Choosing a Log-Splitter

Are you unsure what the best wood is to burn in your fireplace or stove, and what kind of log splitter you will need from The Family Center?

 A wide variety of great hardwoods and softwoods are available. While different types of firewood generally have the same amount of heat per weight, the primary difference between them is density. Simply put, denser woods, like Osage Orange, have more energy than less dense woods, like cottonwood, per volume. Osage Orange produces 32.9 million BTUs per cord versus cottonwood which produces 13.5 million BTUs.

High density hardwoods, like oak and hickory, will usually burn slower and put out more radiant heat over a longer time. While easier to light, lower density softwoods, like pine and cedar, and softer hardwoods, like cottonwood and aspen, will usually burn faster and put out less total heat over a shorter amount of time.

With your choice of firewood settled, then your next step may be to look for a log splitter that can best suit your needs. If you are splitting logs on an occasional basis then a gas-powered splitter with up to 16 tons of force, which is stronger than most electric models, can split logs up to 21 inches longs and 24 inches in diameter. The drawback to small units like these is that they usually cannot be pivoted to a vertical position.

For those who will be splitting multiple times during the year then a splitter that can produce 20 to 28 tons of force would be a good choice. These units are capable of splitting logs up to 26 inches long and 30 inches in diameter, and can be switched to a vertical position, allowing the owner to not have to pick up the log and set it on top of a horizontal beam.

Finally, for those that are looking to split wood on a continual, if not professional basis, then you will need a splitter with at least 30 tons of force to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Time is money after all!

The Family Center Stores can help with your log splitter needs with a wide array of models. In the Brave line we have 15-, 22-, and 26-ton units available; in Swisher we have 22-, 28-, and 34-ton units; and in Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet we have 27-ton units for sale, the latter having a full 3-year warranty. Each unit is supplied with hydraulic fluid so you can get started in the timber right away and get the home fires burning when Old Man Winter comes knocking!