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Is a 10 Ton Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter Reliable?

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We own a Manual Log Splitter, Here is Our Review

A few years ago, a kind neighbor saw my husband out splitting wood with a maul and wedge, and came to his rescue with a manual log splitter. We had never heard of them before, and my husband and son were amazed at how easy it was to use. We decided on purchasing one over a gas or electric log splitter because of price, the fact that you still get some exercise, and...price!

Generally, we haven't regretted the decision and have worked our way through a massive pile of wood a bit at a time over the past couple of years.

This picture is part of our wood pile, which has saved us quite a bit as heating with oil is so expensive.

Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 4/20/12

Contents at a Glance

10 Ton Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter Des...
How a Manual Log Splitter Works - Video
What kind of log splitter are you lookin...
Search for Log Splitters
Horizontal or Vertical Gas Log Splitters
More Horizontal / Vertical Log Splitters
Electric Log Splitters
Mauls and Wedges for Splitting Logs
% Donated to Food for Everyone Foundatio...

Pump builds up 10 tons of log-splitting pressure

The manual log splitter below is the one that we own. If you search for "10 Ton Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter" after you click through the link to the site, you'll see other models that are similar. Prices on some are a bit higher, but they may be sturdier models.

We used our splitter heavily for two seasons. After the summer when they first started using it again, it seemed to have lost some of it's hydraulic pressure, so my husband purchased special oil and filled it, and it seems to be working fine again.

Here's the product description of the splitter pictured, and as of this update, I see the price is still great:

"Manually operated log splitter features a 2-speed pump that quickly builds up to 10 tons of log-splitting pressure. The pump operates using 2 steel handles to split logs up to 18in. long. 212mm ram stroke. Includes 2 wheels for easy maneuverability. Dimensions: 42.1in.L x 7.1in.W x 11.8in.H. Ram Force (Tons): 10, Operation: Horizontal, Max. Log Size L x W (in.): 18 x, Pump: Manual 2-speed, Log Cradle: No, Log Lift: No, Jack Stand: No, Fenders: No, Pre-assembled: Yes, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 41 3/32 x 7 3/32 x 11 25/32"

Wheels and Storage: Again, it isn't showing wheels in the picture, but it does have wheels at one end so that you can move it from place to place easily, it's easy to store as well. When you store it, the handles slip out and are attached to the side for compact storage...it lays flat or can stand on it's end.

Wel-Bilt Horizontal Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter - 10-Ton

Amazon Price: $169.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

How a Manual Log Splitter Works - Video

A really great demonstration

All manual 10 ton manual log splitters that look similar to this one, no matter who sells it, or under what brand name, and all work basically the same. This handy-man does a great job of demonstrating exactly how the manual log splitter works, showing it splitting a lot.

Manual Log Splitter: by AsktheBuilder | video info

54 ratings | 159,091 views

curated content from YouTube

What kind of log splitter are you looking for?

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Search for Log Splitters

Use Your Own Search Terms

I put "10 ton manual log splitter" in the search box because that is what we are using, but you can put whatever you like, and the results will show right here.

Horizontal or Vertical Gas Log Splitters

If we wanted to spend the money for a new gas-powered log splitter, it would be one that can be used in the vertical position. It's a lot easier to stand a log on it's end under the wedge to split than to lift the log when in a horizontal position.

Steele Products SP-LS22 22-Ton 6.5 HP Gas Powered Log Splitter

Amazon Price: $1,347.42 (as of 05/30/2012)

22 Ton Capacity
6.5 HP OHV 4 Stoke Gas Powered Engine
2 gallons per minute
vertical & horizontal position
4.5-Inch x 23-Inch Cylinder

Usually ships in 24 hours

More Horizontal / Vertical Log Splitters

Electric Log Splitters

In case you prefer this type of model

Mauls and Wedges for Splitting Logs

Splitting Wood the "Old Fashioned" Way

For years before purchasing our manual splitter, we used a wedge and a sledge to get the job done. I remember our first years here, about 25 years ago, when we put in our wood stove. The first thing we tried was an ax, but nothing is better if you do it by hand than a good maul and/or wedge and sledge hammer that has a soft face so that the impact is not only quieter, but easier on your hands and arms. When you place your wedge in position, always put where you see a possible natural break in the grain of the wood, we prefer the wood-blaster type wedge, the style of the Truper heavy duty maul, and have a sledge similar to the one shown..you can click through and search "soft sledge" for many more choices.

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The Food For Everyone Foundation's mission is to teach and assist families everywhere to grow successful and sustainable vegetable gardens, and really enjoy the experience.

Wood Stoves

We've been using an Energy Harvester for over 25 years, I'm not sure whether they make the model we have anymore, but there's many models to choose from to suit the style of home you live in. Be sure to find out what the regulations are regarding wood stoves in your town before buying and installing, you'll likely need a permit depending upon where you live. Your home owners insurance company will need to know about this as well. We keep ours updated with photos of any changes we make, like the recent addition of a new stove pipe.

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Do you have any questions about manual log splitters?

Guestbook

Reply

Deena Nov 16, 2011 @ 9:38 am | delete

If buying a pre-owned 10 ton log splitter, what should I look for before buying it?

Reply

yema Jul 8, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete

great lens !!!!

Reply

RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 27, 2011 @ 12:08 pm | delete

Really appreciated this review of log splitters. I would like a manual version, so I found this lens very helpful. Thanks!

Reply

OhMe Feb 6, 2010 @ 9:50 am | delete

These all look like great Log Splitters. Unfortunately, we no longer burn wood and I sure miss it. We have gas logs which aren't the same but any means. Stay warm!

Reply

happynutritionist Feb 6, 2010 @ 10:14 am | delete

I agree, nothing like a real woodstove, even it if means cleaning up the grey dust after the season is over:-) We've been using ours a LOT this year, and that pile in the picture has really gone down. Thanks for stopping by.