading parts (or adjusting the way you use them). Consequently, the first potential upgrade is the hydraulic pump, which will help improve fluid flow and speed up the machine. However, this becomes more expensive if your pump upgrade then requires a new motor to assist. If you want to know more about the technical elements. For example, the Forest Master’s Guide will walk you through the more in-depth technical elements of your log splitter.

Should I upgrade my log splitter?

When it comes to the point where you want to upgrade different parts of your splitter, maybe it’s time to just upgrade the entire unit? As you know, there are a variety of options, electric or petrol? What bin? How about a manual? Once you have answers to these questions and more, you can find the perfect splitter.

If you’re not ready to go back to the old ax and maul, you should take good care of your hydraulic log splitter.

Any type of machine requires proper, regular maintenance and your hydraulic log splitter is no different. In fact, the combination of a worn and leaking hose and high-pressure hydraulic fluid is enough to cause serious injury. A well-maintained log splitter ensures that both your log splitter and you can continue to split logs string by string.

Some other common maintenance problems besides old hoses are: dirty or contaminated hydraulic fluid, a rusty hydraulic cylinder or damaged shaft seal, loose motor parts or pump parts.

Choosing the best log splitter isn’t the only thing to worry about. It is even more important to ensure that your investment remains the best log splitter. There are a lot cheaper options for lawn art 😉

Tips and tricks for maintaining hydraulic log splitters

The following steps focus on the things unique to log splitters. Of course, when you have a gas log splitter you also want to do the regular maintenance that any small engine requires.

STEP 0: Read your manual.

I know, obviously, but it has to be said. The following steps apply to many models. You should read your make and model manual for specific details on your machine.

STEP 1: Check for hydraulic fuel leaks

I’m a fan of cardboard. Assuming you store your log splitter in a dry place, a piece of cardboard placed under your log splitter makes it easy to spot hydraulic fluid leaks and then find the source, gravity being the key 🙂 Be careful to carry Safety gloves and goggles when performing this leak test, especially if you’re looking for the leak underneath!

STEP 2: Fill hydraulic fluid reservoir

First, don’t forget that there is a direct correlation between your machine’s work output and hydraulic fluid level. Hydraulic fluid is really the main component in your log splitter. Don’t let the level get too low and check it regularly. To maintain the correct fluid level, you must remove the oil filler cap/dipstick, check the levels, and top up as necessary. Make sure you do this on level ground.

Also, most manufacturers recommend changing the hydraulic fluid (and filter) every 100 hours. If you are wondering: which hydraulic oil should I put in my log splitter? What is the recommended method for changing the oil…? In this article we talk about changing the hydraulic fluid of the log splitter.

STEP 3: Air removal from a hydraulic cylinder

Have you filled up your hydraulic fluid? Wait! You are not done yet. You must bleed or purge the trapped air from the cylinder. To do this, you must extend the piston rod to its maximum length and remove the oil filler plug.

Then turn the unlocking screw counterclockwise as fast as possible. This pulls the piston rod back into the cylinder, releasing the trapped air. This is very important for maintenance. When flushing the cylinder, keep clear of the piston rod and use your PPE.

STEP 4: Clean the log splitter regularly

Consider choosing a self-cleaning hydraulic log splitter. If you don’t have one, you should clean your device regularly. Cleaning includes removing oil, grease and dirt. Also, remove debris from around the machine to prevent anything from getting caught in the machine. Always remember to turn off the machine before cleaning.

An essential part of a clean log splitter is a clean ram, which means no rust and lots of grease. Be sure to sand off any rust and make sure the whole thing is well greased (no dry spots – which will lead to rust). This helps extend the life of your hydraulic seals.

STEP 5: Sharpen the blades

If you notice any signs of dullness or stains on the edge of the blade, sharpen it first with a coarse metal file. To reform the blade’s sharp point, use the coarse file to sharpen the sides. Then finish the process by using a metal file along with the edge of the blade.

STEP 6: Store dry

You must store your log splitter in a dry place to avoid water and rust damage. A shed or garage is a very good choice for keeping your log splitter dry all year round if the garage stays dry the rest of the year! However, it’s also a good idea to use a waterproof cover to protect your log splitter. CHECK PRICE on Amazon for Heavy Duty Log Splitter Cover

STEP 7: Replace worn log splitter parts

Replace worn parts on your log splitter as soon as possible. Keeping them is not a good idea. Be sure to compare the part and model number before purchasing new parts. This will ensure that you buy the exact part for your hydraulic log splitter.

This is especially true for your hoses. Check them regularly. No kinks or flat spots. And if they’re looking worn or have a possible flat tire, it’s not worth losing a finger over. Yes, that’s right, several tons per square inch of pressure will do some damage. If you even suspect a leak, do yourself a favor and check with a piece of paper or cardboard and replace those hoses.

For these maintenance jobs, you need some common household repair tools that are within your reach.

adjustable wrench

combination key

side cutters

needle nose pliers

Allen key

earmuffs

The above tools are the most common household tools that you should have. To keep them sorted and get the job done, you can definitely consider an electrician’s belt. These belts are great at a professional level or just for home use.

Steps to Bleed a Log Splitter:

I cannot stress enough the importance of bleeding the hydraulic lines. If there is air in the system, your ram will never perform at full capacity. Many models will bleed on their own by moving the wedge back and forth for a dozen or so cycles. However, you can also follow these steps to bleed:

Step 1:

Please put on your safety goggles. Using the control switch, push the extended hydraulic ram to its full forward position.

Step 2:

To remove the oil filler plug from a log splitter, turn the oil filler plug counterclockwise.

Step 3:

Loosen the plunger by turning the release screw counterclockwise. Run the ram in until you see hydraulic oil seep out of the oil fill plug hole. Now stop the ram by immediately turning the screw clockwise.

Step 4:

Now put the oil filler plug back on the splitter. Tighten properly to prevent air entry again.

Also, carefully read the instruction manual that comes with the hydraulic log splitter you have purchased. The specific type of maintenance procedure will be available in the manual. Read the instructions carefully. Most manuals have hydraulic log splitter maintenance tips specific to their product. This will help you operate the hydraulic log splitter safely and efficiently.

Continue reading:

Best log splitter with a four-way wedge

Frequently asked questions about splitting logs

How does a log splitter work

Is hydraulic fluid toxic?

Changing the hydraulic fluid of the log splitter

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While log splitters already save you countless hours and back pain, sometimes you just want to save even more time. But what are the fastest log splitters on the market? When it comes to log splitters and speed there is really only one option and that is a kinetic log splitter. Compare the kinetic speeds here.

With a hydraulic log splitter, whether electric or gas powered, you will get an approximate average cycle time of around 12 to 15 seconds. Whereas with a kinetic log splitter the average cycle time can be as little as 2 seconds. Even more impressive is that one of the machines on this list achieves cycle times as low as 1 second. The speed of a kinetic is so high that you will not be able to keep up with it. That’s the kind of speed I love.

Comparison of log splitter speeds

So what are the disadvantages of a kinetic splitter? The main disadvantage of kinetic splitters is that many of them do not have the same high performance as a gas-powered hydraulic splitter. By that I mean if you need a splitter that will get through 20 inch logs and up then I would recommend going with a gas powered hydraulic splitter. Simply because of the unsurpassed power.

I’ve decided to add the fastest kinetic, gas-hydraulic, and electric-hydraulic splitters to this list because I know some people need more power and others need more speed, so I’ve tried to include all types. From this list I have selected 3 log splitters, all of which are the fastest log splitters in their category, so there is something for everyone in this 2019 buyer’s guide.

In my opinion the fastest log splitter in the world

Generac 10 Ton Kinetic Electric Log Splitter To say this is the fastest log splitter in the world is an incredible statement but in my opinion the Generac kinetic splitter is the fastest in the world. It has the fastest cycle speed of any splitter I’ve ever used, coming in at just 1 second. Which is just crazy. At this incredibly high speed, you’ll find that the splitter spends more time waiting for you than you’re waiting for it. To say that this is the fastest log splitter in the world is an incredible statement, but in my opinion the Generac kinetic splitter is the fastest in the world. It has the fastest cycle speed of any splitter I’ve ever used, coming in at just 1 second. Which is just crazy. At this incredibly high speed, you’ll find that the splitter spends more time waiting for you than you’re waiting for it. Compared to some hydraulic splitters which take around 12 seconds, the time difference is just amazing. A machine like this could end up saving you many hours over the life of that machine. At such a speed, you may be concerned about the safety of this machine. That’s a good fear to have. Luckily, the folks at Generac have thought of that too and made sure the machine requires two hands to operate. This is the preferred safer method of operating a log splitter. The only downside to this machine is that it lacks the power department. So don’t even think about splitting 30 inch wood with a small machine like this. But in doing so, we found that it can split logs about 15 inches in diameter fairly easily. But those logs weren’t really that gnarly compared to some of the laps we’ve done in the past. What I found in my testing of this machine is that it’s great for people who need a splitter to light up. She simply tears up smaller logs for kindling as if they were nothing. Because it goes so fast, I found I didn’t mind splitting logs and found my fireplace going more often. Which gets the whole family cheering. What makes this splitter so fast is what I love. There’s no way I don’t love the speed of this splitter. I would be lying if I told you otherwise. Being able to have a 1 second cycle time and split logs of around 15 inches is just too good not to want. Also, it gives me the right to show off to the boys.

Despite weighing around 132 pounds, the Generac 10 Ton is still fairly small overall. This makes it easy to store around the house or in the garage. Then when lumber season comes, bring it out when you need it.

I personally really like the auto-retract ram to make life a little bit easier. Generac Kinetic Electric Log Splitter MORE DETAILS

The fastest electric log splitter

Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter 22 Ton

In general, when you talk about electric-hydraulic log splitters, you don’t really think about speed and power. What I have to think about is the reliability and the fact that you don’t need petrol to run. This eliminates the fear of going out in the middle of winter.

With the Swisher LS22E 22 ton electric log splitter, you don’t have to worry about that. While it’s certainly not as fast as Generac’s 10-ton model above, it still has a respectable 13-second cycle time, which is pretty incredible for an electric-hydraulic log splitter. The closest thing to this machine was the Boss Industrial ES7T20 with a speed of 14 seconds, but nowhere near the performance level.

Of all the electric log splitters I have used, this was the first model that could be used in a vertical position. This means the Swisher log splitter offers an extra level of versatility over other electric powered models. Not just in terms of performance, but also in terms of speed, and that’s what we’re aiming for. The vertical position gives this splitter a lot more power than others, so you may find that you can split larger logs than other models on the electric market. I have often found myself using this splitter predominantly in the vertical position rather than the horizontal position.

There is one thing I didn’t give this splitter enough credit for, especially as it’s an electrical splitter, most electrical ones you will find will only be around 5 to 7 tons of power and rarely exceed that. But what I really appreciate is the fact that you can tow this log splitter, I personally didn’t have an electric model to do that with. Being able to drag it around town gave me the opportunity to help out friends and family who don’t have shards.

What I like

For an electric splitter, it has tremendous splitting power compared to other electro-hydraulic devices on the current market.

The vertical position is just a great addition to any log splitter and luckily Swisher has very intelligently designed this machine to excel in that position. I can’t elaborate on the importance of owning a vertical log splitter when you need big splits. If you want a fast electric machine, this is the machine to buy.

when you need big splits. If you want a fast electric machine, this is the machine to buy. The extra hitch I could use to tow this machine around the streets and bring it to my family’s house to help them split wood was a nice added bonus that I wasn’t expecting.

Swisher LS22E 22 Electric Log Splitter MORE DETAILS

The fastest gas-powered log splitter in the test

YARDMAX YU2566 25 Ton Long Distance Gas Log Splitter

The average cycle time for gas log splitters is around 13 to 15 seconds, which is not to be scoffed at. But the Yardmax YU2566 25 ton gas splitter has an impressive 9.7 seconds, which according to my research makes it one of the fastest gas log splitters on the market. While for many people a difference of around 3 to 4 seconds doesn’t sound like much. But when you consider how many cycles per hour you can get through with this machine, you’ll see how much time you save after countless cables over the years. While you can get speeds of 9.7 seconds with this splitter, you’ll find yourself splitting at around 10 seconds on average.

With this splitter you will find that you can easily split logs up to 30″ in diameter in a vertical position. Being able to split logs of this size will suffice for all but the most experienced splitting users. This Yardmax splitter also has a vertical position like the Swisher model above which, just like the Swisher, gives it great versatility over just horizontal splitters. The only thing I didn’t mention above is how easy it is to split larger logs in a vertical position. You don’t have to lift the logs onto a platform, which takes the strain off your back.

We had an issue with this machine and that was the pull cord, it would get stuck and not retract which is a big issue considering how to start this splitter. Turns out the pull recoil recoil unit was broken, which is a problem, but there’s one good reason I didn’t write that off as a bad thing. The customer service I received from Yardmax was simply outstanding, they sent me a new part after I declined the generous offer to send a whole new motor. This level of customer service was outstanding and justified me mentioning it in this review.

If you don’t like any of these machines, you might want to consider browsing through our ultimate log splitter buyer’s guide. There you will find many more types of log splitters and different tonnages.

YARDMAX 25 Ton Long Distance Gas Log Splitter MORE DETAILS

How fast is too fast

Just for fun, watch this short video explaining how NOT to split logs at very high speeds.

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Log splitters are complicated but simple machines that will make your life easier and learn everything about them, such as: B. the cycle time of a log splitter. This is one of the things that when

First, look at the log splitters, which are easy to confuse and what affects cycle time.

The cycle time of a log splitter is very important and is overlooked by a surprising number of people. Whether you are a beginner just getting into log splitting or a seasoned log splitter, the cycle time of a log splitter should never be disregarded.

This question can be difficult to answer, depending on how far you want to go into it. With that in mind, it’s time to find out a log splitter’s cycle time and how it can make your life easier so you have more time to relax and enjoy your life!

Log splitter cycle times meaning

Cycle time on a log splitter is one of the most important things about a log splitter, so learning what it is is crucial. Put simply, the cycle time for a log splitter is how long the ram takes

Fully extend the splitting of the wood and return to its starting point, which is called a cycle.

So if a log splitter has specs that say it has a 13 second cycle time, that means how long it takes to split wood. There are certain variables that can affect this, e.g. B. how knotted the wood is and whether it is hard or soft wood. So in my experience it’s never quite accurate, although it’s usually pretty close.

It’s really a simple answer that can be a little overwhelming for how simple it is. But with everything, the more you want to delve into it, the more complicated it can get, and learning how cycle time affects it can be a useful thing, which I’ll explain further on this page.

What affects the cycle time

There are a number of things that can affect a log splitter’s cycle time, the main one being GPM (gallons per minute). This is one of the biggest deciding factors in how fast your log splitter will be and one of the most important things to look for when looking at a log splitter.

The hydraulic pump pumps the hydraulic fluid and is a major contributor to knowing the GPM of the log splitter. So what type of hydraulic pump also played a role in what affects the cycle time.

Something that is often overlooked with a log splitter and its cycle times is the cylinder that it has. A smaller cylinder actually increases your cycle time, but you sacrifice some splitting power.

When it comes to splitting logs and cycle times, there can be things that are not the fault of the log splitter that affect cycle time. Something I mentioned above is the type of wood that takes longer to split with knots and hardwoods, which slows down the machine.

How to increase the cycle time of a log splitter

There are a number of ways to increase the speed of your log splitter, which can be a great option for some people. You can either upgrade your log splitter with better parts or customize the way you use the log splitter, which is a better option for those on a budget.

This can get expensive and you have to wonder if it’s not better to just buy a new log splitter instead, as upgrading a log splitter can get out of hand.

Modifications/upgrades to your log splitter

One of the first things you can do is get a larger hydraulic pump, which will help increase hydraulic fluid flow. For this to be effective in most cases you will need a larger motor

can get expensive.

Once you’ve settled on a new pump, and most likely a new motor, you’ll have major supply lines to worry about. If a higher volume of liquid is coming through, you need something that can support it.

What is often overlooked is the cylinder of a log splitter and how its size affects cycle times. If you go for a smaller cylinder with a large rod, the overall cycle time increases, but you lose some hydraulic power, which is a decision you have to make.

As you can see this gets expensive very quickly and can set you back to $1200 if not more. Then there is the actual knowledge and skills to actually be able to do it. So I think it’s sometimes easier to buy a new log splitter.

Using a log splitter can affect cycle time

There are certain things you can do when splitting your logs to speed up your cycle times. When splitting a log, the biggest problem can be the wasted movements of the ram, as it wastes a few more inches of time. One of the easiest ways to speed this up is to manually stop and retract the ram if your splitter has this feature.

Another thing you can do is put something behind the wood you’re splitting so the ram doesn’t have to travel as far. Using a different protocol is a good option for this that is inexpensive and effective. Some people like to make their Steel Wedges to help with this, which is a great option if you have the skills.

What are the fastest types of log splitters?

When it comes to log splitters there are generally three types namely manual, hydraulic and kinetic. The different types of splitters all have their own speeds, which vary wildly as you use them. Depending on what you are looking for, what you want changes dramatically.

A manual log splitter doesn’t really have a cycle time, so it’s not included here. That doesn’t mean they’re bad and should be ignored entirely as they’re great for those on a budget and can’t afford a hydraulic or kinetic splitter.

Are hydraulic log splitters fast?

Hydraulic log splitters are the most common type of splitter on the market and are pretty much the industry standard. There is a good reason for this, as these are quality machines that do everything well and nothing really bad, making them suitable for many people.

They can be pretty fast if you know what you’re doing and you can get them to be extremely fast with some people putting them at 4 seconds for their cycle time. In order to achieve this, you need to do a number of things and have some good skills up your sleeve, which makes it not practical for everyone.

Your average store bought hydraulic splitter will most likely not come close to that speed. Most standard hydraulic splitters can have cycle times between 10 and 20 seconds, which is suitable for most people. Sometimes a slower cycle time brings extra power, allowing you to split a much larger and knotted log that you normally couldn’t.

A fast hydraulic log splitter in action

Are kinetic log splitters fast?

Without a doubt, for me and many others, kinetic log splitters are the kings of speed when it comes to log splitters. They make a standard store bought log splitter look extremely average and

only modified hydraulic log splitters stand a chance.

A kinetic log splitter can easily speed up to 1 second, making it the fastest log splitter on the market. The models at the lower end of the Kinetic splitter are still around 3 seconds and therefore hard to beat in terms of speed.

Before you run out and buy the first kinetic log splitter you see, there are a thing or two to consider. Depending on your model, they may lack some strength, which can be an issue, and some models can be a bit structurally weak. Not all models are like this and some people just get a lemon, but it’s something to consider.

A fast kinetic log splitter in action

Need a fast log splitter?

This depends on your personal preference and even how much you enjoy splitting wood. Sometimes you want to take your time with splitting logs as it can be a very enjoyable task, and other times you just want to get it over with and do something else.

Having a faster log splitter can be a problem when splitting alone, as the splitter will finish before you grab your next log. So you’ve spent a lot of money on this splitter waiting for you, which feels like a waste.

If more than one person is splitting, a quick splitter is a much better option. In this situation there is much less downtime and it is worth buying a faster splitter. So you should pay attention to this when buying a log splitter.

Some log splitter models may be slower but have higher splitting power. This is something to look at as I find it more useful to have more splitting power when splitting wood, but I like having more power than I need.

The fastest log splitters on the market

With so many log splitters on the market, it’s hard to know which are the fastest models out there. You’ll find that the fastest on the market will always be kinetic log splitters because they’re just so fast. But if you want to know what are the fastest log splitters you can buy, then I have the fastest log splitter reviews.

The disadvantages of fast cycle times

There aren’t many downsides to having a faster cycle time in my opinion, there are mainly two things that I see as downsides. One of them isn’t too much of a disadvantage, but something to think about before getting yourself a new log splitter.

As I mentioned above, having something quick could be a waste if you’re splitting up on your own. Because it splits the log faster, you can handle it in some cases, which means a lot of downtime for your machine.

The main disadvantage of a faster log splitter is that it is generally more expensive. This applies to both upgrading a log splitter and buying a brand new one. This can end up really hurting the wallet and making it financially unviable for some people and their smaller budgets. If you can afford a faster splitter and think you can handle the speed, I definitely recommend it.

My final thoughts on cycle times and need a fast log splitter?

Cycle times on a log splitter are very important and should be a big factor in your next log splitter purchase or upgrade. It shouldn’t be your only concern as what type of motor and how much power it has is just as important in my opinion and should be heavily considered.

It’s hard not to have a fast cycle time on a log splitter and there are very few occasions when it isn’t worth having. So if you’re able to get your hands on a faster one, I think it’s almost always worth it.

One of the biggest things is how expensive a fast log splitter can be. Your budget is one of the most important things to work out when deciding if the extra money is worth the extra 2 second cycle time. Some people will find this a must, while others prefer having that extra bit of money.

All in all, if you can find one and can afford a fast log splitter, I think it’s worth buying. As much as I enjoy splitting wood, I enjoy a beer by the fire even more!

FAQ Which oil do I need for my log splitter? Hydraulic oil AW22 or 32 is recommended for the log splitter. Automatic transmission fluid can be substituted and should only be used in place of hydraulic fluid when temperatures are below 32 degrees F.

Why is my log splitter moving slowly? The hydraulic system may be low on hydraulic oil or the pump may not be working properly. Please consult the log splitter owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting instructions.

Why won’t my log splitter start? The engine fuel tank may be empty or the engine may be flooded. To pinpoint the exact cause, consult the troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual that came with your log splitter engine.

These tips are for general information and do not replace the original operating instructions. Always read the operator’s manual before operating or servicing your machine.

Two-stage hydraulic gear pumps

Northern Hydraulics offers a full line of two stage hydraulic pumps for your log splitter, compactor and baler applications. Haldex/Concentric pumps have a cast iron gear case and are available in flow rates from 9 GPM to 28 GPM. These two-stage hydraulic log splitter pumps are designed for heavy-duty use and long cycle times. The Haldex brand guarantees you high-quality and high-performance products. Northern Hydraulics replacement pumps also have a cast iron gear case and are available in flow rates from 5 GPM to 28 GPM. These log splitter hydraulic pumps are ideal for the recreational log splitter user as they are still a quality product but offered at a much lower price.

Check out our handy chart that uses your engine’s horsepower to determine which 2-speed hydraulic pump you need.

Please click on the SKU to go directly to your favorite log splitter pump.

Customers often ask, “When do I need a two-stage hand pump versus a single-stage hand pump?” Well, that depends on the type of work you want to do in your hydraulic system. There is a measurable difference between the two and both have advantages depending on the application. To explain, let’s look at the new range of hand pumps from PowerX International.

First up is the PowerX P43 single-stage, 10,000 psi (700 bar) hand pump. The reason it’s called a “single stage” pump is because the flow of oil produced is the same with every stroke of the handle. The PowerX P43 has a continuous flow rate of 0.20 in3 of oil per stroke. The pump’s output remains constant whether it’s simply lifting a single-acting cylinder with no weight or pushing 10 tons at 10,000 psi. A single stage pump is great when your hydraulic cylinder doesn’t have to travel far before it starts lifting or pushing the load. However, when the ram has to travel a significant distance to handle the load, the operator has to pump excessively before actually starting work. That would get tiring very quickly!

Enter the PowerX P37 “two-speed” 10,000 psi (700 bar) hand pump. Two-speed hydraulic hand pumps give the operator higher flow rates until the cylinder or ram starts to work. In the case of the PowerX P37 hand pump, the first stage has an oil flow of 0.79 in3 of oil per stroke (almost 4 times more than the P43) before it makes contact with the workload where pressure builds up. Once the ram touches the load and the pressure in the system rises above 200psi, the second stage kicks in at 0.17 in3 of oil volume. This two-speed pump allows the operator to do less work (or hand pump) before making contact with the load. Your operators will thank you!

Both the PowerX P43 and PowerX P37 feature heavy-duty steel construction and both have internal pressure relief valves to protect against overloading. To learn more about the 10,000 psi (700 bar) PowerX Series hand pumps, click here.

I hope you love the products I’ve recommended below, just a reminder that as an Amazon employee I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I can earn commissions on products purchased through links on this site.

Log splitters are complicated but simple machines that will make your life easier and learn everything about them, such as: B. the cycle time of a log splitter. This is one of the things that when

First, look at the log splitters, which are easy to confuse and what affects cycle time.

The cycle time of a log splitter is very important and is overlooked by a surprising number of people. Whether you are a beginner just getting into log splitting or a seasoned log splitter, the cycle time of a log splitter should never be disregarded.

This question can be difficult to answer, depending on how far you want to go into it. With that in mind, it’s time to find out a log splitter’s cycle time and how it can make your life easier so you have more time to relax and enjoy your life!

Log splitter cycle times meaning

Cycle time on a log splitter is one of the most important things about a log splitter, so learning what it is is crucial. Put simply, the cycle time for a log splitter is how long the ram takes

Fully extend the splitting of the wood and return to its starting point, which is called a cycle.

So if a log splitter has specs that say it has a 13 second cycle time, that means how long it takes to split wood. There are certain variables that can affect this, e.g. B. how knotted the wood is and whether it is hard or soft wood. So in my experience it’s never quite accurate, although it’s usually pretty close.

It’s really a simple answer that can be a little overwhelming for how simple it is. But with everything, the more you want to delve into it, the more complicated it can get, and learning how cycle time affects it can be a useful thing, which I’ll explain further on this page.

What affects the cycle time

There are a number of things that can affect a log splitter’s cycle time, the main one being GPM (gallons per minute). This is one of the biggest deciding factors in how fast your log splitter will be and one of the most important things to look for when looking at a log splitter.

The hydraulic pump pumps the hydraulic fluid and is a major contributor to knowing the GPM of the log splitter. So what type of hydraulic pump also played a role in what affects the cycle time.

Something that is often overlooked with a log splitter and its cycle times is the cylinder that it has. A smaller cylinder actually increases your cycle time, but you sacrifice some splitting power.

When it comes to splitting logs and cycle times, there can be things that are not the fault of the log splitter that affect cycle time. Something I mentioned above is the type of wood that takes longer to split with knots and hardwoods, which slows down the machine.

How to increase the cycle time of a log splitter

There are a number of ways to increase the speed of your log splitter, which can be a great option for some people. You can either upgrade your log splitter with better parts or customize the way you use the log splitter, which is a better option for those on a budget.

This can get expensive and you have to wonder if it’s not better to just buy a new log splitter instead, as upgrading a log splitter can get out of hand.

Modifications/upgrades to your log splitter

One of the first things you can do is get a larger hydraulic pump, which will help increase hydraulic fluid flow. For this to be effective in most cases you will need a larger motor

can get expensive.

Once you’ve settled on a new pump, and most likely a new motor, you’ll have major supply lines to worry about. If a higher volume of liquid is coming through, you need something that can support it.

What is often overlooked is the cylinder of a log splitter and how its size affects cycle times. If you go for a smaller cylinder with a large rod, the overall cycle time increases, but you lose some hydraulic power, which is a decision you have to make.

As you can see this gets expensive very quickly and can set you back to $1200 if not more. Then there is the actual knowledge and skills to actually be able to do it. So I think it’s sometimes easier to buy a new log splitter.

Using a log splitter can affect cycle time

There are certain things you can do when splitting your logs to speed up your cycle times. When splitting a log, the biggest problem can be the wasted movements of the ram, as it wastes a few more inches of time. One of the easiest ways to speed this up is to manually stop and retract the ram if your splitter has this feature.

Another thing you can do is put something behind the wood you’re splitting so the ram doesn’t have to travel as far. Using a different protocol is a good option for this that is inexpensive and effective. Some people like to make their Steel Wedges to help with this, which is a great option if you have the skills.

What are the fastest types of log splitters?

When it comes to log splitters there are generally three types namely manual, hydraulic and kinetic. The different types of splitters all have their own speeds, which vary wildly as you use them. Depending on what you are looking for, what you want changes dramatically.

A manual log splitter doesn’t really have a cycle time, so it’s not included here. That doesn’t mean they’re bad and should be ignored entirely as they’re great for those on a budget and can’t afford a hydraulic or kinetic splitter.

Are hydraulic log splitters fast?

Hydraulic log splitters are the most common type of splitter on the market and are pretty much the industry standard. There is a good reason for this, as these are quality machines that do everything well and nothing really bad, making them suitable for many people.

They can be pretty fast if you know what you’re doing and you can get them to be extremely fast with some people putting them at 4 seconds for their cycle time. In order to achieve this, you need to do a number of things and have some good skills up your sleeve, which makes it not practical for everyone.

Your average store bought hydraulic splitter will most likely not come close to that speed. Most standard hydraulic splitters can have cycle times between 10 and 20 seconds, which is suitable for most people. Sometimes a slower cycle time brings extra power, allowing you to split a much larger and knotted log that you normally couldn’t.

A fast hydraulic log splitter in action

Are kinetic log splitters fast?

Without a doubt, for me and many others, kinetic log splitters are the kings of speed when it comes to log splitters. They make a standard store bought log splitter look extremely average and

only modified hydraulic log splitters stand a chance.

A kinetic log splitter can easily speed up to 1 second, making it the fastest log splitter on the market. The models at the lower end of the Kinetic splitter are still around 3 seconds and therefore hard to beat in terms of speed.

Before you run out and buy the first kinetic log splitter you see, there are a thing or two to consider. Depending on your model, they may lack some strength, which can be an issue, and some models can be a bit structurally weak. Not all models are like this and some people just get a lemon, but it’s something to consider.

A fast kinetic log splitter in action

Need a fast log splitter?

This depends on your personal preference and even how much you enjoy splitting wood. Sometimes you want to take your time with splitting logs as it can be a very enjoyable task, and other times you just want to get it over with and do something else.

Having a faster log splitter can be a problem when splitting alone, as the splitter will finish before you grab your next log. So you’ve spent a lot of money on this splitter waiting for you, which feels like a waste.

If more than one person is splitting, a quick splitter is a much better option. In this situation there is much less downtime and it is worth buying a faster splitter. So you should pay attention to this when buying a log splitter.

Some log splitter models may be slower but have higher splitting power. This is something to look at as I find it more useful to have more splitting power when splitting wood, but I like having more power than I need.

The fastest log splitters on the market

With so many log splitters on the market, it’s hard to know which are the fastest models out there. You’ll find that the fastest on the market will always be kinetic log splitters because they’re just so fast. But if you want to know what are the fastest log splitters you can buy, then I have the fastest log splitter reviews.

The disadvantages of fast cycle times

There aren’t many downsides to having a faster cycle time in my opinion, there are mainly two things that I see as downsides. One of them isn’t too much of a disadvantage, but something to think about before getting yourself a new log splitter.

As I mentioned above, having something quick could be a waste if you’re splitting up on your own. Because it splits the log faster, you can handle it in some cases, which means a lot of downtime for your machine.

The main disadvantage of a faster log splitter is that it is generally more expensive. This applies to both upgrading a log splitter and buying a brand new one. This can end up really hurting the wallet and making it financially unviable for some people and their smaller budgets. If you can afford a faster splitter and think you can handle the speed, I definitely recommend it.

My final thoughts on cycle times and need a fast log splitter?

Cycle times on a log splitter are very important and should be a big factor in your next log splitter purchase or upgrade. It shouldn’t be your only concern as what type of motor and how much power it has is just as important in my opinion and should be heavily considered.

It’s hard not to have a fast cycle time on a log splitter and there are very few occasions when it isn’t worth having. So if you’re able to get your hands on a faster one, I think it’s almost always worth it.

One of the biggest things is how expensive a fast log splitter can be. Your budget is one of the most important things to work out when deciding if the extra money is worth the extra 2 second cycle time. Some people will find this a must, while others prefer having that extra bit of money.

All in all, if you can find one and can afford a fast log splitter, I think it’s worth buying. As much as I enjoy splitting wood, I enjoy a beer by the fire even more!