Hydraulic Log-Splitters - Electric Vs. Gas-Powered

What are the differences, you might be wondering; what are the pros and the cons of each type? Here at Flowfit, we have been advising our customers on the design, manufacture and suitability of log-splitters for many years.

Hydraulic Log-Splitters are the most effective way of splitting logs, but when you come to choose one, you are likely to be caught up in the great Electrical/Gas-Powered war that rages across the internet and even amongst industry professionals themselves.

The Electrical Hydraulic Log-Splitter

Electric log-splitters function in the same way as the gas-powered log splitter alternatives, in that they use an electric motor to power the hydraulics of the machine, instead of a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Electric log-splitters can plug into any standard household outlet.

• Advantages Of An Electrical Log-Splitter –
  
  
  • Electrical models can be used anywhere, as long as they are within reach of an electrical outlet. This means that they can be used inside, outside, on your porch, in your shed, or anywhere in between!
  • Electrical log splitter designs are much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. This means that you can cut at almost any time you need to, without upsetting the neighbours!
  • Typically less expensive than gas-powered models, electrical log splitters are more portable and are a lighter weight. They also do not need oil changes, to be filled with fuel or to have their engine serviced.

• The Disadvantages Of An Electrical Model –
  
  
  • Electrical log spltter designs are much less powerful than gas-powered models. Typically, electrical models are unavailable at any more than the 10-ton level.
  • These electric log splitters are usually available with a much smaller log-capacity, meaning that you will be unable to effectively split larger sizes of wood.
  • You need to be near an outlet – if you choose to use these log-splitters in a remote location, you will need to bring an electrical generator along with you.

The Gas-Powered Hydraulic Log-Splitter

Perfect for the tough, larger logs that many people who heat their homes with wood are required to split, gas log splitters are available in a much wider range of designs, including traditional hydraulic log-splitters, those with a dual-directional splitting ram or super-fast kinetic models.

• The Advantages Of A Gas-Powered Log Splitter–
  
  
  • Gas-powered designs of log-cutters are extremely powerful, and domestic units can typically go up to 34-tons of power, compared to electrical alternative’s 10 tons. Industrial or commercial units can go even higher!
  • Gas powered log splitters have a higher capacity for larger logs. Anything bigger than 12” in diameter and 20” in length, and the chances are that you’ll need a gas-powered log-splitter.
  • You can place the gas-powered log splitter anywhere; you don’t need to be near an outlet.

• The Disadvantages Of A Gas-Powered Log-Splitter –
  
  
  • Gas-powered models are much more expensive than other models, particularly because they are typically larger and more powerful than electrical designs.
  • Gas-powered log-splitters require regular maintenance, including oil-changes, refueling and air-filter changes.
  • Cannot be used near neighbours or near livestock, due to the intense sound volume that these designs produce.
  • Though they can be used anywhere, in comparison to electrical models, gas-powered models are typically heavier, larger and more difficult to transport. Many larger-scale models require additional road-towing kits to effectively move them around.

Hydraulic Log-Splitter; Electrical Or Gas-Powered?

Overall, both designs of hydraulic log-splitters have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is entirely dependent on your circumstances as to which is the perfect option for you. If you’re unsure whether or not you need a gas-powered model, then an electrical model is probably the best choice for you.

Many people who cut great quantities of wood utilise both hydraulic log splitter designs for splitting various types of logs and creating firewood of varying sizes.

For more information, or to pick out your perfect hydraulic log-splitter kit and accessories today, feel free to browse our extensive range at Flowfit Online. Alternatively, if you’re unsure which is the best item for you, contact us directly on 01584 876 033 or email us at sales@flowfitonline.com and well do our very best to help you!