Firewood is a precious cost-saver on energy bills during the winter months. Also, the fireplace just brings this cozy and mellow ambiance to the home that I’ve come to cherish.
Anyways, as the saying goes, cutting your firewood warms you twice. But it doesn’t necessarily mean swinging an axe for several hours, then end up going to sleep with a body heavier than the log.
Besides, you’re probably too old to cut firewood manually. Or you’ve done that in the past and have sustained battle wounds or pains. Perhaps you want to cut cords for commercial use.
Whichever the case may be, you’d need a less stressful way to keep up to pace and save your back. More specifically, you’d need a log splitter.
In this review, we’ll make a comprehensive list of the best gas splitters on the market. It’s up to you to choose one that’s in line with your needs — making little stacks of firewood for your fireplace or splitting multiple cords commercially.
Feel free to have a look at the free buyer’s guide at the end of the review.
Let’s get to it.
The Best Gas Wood Splitters Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Champion 7-ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. YARDMAX YS2565 25-Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Swisher LSER11534 34-ton Gas Log Splitter |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Champion 7-ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter — Overall Best Gas Log Splitter
As mentioned earlier, the Champion 7-ton is our top pick for a homeowner who is only looking to split small to mid-sized logs.
One of the notable features of this splitter is its compact size. It makes it very easy transport and doesn’t take up much storage space. Despite this, it works effectively for logs within its power.
Specs
- 80cc four-cycle engine
- 20-second cycle time
- Max log length: 19.3” Diameter: 14” diameter
- Weighs 146 pounds
- Recoil start
- Low oil shutoff
- Horizontal wood splitter
What I Like About This Product
It’s the power equipment world example of “small but mighty.”
For a 7-ton machine, it splits logs way larger than its paygrade, like 20-ich to 22-inch large logs. Most of these logs were well-seasoned, though, so don’t have too high expectations with green or knotted woods.
Even though you have to put it together from scratch, its assembly is easy and straightforward, with a partner. If you doubt that, Champion has an assembly video on their product page that’ll give you an idea.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
While it’s an excellent splitter already, it can be even better if the manufacturer made attachments available for sale. Many customers would love to tow it with their ATV or attach side ramps to roll on bigger logs to the work table.
Pros
- Very affordable
- High-quality parts
- Splits seasoned wood over 20″ large
- Easy mobility and storage
Cons
- Limited accessories
Takeaway
With its low profile design and ease of use, the Champion 7-ton horizontal log splitter is most suitable for home use. And it has a matching affordable price tag
Overall Rating – 4.9/5
2. YARDMAX YS2565 25-Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter — Overall Best 25T Gas Log Splitter
The Yardmax YS2565 is a powerful and innovative 25-ton gas log splitter. It has a log spinner footplate that rotates knotted logs to make it easy to split them, consequently reducing stress on the beam.
Specs
- 5HP – 208cc Briggs and Stratton engine
- Weighs 474 pounds
- 7-second cycle time
- Includes 4-way wedge
- Log spinner plate
- Towable
- Low oil shutoff
What I Like About This Product
With a 9.7-second cycle time, it is the fastest model among Yardmax’s heavy-duty half beam series. And the least powerful too.
Even at that, its 25-ton splitting force would make easy work of almost any type of wood thrown at it. Moreover, its 4-way Wedge makes firewood ready in one cycle, making you work faster.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
Just a heads up. The 4-way splitting wedge isn’t as effective on large logs or ones that are twisted or knotted.
Also, a half beam splitter isn’t the best for regular towing. The wheelbase is narrow.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Works in both vertical and horizontal position
- 4-way splitting head makes work faster
- Easy assembly
- Log spinner makes it easy to split twisted and knotty logs
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- 4-way Wedge doesn’t work effectively on large or knotted woods
- Assembly takes a couple of hours
Takeaway
This Yardmax YS2565 is no doubt a top-rated log splitter. It’s innovative features, and sheer power has rightfully earned it that reputation. If you want a fast gas log splitter, the YS2565 is what you find.
Overall Rating – 4.8/5
3. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter — Most Durable 25T Gas Log Splitter
Another reliable log splitter from Champion, this 25-ton splitter, is powerful and backed up by a tough 7.5HP engine.
Specs
- 224cc four-stroke Champion engine
- 12-second cycle time
- Full beam design
- Max log length: 24″ Diameter
- Weighs 429 pounds
- Cast iron cylinder sleeve
- Low oil shutoff
- Towable up to 45mph
What I Like About This Product
It may not be as fast as the Yardmax model discussed earlier, but its 12-second cycle time is equally fast enough.
That said, I’d pick it over the Yardmax for its towing prowess. Its full beam design makes it much more stable when hitched to a truck or ATV. Also, it’s relatively lightweight compared to splitters in its class, which makes mobility even better.
Also, it has a large 5.0-gallon hydraulic fluid tank.
Overall, with a 224cc engine, it’s much more dependable than most 25-ton log splitters on the market. And it has a 5-gallon hydraulic fluid capacity, which is a subtle, yet exceptional awesome.
What Don’t Like About This Product
It is relatively easy to assemble, but unless you are one of the Buff Dudes, don’t attempt to do it alone.
Pros
- Worth the price
- Perfect for regular towing
- Quick change between upright and horizontal position
- Powerful and reliable Champion engine
- Lightweight compared to other 25T splitters
Cons
- May require a helping hand for installation
- Bark and wood accumulate on the beam
Takeaway
The 25-ton splitting force is suitable for any homeowner even if they are splitting freshly cut Oak. Also, it’s remarkably fast with a 12-second cycle time
What stands out with this splitter is that it can be towed around your property without fear of breaking loose. It’s full-beam design, 2″ trailer hitch, and lightweight makes mobility easy.
Overall Rating – 4.7.5/5
4. Swisher LSER11534 34-ton Gas Log Splitter — Best Gas Log Splitter for Power
The Awish 34-ton is our powerhouse pick for this review. It has a matching overpowered 11.5HP engine from renowned Briggs and Stratton. This beast uses both an electric and recoil start to make starting easier.
Specs
- 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine
- 22-second cycle time
- Electric start
- Low oil shutoff
- Mak length: 25″ Diameter: 24″
- Weighs 4559 pounds
- Towable
What I Like About This Product
Aside from low engine shutoff, which is common, it also has a cold weather clutch that warms the engine. This is particularly useful in winter when the engine becomes a chore to start.
Oh, and of course, it has an electric start, which is a big-time bonus. Somewhat also essential for a heavy-duty splitter like this one.
For this simple reason, I’d pick it over the popular Champion 34-ton splitter, which also has some flimsy parts. Whereas, the Swisher LSRE11534 is manufactured in the USA with quality materials.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
You have to get the standard lawn and garden battery for the electric start yourself.
Pros
- Powerful enough for large gnarly and knotted type of woods
- Beam lock for added security in upright position
- Electric start for convenience
- Top-quality American production
- Great customer support
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a battery
- Expensive
Takeaway
If you are going all out for the most powerful log splitter you can find, the Swisher LSRE1154 is your Thor. Obviously, there are models with more splitting force, but it would work with any type of wood you throw at it.
Overall Rating – 4.6/5
Buying Guide
If you want a gas splitter, you must ensure that its speed, position, and tonnage, are in line with your needs. Of course, price would also play a big part in your decision.
Advantages Of Using A Gas Log Splitter
Here are some reasons why you should consider a gas log splitter:
Power
Gas splitters produce unmatchable splitting force compared to their manual or electric counterparts. You can find them available in 4 to 60 tons of splitting force. That’s enough power even if you run a log splitting company or rental business.
Toughness
The hydraulic unit of most gas-powered log splitters is built to handle even the most robust logs. With enough PSI, you don’t have to worry about the machine breaking down when it meets some green or knotted logs. This is a major choosing factor between a gas and electric log splitter.
Works On-The-Go
With a gas-powered engine, you can work in the remotest of place. All you need is a keg of gas in your trunk, and you are ready to go.
Nemesis To Heavy Logs
These tough babies can split logs over 30 inches large, well, if you can lift them off the ground. But that’s why the more powerful ones have an upright position — to slaughter large unliftable woods on the ground.
Disadvantages Of A Gas Log Splitter
Cost
Compared to electrical splitters with the same power, gas splitters can cost about double their price. But also evidence of the reliability of gas wood splitters.
Noise
The primary concern with gas splitters is their high noise level. If you’ve used a lawnmower or tool with a powerful engine, you’ll understand.
Maintenance
The gas engine of this type of splitter requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. From valves, fuel hose to oil level, many parts call your attention for a checkup. And it’s easy for a non-mechanical person to get overwhelmed.
Size
Gas-powered log splitters have several heavy components, unlike electric wood splitters. So, it becomes an issue if you aren’t in the market to deal with a large machine that you can’t move around quickly with your hand.
Final Thoughts
In your search for the best log splitter, you have to consider your wood species and size. With that, you’re guaranteed to get a model that’ll serve you efficiently and at the right price.
If you want one just to make firewood to warm your home, I’ll highly recommend the Champion 7-ton Gas Log Splitter. Its low-profile design is just what you need for easy mobility and storage. And it’s powerful enough to split more than just small tree logs or branches.
If you want something more powerful for knotted and twisted logs, it’s your choice. You can also find a heavy-duty option that has a quick electric start to support its recoil system.
