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Log splitter sizing

Log splitter tonnage planner: size the machine by your wood

Enter a typical log diameter and say whether the wood is hardwood or softwood, green or seasoned. The planner shows an illustrative tonnage band: an editorial heuristic, not a force measurement, a safety assessment or a guarantee that a machine will split a log.

1. Your wood

Use representative rounds, including the larger ones you routinely handle. Diameter alone does not capture knots, grain or species variation. These example values are illustrative, not a product claim.

2. Green or seasoned wood

Green wood adds 5 tons as a conservative planning adjustment. Real splitting resistance varies; the result is not a manufacturer specification.

Your result

Illustrative tonnage band
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Base band for the diameter
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Where to compare
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Rated splitters that state at least this tonnage

The five best-rated complete splitters whose listing states at least the suggested tonnage, review-backed machines first, one per listing family. Then check the log length and diameter limits on the exact listing.

Enter your wood details above.

How to read the result

The base band is 5 tons at up to 8 inches diameter, 12 at up to 12 inches, 20 at up to 18 inches and 30 above that. The hardwood and green-wood flags each add 5 tons, capped at 40. These explicit editorial assumptions illustrate how the decision changes; they are not a manufacturer sizing table or measured force calculation.

Always check the exact model manual for maximum log length and diameter, operating controls and work-area requirements. A machine with a larger force claim can still have a shorter bed or a different working orientation.

Before choosing a splitter

  1. Record the length and diameter of your usual logs.
  2. Consider how you will move and position the heaviest rounds.
  3. Read the exact machine log limits and controls in its manual.
  4. Verify transport and electrical requirements before ordering.

This tool only narrows a research question. It does not establish electrical suitability, road legality or safe operation. Consult qualified professionals for installation or mechanical work, and use the exact manufacturer manual.

Read our research methodology and the tonnage explanation guide.

Frequently asked questions

How does the tonnage planner work?

It applies explicit editorial bands to your typical log diameter: 5 tons up to 8 inches, 12 tons up to 12 inches, 20 tons up to 18 inches and 30 tons above that. Hardwood and green wood each add 5 tons, capped at 40. These are transparent assumptions for research, not a manufacturer sizing table or a force calculation.

Will the suggested tonnage split every log?

No tool can promise that. Knots, grain, species and moisture change the resistance, and the maximum log length and diameter of the exact model can rule a round out before force matters. Check both limits in the manual of the machine you consider.

Does the planner pick a log splitter for me?

No. It lists rated complete splitters whose listing states at least the suggested tonnage, one per listing family, with the review-backed machines first. These are seller figures, not our measurements.