How Much Are Log Splitters: Everything You Need To Know About The Cost Of Log Splitters

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Do you often work with wood and want to buy a new log splitter, but don’t know how it costs? If so, then this article is just what you need.

Log splitters actually cost you around $1,000 on average. The smaller manual log splitters could cost you as little as $70-$200 while the mid-range electric log splitters will cost you $350 to $850. The more powerful gas-powered log splitter will cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $7,500.

In this article, you’ll get to know about log splitters, how much are log splitters, the cost of log splitter of different types, how much will maintenance of a log splitter cost, and more. Stick around to get all the answers that you’re looking for.

How much are log splitters?

If you have to split plenty of logs and are often working with wood, buying a log splitter will be the best way to go. While there are many tools for cutting wood, not all the tools can match the performance of a log splitter. With a log splitter, you’ll be able to split wood, 3-5x faster without having to sacrifice your lower back. This brings forth the all-important question, how much does a log splitter cost?

On average, a log splitter can cost you around $1,000. The manual log splitters could cost you as little as $70 to $200 for the manual hydraulic models. A mid-range electric log splitter will cost you anywhere between $350 and $850. The bigger and more powerful gas-powered log splitters could cost you between $1,000 and $7,500. Below, you’ll find out details about how much different types of log splitters cost, which will make it clear which option suits your budget the best.

How much does a manual log splitter cost?

The simplest kind of log splitter is the manual cast iron log splitter. This type of log splitter usually costs between $70 and $150. They’re very cheap, but aren’t necessarily the easiest ones to use. You’ll still need to do most of the work, as you’ll have to hit the log with a hammer for getting the log to split.

How much does a manual hydraulic log splitter cost?

There are manual hydraulic log splitters that cost anywhere between $130 and $300. The final price varies depending on how much force it can generate. A manual hydraulic log splitter is comparatively easier to use than a manual one. It’s a great option for bigger logs and will offer reasonable amounts of pressure.

How much does an electric log splitter cost?

An electric log splitter is a step up from the manual log splitter. They’re a lot more powerful and considerably easy to use. This type of log splitter costs between $200 and $850. The cost of a log splitter will vary depending on how much force it can offer, the power rating, and the type of motor.

How much does a gas log splitter cost?

A gas log splitter is a perfect choice for homeowners and professionals who regularly deal with large quantities of wood. The gas-run splitters are often the go-to choice when you need power and reliability.

The low-cost gas log splitters have a starting price of around $600 and go as high as $4,500. The more powerful commercial-grade gas log splitters are capable of delivering incredible amounts of pressure. Their cost can go as high as $7,500 or sometimes even more than $10,000.

How much does a 3-point log splitter cost?

A 3-point log splitter will attach to the 3-point hitch on a tractor. This type of log splitter can deliver high amounts of pressure and comes at a cost of around $900 to $3,000. The price varies depending on how powerful this log splitter is and its additional features.

How much does a skid steer log splitter cost?

If you’ve got a skid steer, you’ll be able to purchase a specially designed log splitter that can be attached to it. Skid steer log splitters generally cost between $1,900 and $8,500.

How much does a tonnage splitter cost?

The type of wood and size of the logs you’re splitting will be key to determining how powerful of a log splitter you’ll need. Even though this isn’t always the case, there’s a positive correlation between the price and tonnage. This is why it is important to first determine the power of the log splitter you’ll need. You shouldn’t be purchasing something powerful for thousands of dollars that you won’t be utilizing to the fullest.

Electric log splitters

TonnagePrice Ranges
5 – 7$600 – $1,200
8 – 10$650 – $850

Gas log splitters

TonnagePrice Ranges
7 – 15$600 – $1,200
16 – 22$1,000 – $3,250
23 – 29$1,000 – $5,500
30+$1,200 – $7500

3-point log splitters

TonnagePrice Ranges
13 – 16$900 – $1,000
20 – 22$1,100 – $1,700
25 – 31$1,900 – $3,100

Skid steer log splitters

TonnagePrice Ranges
20 – 25$1,900 – $3,200
30+$2,500 – $4,200

How much does building a log splitter from scratch cost?

Sometimes, you might be wondering how much are log splitters if you’re building one from scratch. Some landowners end up building their log splitter by purchasing individual parts. This will, of course, require mechanical and technical skills as well as decent knowledge.  If you’ve looked up ads for homemade log splitters, you would have definitely noticed that they’re pretty expensive. 

The thing is that many homeowners end up using many and usually high-quality components. It can end up being much more expensive than what you’d find at your local dealer. They also calculate the amount of time it takes to assemble the entire log splitter, and you’ll end up with a pretty hefty sum.

Home-made log splitters are an expensive option, as buying individual parts at retail prices will be much more expensive. Moreover, many people add other costs to the total sum, such as how many hours it took them for assembling the splitter.

A log splitter can be built for home use at a reasonably affordable price as well. Assembling your own log splitter will cost you between $700 and $3,000 or more depending on your preferences, the condition of the parts, and the price of individual parts you’re using.

Log Splitter Build - The Components We're Using

How much does the maintenance cost for a log splitter?

The total cost associated with the maintenance of your log splitter needs to be considered. Log splitters aren’t really that cheap, and their maintenance could add significantly to the bottom line. The maintenance of a log splitter will incorporate these things –

  • It is recommended that you should change the hydraulic fluid once every 100 working hours or so (hydraulic fluid will cost you between $35 and $50 per gallon)
  • With changing the hydraulic fluid, you’ll need to replace the hydraulic filter as well (which will cost you around $10 to $35)
  • If you’re running a gas-powered log splitter, it’ll mean that you have to keep track of the oil in the engine (the oil will cost you around $5 to $15 per quart)
  • The ram has to be lubricated, so you’ll need to grease it up with an inexpensive grease option 
  • The pump, hoses, pull cords, and other parts must be inspected frequently for damages as well
  • Use the splitter accordingly, fenders, bent beams, cradles, and jack mounts because improper use could cost a fair bit to fix

Other costs associated with using a log splitter

You’ll sometimes have to spend more than what you’re seeing on the price tag. Purchasing a new log splitter will also come with transportation costs, by either having it delivered or by towing it with your own vehicle.

When purchasing a used log splitter, you should heed extra caution to the condition of each component. Parts like the engine and the hydraulics will demand extra attention. Used splitters can sometimes come with engine problems. Replacing the engine can be fairly costly.

how much are log splitters - man doing log splitting

In some instances, log splitters are also sold with repair plans. Such plans could cost you up to 25% of the log splitter’s retail price. You might need to have a repair plan if you’re intending on using the splitter for splitting large amounts of logs daily. An extra tip that you should remember is to speak to your neighbors or friends. If you’re able to get your hands on a decent log splitter, you’ll have the opportunity to split the cost between you. This way, a high-quality log splitter that sells for around $1,200 could cost you around $600.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading. Hopefully, now you know a lot more about log splitters, how much are log splitters, the cost of log splitter of different types, how much will maintenance of a log splitter cost, and more. A decent log splitter can actually cost you around $1,000 on average. The smaller manual log splitters could cost you as little as $70-$200 while the mid-range electric log splitters will cost you $350 to $850. The more powerful gas-powered log splitter will cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $7,500.


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Mike
Hi, I'm Mike - but my friends call me Backyard Mike. I'm the founder of this website, and I'm addicted to outdoor power tools. I love to work with wood and share my knowledge here on this website with you. You can find more about me here.