Which Yardmax Wood Splitter is Right for You? — Log Splitter Reviews

Let me start with the end here : These YARDMAX log splitters truly are some of the best wood splitters for the money on the market today; an impressive combination of quality, innovation, features and price. As far as value goes these are as good as it gets.

Now, let’s get to the fact so you can ultimately decide for yourself if these wood splitters are worth your money.

YARDMAX is relatively new brand as they’ve only been around since 2015, but don’t let that fool you because  a Yardmax wood splitter is just as good as any other log splitter from well-established manufacturers. Yardmax has positioned itself as a company that packs a lot of value into their products and their commitment to quality and innovative design. Due to the fact they primarily sell online they have lower production costs and they pass the savings onto you.

In this article we’ll delve deep into wood splitters and specifically review Yardmax wood splitters; both the HALF beam and FULL beam models, as well as the YARDMAX YS0552, a 5-ton electric log splitter.

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Yardmax Wood Splitter

Heating your home in winter is a costly but very necessary affair. Nothing beats the crackling warmth of a wood fire. There’s an old world charm that about the look and feel of flickering flames and it gives one a sense of comfort and peace. Burning wood can save you a heap of cash, if you go about it in the right way.

Sourcing and cutting your own wood will reduce your heating costs considerably and, in some cases, it can be completely free. Even if you’re buying your firewood, there are many ways to cut down on your heating costs. Buying whole logs is a lot cheaper than buying firewood that has already been cut and split to size.

VIDEO | Overview of the HALF-Beam Yardmax Log Splitters

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If you’re going to be saving on your firewood costs, in the long run, it’s going to require some initial investment. Sure, you can rent a chainsaw and even a wood splitter every time you need one. But, in the end, this is going to cost you year on year. There’s also the inconvenience of collecting and returning the machinery every time and you have to complete the job within a certain period.  You can’t just haul out rented equipment every time you need it, you have to complete all the work while you have the machine.

Buying a chainsaw is one way to save money when it comes firewood. This does mean you’ll be doing all the work yourself but that’s just one of those things. If you’re going to save money on firewood, it’s going to take some effort on your part.

Even if you don’t go all out and get a chainsaw, a wood splitter is one way to reduce the cost of keeping a good stash of firewood this winter. Splitting your wood into a usable width makes things it much more practical and you can decide on how wide the pieces need to be. Wood that is split into thinner pieces will burn more quickly which is ideal for getting the fire going and heating a room rapidly. Thicker pieces will burn for longer and give you a more sustainable slow burn. No matter what width you’re splitting your wood into, it has to fit into your fireplace or stove. So, you’ll usually be doing quite a bit of wood splitting.

VIDEO | YARDMAX YS0552 :  5-Ton Electric Log Splitter

If you enjoy the exercise, you can go the old-fashioned route and use an axe. I don’t know how many people enjoy this kind of work and you could spend hours, splitting enough wood to keep your fire going. It’s, quite literally, back breaking work. So, it’s probably a good idea to get a wood splitter to do the work for you.

It can certainly be said that not all wood splitters or log splitters are equal. Some are very simple devices that require a good deal of labor, they just make it simpler and slightly faster than using an axe. A simple wood splitter (usually made from cast iron) requires you to hit down on the wood in a similar way to using an axe. These wood splitters are really just a wedge in a housing that holds the wood for you while using a large sled hammer (or similar item) to apply the force needed to split the wood. You won’t be reducing your backache by much using one of these, but you also won’t be spending too much buying one.

There are some in between designs that will reduce some of the labor but still leave you to do most of the work. For a machine that requires the least amount of effort on your part, you’ll be best off going for a gas or electric wood splitter. These machines do all the hard work for you.

You simply need to put the logs into the machine, activate it and then collect the split pieces once the machine has done all the work. Okay, it’s not entirely that simple and there are few things that you should know about mechanical wood splitters before using one. Later in the article, we’ll help you understand these machines better and explain how to use and maintain them. Once you know how to operate a mechanical log splitter, splitting firewood will become a virtually effortless job.

A mechanical log splitter is a powerful machine and usually uses hydraulic pressure to split any size log. You’ll be choosing the right wood splitter for your needs, based, mostly, on the power of its hydraulic or electric motor. Some operate vertically and others horizontally or can work in either position. They also have different length capabilities and splitting attachments. To help you decide which is the best wood splitter for you, we’ll go into all of these details later. In fact, this article will give you everything that you need to know about wood splitters.

There is an incredible selection of wood splitters to choose from, so we’ll start by looking at your options. The Yardmax range of wood splitters offer machines of all shapes and sizes. This article is going cover a lot of different Yardmax log splitters, from smaller half beam splitters up to larger full beam models.

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Gas Log Splitter vs Electric Log Splitter

For the most part, log splitters are gas powered machines. This is because it takes a lot of power to generate the force needed to split thick logs, usually upward of 20 tons. Of course, gas engines are noisy and require more maintenance. Buying and owning a gas log splitter can cost quite a bit, even though they are the machine of choice for most hard working conditions.

Because many home users aren’t going to want to spend too much and may not require all the power that you get from a gas machine, Yardmax does offer an electric wood splitter. It won’t do nearly the same job of a gas machine, but offers quite a bit of power and is a good deal cheaper than the big boys.

After reading our review of the Yardmax range, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be getting for your money. Don’t just stop at the review of these quality log splitters. Keep reading and you’ll get all the information that you’ll need to make an informed choice.

VIDEO | Watch this to get an overview of all the features

Yardmax | Gas Wood Splitters

Most of the features that you find on gas-powered Yardmax wood splitters are the same for all models. The main difference between the various models is their size, being half beam or full beam. The other difference between them is their power – how many tons of pressure they provide.

To simplify things, we’ll look at the common features and specs that you’ll find on all gas-powered Yardmax log splitters. We’ll then review each model separately and only highlight the distinguishing features that make each model different.

• Half beam wood splitters have a slightly shorter table length than full beam machines, though this difference is hardly noticeable. Yardmax half beam wood splitters can accommodate logs up to 25.5”. The half beam wood splitters differ from full beam models, mainly in their more modern, lightweight and ergonomic design. Most people find the half beam Yardmax wood splitters easier to use. The operating lever to control the hydraulic ram on the half beam Yardmax is in a better position for easier handling. The wheels are closer to the machine (it’s not as wide as full beam machines) and this makes it easier to work around the log splitter.
• Full beam wood splitters have a slightly longer table length on the smaller models, but the 35-ton Yardmax has the same length capabilities for both (26.5”). All the other full beam Yardmax wood splitters will accommodate logs up to 26” in length. Yardmax full beam wood splitters have a more traditional design. They are heavier and therefore stand more firmly when working, this can be beneficial when working with heavier logs. The base of the full beam Yardmax is wider also aiding its stability. Essentially, the full beam Yardmax wood splitter is a bigger heavier machine and is, perhaps, a little more cumbersome to use.
• Briggs & Stratton engine. All of the Yardmax gas machines use a Briggs & Stratton engine. The size of the engine will vary for the different models. These engines are renowned for their durability and reliability. The Briggs & Stratton brand is well established and this means a there’s a fantastic dealership network. You should never have a problem when it comes to service and spares for this engine.
• One person assembly. All Yardmax wood splitters are designed for easy and quick assembly. So you won’t require any help and you get going immediately.
• A Log Spinner rotates the logs, placing less stress on the beam. This design is unique to Yardmax wood splitting products.
• The U-beam structural design makes the Yardmax log splitters much stronger than most others that use a conventional I-beam design.
• A 4-way splitter is another feature that separates Yardmax wood splitters from the pack. You get a conventional 2-way (7.5”) splitter that halves the beam and a 4-way splitter that will split the beam into quarters, reducing the amount of time it takes to split the beam into smaller pieces.
• Larger hydraulic components make for a much shorter duty cycle.
• Easy, Safe operation from either side is made possible by the structural design, hydraulic system, and engine placement. This design is more practical on the half beam models.
• Stability is enhanced by the centrally mounted hydraulic reservoir. This means the machine has an excellent center of gravity and it won’t tip over easily when working with heavy logs.
• The hydraulic oil filter is protected by placing it inside the reservoir, so it won’t be damaged by falling logs the operator.
• Transforms effortlessly from vertical to horizontal position thanks to an easy to operate release pin and easy lifting. The smaller half beam models are easier to convert from the vertical to horizontal position, these models also have a locking pin for the vertical position for better safety, whereas the full beam models don’t have this feature.
• 2 large log cradles with dual positions for laying logs flat or at an angle with the option of a mountable log table.
• Trailer design with metal fenders on the half beam machine makes them easy to transport. The full beam machines don’t have fenders but the wheels are positioned further from the table so there’s little to no risk of the tires being damaged by falling logs. Large heavy tread tires and a standard trailer hitch make the Yardmax wood splitters durable and convenient. Because they are not as large or heavy as standard trailers, the recommended speed for towing these wood splitters is 45 MPH. This can be a problem for long distances and you may want to load the wood splitter onto a larger trailer in these situations.
• Power options from 25 tons up to 35 tons for both half beam and full beam wood splitters.
• Excellent warranty. All gas powered Yardmax wood splitters come with one of the best warranty agreements you’ll find anywhere. For residential use, gas Yardmax log splitters have a 3-2-1 warranty. Basically, this means that you get a 3-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship; a 2-year warranty on the engine and 1-year on the hydraulic system. The warranty for commercial use is limited to 90-days.

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Review | Yardmax Wood Splitters — Gas

I’m going to group the full beam and half beam wood splitters together based on their power spec. Apart from the differences listed above, the specs are basically the same for full beam and half beam models. This means that a 25-ton Yardmax wood splitter will use the same engine and hydraulic pump for both the full beam and half models. Where there is a slight difference, perhaps in the hydraulic fluid capacity or cycle time, I’ll point this out for the model concerned.

Should you buy a ½ Beam or FULL Beam Yardmax log splitter? You might be confused as to which version to get so we recommend watching the video below to get a clearer picture as to the benefits and disadvantages of each one :

VIDEO | YARDMAX ½ Beam vs. Full Beam

SHARED FEATURES for all YARDMAX GAS Wood Splitters:

• Log spinner foot plate easily rotates logs for splitting, reducing stress on the beam
• U-Beam structural design is superior (stronger) than typical I-Beam design.
• Included 4-way wedge is designed for quick connection and jam free operation with no need to change log stripper plates.
• 7.5″ 2-way wedge easily splits larger diameter wood into two pieces.
• Oversized hydraulic components provide the shortest cycle time in its class.
• Hydraulic oil filter is mounted inside the reservoir, eliminating damage from falling logs and operator entanglement.
• Dual end cylinder support for equal weight distribution and wear reduction.
• Beam handle offers easy transition from a horizontal to a vertical position.
• Log stripper mounted to end of hydraulic cylinder to remove tough log jams.
• Dual log cradles — 2-positions, with option for mountable log table.
• Auto Return with Adjustable Detent

Documents : Yardmax Log Splitters:

*View or download the documents for reference or research purposes.

• MANUAL : ½ Beam — Yardmax Wood Splitter
  
• MANUAL : FULL-Beam — Yardmax Wood Splitter
• TECH SPECS : ½ Beam  — Yardmax Wood Splitter
• TECH SPECS : FULL-Beam — Yardmax Wood Splitter

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25 Ton :  YARDMAX YS2565 — & — YARDMAX  YU2566

The 25-ton Yardmax YS2565 uses a 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine, powering a 14 GPM hydraulic pump with a 4-gallon capacity. Cycle time for the cylinder is 9.7 seconds.  The Yardmax YU2566 is the full beam equivalent 25-ton wood splitter. This model has all the same technical specs as the half beam model with a greater hydraulic fluid capacity of 4.2-gallons.

Shared Tech Specs:

• Splitting Force : 25 ton
• Engine : Briggs & Stratton CR950 Engine
• Displacement : 208cc
• Pump Size 14 GPM
• Cylinder Cycle Time : 9.7 sec
• Wedge Size : 7.5″
• Gross Torque @ 2600rpm : 9.5 ft. lb.

YARDMAX YS2565  — 25 Ton / GAS — ½ Beam

Specific Model Features (YS2565):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.0 Gallon Tank
• Log Capacity Length : 25.5″
• Half-Beam

YARDMAX YU2566  — 25 Ton / GAS — FULL Beam

Specific Model Features (YU2566):

• Hydraulic Capacity : 4.2 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 26″
• Weight : 517 lbs.
• Full Beam

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28 Ton : YARDMAX YS2865 (½-beam) — YARDMAX YU2866 (Full-beam)

The Yardmax YS2865 has a power rating of 28 tons and is powered by the same 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine and 14GPM hydraulic pump. The hydraulic capacity of this model is increased to 4.3 gallons. Because it’s providing more force from the same power plant, the Yardmax YS2865 has a longer cycle time than the 25-ton model – cylinder cycle for this machine is 13.2 seconds.  The Yardmax YU2866 is the same in all respects, except for an increased hydraulic fluid capacity of 4.5-gallons.

Shared Tech Specs:

• Splitting Force : 28 ton
• Engine : Briggs & Stratton CR950 Engine
• Displacement : 208cc
• Pump Size 14 GPM
• Cylinder Cycle Time : 13.2 sec
• Wedge Size : 7.5″

YARDMAX YS2865  — 28 Ton / GAS — ½ Beam

Specific Model Features (YS2865):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.3 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 25.5″
• Weight : 488 lbs.
• Half-Beam

YARDMAX YS2866  — 28 Ton / GAS — FULL Beam

Specific Model Features (YU2866):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.5 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 26″
• Weight : 530 lbs.
• Full-Beam

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30 Ton : YARDMAX YS3065 (½-beam) —  YARDMAX YU3066 (Full-beam) 

Moving up to the 30-ton capacity Yardmax YS3065 takes the engine size up to the Briggs & Stratton 306cc and the hydraulic pump is also increased to 17 GPM. The hydraulic capacity remains at 4.3-gallons, like on the 28-ton model – the extra force is provided by the increased horse power of the engine and larger capacity pump. This gives you a cylinder cycle time of 10.9 seconds.

If you want the full beam version of the same machine, then you’ll want to go for the Yardmax YU3066 which has the same tech specs, the only difference of the full beam model is a hydraulic fluid capacity of 4.5-gallons.

Shared Tech Specs:

• Splitting Force : 30 ton
• Engine : Briggs & Stratton CR1450 engine
• Displacement : 306cc
• Pump Size 17 GPM
• Cylinder Cycle Time : 10.9 sec
• Wedge Size : 7.5″

YARDMAX YS3065  —  30 Ton / GAS — ½-beam

Specific Model Features (YS3065):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.3 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 25.5″
• Weight : 515 lbs.
• Half-Beam

YARDMAX YU3066 —  30 Ton / GAS — FULL-beam

Specific Model Features (YU3066):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.5 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 26″
• Weight : 572 lbs.
• FULL-Beam

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35 Ton : YARDMAX YS3567 (½-beam) —  YARDMAX YU3566 (Full-beam)

The largest capacity Yardmax wood splitter is the 35-ton model and uses the same 306cc Briggs & Stratton engine and 17GPM hydraulic pump combination as the 30-ton variant. The technical specs differ in that the Yardmax YS3567 has a hydraulic capacity of 4.7 gallons which gives it the extra pushing power. The cylinder cycle time increases to 12.8 seconds on this model.  For the full beam Yardmax YU5366, all the specs remain the same except that the hydraulic fluid capacity is increased to 6-gallons.

Shared Tech Specs:

• Splitting Force : 35 ton
• Engine : Briggs & Stratton CR1450 engine
• Displacement : 306cc
• Pump Size 17 GPM
• Cylinder Cycle Time : 12.8 sec
• Wedge Size : 7.5″

YARDMAX YS3567  —  35 Ton / GAS  — ½-beam

Specific Model Features (YYS3567):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 4.7 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 26″
• Weight : 572 lbs.
• ½-Beam

YARDMAX YU3566 —  35 Ton / GAS — Full-beam

Specific Model Features (YU3566):

• Hydraulic Capacity  : 6.0 Gallon
• Log Capacity Length : 26.5″
• Weight : 636 lbs.
• FULL-Beam

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VIDEO Review | YARDMAX YU3566 : 35-ton, Full-Beam

Learn more about YARDMAX and their impressive range of power equipment by visiting the YARDMAX site.

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Electric Wood Splitter

If you’re looking for a wood splitter to use at home, the gas models that we’ve just reviewed are probably not that practical. Sure, they’re very powerful and capable of making easy work of large, heavy logs but they’re big and noisy. So if you’re looking for a smaller, lighter wood splitter that has the capability to split reasonably large logs for your fire place or stove, the next section of this review is geared toward you.

YARDMAX YS0552 — 5 Ton Electric

Features:

• Electric motors are designed, engineered and manufactured in-house to ensure years of worry-free use.
• Powerful, 5 ton RAM force to get the job done fast.
• Stand, log tray and stroke limiter included.
• Stand ensures a stable work surface — no squatting or bending over to operate
• Log tray ensures split logs lay safely rather than falling to the ground.
• Stroke limiter will shorten the amount of time it takes to split shorter logs.
• Two-handed operation puts operator safety first.
• 6″ wheel diameter and lightweight design.
• Portable and can be operated indoors in the winter.
• Log capacity — 20.5″ in length and 10″ in diameter.
• Short cylinder cycle time — 16 seconds.
• None or minimal assembly required.
• No assembly required for benchtop unit — simply clip on the wheels and start splitting.
• Minimal assembly required for stand option.

✓ View or download the MANUAL or the SPEC SHEET.

Overview | Yardmax YS0552

You can see immediately that this electric wood splitter is nowhere nearly as powerful as the gas models, 5 ton vs 25-35 ton is a big difference. Though, for general household use, the Yardmax YS0552 electric wood splitter will provide you with everything you’ll need.

It can accommodate logs up to 20.5” in length and 10” in diameter. If you’re going to be splitting wood as thick as 10”, it’s going to have to be very soft wood. We’ve provided a table below that gives the tons of pressure required for the diameter of the logs, rated for various wood types.

The Yardmax YS0552 also has a stroke limiter which means that the thrust ram can be set to travel a shorter distance. This reduces the amount of time that it takes to split shorter beams. The full distance cylinder cycle time is 16 seconds.

While much smaller and lighter than the gas log splitters, the Yardmax YS0552 has a sturdy stand with a long tray. This means that you can work safely and easily. It also has two wheels to make moving the machine much easier. It requires very little time or skill to set up which is another benefit for the home user. Because you don’t have the same power as the gas models, you won’t be working with logs that all that heavy and the machine really doesn’t have to be that heavy to remain stable. It weighs 100 LBS, so it won’t tip over easily.

At a fraction of the cost of large gas wood splitters, this is a very economical product and is easily affordable for most people. Maintenance and running costs are low too, the electric motor doesn’t require service, oil or gas.

Safe Operation | Yardmax YS0552 electric log splitter

Stroke limiter will shorten the amount of time it takes to split shorter logs.

The Yardmax YS0552 electric log splitter is the ideal solution for homeowners who aren’t up to spending big bucks on a reliable and tough piece of machinery. It will take all the hard work out of splitting your firewood and keep doing so for years to come. You get a 2-year warranty on the Yardmax YS0552 wood splitter for domestic use (90-days for commercial use) and it’s built to the same high-quality standards of all the other Yardmax products.

TIP : Make sure the extension cord is no longer than 30 feet and a minimum of 12 gauge. If you want a 50-foot extension cord use a 10-gauge.

Recommended Extension cord: US Wire 74025 (25 ft / 12-gauge). Learn more about choosing extension cords by reading : Outdoor Extension Cord Buying Guide.

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What size wood splitter do you need?

You’ll notice that all the wood splitters in this review are rated in terms of tons. This describes the pressure or force with which the splitter pushes against the log. The tonnage required to split a log depends on two factors – diameter and density. A soft wood with a large diameter will compare to a hard wood with a smaller diameter, so we need to look at both when deciding which wood splitter will meet your needs.

Green wood will require more pressure than seasoned (dry) wood. Wood that has been left to dry out after being cut will be more brittle. This makes it split easier and will, therefore, require less force. To point out the difference between seasoned wood (left to stand for at least a year) and green (freshly cut) wood, a 12” seasoned log will typically require 7 tons of force, whereas the same log that has not been left to dry will require 16 tons of pressure. So, if you’re using a log splitter that doesn’t have too much power, it’s best to only split dry logs.

There’s no exact way to measure precisely what tonnage is recommended for a specific wood type because this depends, a lot, on the moisture content of the wood that you’re splitting. The table below will provide you with a rough guide to different wood types and what tonnage you will require from your wood splitter based on the Janka Hardness Test. Remember that this table only serves as a guideline as the actual density of the wood can vary greatly.

How Much Tonnage to Split Wood?

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What Size Log Splitter Do you Need?

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How to Operate Your Yardmax Gas Wood Splitter

Using and maintaining the Yardmax log splitter properly will ensure that you work safely, get the best results and keep doing so for a long time to come. This guide will help you understand the Yardmax better and advise you on what and what not to do. You should, however, read through your owner’s manual properly and follow all instructions provided in the manual.

VIDEO | Assembling your Full Beam Yardmax Wood Splitter

Step-by-Step instructions on how to put your wood splitter together.

Getting Started

Whether you’ve bought a full beam or half beam Yardmax wood splitter, your basic operating and maintenance procedures are going to be the same. Yardmax gas-powered wood splitters need to be assembled before use, you’ll need to follow your instruction manual carefully to ensure that you do this properly.

You should always wear leather gloves when operating a wood splitter and eye protection can be a good idea. You should avoid wearing loose clothing as they can become entangled in the machine, resulting in personal injury.

To start the machine, first make sure that the hydraulic lever is in the neutral position. Switch the engine switch to the on position and open fuel shut-off valve. For a cold start, close the choke and open the throttle to about two-thirds. Pull on the recoil starter until the engine starts. Then open the choke and move the throttle position to full. Starting a warm engine is the same, excepting that you won’t be using the choke.

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How to Split Logs

The Yardmax wood splitters give you the option of doing either two-way or four-way splitting. There are two splitting heads that come with the wood splitter. The four-way splitter fits over the standard two-way splitter. To remove the four-way splitter is a very simple procedure. Extend the ram so that you can access the back of the splitter head. Loosen the bolt at the back of the splitter head and lift the four-way splitting head off, this will expose the two-way splitter. To replace the four-way splitter is simply a matter of placing it over the fixed two-way splitter and locking the bolt at the back of the splitter head tightly.

You must only split one log at a time and always split the log along the grain. So you’ll be splitting logs length ways, not across the rounded edge. If you don’t split the log with the grain, it could damage the machine or cause injury.

VIDEO | How to Safely Operate A Yardmax Wood Splitter

Place the log in position by pressing it firmly against the log spinner and make sure it sits securely on the work table so that it can’t slip or twist. Move the hydraulic lever forward, this will move the cylinder toward the log and press the splitting head through the log, splitting it as it moves. Release the lever once the log is split or when the cylinder has been extended to its maximum length.

The log splitter can be set for automatic retraction by pulling the hydraulic control lever all the way forward until it clicks. If you want to limit the stroke, in other words not extend the cylinder all the way to the end, pull back slowly on the lever and release it when you want the cylinder to stop.

It can happen that the hydraulic ram becomes stuck or jammed into the log. In a case like this, you will want to release it by pulling the control lever to reverse. Allow the cylinder to retract fully. This will cause the log to press against the stripper plate and free it from the splitter head. You can now push forward on the control lever to continue splitting the log. If it takes longer than 5-seconds to split a log, you should stop – the log is probably too hard for the force of the hydraulic ram. Attempting to split logs that are too hard, will cause the wood splitter to overheat and can easily cause damage to the machine.

To move the log splitter into the upright (vertical) position, you pull out the pin underneath the log table. Lift the table up into a standing position. The half beam models have a pin to lock it into the vertical position. The full beam models simply click into position.

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Maintenance | Wood Splitter

Regular inspection and simple maintenance, will help keep your Yardmax wood splitter operating smoothly and prolong its life.

It’s advisable to check both the engine oil and hydraulic fluid regularly. Both have a dip stick that allow you to check the oil as you would with any other engine. To check the hydraulic fluid, you should release the pressure on the system. With the engine off, pull the hydraulic control lever backward and forward several times until the pressure is released.  Top up the engine oil and hydraulic fluid as needed. After checking the hydraulic fluid level, you will need to bleed the system of any air. To do this, start the engine and pump the hydraulic control lever back and forth 5-times. This will force out any air in the system.

Both the engine oil and hydraulic fluid need to be replaced after every 150-hours of operation. Sharpening the blade periodically will also improve its performance.

When storing the machine, retract the ram completely. If the ram is exposed for long periods it will corrode. It’s a good idea to clean your machine after every use. This really means dusting away any debris on the surfaces of the machine. You can do this with a cloth, soft bristle brush or blowing it clean with compressed air.

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How to Operate the Yardmax YS0552

5 Ton Electric Wood Splitter

The electric Yardmax wood splitter is much easier to use and maintain compared to the gas machines. Though most of your operating and safety procedures remain the same. Maintenance is a little easier because you only need to check the hydraulic system and not the electric motor. The electric model also comes fully assembled so it’s much easier to get started.

The Yardmax YS0552 can be used directly on the ground or with the stand. The stand assembles very easily and logically. If you need help assembling the stand, check your owner’s manual.

To operate your Yardmax YS0552, you’ll follow all the safety recommendations as for the gas models. The only difference with the electric machine is that you don’t need to follow the gas engine starting procedure. The electric machine requires a two-hand operation. This is a safety procedure to prevent the hydraulic ram from accidentally being engaged. So you’ll need to press the start button on the side of the wood splitter, whilst simultaneously operating the hydraulic control lever.  Your lever operation works in the same way as it does on the gas models.

The Electric model also a setting on the cylinder to lock it into a shorter cycle. You’ll find two simple rings that lock onto the shafts on the side of the ram. You can lock these into any position depending on the length of the log that you’re splitting. A shorter ram distance will reduce the time that it takes to reset the ram.

When it comes to maintenance follow the same process for checking and bleeding the hydraulic system. Also clean and store the machine as described for the gas models.

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Should you Buy A Yardmax Wood Splitter?

Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet we love these Yardmax log splitters. They are excellent at what they’re designed to do — split wood reliably, safely and efficiently. The engineers and designers at Yardmax have clearly put a lot of thought and development into crafting great pieces of power equipment that can be used by homeowners to split firewood for a price that’s more than reasonable.

The electric Yardmax YS0552 5-ton splitter is probably perfect for most homeowners who don’t need to split a large volume of firewood. And it can be used indoors making it more convenient for most people. Ultimately the model you choose is dependent upon your requirements, needs and your budget.

We hope you found this Yardmax wood splitter buying guide useful and you can be sure that we’ll be covering more Yardmax products in the future as they provide a lot of value for homeowners which is something we love to share with our readers here at Chainsaw Journal.

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For more Log Splitter Recommendations you’ll be interested in reading :

• Best Electric Wood Splitters 
• Best Log Splitters Buying Guide
• Boss Log Splitters Buying Guide : Which Model is Right for You?

And to learn more about Firewood, read : How much is a cord of wood? And more firewood facts…