Not everyone knows how to split wood with a wedge or has the strength to plow through a large woodpile. That’s where the LJ10M wood splitter comes in. This machine will take all the work and trouble out of prepping your firewood for the winter by easily slicing through even the thickest logs in a matter of seconds.
Our Verdict: This is a basic log splitter and one that requires manual operation. But despite the fact that it doesn’t run on gas or electricity, you don’t need much arm strength to get this machine going. Its compact design, combined with the built-in wheels makes it easy to store and transport, while the automatic return feature allows you to efficiently and quickly cut through logs in just a matter of seconds. It’s a great buy for small to medium-sized logs, however, I wouldn’t recommend it for pros use.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Not everyone needs a wood splitter than can take on a huge stockpile of wood for the coming winter months. Additionally, many homeowners purchase log splitters for use on a few felled trees or to take care of their firewood supply, but volume isn’t a major issue. If you’re not looking for a pro-quality model and you simply want an easy to use machine that can handle smaller jobs around the yard, then this manual-powered model is the way to go.
Using this wood splitter means no longer struggling to balance a log or worrying about hitting it at the wrong angle. This model simply provides a failsafe way to get your firewood cut and ready to go for the winter. If you don’t have a fireplace, outdoor firepit, or you don’t use wood for grilling, then using the best log splitter may be overkill. But if you normally fell trees and use logs for your fireplace, then you’ll definitely benefit from this type of investment.
Product Rating:
- Compact design
- Low price
- Beginner-friendly
- No harmful emissions
- Low-maintenance
- Automatic return setting ensures cleaner cuts
Power
This machine boasts ten tons of driving force, which is more than enough to split a log that’s up to eight inches wide and eighteen inches long and it’s also pretty impressive for a manual-powered model. During use, just make sure that the ram return spring has been set, in order to utilize the power of the machine’s two-speed pump to generate the type of driving force that’s needed to split a thick log with a single try.
Manual Operation
With an electric log splitter, you have to stay in close proximity to an outlet to power the machine. With a gas-powered model, you’ll have to worry about fuel costs, cold starts, and a clogged carburetor. Since this is a manual powered model, you won’t have to worry about lugging around gas or getting stuck in an area that doesn’t have access to electricity.
Despite the fact that it’s manual, it offers easy, one-handed operation, allowing you to effortlessly, and quickly slice through log after log. Now, you can save on fuel costs and your electricity bill, not to mention protecting the environment from harmful emissions. This simple splitter will still do all the hard work for you. And since this is a manual splitter, it’s highly portable and more versatile than competing electric or gas-powered models. Additionally, the intuitive design and basic setup make this model very beginner-friendly.
Portability
If you’re not looking for a large, commercial splitter that weighs hundreds of pounds and portability is your top priority, then you’ll love this model’s highly portable, compact design. This machine comes equipped with a couple of rear wheels that allow you to easily move it from one job to the next. The small, compact design will also allow you to easily transport it and store it.
Durability
This machine weighs in at eighty-seven pounds and is made out of thick stainless steel, featuring a design that shows it’s able to handle plenty of heavy-duty use. Since there are no high maintenance requirements like you would expect with a gas-powered model, this machine is considered very beginner-friendly and a great buy for home use. Its solid construction also means it will last year after year, with proper care and storage.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Highly portable
- Operates without gas or electricity
- Two built-in rear wheels
- Compact design
- Low price
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Not as powerful as electric or gas-powered splitters
Sun Jog Wood Splitter Vs. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
This manually powered log splitter really can’t stand up to the electric-powered Boss Industrial log splitter, which can handle a variety of log sizes. However, it also features a much heavier, bulkier design and comes with a very steep price tag. This machine by Sun Joe is designed for home use, small to medium-sized jobs, and can easily fit into a large trunk. Storing and transporting it is also much easier compared to the Boss model. If you need a machine that’s tough enough to handle larger logs and a higher volume on a daily or even weekly basis then the Boss is a much better option. But if you don’t plan on using your log splitter often and only need it for around the home use, then this machine by Sun Joe is a smart buy and one that’s more affordable compared to the competition.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating:
This manually powered log splitter provides a greener, easier way to slice through logs and prepare your firewood surplus for the winter. It’s nowhere near as tough as an electric or gas-powered model, but if you’re in need of an efficient, easy to use machine for small to medium-sized logs, then this model definitely fits the bill. I gave it a rating of four and a half out of five stars.