Best Gas Log Splitter Under $2,000: 5 Splitters from 20 to 36 Tons
Five gas log splitters under $2,000 compared by rated tons, cycle time, log capacity, engine, beam design and weight, from portable 20 ton splitters to 33 and 36 ton machines.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 5, 2026
Once you split more than a cord or two a year, or your wood is big green hardwood, a gas splitter earns its keep. This guide compares five gas log splitters under $2,000 by rated tons, cycle time, log capacity, engine, beam design and weight, from 130 lb portable 20 ton splitters to 33 and 36 ton machines that weigh around 500 lb.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall YARDMAX 36 Ton YS3665: 36 tons, two-way splitting, Briggs & Stratton engine and logs up to 26 in long. Check price
- Best for Hardwood Volume Full Boar 33 Ton: 33 tons with a 223 cc engine, 14.3 second cycle and auto-return valve. Check price
- Best Portable SuperHandy 20 Ton: 20 tons, Bucher two-stage pump, 7.5 second cycle and about 130 lb. Check price
- Best Budget 20 Ton Ezasin 20 Ton: 20 tons, 8 second cycle, auto-return valve and 20.5 x 16 in log capacity. Check price
Compare the picks
| Model | Woodlot Score | Tons (rated) | Cycle time | Max log length | Max diameter | Engine | Beam | Weight (listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX 36 Ton YS3665 | 63 | 36 | Not stated | 26 in | Not stated | Briggs & Stratton CR950, 208 cc | Half beam, 2-way, horiz/vert | 515 lb |
| Full Boar 33 Ton | 62 | 33 | 14.3 sec | Not stated | Not stated | Full Boar 223 cc OHV | H beam | 473 lb |
| SuperHandy 20 Ton | 56 | 20 | 7.5 sec | 20 in | 16 in | AlphaWorks 7 HP OHV | Full beam, horizontal | 130 lb (bullets) |
| Ezasin 20 Ton | 53 | 20 | 8 sec | 20.5 in | 16 in | 209 cc, 7 HP | Full beam, horizontal | 135 lb |
| Hushlight 20 Ton | 51 | 20 | 8 sec | 20.5 in | 16 in | 209 cc, 7 HP | Full beam, horizontal | 146 lb |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 5 October 2026. Tonnage is calculated from cylinder size and pump pressure, not measured at the wedge, and none of these listings states a warranty term.
The picks
| Award | Product | Woodlot Score About the HQ ScoreThe Woodlot Score runs from 0 to 100 and weighs rated performance, build, value, safety listing and warranty, using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
Yardmax Gas Log Splitter 36 Ton 2-Way Half Beam
|
63/100 | Buy | |
33 Ton Log Splitter-Full Boar Engine 223cc
|
62/100 | Buy | |
SuperHandy Hydraulic Log Splitter, 20 Ton
|
56/100 | Buy | |
Gas Log Splitter 20 Ton, 209CC 7HP Hydraulic Wood
|
53/100 | Buy | |
20 Ton Gas Log Splitter, 209CC 7HP Engine
|
51/100 | Buy |
Yardmax Gas Log Splitter 36 Ton 2-Way Half Beam
A 36 ton two-way half-beam gas log splitter with a Briggs & Stratton CR950 208 cc engine, U-beam, two adjustable log cradles, horizontal or vertical use and room for logs up to 26 in long.
Pros
- 36 tons, the highest rating here
- Two-way design splits on both strokes
- Briggs & Stratton CR950 engine
- Tilts from horizontal to vertical for heavy rounds
Cons
- Cycle time not given as a number
- 515 lb listed; towing details not stated
- Few ratings so far
- No warranty term stated
33 Ton Log Splitter-Full Boar Engine 223cc
A 33 ton gas log splitter with a 223 cc Full Boar OHV engine, a stated 14.3 second cycle time, auto-return valve with adjustable detent and a heavy H-beam.
Pros
- 33 tons rated force
- Stated 14.3 second cycle at this tonnage
- Auto-return valve with adjustable detent
- Heavy-duty H-beam
Cons
- Log length and diameter not stated
- 473 lb listed; towing details not stated
- Very short listing
- No warranty term stated
SuperHandy Hydraulic Log Splitter, 20 Ton
A portable 20 ton horizontal full-beam gas log splitter with an AlphaWorks 7 HP OHV engine, a two-stage Bucher gear pump, a 7.5 second cycle and logs up to 20 in long and 16 in across.
Pros
- 7.5 second cycle, the fastest stated here
- Two-stage Bucher hydraulic gear pump
- About 130 lb, light enough to roll around
- Folding handle and 10 in tubeless wheels
Cons
- 20 tons struggles with big knotty rounds
- Hydraulic fluid not included
- Listing and table disagree on weight (130 vs 148.7 lb)
- No warranty term stated
Gas Log Splitter 20 Ton, 209CC 7HP Hydraulic Wood
A 20 ton horizontal full-beam gas log splitter with a 209 cc, 7 HP engine, dual-stage pump, auto-return detent valve, a stated 8 second cycle and 20.5 x 16 in log capacity.
Pros
- Auto-return detent valve
- Stated 8 second cycle
- 20.5 x 16 in log capacity
- Clear fluid and oil fill quantities in the listing
Cons
- No warranty term stated
- Few ratings so far
- Fluids must be bought and filled before first use
- Engine brand not named
20 Ton Gas Log Splitter, 209CC 7HP Engine
A 20 ton horizontal full-beam gas log splitter with a 209 cc, 7 HP engine, dual-gear pump with automatic return, a stated 8 second cycle and 20.5 x 16 in log capacity.
Pros
- Stated 8 second cycle
- Automatic return
- 20.5 x 16 in log capacity
- 10 in pneumatic wheels
Cons
- Very few ratings
- No warranty term stated
- 146 lb listed, heaviest of the 20 ton picks
- Same generic platform sold under several names
How we scored them
Each splitter is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. None states a UL, ETL or CSA listing; a reservoir-mounted filter that keeps hoses away from the operator earns small safety credit. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. | Build | Value | Safety | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX 36 Ton YS3665 | 63 | 28 | 18 | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Full Boar 33 Ton | 62 | 27 | 17 | 14 | 4 | 0 |
| SuperHandy 20 Ton | 56 | 24 | 15 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Ezasin 20 Ton | 53 | 23 | 13 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Hushlight 20 Ton | 51 | 23 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Buying guide: a gas log splitter under $2,000
How many tons?
20 tons splits most seasoned hardwood up to about 16 in across. Bigger, green, knotty or stringy wood such as elm calls for 25 to 35 tons. The log splitter tonnage calculator estimates what your wood needs.
Cycle time and two-way splitters
Gas splitters cycle in roughly 7 to 15 seconds. A two-way splitter splits on both strokes, which roughly doubles output at the same cycle time. Auto-return valves save a hand movement on every log.
Portable or towable
The 20 ton splitters here weigh about 130 to 150 lb and roll like a wheelbarrow. The 33 and 36 ton machines weigh around 500 lb; check the listing or manual for hitch and tire details before you plan to tow one.
Horizontal and vertical
A splitter that tilts to vertical lets you roll heavy rounds onto the foot plate instead of lifting them. See the best vertical log splitters if that matters to you.
Fluids and setup
Most ship dry: plan on buying hydraulic fluid (usually AW32 or AW46) and engine oil before the first start.
Pick the wood species, the biggest round you split and its condition to get the splitter tonnage to shop for.
One operator only, with hands well clear of the wedge and the ram. Wear eye protection and gloves, set the splitter on stable, level ground, and keep kids and pets away from the work area. Run gas splitters outdoors only, and never reach in to clear a jammed log while the ram can move. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20 ton log splitter enough?
For most household firewood, yes: seasoned hardwood up to about 16 in across. Choose 25 tons or more for large green rounds, knots and stringy species.
Gas or electric log splitter?
Electric is quieter, needs no fuel and suits a cord or two of seasoned wood near an outlet. Gas splits bigger wood, faster, anywhere. See the best electric log splitters under $500.
What does cycle time mean?
The time for the ram to extend and return. Shorter is faster; two-way splitters split on both directions of travel.
Do gas log splitters need break-in?
Follow the manual: fill hydraulic fluid and engine oil, bleed air from the system as instructed, and change the engine oil after the first hours of use.
Can I use a gas splitter in a garage?
No. Run gas splitters outdoors only; engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Related guides
See the log splitter hub and gas log splitters. Buck your rounds with the best chainsaw for firewood, stack the splits on a covered firewood rack, and check them with a moisture meter. Our species guides cover tough woods like oak and hickory. Still deciding? Read how many tons of log splitter you need and our comparison of gas vs electric log splitters.
About the author
The FirewoodGearHQ editorial team researches firewood and wood heating equipment from published specifications, ratings and warranty terms, and scores every pick the same way. We do not run our own product trials.