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Choose a log splitter for your firewood

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

Pick by the wood you split. An electric splitter suits short, modest logs near an outlet: PowerSmart lists its DB6407 at 7 tons for logs up to 10 in across and 20 in long, plugged into a 120 V outlet. A gas splitter suits big rounds and work away from power: Yardmax lists its YS3665 half-beam at 36 tons and its YU3666 full-beam at 35 tons, both with Briggs & Stratton engines, 2-way wedges, towing hitches and a beam that tips from horizontal to vertical.

Electric or gas

The electric PowerSmart DB6407 plugs into 120 V and runs on a 15 A motor. PowerSmart lists a 24-second cycle, 7 tons of force and logs up to 10 in in diameter and 20 in long, and lists 101.4 lb on wheels with a handle.

The Yardmax gas splitters run on Briggs & Stratton engines (CR950 listed for the YU3666, 208cc for the YS3665) with a 14 GPM pump and roll on 16 in road tires behind a vehicle. Yardmax lists 35 or 36 tons of force and a 7.5 in wedge, and says both split when the ram moves either way (2-way), so you do not wait for a return stroke.

If your logs fit within 10 x 20 in and you split near an outlet, the electric model covers it. If your rounds are bigger or the wood is far from power, look at the gas models.

Force and log size

Tonnage is the push behind the wedge. Check log capacity too, because a splitter cannot take a log longer than its beam allows:

• PowerSmart DB6407: 7 tons, logs up to 10 in diameter x 20 in long, 16.5 in cylinder stroke.
• Yardmax YS3665 half beam: 36 tons, maximum log diameter listed as 25.5 in, and up to 26 in long logs on the product page.
• Yardmax YU3666 full beam: 35 tons and 26 in log capacity.

Yardmax notes that the maximum splitting diameter varies with wood type, age and wetness. PowerSmart warns never to split logs larger than the rated capacity.

Half beam or full beam

Both Yardmax models use what Yardmax calls a U-beam, both have a beam handle to tip the beam from horizontal to vertical for heavy rounds, and both have a log stripper and a pair of adjustable log cradles. Yardmax says the half-beam YS3665 has its hydraulic reservoir parallel to the beam and cylinder so you can load from either side, with the engine positioned away from the operator. Yardmax lists the YU3666 as a full beam. Compare the hydraulic capacity too: Yardmax lists 5.9 gal for the YS3665 and 6.2 gal for the YU3666.

Cycle time

Cycle time is how long the ram takes to go out and back. Yardmax lists 16.2 seconds for the YS3665 and 16.5 seconds for the YU3666; PowerSmart lists 24 seconds for the DB6407. Because the Yardmax splitters split in both directions, each stroke can split a log.

Towing, setup and fluid

Yardmax lists a 2 in ball coupler, DOT-approved 16 in road tires and a 45 mph maximum towing speed for both gas splitters, plus a flip-down stand. Its FAQ says the YS3665 needs some parts installed after delivery and the YU3666 needs the wheels, support leg and other parts attached. Both come pre-filled with hydraulic fluid.

PowerSmart says the DB6407 is pre-filled with AW32 hydraulic oil and to use automatic transmission fluid below 40 F. It lists a 25 ft maximum, 14 gauge, outdoor-rated extension cord.

Safety

PowerSmart's manual says only one operator should load and run the splitter, to keep children and pets away, to wear eye protection, to split one log at a time, and to keep hands out of splits and cracks in the log, which can close suddenly. Its two-hand controls stop the ram when either hand lets go. It says never to remove a jammed log by hand and to inspect logs for nails first.

Gas splitters also have an engine to look after. Yardmax links the Briggs & Stratton engine manual and its own operator's manual on each product page; follow both for setup, fueling and towing.

Warranty

PowerSmart gives a 2-year limited warranty for home use and 90 days for professional or commercial use; you return the whole tool with a receipt. Yardmax's gas log splitter warranty sheet gives 3 years on residential use for parts other than the engine and hydraulics, 90 days for commercial or rental use, and points to Briggs & Stratton for the engine, which it lists at 2 years residential. Yardmax calls this its 3-2-1 warranty; read its sheet for the hydraulics term.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

How many tons do I need?

Match the force and log size to your wood. PowerSmart rates its 7-ton DB6407 for logs up to 10 x 20 in; Yardmax's 35- and 36-ton gas models take logs about 26 in long.

Can I split logs standing up?

Yardmax says both its YS3665 and YU3666 beams tip from horizontal to vertical. PowerSmart's Amazon listing describes the DB6407 as a horizontal splitter.

What extension cord should I use for an electric splitter?

PowerSmart lists no longer than 25 ft, 14 gauge, rated for outdoor use, for the DB6407.

Can I tow a gas log splitter on the road?

Yardmax lists DOT-approved road tires, a 2 in ball coupler and a 45 mph maximum towing speed.

Sources

• 7-Ton 15Amp Electric Wood Log Splitter DB6407 (specifications and manual) (powersmartusa.com), PowerSmart
• DB6407 instruction manual (safety, operation, warranty) (cdn.shopify.com), PowerSmart
• YS3665 Gas Powered Log Splitter, 2-Way Half Beam, 36 Ton (yardmax.com), Yardmax
• YU3666 Gas Log Splitter 35 Ton 2-Way Full Beam (yardmax.com), Yardmax
• Gas log splitter warranty information (yardmax.com), Yardmax

Sources checked 2026-10-18.