10 Best Firewood Processors for the Money

Are you wondering what type of firewood processors is best to buy? If YES, here are 10 best firewood processors for the money.

A firewood processor could be the safest, fastest, most effective way to process large amounts of firewood. Even though most people would love to own one of these machines, the initial cost does not make it a practical choice. A firewood processor is a piece of equipment made especially for cutting and splitting firewood with as little manual labour as possible.

Generally, firewood processors consist of four parts: a log deck, saw station, splitting chamber, and out feed. Most firewood processors are designed to work with logs up to 12 feet long, though measurements may vary. All you have to do before feeding your logs into the processor is de-limb them.

Firewood processors are used both professionally, for creating stacks upon stacks of firewood for sale, and privately, for splitting a few logs into enough firewood to heat a home all winter.

However, if you have plans to start a firewood business, a processor is a great investment. Note that the amount of firewood these machines can process can take your business to the next level. These large machines can be acquired in a variety of sizes.

The smaller models are able to be run by a single person and can be towed around by a pickup truck. The processors are also categorized by the amount of wood they can process in one hour. On average a smaller unit can cut and split one cord of firewood per hour.

To process firewood, these machines are moved to an area where wood has been processed into sections and are ready to be converted into small chunks of split Firewood. The wood is then loaded on to the deck of the machine. Through the use of joystick controls, the machine uses hydraulics to cut the wood to a specific, preset length which is determined by the operator.

16’’-18’’ is a common length for firewood since a majority of wood burning stoves accept this length of wood. Although cutting the firewood to a longer length is faster, it limits who you can sell the wood to since not every stove will accept a 20” or 22” log.

After its cut, the wood is then split by the machine into several small pieces depending on the splitting wedge attached. Have it in mind that some models have a conveyer belt assembly which moves the split wood away from the machine and dumps it into a pile or truck.

The processors offer extra safety because the user is positioned away from the moving saw blade, reducing the risk of injury. The average starting cost of the machine is around $10,000 which is often more than the average home owner would like to invest. Just any machine, the processor requires maintenance to function property.

Note that any machine with moving parts is susceptible to breaking down if not properly cared for. If you’re lucky enough to find one, some rental companies will rent a unit for the day. Other machine owners will come to your house for the day and process your wood for a fee.

Many companies also offer used machines for sale. Buying a used machine could be an option for someone looking to spend less money.

A firewood processor’s output capacity can be measured by how many cords of cut and split firewood it puts out per hour. This number ranges between one and five for most machines. It is also a determining factor in the price of a firewood processor. Nonetheless, here are top choices in the market;

Best Firewood Processor for the Money

1. Cord King CS Series

This processor is readily acknowledged around the world as one of the very best firewood processors for the money. Few units compare to the power and precision the Cord King CS Series provides. Made with a tough carbide-tooth slasher saw (circular saw), the CS Series firewood processors make short work of logs. This firewood series has an industry-leading cut-to-cut time of less than 5 seconds.

It also means you can produce between four and ten full cords of firewood per hour. Furthermore, the firewood processors in the CS Series also require less frequent maintenance than other processors in the same category. CS Series saws only need sharpening after producing 1,000 to 1,500 cords of firewood.

2. YARDMAX Half Beam Gas Log Splitter 

Yard MAX half beam gas firewood processor is the king of all wood processors. It isn’t a circular saw firewood processor; rather it processes the wood by heavy and dynamic pressure. This 6.5HP 208cc Briggs and Stratton engine runs by Gas and it can provide up to 28 to 30 tons of pressure.

Note that it has a 7.5-inches 2-way wedge, which can easily break larger diameter wood into two pieces. Its U-Beam structural design is very powerful, strengthening, and works more vigorously than typical I-Beam design.

In the package besides the wood processor, you will get hardware, hydraulic fluid; a flip-down stand, 2 log cradles, and a 2″ ball. YARDMAX log splitter total measurement is 48.5-inches in height x 82-inches in length x 36.3-inches in width. Consequently, it will fit readily in your garden or your home garage.

3. HFP160 Firewood Pro

This processor is, without doubt, one of the best small firewood processors available in the market. This mounted fully functioning firewood processor is designed with high production in mind. The machine cuts logs in to 20in and 28in rounds and then splits them into 4, 6, or 8 pieces of Firewood.

Quite mobile, this firewood processor allows the operator to easily deposit the finished product into neat piles for stacking and into bins, trucks, trailers, and more. Also, the processor is small and efficient enough only to require a single operator.

Weighing in at 2050lbs, the firewood processor may be smaller than others, but it does not lack any larger machines’ power.

The unit measures 52in wide and 43 in high and is feedable with logs up to 16in in diameter. This processor is designed with skid steer log mounting in mind. However, it can quickly and easily be customized to be compatible with small excavators and wheel loaders.

4. KABIN Kindle Quick Log Splitter (Manual Splitting Tool)

Basically, it’s the best small firewood processor you will not find elsewhere. The safest, smallest, efficient, and manual log splitting tool it is. Interestingly, it hasn’t any motor; still, you won’t need any axe to cut the woods. It has a sharp and indestructible blade, only you have to just throw the wood on the blade that is it.

Bolt holes are added on the base, so you can adjust the firewood processor with any deck, stump, or anchor. And X shape design will ensure tremendous stability, height, and superior performance.

Harder and stronger cast iron is its major materials. KABIN kindle quick long splitter (small firewood processor) total weight is 12 pound approximately, that entails that you can transport and move it from one place to another comfortably.

5. Posch’s S-375

This is a joystick-controlled high-speed firewood processor equipped with large 35.4in tungsten tipped slasher-type circular saw. When compared to older and clunkier firewood processors, the Posch S-375 requires little manual labour to operate.

The machine works with logs up to 14.5in in diameter. After cutting the logs, the unit splits the rounds into your choice of 2, 4, 6, or 8 pieces of firewood. The splitter has a force of 12 tons. The length of finished firewood can be pre-set for up to 19.6in.

The majority of the machine’s functions are all controllable from a joystick. In addition, there are half-stroke and only-cut settings for round-production and splitting speeds. The processor leverages two conveyor belts and a hydraulic timber indeed for feeding logs into the machine, transporting the logs through the various cycles, and depositing the finished firewood out and away from the unit.

One of the best parts about these particular firewood processors is that the manufacturer produces several add-ons that increase your overall production with the unit. The add-ons are made possible by external hydraulic ports. Coupled with that, many firewood producers find the powered log table and the PackFix log wrapping machine useful.

6. Champion 37-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter

This processor is available in 3 types of engines such as 79cc engine (7 tons), 224cc engine (25 tons), and 338cc engine (37 tons).

Therefore, whatever types of powerful engine-based log splitter you want, you can choose from this individual branded splitter. Notably, a single-cylinder OHV engine will be going to improve its performance and workability magnificently. Champion wood processing machines features significant versatility since you can convert its function from horizontal to vertical in seconds.

Its capacity is pretty large for keeping large and heavy logs. One cycle requires 16 seconds and in 1 hour it can do 200 cycles; it has dependable auto-return valve capability also. 16-inch tires will help you during transport or portability. Opportunely, you will get 2 years of warranty with it.

7. Range-Road RR270PTO

This 3-point hitch mounted firewood processor is made with a 540 Rpm PTO drive. The unit produces over a cord of firewood per hour and works with logs of 16in in diameter or less. The firewood processor splits rounds 2, 4, or 6 ways with an 83Lpm 3625 Psi hydraulic pump with a 27-ton ram. Also, the finished firewood pieces measure 12in in length.

Note that this unit weighs 1250lbs, lighter than many comparable firewood processors on the market. It uses a standard log arm with a 10in wide and 10ft 6in in length. The machine is also made of powder-coated steel parts, a main deck of 3mm formed steel sheeting with 16mm subframe supports, and a bar oil drip system for lubricating during operations.

The splitting wedge is 3/4in in width and 6in in depth. Therefore, the processor is capable of cutting wide logs of up to 12ft long. The rounds it creates are 24in long. In terms of warranties and guarantees, this bad boy comes with a one-year warranty covering hydraulics and the machine’s body. It also includes a 3-month warranty for commercial use.

8. EARTHQUAKE W1200 Compact Electric Log Wood Splitter

The overall size, powerful motor, design, operating system, warranty, and other features probably are going to blow your mind. This wood processor is constructed and designed as a lightweight rolling design and unimaginably its cycle time is only 22 seconds.

You won’t believe it, but it’s the reality of this incredible wood splitting machine. No gas, no oil, no effort, only you have to do that is plug in and switch the electricity power. For portability and transport, it features a rubber-coated handle.

EARTHQUAKE W1200 is rugged and tough, large and dependable, versatile, portable, easily usable, reliable, and ensures quick cycle power. 5 years of warranty and 90-day commercial warranty are promising by EARTHQUAKE manufactures.

9. Avant A415435

This is a hydraulic chainsaw type unit. Maybe less known as other processors in this piece, but this Avant is surely worth a closer look. The machine is made up of a chain saw cutter and hydraulic log splitter. Feed logs into the machine’s front end and the chainsaw will take hold and cut the log.

After the log is cut, it automatically drops onto the adjustable splitting table. A discharge conveyor for out feed purposes and an oil tank for lubrication are extra available options for the 400-800 model units. The position of the splitting blade can be adjusted, according to the log diameter.

10. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter (Green colour)

This is one of the cheap firewood processors and a totally additional cost-free firewood processor. For instance, the majority of wood processors are run by a motor that is why they require gas, electricity, or oil. Beneficially, the SUN Joe wood processor doesn’t have any motor; rather, it works by spring force.

Hydraulic green colour wood processors can provide 10 tons of driving force, which are sufficient to divide the wood into small pieces. Also, note that this splitter ensures a large capacity that is about 18-inches long and 8-inches wide. It means you can put any large tree piece in the splitting section willingly.

Sun Joe has a powerful and efficient RAM spring, which resets the wood as quickly as possible and doesn’t create jamming or clogging.

Sun Joe LJ10M body and the whole frame are constructed of premium quality steel material. Long dual handles and piston rods will make your wood processing comfier and smoother. This machine’s total weight is 87lbs; that is why manufacturers included multiple wheels for ensuring better portability.

Many factors determine which firewood processor is best for you, from designs including hydraulic chainsaws, industrial circular saws, and guillotines to whether you will use the unit commercially or for your home firewood. Hopefully, the list and reviews above can help you make the best decision possible.