There are three basic types of log splitters: electric, gas and manual. The type of Log Splitter that you need depends on a variety of different things. Such as the amount of splitting capacity that you need depending on the size of the logs being split, the conditions in which you plan to use the log splitter, as well as the amount of manual labor that you plan to assert during the log splitting process. If you are looking for a log splitter with a lot of splitting capacity you may want to go with a gas log splitter, as they tend to offer the most tons of splitting capacity ranging up to 38 tons depending on the model chosen. An electric log splitter can provide enough splitting capacity to get the job done depending on the size of the logs in which you need to split, with most electric log splitters ranging from 4-7 tons of splitting capacity. Manual log splitters are the least expensive of the variations of log splitters available and can offer up to 10 tons of manual splitting capacity. Electric gas splitters offer the convenience of being able to use them indoors such as a basement garage or outdoor building where fumes could potentially be an issue. Since this style of log splitter does not run on gas you can be comfortable knowing that you can safely use it indoors without any fumes being released during the firewood splitting process. Another benefit to using an electric log splitter is that most models allow you to use a standard 120 volt electrical outlet which can safely run off of a household current and come equipped with a grounding feature which will prevent circuit overload from occurring. Another advantage to using an electric log splitter is that they tend to be more affordably priced than a gas powered log splitter and are often strong enough to meet the needs of consumers. Gas log splitters are the toughest log splitters available on the market and offer the most tons of splitting capacity available. Ranging up to 38 tons of splitting capacity you can be sure that these hefty machines are going to be able to split even the knottiest of logs with ease. Another advantage of a gas powered log splitter is that they typically come with a trailer hitch which allows you to bring them with you to the field as needed; however, most are only recommended to be towed off road at lower speeds. The only problem with gas powered log splitters is that they are typically the most expensive on the market and they must be used with proper ventilation to avoid containment of the harsh fumes which they produce. Manual log splitters are the most affordable of all types of log splitters and typically come in both horizontal and vertical designs. This affordable option typically can provide you with up to 10 tons of splitting capacity that is powered by a 2 speed pump which allows you to control the speeds with levers which when activated will provide the amount of force needed. The low speed is typically used to initially split the grain while the high speed is used to follow through and complete the task. There are a variety of different models of manual log splitters available many of them are extremely lightweight and portable which allows them to easily be taken with on the field or on a camping trip with ease. The only down side is that they require more labor to use, and are much more time consuming. Don’t use a manual log splitter if you have a lot of wood to split. To read our Top Log Splitter reviews you can head on over to our log splitter review page, or read about our top 10 recommended log splitters on the home page.