A Guide to Towable Log Splitters: Finding the Best One

Splitting logs portably for personal use is simple with the right equipment, and there are great gas log splitters available to help

You may need the ability to process even the toughest logs on the go, deep in your back acreage or doing wood splitting on a customer's property. 

That means a quality, powerful log splitter, with hydraulic-powered splitting force in a portable setup that can be hitched to your ATV, tractor or truck. This lets you take your splitter to your logs rather than your logs to the splitter.

So what's the best hydraulic log splitter available, and what should you look out for when you're hauling your log splitter on the go?

This guide goes into the basics of towable log splitters, everything you need to know and how you can process firewood whether you're at home or far away.

What are the advantages to a towable wood splitter?

So why make a log splitter portable and what are the advantages over a stationary setup? Some of the key reasons to own a towable firewood splitter include:

• • For large acreage owners, being able to process firewood at your encampments or cabins across your land

  • Bringing your log splitter to your cottage or remote cabin

  • Having a flexible setup to split firewood in front of the garage, in the driveway or near your truck for easy loading

  • Can be hitched to an ATV trailer for quick, easy log splitting, loading and unloading

These benefits make portable wood splitters much more adaptable than stationary ones, better for both casual homestead owners as well as serious property owners looking to make a ton of firewood. The improved flexibility is an opportunity that anyone can take advantage.

Where are portable log splitters most often used?

Common use cases for log splitters that can be towed include:

• • Acreage owners with an ATV or truck and a trailer who can more easily haul smaller pieces of firewood than whole logs

  • Landowners with large properties where multiple sites, such as cabins and outbuildings, may all need their own supply of firewood

  • Semi-commercial users who need a portable log processor to split wood for use across multiple sites

What features do I need when shopping for a towable log splitter?

There are plenty of things to look out for when looking for a log splitter. Not only do you have to compare common features for the splitters themselves, but also their portability and how much they can navigate rough, off-road terrain.

Some of the things you want to look out for include:

• • Tonnage: Models like the Woodland Mills LS218 feature 18 tons of splitting force, letting you easily split softwood and hardwood species easily

  • Cycling Time: The faster the cycle time, the faster you can get the job done. On a 2-way log splitter, you can use both the forward and return actions of the wedge to make the most of the cycle time, ensuring no movement is wasted

  • Portability: Look for key features like a solid steel axle system and adjustable tow hitch that makes it easy to connect with your ATV or tractor and take it through rough rural terrain

  • Log Capacity: Look at the size of the log table and the unit's splitting capacity and compare that to the size of logs you plan on splitting. If you want added convenience and less effort for loading larger rounds, consider accessories like a hydraulic log lift that can bring the rounds to the table for you, especially useful for heavy logs

Look for a model that offers good value, can get the job done quickly and easily and offers a seamless workflow for your property. A great log splitter can be a valuable investment for your acreage.

What maintenance do log splitters require?

Log splitters are typically easy to maintain due to their simplicity. Gas-powered log splitters like the Woodland Mills LS218 require regular engine maintenance, including regular oil changes and refueling.

The unit itself may also require greasing the Zerk fittings on the inside of the wheel hubs. Hydraulic fluid levels should not need to be adjusted after assembly.

What should I know before I start to split wood?

Especially for portable log splitters where you may not always be at your primary staging area, having a safe, accessible workplace is key. Ensure there are clear walkways around your equipment and have a trailer, bulk container or pile ready for your firewood stacks.

Logs with splits or cracks are often easier to split, while ones with burls or knots can sometimes split in unpredictable ways. The hydraulic wedge on your splitter should be effective in cutting through most hardwood or softwood species, but be cautious of where you put your hands when the machine is in operation.

A horizontal splitter like the LS218 will leave each part of the wood lying on the table, where you can easily move it to your firewood stack or pile.

A second pair of hands can also help make the job go faster, especially when using a splitter with a fast cycle time. With a two-way splitter one person can be moving the last log while the second person can be prepping the next one.

What is the best towable wood splitter for my needs?

A great log splitter model that features a fast cycle time, reliable service and consistent results is the Woodland Mills LS218. This model is a hassle-free, gas powered machine that can be quickly attached to your ATV or tractor using the ball coupler tow hitch that offers four height settings, allowing you to mount it in the position that best matches your towing vehicle.

It comes equipped with a solid steel axle system and two rugged tires for navigating rough rural terrain. It's also backed by trusted customer support that Woodland Mills is known for.

Summary: What are the basics on towing a log splitter?

The key things you need to know are:

• • Look for a reliable model like the LS218, that offers a fast cycle time and reliable tonnage

  • Think about your setup, whether you're attaching it to a tractor or ATV and where you want to store your firewood

  • Ensure you always have clean, safe walkways around your machine even when doing remote log splitting