Comparison Scheppach HL650 vs AL-KO LHS 6000

The position in which the log must be when working with a log splitter. Usually, the axis of the working nozzle of the unit is in the same position.

— Horizontal. The horizontal arrangement is considered the safest: the log is located in a special chute, the probability of falling out of which is minimal. Also, this arrangement is considered more convenient for transportation, because. it is very difficult to overturn the unit. On the other hand, the chute is located at a certain height above the ground, and it can be very difficult to lift large, heavy workpieces to it. In addition, the maximum length of a log in such log splitters is usually less than in vertical ones. Therefore, the horizontal working position is found mainly in household models that are not designed for serious tasks.

— Vertical. The vertical working position allows you to achieve greater force when splitting. In addition, in many models, the log platform is located quite low (noticeably below the chute of the horizontal splitter), which makes it easier to work with heavy workpieces. Also note that such units take up somewhat less space than horizontal ones. But in transportation they are less convenient and require special care, because. the vertical structure is relatively easy to tip over.

— Universal. Wood splitters capable of working both horizontally and vertically. In such devices, the main unit (chu...te, stop, working nozzle) is mounted on a swivel mount and is located horizontally during transportation, and can be rotated vertically at the workplace, depending on which option is more convenient at the moment. In addition to the ability to choose the position itself, the advantage of universal wood splitters is the convenience when working with thick heavy logs: in the vertical position, the "seat" for the log is almost at ground level, and the workpiece can simply be rolled to the wood splitter without holding on weight. On the other hand, versatility increases the price of the design. Therefore, this arrangement is found mainly in professional-level units.

The greatest force that the wood splitter is able to apply to the workpiece in the process of splitting.

This parameter is relevant for hydraulic and rack units (see "Type"). Even in the simplest such devices, the splitting force reaches several tons. In general, high force allows you to cope with hard and thick workpieces, however, it requires high power and strength, which significantly affects the price and weight of the entire unit. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model according to this characteristic, taking into account the specifics of the work.

So, for use in the private sector, a wood splitter with a splitting force of up to 5 tons is considered quite sufficient, for boiler rooms and other relatively large consumers — 5-8 tons (up to 10 tons), and more powerful devices are intended mainly for industrial use.

The longest log that a log splitter can handle. In fact, this is the largest distance that the stop and working nozzle can be spread; if the workpiece is longer than this distance, it will have to be sawn.

Note that this indicator significantly affects the dimensions (especially in a horizontal working position), and the force required to split a long log is quite high. Therefore, for small volumes of work (for example, when harvesting firewood for a private house), a wood splitter with a relatively small maximum length is often the best choice — up to 60 cm ; longer workpieces can be sawn. But models of more than 60 cm are intended mainly for work on a large scale.

The largest log diameter that a log splitter can handle.

This parameter depends both on the size of the working nozzle and the “seat” for the workpiece, and on the splitting force. Usually, it is indicated per log of maximum length (see above). However, this does not mean that with a shorter length of the workpiece, it can be thicker than stated in the specifications — anyway, it is not recommended to work with too thick logs, i.e. the tool may experience undesirable loads. As for specific values, the maximum thickness of up to 30 cm is typical for wood splitters mainly for domestic purposes, more than 30 cm for powerful professional units.

The total amount of oil that can fit into the hydraulic system of the respective log splitter (see "Type"). This parameter allows you to estimate how much oil is required for one refueling or refilling of the unit.

The presence in the delivery set of the wood splitter of the nozzle for splitting the workpiece into 4 parts. Such a nozzle usually has a set of blades in the form of a cross and, if necessary, is installed on the main working tool. "Cross" allows you to get log quarters in one pass (whereas without it it would take three — to split into halves and for each individual half). However for very thin or thick workpieces, such splitting is poorly suited — the centre of the log may not coincide with the centre of the nozzle.

Wood splitter motor power in watts. The designation in watts is used for all types of engines, which allows you to compare units with different types of motors.

A powerful motor is needed above all in order to provide a high splitting force (see above). However, when choosing, it is worth focus not so much on power, but on the force stated in the characteristics and the length / thickness of the logs. In addition, in the case of electric motors (see "Motor type"), the power directly determines the energy consumption, which is important in some situations (when running from a generator, with weak wiring, etc.)

The presence of high legs (stands) for a horizontal wood splitter will allow you to use it when it is installed immediately on the ground, floor. There is no need to make an additional elevation in the form of a table, a workbench for more convenient feeding and chopping of small logs. But compact models of horizontal wood splitters without a stand are of two types. The first includes ground models for chopping powerful logs, which it makes no sense to raise to a height. The second type provides wood splitters for installation on a hill, which, due to the lack of a stand, must be provided in advance. In both cases, the absence of a stand (high legs) makes the model more compact and more mobile.