How to Use a Log Splitter

Step 1. Read and understand the safety instructions

As with any tool you hire from Hirepool, you are required to read the instructions for use documentation that comes with your gear before operating the gear. You can find this on our website product page, attached to your hire contract or by scanning the QR code on the green tag attached to your equipment. Take the time to read them and follow all the safety steps. It’s also important for operators to read the log splitter manual for the model you have hired. Even if you have used a log splitter before, there may be discrepancies between models, so it’s wise to double-check. 

Safety gear 

Safety gear is also required for the safe use of a log splitter. Ensure you have the following before you begin: 

• Hearing protection 
• Eye protection 
• Gloves or adequate hand protection
• Sturdy steel-capped footwear or safety boots with good tread 
• Protective clothing that isn’t too loose or at risk of entanglement

Head, Ear and eye protection, along with gloves can be purchased from Hirepool. Sturdy shoes and protective clothing are also required while using a log splitter. You can even hire a set of chaps from Hirepool, which will protect your legs in the event of a slip. 

Familiarise yourself with the log splitter, taking note of any pinch points on the splitter as indicated on the safety stickers located on the equipment. Note the location of the safety stop button, which will immediately shut down the machine in an emergency.

One-person operation and hazard management 

Our range of log splitters is for ONE-person operation only, and any helpers should remain well clear of the splitter while it’s being operated. The sole operator must be responsible for:

• Placing logs in the splitting zone 
• Operating the control levers to actuate the splitting wedge 
• Removing split pieces from the splitting zone 

Before loading and splitting, you must also ensure all hazards have been removed from the area.  This means kids, animals and any stumbling or environmental hazards. 

Accidents can happen when working too quickly or when distracted, so be sure to remain alert and focus on the task at hand when operating.

Step 2. Transport your log splitter and position on-site

Transporting Hirepool’s range of towable log splitters is simple, as our splitters come with a multi-fit coupling and will fit the New Zealand standard 1” 7/8ths ball, or 50 mm ball.  

After you have hitched your splitter and checked it’s safely connected, you are ready to tow it to your site. Take care not to exceed the recommended towing speed of 90 kilometres per hour when you’re on the open road.  

Wood splitters should be operated outside or in well-ventilated areas, as machinery can expel toxic fumes. 

When you have towed your splitter to your desired location (ideally as close to the felled tree or woodpile as possible),  check the wheels are locked in place with the stabiliser legs down.

We also recommend you lower the log lifter from its safe storage position and screw in the connection to the pump, which will allow the table to lift. 

Handy Hirepool Tip: All logs need to be pre-cut into manageable rounds with a chainsaw before splitting, which means between a diameter of 12 - 24” - Hirepool has a range of chainsaws available for hire which are suitable for cutting rounds, from small to large log sizes.

It is not recommended to cut deformed logs as this can cause the blade to jam or the log to split unpredictably. 

Step 3. Turn on your log splitter

When you are in position and have the correct safety gear, you’re ready to fire up your log splitter. 

To do so: 

1. Turn on the fuel tap and the engine switch
2. Engage choke if it’s a cold start
3. Pull the starter cord out until a slight resistance is felt, then let the starter cord recoil and give a few sharp pulls until the engine fires or starts
4. When the engine has fired,  release the choke

Troubleshooting if your log splitter won’t start 

If you have followed the above steps and are unable to start the log splitter, you may have flooded the engine. If this is the case, turn off the fuel tap and wait for five minutes to allow the fuel to evaporate before trying again. 

Step 4. Split wood using the log splitter

Once the log splitter has been started, let it run for a few minutes at full throttle, so the engine is adequately warmed up.  Time to split! 

1. Roll or place your log onto the hydraulic log lifter, then engage the lever to lift the gate level to table
2. Position the log to be split with the grain. Never attempt to split across the grain, as the log may burst or fly off the splitting bench
3. Move your log below the blade and check to make sure it is sitting flat and balanced on the table, and that the table is clear of any debris.
4. Ensure your hands are well clear of the splitting table, and use the lever or levers downward to allow the blade to completely split the wood. (Your model may have one lever or two levers that need to be engaged at the same time)  
5. Once the log is split and the cut is complete, move one half to the side while you continue to cut the other half to the appropriate size for your fireplace.

Always make sure to split the log the whole way through, as failing to do so may risk the two parts of the wood clamping back together, which can grab onto your hand and cause injury.