The condition of the wood significantly impacts the required tonnage:

 

  • Straight Trees (Straight-grained wood):
    • Logs from the main trunk of a straight-growing tree, especially those with minimal branches, tend to have a uniform, straight grain.
    • This type of wood is generally the easiest to split because the splitting force can follow the natural grain lines with less resistance.
    • For straight-grained wood, you can often use a lower tonnage log splitter. For instance, a 15-20 ton splitter might handle most straight, seasoned hardwoods up to a certain diameter, and even larger diameters of soft, straight-grained wood.
  • Bushy Trees (Knotty, Crooked, or Branched Wood):
    • Logs from bushy trees, tree crotches (where branches meet the main trunk), or sections with many knots present a much greater challenge.
    • Knots: These are where branches grew, and the wood grain around them is intertwined and irregular. This "interlocking grain" is incredibly tough to split as it resists the linear force of the wedge.
    • Crooked/Twisted Grain: Logs that are not perfectly straight, or those with significant twists in their growth, will also have irregular grain patterns that are much harder to split.
    • For bushy, knotty, or crooked wood, you will almost always need a higher tonnage log splitter. For challenging hardwoods with lots of knots, you might need 20-31 tons or even more.

 

General Tonnage Guidelines:

  • 15 Tons: Best for smaller, softer, seasoned wood (e.g., pine, spruce, small maple branches) with straight grain, typically under 12 inches in diameter. Good for light residential use.
  • 15-20 Tons: Suitable for medium-sized logs (12-24 inches) and a mix of softwoods and moderately hard hardwoods, especially if seasoned and relatively straight. A good all-around choice for many homeowners.
  • 20-31 Tons: Recommended for large diameter hardwoods (24 inches and above), green wood, and especially for tough, knotty, or stringy logs from bushy trees. Essential for commercial operations or serious firewood producers.

 

When choosing a log splitter, always consider the type of wood you will primarily be splitting in your location. If you plan on tackling anything beyond straight, seasoned softwood, it's generally better to opt for a higher tonnage than you think you might need. It provides more versatility, reduces frustration, and can extend the life of your machine by not overworking it.