Manual log splitters can greatly reduce the amount of manual wood splitting required or eliminate it almost entirely. Lifting and heaving a heavy maul or axe repeatedly can lead to more than a sore back, even if you are in shape. A glancing blow to the ankle or shin with several pounds of steel will quickly put your mind on something more important than firewood.
If you or a loved one face certain physical challenges or are wheelchair-bound, a splitter built like this may be just what you need to help you stay independent, get some physical exercise, and have your own firewood. Why should you have to mess around with a tractor's PTO or the mess of a gasoline-powered model?
Speaking of fuel, think of the types you'll need if you buy a log splitter that isn't powered by you. A gasoline-powered model will not only need gas to run, but also motor oil and hydraulic fluid to top off. An electric-powered splitter seems pretty nifty, until you find yourself in the woods without a five-mile extension cord. Do you want to buy a generator to haul around for power to this type of splitter? The splitters that run off a tractor's PTO are certainly powerful, but not everyone has a tractor to use.
Hydraulic log splitters that are manually operated generally have less splitting power (rated in tons) than other types. While a gas-powered splitter may range in power from 15 to 30 tons, manual models will generally range from 5 to 10 tons. (The author's favorite is the 10 ton manual log splitter.) This isn't necessarily a minus. Manual log splitters typically are smaller and lighter. This makes them easier to move around and to store. In addition, the lack of fuel fumes and exhaust might enable you to split wood in a garage or other place out of the winter weather.
When he isn't splitting wood for his wood stove, Chris Huddle enjoys making websites and writing articles. Visit his personal site about mountain heritage [http://mountainviewjournal.us/] at Mountain View Journal [http://mountainviewjournal.us/].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Chris_Huddle/415925
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3378833
