That question depends on your log-splitting needs and how much time you have on your hands. Any log splitter is enough if you have the time to cut the wood into smaller sizes with an appropriate chainsaw and have the equipment to cart it around.
When considering a new gas log splitter, I asked myself this question and concluded that I needed to stick with my 30 Ton splitter. But without bias to my circumstances, let’s figure out your actual needs and whether a 25 Ton log splitter will suit them.
First things first, what chainsaws do you have on hand?
This may sound like a strange question, but if you’re cutting the wood yourself, the size you’re going to cut will depend on the available chainsaw.
A smaller chainsaw will only go so far when it comes to logs with bigger diameters, while a more powerful chainsaw with a larger bar will make easy work of big logs.
So if you can only cut smaller logs, then a 25-ton log splitter will be more than enough to cover your needs.
The second thing to consider is how much time you have?
While we’d all like to have heaps of time cutting logs, the reality is there are always other things that need to be done.
Some of the things to consider include:
Is the wood on your property, or are you traveling to cut it?
If it’s the latter and your time poor, you’re going to want to cut bigger logs to save time on the cutting and loading process.
If it’s the former, you’re going to be able to leave the wood in its current location and bring the splitter there when required.
Bigger logs generally require more pressure to split than smaller ones. However, I have been caught out by smaller logs that looked very innocent but, once in the splitter, caused a world of pain due to the knots in the wood
Are you going to be splitting by your self or do you have a partner?
It’s all well and good to cut big logs but let’s not forget that they’re heavy, and if it’s only you by yourself out there in the fresh air, then you do need to consider your physical strength and ability to maneuver the logs onto the splitter. In this example, you may be fine with a 25-ton limit as you wouldn’t be able to lift bigger logs yourself anyway.
What type of timber are you sourcing?
Having established all of the above, one of the most important things to consider is how hard the timber will be to split.
As we all know, not all trees are made equal, and while some will split very easily, others have lots of knots in them, which give your current and future log splitter a bit of a workout.
For softer wood types, a 25-ton splitter will generally do the job just fine, but if you have harder wood types and are planning on splitting bigger log sizes, you may need the extra hydraulic grunt of a 30, 35, or even a 40-ton log splitter.
Are you purchasing a horizontal log splitter or one that stands vertical
If your wood splitter stands horizontally with no option to go vertical, it’s going to be you who has to lift the logs up, and once again, it comes down to being honest with your capacity to do so.
Spending an extra hour cutting the wood into smaller pieces may save a week of being on your back because you lifted a load that was too heavy.
With that in mind, if you can’t roll big logs to the splitter, 25 tons of pressure could be more than enough if you can’t lift those heavier logs there.
Wood splitter cost compared to the value and long-term needs
Having considered all of the above, it would come as no surprise that the higher the pressure rating, the higher the cost if you’re comparing apples to apples and similar brands to each other.
If you only have an occasional big hardwood log with lots of knots, it’s probably better to tackle it with the chainsaw rather than spend more money on something you don’t need.
On the other hand, if your current log splitter is struggling with your normal wood supply, and you’re already at 20 tons, then it may be advisable to go up to 30 or 35 tons, but if you’re currently using a 15 ton splitter and it’s just struggling through the job the 25 ton log splitter would be enough.
So is a 25 Ton Log splitter enough for your needs?
I hope that after reading this article, I’ve helped you run through your actual needs and requirements and provided you with some insights into whether a 25 Ton wood splitter can satisfy your needs and requirements to get the job done in the most efficient manner and help you keep your split wood supply stocked up and in the least amount of time.
