Motor type
The type of engine installed in the wood splitter.
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Electric. Electric motors used in modern log splitters usually use mains power. Their advantages are simplicity and low cost (including in operation and maintenance), a relatively low noise level and the complete absence of exhaust gases, which allows the unit to be operated even indoors. The main disadvantage is the need for a network; at the same time, high power units are not capable of operating from ordinary household 230 V sockets and require a three-phase power supply (see "Mains voltage") or a special connection format. However, in most cases, these points are not critical, due to which this particular option is now the most popular.
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Petrol. Gasoline internal combustion engines combine high power and battery life — they do not depend on electricity networks, it is enough to have a supply of fuel. On the other hand, they are noticeably heavier and more expensive than electric ones, more difficult to maintain and repair, and exhaust fumes can be a nuisance even with good ventilation. As a result, this variant is mainly used in high-performance professional wood splitters, designed in particular for logging.
— Power take-off shaft (no engine). Wood splitters that do not have their own engine at all — for operation, such a mechanism must be connected to the power take-off shaft on a two-wheel tractor, tracto
...r or other machine that allows the connection of additional equipment driven by an engine. Actually, such models are designed just for situations when the farm already has a unit with a power take-off shaft, and the user does not need to overpay for the engine in the wood splitter. However, before buying, you should make sure that the external motor has enough power for the efficient operation of the wood splitter; the minimum required power is usually specified in the detailed specifications. It is also worth clarifying compatibility by size: nowadays there is no single standard for power take-off shafts, and if the sizes do not match, an adapter may be needed (and in the worst case, work will be completely impossible).
— Electric / power take-off. Wood splitters equipped with both their own electric motor and a plug for connecting the power take-off shaft. Each of these options is described in more detail above, and their combination makes the unit universal and allows you to choose the type of power supply depending on the situation. For example, in a place of permanent residence, a wood splitter can be connected to the network, and “far from civilization” (for example, when leaving directly for a logging site), a power take-off shaft drive is useful. At the same time, such versatility is not required so often, and it affects the cost quite noticeably; therefore, very few combined models are produced nowadays.Voltage
The nominal mains voltage for which the wood splitter with an electric motor is designed (see "Motor type"). This parameter can also be called "Network type", because. The two main options differ not only in voltage:
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230 V. Ordinary household networks, available almost everywhere where there is electricity at all. Most log splitters with this power supply can be connected to a regular outlet, except that for the most powerful models (3.5 kW or more) it may be necessary to connect directly to the shield. However, units with similar power belong mainly to the industrial class, and in them manufacturers prefer to use three-phase 400 V power supply.
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400 V. Three-phase networks used primarily to power heavy industrial equipment. At home, it is far from always possible to connect to such networks, but in workshops, sawmills, etc., usually, there are no problems with it. Thus, such a power supply is mainly used in high-power wood splitters, for which 230 V networks are poorly suited. However, there are exceptions: on the market you can find three-phase units of 3.5 kW and even less. This is due to the fact that three-phase networks have a number of common advantages over single-phase ones: in particular, they better tolerate loads while operating numerous connected equipment, and also allow you to more accurately keep records of electricity consumption. So if you have to use the w
...ood splitter often, in large quantities and/or simultaneously with other “gluttonous” power tools, and there is a 400 V connection at the place of its use, you should pay attention to three-phase models, even if high power is not needed.Max. power
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.)
Max. power
Engine power of the wood splitter in horsepower. It is indicated only for models with gasoline engines (see "Engine type") — it is for them that the traditional unit of power is horsepower (approximately 735 W), and in some cases it is easier to evaluate engine performance using data in "horses".
A powerful motor is needed above all to ensure a high splitting force. However, when choosing, it is worth focus not so much on power, but on the force stated in the characteristics and the maximum dimensions of the logs.
