From the choice of wood to the first cut
For good firewood, just a pile of logs is not enough.
- First, select the type of wood: conifers (spruce, fir) are easier to split and dry faster, deciduous(beech, oak, hornbeam), however, burn longer, but require more tonnage.
- Saw the log to the length of your furnace (25/33/50 cm).
If you are just choosing equipment, read the guide Wood splitter - types, power, drives; explain the differences between Wood splitter (Holzspalter), wood splitters on electricity/gasoline, PTO and also Hydraulic Splitter For Excavator.
Vaccination: choose the right way for your scenario
For small to medium diameters, it is classic wood splitter (vertical or horizontal) the fastest way to even logs. With thick or knotty firewood, it will save you a lot of time with Hydraulic Splitter For Excavator (excavator splitter or holzspalter), where the operator stays in the cabin and works directly in the field - why this is “smart”, we explain in the article Smart way to split firewood - BearSplitter.
If you are interested in the technique itself (alignment of the log with the wedge axis, layer-by-layer grafting), jump to What is firewood grafting?
Drying and storage without secrets
Fold in freshly split logs raised from the ground( pallets/slats) on ventilated place. Cover the top, the sides should breathe. Highlight month/year so you know when the logs are ready. Conifers are faster, harder deciduous trees need more time - if you want more details about the season, read weather effect: spring or autumn?. For backyard moves, simplify logistics with a trolley, palletizing, or big-bags - shorter routes mean fewer wasted minutes.
Safety and maintenance (to keep the work going)
On the excavator, the rule is the same: PPE (glasses/visor, gloves, safety shoes), flat dry base, two-hand control. Keep it active. Refresh before the full season hydraulic oil, inspect knife/wedgein seals - this shortens cycles, reduces congestion and costs. In the security record, the steps are briefly: The 5 most important safety rules.
How much is it worth?
If you regularly prepare firewood, the investment in Wood splitter or excavator cleaver pays off with saved hours and less physical labor. Take monthly volume (m³), hours manual vs. machine, hour value and operating costs - get a payback number in months. For examples of calculations from electrical to Bears Splitter open the scenarios “How fast is the return on investment?” — time saving calculator.
If you are still in doubt, visit our website, where you will find even more useful information and guidance.