Wondering how much a log splitter actually weighs? This will often depend on the quality of the machine and the amount of power it offers. You can get a flimsy one weighing around 150 pounds. But if you want a high-quality model, with solid, metal parts they will be heavier. You can expect them to weigh between 400 to 800 pounds.
A log splitter can be a heavy piece of equipment. You’ll usually need a vehicle, like a car or a tractor, to help you move it. So, how heavy is a log splitter?
While this is a useful guide, it’s only an approximate measure. The weight can fluctuate significantly between models. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about managing these heavy machines.
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Related Reading: What Type of a Simple Machine is a Log Splitter?
What Determines the Weight of a Log Splitter?
There are a few elements that might affect the weight of the log splitter. For example, the materials might play a role. You want something that is made from strong metal components. This ensures that it will be able to withstand the forces associated with splitting logs. But this will also increase the weight.
The biggest factor, though, is the type of logs the machine was designed to cut. The larger logs will require more power to cut through. Because of this, it will need a bigger engine and pump. This, in turn, increases the amount of weight associated with the splitter.
Examples of Log Splitter Weights
To give you a better idea of how much these wood splitters weigh, we can compare a few popular backyard log splitters across several brands. Here’s how they stack up:
| Brand | Weight |
| Champion Power Equipment 20-Ton Log Splitter | 396.8 lbs |
| Swisher 22 Ton Electric Log Splitter Eco Split | 456 lbs |
| PowerKing 15 Ton Log Splitter | 264 lbs |
| Iron and Oak 20 Ton Two Way Log Splitter | 623 lbs |
As you can see, there is a wide range in log splitters sizes. If you want, you can even find a lightweight model that is around 150 pounds. But these will have flimsy parts and limited cutting power. It’s common to see these cutters with plastic wheels. While it saves weight, it won’t last long.
For a more serious splitter, they start at around 400 pounds. Though, they can easily become as heavy as 700 pounds. Some models might even go up to 1,000 pounds. While this might make moving the log splitter a little more difficult, it isn’t an overly important consideration. Usually, the weight doesn’t have any real impact on how well the machine operates.
There’s an easy way to find out how much your log splitter weighs. It will be listed in the owner’s manual. Or you can go to the manufacturer’s website and look at the product specifications.
How to Move a Log Splitter Safely
Log splitters can be heavy and dangerous machines. This raises an important question; how can you move them into position? You have two options, moving them by hand or attaching them to the hitch of a car or tractor.
Moving Them by Hand
This is usually only possible on lightweight models. Trying to push a 450-pound splitter into position by hand by yourself, will require the strength of Superman. However, it will be possible if you get some friends to help you push.
Attaching the Log Splitter to a Car
The most common way of transporting a log splitter is by using a car. Thankfully, this is a fairly simple procedure. You just need to follow these steps:
- Lower the beam, you should hear it click into place
- Check that the hydraulic pump and the engine are switched off.
- Release the jack stand, adjusting the height of the log splitter so it’s even with the hitch on your car.
- Attach the splitter to your car. To do this, you might need to adjust the size of the hitch.
- Connect the chains
- Plug in the electronics. Before driving off, make sure that the taillights and indicators are working properly.
While towing behind a car is the best way to move it around, there are a few things to consider. First, you should look at the tires of the log splitter. While being DOT approved, most haven’t been designed to go fast. Often, they will be limited to a maximum of around 35 miles an hour.
Too fast and you risk blowing out a tire and damaging the log splitter. If you have a top-end log splitter, you might be able to go up to 70 miles an hour.
It’s also a good idea to check the laws in your state. A log splitter will be classed as a piece of farming equipment. Because of this, there might be rules about where it can be towed and the limits about the maximum speed you can tow it at. Sometimes, you will need to attach the slow vehicle reflector to the back of the trailer. This is a yellow reflective trailer.
In many cases, you won’t be able to put a homemade log splitter on the highway. If you do, you could be facing a large fine.
It might be best to put the log splitter into the back of a truck. It should be compact enough to sit in the bed. You just need to make sure that you tie it securely into place.
If you have brought the log splitter to your property, you will be able to use a tractor to move it around.
Finding the Right Position
You will need to be careful about where you put the log splitter. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid:
- Putting the splitter at an angle. This can sometimes be the reason why the ram isn’t returning properly, as it needs to fight gravity.
- Clear the ground first. You don’t want to put the splitter on loose gravel or unstable ground. This will cause it to shudder as it cuts, which can be a potentially dangerous situation.
Final Thoughts
Though you can get lightweight log splitters, that are under 200 pounds, they often aren’t a good choice. They will be made from plastic parts, which can be easily damaged.
A high-quality piece of equipment will be heavier, with many of the popular brands weighing between 400 to 800 pounds.
