3 Best Log Splitters Under $1000

If you are planning to use this off the grid it will disappoint. Even though its HP engines are durable enough for both light and heavy-duty tasks, this log splitter is powered by electricity and therefore no good for off-grid use.

We, however, managed to put the ED8T20 to work on some 250-foot logs from a pine tree. The logs averaged about 16 inches long with a 22-inch diameter and this log splitter was able to split through them with ease. In addition, there are a good number of users who report its durability over multiple uses for a couple of years.

Some of the main negative reports from long-term users is the fact that the bolts on this machine tend to get loose over time. You might want to check that when you get your machine. Overall, the Boss Industrial ED8T20 comes with a 2-year residential warranty on its 3000 PSI hydraulic pressure pump which is great.

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The ED8T20 is built for those who need a log splitter that is easy to move around with one hand. It has a compact body construct that only weighs 160 pounds and the front handles are conveniently placed for portability.  

However, we found it to be a bit heavy than expected and even though the manufacturer claims it is a one-handed operation design, you might need to put in some effort while moving it around. While splitting the logs we loved the fact that the side rails kept the logs stable.

In terms of how much noise this splitter produces, we were a bit skeptical at first on whether this would work in a home environment without disturbing the neighbors. The good news is that the noise from this log splitter is not that loud at all.

If you are working alone, you will love this wood splitter as it comes with an automatic ram return that makes it easy to handle for just one person. The 2 HP electric motors on this log splitter run well on 115 VAC.

You can expect it to draw about 13 amps of power which roughly comes close to the 1500 watts claim by the manufacturer. For our test, we ran the ED8T20 Boss Industrial on a 20 amp circuit with a 50 ft 12 gauge extensions and all worked perfectly fine with no mishaps.

The downside is that if you are looking for a log splitter that is able to work vertically, the ED8T20 might disappoint you.

We tried letting the wood move along and realized the vertical should be motor up and fluid down. Yes, it sounds a bit backward but just make sure the fluid stays where it’s supposed to without any vertical operations. 

This 7-ton splitter is made of sturdy materials and is approximately 106 pounds heavy. Its rugged construction and heavy-duty components make this one durable enough to last you for years.

It’s designed in a way to endure heavy and large logs, while still being easy to use. You can tell by the way it’s built that the splitter will last you a long time. Plus, because of its durability, you can chop almost any type of wood.

Though it’s not as heavy as you’d expect, the ES7T20 is quite powerful and rugged. If you try to lift it, you’ll notice the sturdy construction. This also means minimized vibrations so you can chop woods indoors, as well.

The splitter has two legs and two wheels so you can actually pull it to the desired place. As we mentioned, it weighs 106 pounds that’s not overly heavy and allows simple maneuverability.

Some people might find it tricky to lift it, but two people can do the job easily. It’s considered lightweight for what it is, but that doesn’t mean it’s really lightweight for you to carry it around. Use your best judgment if 106 pounds are okay with you.

Plus, you won’t have to move it around that often anyway especially if you place it next to your batch of woods right away. It’s also important to note that the ES7T20 comes assembled so you won’t have to deal with that yourself. 

We used this one to cut several types of wood to figure out which one it’s best for. Our team tested anything from oak and cottonwood to fir, and we noticed impressive results.

In most cases, you’ll be able to cut any log as long as it’s the right size. Plus, different types of trees might require a different approach to splitting.

The manufacturer claims the splitter can handle 10-inch logs that are up to 20.5’’ long. For safety reasons, and ease of use, it’s best you only cut logs that fit into those measurements. Though you can go up and down the size a bit, it does perform the best when it has the right-sized wood.

The Champion 90720 is built for tough working environments. It features a cast iron sleeve that enhances its long-term durability and we have been using it in our tests for about a month yet it has consistently split through hardwood and any other type of wood.

The only downside is that it's a bit slower than other power tools in its price range especially when you really put it through heavy duty tasks. However, if you are looking for a log splitter that will allow you to work with small logs over a long time period, this might be a good choice for you.

Most users appreciate the Champion 90720 for its portability. It comes with wheels that are made for easy maneuverability. However, when we tried towing it with a car or truck, the Champion 90720 just couldn't handle it.

As an alternative, we tried changing the tires to road tires and the results were much better. The manufacturer recommends you tow it at speeds of up to 45 mph and since it comes with a 2-inch ball coupler this option can turn out to be quite convenient for moving it around.  

Overall, this log splitter can easily be picked by two people thanks to the handle and the tire designs that never go flat. 

First of all, before you put the Champion 90720 to work you might have to take some time to assemble it. In our case, it took about 2 hours from start to finish which is not much if you follow the manual that comes with it.

When it comes to splitting logs, however, the Champion 90720 packs plenty of power to get the job done. We put it through the paces by working with it to split freshly cut white oak logs and it was able to power through it without a problem. Its low to the ground profile make it easy to log big 18 and 19 inch logs on to the cradle without much effort.