What Size Log Splitter Do I Need?

If you’re looking to buy a log splitter, one of the first specifications you’ll notice is the splitting force, usually measured in tons.

You’ll find machines advertised as 10-ton, 18-ton, 25-ton or even 35-ton log splitters, but what do those numbers actually mean?

More importantly, how many tons do you really need?

Choosing the right log splitter isn’t simply about buying the biggest machine available. It’s about matching the splitter to the type of timber you process, how often you use it and the way you like to work.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to choose the right log splitter for your needs.

What Does Log Splitter Tonnage Mean?

The tonnage of a log splitter refers to the maximum splitting force produced by the hydraulic ram.

It isn’t the weight of the machine.

Instead, it tells you how much pressure the splitter can apply when forcing a log onto the splitting wedge.

Generally speaking, a higher tonnage allows the machine to tackle larger, denser or more difficult timber.

However, bigger isn’t always better.

Start With Your Timber, Not the Tonnage

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a splitter based purely on the number of tons.

Instead, start by asking yourself:

• What type of wood do I usually split?
• Is it mainly softwood or hardwood?
• Is it freshly felled or seasoned?
• Are the logs generally straight, or are they twisted and knotty?
• How large are the logs?

The answers to those questions are usually far more important than the tonnage alone.

Scenario One: “We Burn Logs Through the Winter”

“We’ve got a log burner and process our own firewood each year. Most of our timber is seasoned ash, birch and the occasional piece of oak.”

For many households, an 18-ton log splitter provides more than enough power for everyday firewood production.

It offers an excellent balance of performance, speed and value, comfortably handling the vast majority of domestic firewood.

Scenario Two: “We Split Large Hardwood Rounds”

“We regularly process large pieces of oak, beech and other hardwoods, some of which are quite knotty.”

This is where stepping up to a 20, 22 or 25-ton log splitter can make sense.

The additional splitting force provides extra confidence when tackling tougher timber, reducing the likelihood of struggling with awkward logs.

Scenario Three: “We’ve Got Our Own Woodland”

Owning woodland doesn’t automatically mean you need the biggest log splitter available.

However, woodland owners often encounter a much wider variety of timber.

One day you may be splitting straight-grained ash, while the next you’re dealing with twisted, knotty oak that has been lying on the ground for years.

Many customers in this situation choose a 25 or 35-ton machine simply because they want the flexibility to tackle almost anything they come across.

Scenario Four: “I’ve Already Got a Compact Tractor”

If you already own a compact tractor, a tractor log splitter can be a very sensible investment.

Rather than maintaining a separate petrol engine, you can use the tractor to power the splitter whenever it’s needed.

For many smallholders, this provides an excellent combination of simplicity, performance and value.

If you don’t already own a tractor, a petrol log splitter is often the more practical option.

Does Bigger Always Mean Better?

Not necessarily.

A larger log splitter offers greater splitting force, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice.

Larger machines are often:

• More expensive.
• Heavier.
• Less portable.
• More than many users actually need.

If you’re primarily processing smaller, straight-grained logs, a correctly sized machine may actually be the better investment.

The aim isn’t to buy the biggest splitter.

It’s to buy the right splitter.

Three Ways People Choose a Log Splitter

Over the years, we’ve found that most customers fall into one of three groups.

Buy for Today’s Needs

Some people simply want a machine that comfortably handles the timber they’re processing today.

This approach often provides the best value for money.

Buy for the Toughest Log You’ll Ever Split

Other customers know they occasionally come across exceptionally large or knotty logs.

Rather than wondering whether the machine will cope, they choose a little extra capacity for peace of mind.

Buy Once

This is becoming increasingly common.

Many customers tell us:

“I’d rather buy one machine that will cope with anything I throw at it.”

Perhaps they’re planning to burn more firewood in the future, manage additional woodland or simply want the reassurance of owning one of the most capable machines available.

For these buyers, a larger splitter isn’t about today’s workload. It’s about future flexibility.

Common Myths About Log Splitters

“The bigger the tonnage, the faster the splitter.”

Not always.

Some larger machines have longer ram strokes, meaning they can actually take longer to complete each cycle.

“You need a 35-ton splitter for hardwood.”

Not necessarily.

Many hardwood logs split perfectly well with considerably less force, particularly if they’re straight-grained and properly seasoned.

“If a log won’t split, the splitter isn’t powerful enough.”

Sometimes that’s true, but not always.

Grain direction, knots, timber species and how the log is positioned can all affect how easily it splits.

Buy With Confidence

When you’re investing in a log splitter, you’re not just buying the machine itself.

You’re also buying the support that comes with it.

It’s worth considering factors such as:

• Warranty.
• Parts availability.
• Dealer support.
• Build quality.
• Ease of maintenance.

A slightly cheaper machine may seem attractive initially, but long-term support can become just as important as the machine itself.

At Beckside Machinery, every FarmMaster Goliath tractor log splitter and every FarmMaster Goliath petrol log splitter is supplied with a two-year warranty, giving you added confidence that your investment is backed by comprehensive support.

Things We Tell Customers in the Showroom

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Should I just buy the biggest one?”

Our answer is usually:

Buy the log splitter that suits the timber you split most often, not just the biggest machine available.

However, if you know your workload is likely to increase, you regularly tackle difficult timber or you simply want the confidence that you’ll never outgrow the machine, choosing a larger splitter can also be a very sensible investment.

There isn’t a right or wrong answer.

The best log splitter is the one that suits both your current needs and your future plans.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right log splitter isn’t just about comparing tonnage figures.

It’s about understanding the timber you process, how often you use the machine and how you expect your requirements to develop over the coming years.

Whether you’re splitting a few cubic metres of firewood each winter or managing your own woodland, there’s a log splitter that’s right for the job.

At Beckside Machinery, we stock a wide range of FarmMaster Goliath tractor-mounted log splitters and FarmMaster Goliath petrol log splitters, all backed by a two-year warranty and expert advice.

Browse our range of log splitters to compare the different models, or contact Beckside Machinery on 01673 828965. We’ll be happy to help you choose the right machine for your needs.