Electric/Hydraulic Log Splitter

[DaveInTX]

Hey folks,

I'll probably get slapped for this, but... how come you don't see many electrically-driven (120V/240V) hydraulic log splitters? Is it due to lack of efficiency, or too-high amp draw to make it economical?

One issue is (obviously) that you have to be close to a power supply, versus the convenience of using a gas splitter anywhere.

I have so many small engines around, it would be interesting to see if I can replace one of those with a plug-in version that would require less maintenance. Since the log splitter is only used a few times a year (for me, at least), it would be a decent candidate.... Thanks!

 

[ambenz]

They are out there....gotta look....
https://www.logsplittersdirect.com/...-and-Best-Selling-Electric-Log-Splitters.html

 

[RTM]

I was gonna say, I’ve seen them. Most have what looks like an old automotive started driving them. Ambenz did the hard work and provided a link.

My pizza guy has one, didn’t want to fire up a gas engine around his pizza oven.

 

[DaveInTX]

Thanks folks! As mentioned, I asked "how come you don't see many electrically-driven" log-splitters - I know they're out there, but was mainly curious why they're not as widespread as their counterparts. An electric splitter seems like the perfect solution for your pizza guy!

Does anyone have hands-on experience with them?

 

[blazemaster83]

I don't have any hands on experience with an electric wood splitter, but I have a large electric hydraulic press in my shop. I guessing you could make a pretty decent splitter with a large pump and a big 3 phase motor (like 10hp+). Most of the electric ones I have seen are slow and small, not meant for real big rounds. I live in the pacific northwest, all I see is huge rounds so a smaller splitter isn't gonna cut it for me. Personally I would much prefer a gas powered splitter, or even better a small diesel. Just learn how to maintain a small combustion engine, it's not that hard. Only use non-ethanol fuel. The portability is much more useful with some maintenance than having to deal with an electric setup.

 

[AA/FC]

You don't see many electric log splitters because it's tough to get that much "power" from an electric motor out in your yard, and even harder out in the field or woods. And here is why I say that.....

I would say most gas log splitters have at least a 6 horsepower engine, right? Larger splitters would have a larger engine, but most of the "standard" log splitters that I've seen that are commercially available and sold in my local stores typically start around 6 horsepower. Now I'm not a professional electrician, but my simple math says it would take over 37 amps at 120 volts, or almost 19 amps at 240 volts to get 6 horsepower out of an electric motor. Nobody has a standard 120 volt circuit anywhere inside the USA that can deliver more than 20 amps so that is out of the question. It could be done with a heavy duty extension cord from a 240 volt 30amp (or 50amp) welding or clothes dryer outlet but your average homeowner doesn't have that ability.

(for you engineers out there, I realize there are more factors to include when calculating this scenario like actual engine power compared to advertised power, voltage drops, component efficiency, etc... this was just a rough calculation)

Now, with all that said, you COULD operate a log splitter with a smaller electric motor but it will cost you in the form of lost performance. If you have less horsepower, you could still produce the same overall hydraulic PSI and have the same force as a log splitter with a 6hp gas engine, but you would NOT have the same speed, it would be slower. In the hydraulic world, if you go down in overall horsepower, you can usually still achieve the same result, but you give up either pressure, or flow. (force or speed)

TLDR:
Electric log splitters are slower because they don't have as much power compared to a gas log splitter.

 

[ericm]

For decent size rounds in hardwood you need a 4-5" cylinder. That takes on the order of 10hp (or more) to get a reasonable cycle time. Not many people have the wiring for a 10hp electric motor.

 

[RTM]

Capacity and speed. I saw one with what looked like an auto starter running it, and it was slow. Seemed like 15-20 seconds to make the stroke each way. Not sure the gear ratio, not sure the claimed capacity. But yeah, not for real trees, more likely branches, or pre split.

And yeah, I missed the Many the first time.

 

[DaveInTX]

Great responses folks! That definitely helps put it in perspective.