Most log splitters use a hydraulic cylinder (like these) to push a cut piece of log into a sharpened wedge, which splits it. The cylinder is driven by hydraulic oil, under pressure, produced by a hydraulic pump. … The oil from the pump runs to a hydraulic valve, which provides control over the movement of the cylinder.

How does a log splitter work?

How does a log splitter work? The log splitter has a plunger that forces the wood into a moving or stationary splitting wedge. The plunger then continues to move the wood piece through the wedge, or the wedge through the wood, to separate the piece into two parts.

Is a log splitter hydraulic or pneumatic?

The most basic version consists of a pump, directional valve, and cylinder to apply hydraulic pressure as brute force to a wedge, which is mounted at the end of the cylinder’s piston rod to split the log.