Compare Forestwest log splitters
Start with your available power supply and the length of your firewood. Then compare splitting force and loading height. All seven models below use a kinetic splitting system.
| Model | Listed force | Power | Max. log length | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BM11130 | 12 Ton | 1800W electric, 10A | 400mm | Low loading position |
| BM11130S | 12 Ton | 1800W electric, 10A | 400mm | Raised stand and catch tray |
| BM11097 | 18 Ton | 2200W electric, 10A | 400mm | Higher listed force with a 10A supply |
| BM11046 | 26 Ton | 3500W electric, 15A | 710mm | Longer logs; requires a suitable 15A supply |
| BM11097P | 18 Ton | 3HP petrol | 400mm | Petrol option for shorter firewood |
| BM11038 | 34 Ton | 6.5HP petrol | 710mm | Longest log capacity in the petrol range |
| BM11039 | 40 Ton | 7HP petrol | 650mm | Highest listed splitting force in the range |
Maximum log length describes machine capacity, not a guarantee that every log will split. Check each model's recommended log diameter. Timber species, moisture, knots and grain affect performance.
Electric or petrol: which log splitter suits your property?
Electric log splitters for use near mains power
The BM11130 and BM11130S offer two working heights with the same 12 Ton rating. The BM11097 increases the listed force to 18 Ton while retaining a 10A supply. All three accept logs up to 400mm long. For longer firewood, the BM11046 accepts up to 710mm and requires a suitable 15A power supply.
Petrol log splitters for work away from a power point
Compare the 18 Ton BM11097P, 34 Ton BM11038 and 40 Ton BM11039 when mains power is unavailable. Check log length as well as force: the 34 Ton model accepts longer logs than the 40 Ton model. Petrol engines also require servicing according to their manuals.
Choosing a log splitter for Australian hardwood
Jarrah, red gum and yellow box can present different splitting demands. Our 12 Ton models have been tested with Jarrah, Yellow Box and straight-grained Red Gum, but timber condition matters as much as the species name. Use the model's recommended diameter range as a guide, and tell us if your logs are knotty or have twisted grain.
Measure both log length and diameter before ordering. For dry, seasoned firewood up to 400mm long, compare the 12 and 18 Ton models. For longer logs, compare the 26, 34 and 40 Ton models using the table above. Contact Forestwest with your timber type and log measurements for help selecting a model.
Kinetic log splitters: what maintenance is required?
A kinetic splitter stores energy in rotating flywheels and releases it through a mechanical drive to move the ram. It does not use the hydraulic pump, hoses or hydraulic oil circuit found in a conventional hydraulic splitter. Regular inspection, cleaning and lubrication are still required. Petrol models also need engine maintenance, including oil changes as specified in the engine manual.
Delivery, local advice and spare parts
Check freight options for your postcode before ordering, or read our shipping information and depot pickup guide. For advice in person, contact our Melbourne or Perth store first to confirm model and demonstration availability. You can also browse log splitter spare parts or request after-sales support.
Log splitter FAQs
Why choose a kinetic log splitter?
Kinetic log splitters use energy stored in spinning flywheels to deliver a fast splitting action, reducing waiting time between logs. With no hydraulic pump, hoses or hydraulic oil to maintain, they simplify routine upkeep. Forestwest offers electric and petrol models, with machines tested on Australian hardwoods including Jarrah and red gum. Choose a model suited to your timber, log size and available power. Regular maintenance is still required, including engine servicing on petrol models. Read our guide to the benefits of kinetic log splitters for more detail.
Have Forestwest log splitters been tested in Australia on Australian hardwood?
Yes. Forestwest has demonstrated kinetic log splitters in Melbourne using customer-supplied gum and yellow box. Across different models, our testing has also included Australian hardwoods such as Jarrah, red gum, Wandoo and Tuart. Splitting performance varies with the model, log size, moisture content, knots and grain, so choose a machine suited to your timber and use dry, seasoned firewood. See our Melbourne hardwood splitting demonstration for an example.
Will an electric log splitter run from a standard 10A power point?
The BM11130, BM11130S and BM11097 are specified for a suitable 10A supply. The BM11046 requires 15A. Check the selected machine's manual and your power supply before buying.
Is a higher Ton rating always the better choice?
No. Your timber, log size, available power and preferred loading height all matter. For example, the 34 Ton petrol model accepts logs up to 710mm long, while the 40 Ton model accepts up to 650mm.
Can I see a log splitter before buying?
Contact our Melbourne or Perth store to ask about viewing or demonstrating the model you are considering. Arrange this with the team before travelling or bringing sample timber.