Comparison SKIF 12T vs Konner&Sohnen KS 8TKE 52/35

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 time during which the moving element of the wood splitter (stop or working nozzle) passes from the starting point to the end position and back. In fact, this is the shortest time spent by the unit to split one log. Note that when working with solid wood, the stroke may be slightly larger than stated, although often this difference is practically not noticeable.

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.

Country of origin of the brand under which the log splitter is presented on the market. This country does not necessarily coincide with the place of actual production — on the contrary, it is not uncommon for individual parts to be produced in one state, assembled in another, and the brand generally comes from a third.

Also note that the country of origin itself does not affect the quality of the goods — a lot depends on the specific brand and even specific models. So it makes sense to pay attention to this information mainly in those cases when you fundamentally want (or do not want) to support a manufacturer from a certain country. Among the countries producing wood splitters are: Austria, Belarus, Germany, Denmark, China, Poland, Russia, USA, Slovenia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Japan.