Best Log Lifter: 5 Timberjacks and Log Jacks Compared
Five log lifters compared by handle length, log diameter capacity, lifting height off the ground, steel or aluminum frame, and stand design.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 10, 2026
A log lifter, also known as a timberjack, elevates fallen tree trunks off the ground so you can buck firewood without chainsaw teeth digging into rocks and dirt. Finding the best log lifter comes down to handle leverage, log diameter capacity, lifting clearance, and whether you prefer heavy steel or lightweight aluminum. For most cutting jobs, a tool that lifts rounds cleanly while offering a stable ground stand prevents chain dulling and kickback. This guide compares five timberjacks to help you select the right log jack for cutting firewood safely on your woodlot.
FirewoodGearHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Overall SPEED FORCE 47in Jack: Full aluminum construction weighing 11-1/2 lb, a 24-inch log capacity, and a dual-foot base that stays stable on soft ground. Check price
- Best with Warranty Right Hand Timberjack: Sturdy powder-coated alloy steel body, a 1-year stated warranty, and a 15-inch lifting height. Check price
- Best 15.5-Inch Capacity FAHKNS Timberjack: Handles logs up to 15.5 inches in diameter, includes a detachable stand, and states a 1-year warranty. Check price
- Best Convertible PIRIPARA Timberjack: Removable stand converts quickly to a cant hook for rolling logs, with an 11-inch lift height. Check price
- Best Budget Steel VEVOR 48in Timberjack: Simple 48-inch carbon steel build at 10.19 lb with rubber grip for logs up to 15 inches. Check price
Compare the picks
| Model | Woodlot Score | Material | Length | Log diameter | Weight | Lift height | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPEED FORCE 47in Jack | 8.5/10 | Aluminum | 47 in | 5 to 24 in | 11-1/2 lb | 12 in min | Not stated |
| Right Hand Timberjack | 7.8/10 | Alloy steel | 50.4 in | 3 to 15 in | 15 lb | 15 in | 1 Year |
| FAHKNS Timberjack | 7.4/10 | Carbon steel | 50.9 in | 3 to 15.5 in | Not stated | Up to 10 in | 1 year |
| PIRIPARA Timberjack | 7.4/10 | Carbon steel | 50.9 in | 3 to 15 in | 11 lb | 11 in | Not stated |
| VEVOR 48in Timberjack | 7.3/10 | Carbon steel | 48 in | Up to 15 in | 10.19 lb | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 10 October 2026. None of these listings names a safety certification standard, so all five score zero for safety. Only listings that publish an explicit warranty term earn warranty points.
The picks
| Award | Product | Woodlot Score About the HQ ScoreThe Woodlot Score runs from 0 to 10 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
SPEED FORCE 47 Inch TimberJack
|
8.5/10 | Buy | |
Right Hand Timberjack Triple Thick Log Lifter that
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
50.9" Adjustable Timberjack Log Lifter
|
7.4/10 | Buy | |
PIRIPARA 50.9" Timberjack Log Lifter
|
7.4/10 | Buy | |
VEVOR 48" Timberjack Log Lifter
|
7.3/10 | Buy |
SPEED FORCE 47 Inch TimberJack
A 47 in aluminum timberjack weighing 11-1/2 lb, featuring a 5 to 24 in log capacity, a dual-foot ground stand, and a quick-positioning toe-lift hook.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum construction listed at 11-1/2 lb (4.8 kg)
- Handles large logs from 5 to 24 in in diameter
- Dual-foot aluminum base provides stability on soft ground
- Toe-lift feature allows quick hook repositioning
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- Spec table lists dimensions as 27.56 x 9.84 x 4.33 in, contradicting the 47 in handle
- Spec table lists capacity as 2E+1 inches while bullets state 24 in
- Aluminum frame is rated for lower load capacity than heavy steel
Right Hand Timberjack Triple Thick Log Lifter that
A powder-coated alloy steel timberjack with a 50.4 in length, designed to lift logs 3 to 15 in in diameter up to 15 in off the ground for cutting.
Pros
- Steel tubing with powder-coated finish for rust resistance
- Adjustable hook fits logs from 3 to 15 in in diameter
- Maximum lifting height listed at 15 in
- One-year manufacturer warranty stated in the listing
Cons
- Spec table lists load capacity as 15 lb, which contradicts heavy log handling
- Spec table states style name as Chain despite using a cant hook
- Requires assembly with included hardware kit before use
- Listing does not clearly distinguish between tool weight and capacity
50.9" Adjustable Timberjack Log Lifter
A 50.9 in carbon steel log jack with an orange powder-coated finish, detachable stand for log rolling, and capacity for logs up to 15.5 in in diameter.
Pros
- Adjustable angled hook accommodates logs from 3 to 15.5 in in diameter
- Detachable stand allows conversion to a cant hook for rolling logs
- Lifts logs up to 10 in off the ground for clean bucking
- One-year manufacturer warranty stated in the listing
Cons
- Product weight is not stated in the listing
- Spec table lists vehicle compatibility as Tractor for a manual hand tool
- Spec table rates load capacity at only 200 lb
- Switching between lifting and rolling requires unbolting hardware
PIRIPARA 50.9" Timberjack Log Lifter
A 50.9 in steel log lifter weighing 11 lb with an orange powder finish, removable stand, and adjustable hook for logs 3 to 15 in in diameter.
Pros
- Removable stand converts the tool into a cant hook for rolling logs
- Lifts logs 11 in off the ground for chainsaw clearance
- Stated tool weight of 11 lb provides manageable portability
- Adjustable hook accommodates logs from 3 to 15 in in diameter
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- Bullets mistakenly refer to the cant hook as a log peavey
- Spec table shows material as alloy steel while bullets state carbon steel
- Spec table records load capacity in scientific notation as 3E+2 pounds
VEVOR 48" Timberjack Log Lifter
A 48 in carbon steel log jack weighing 10.19 lb with an orange powder coat, solid welds, rubber grip, and adjustable cant hook for logs up to 15 in.
Pros
- Lightest steel model in the group at 10.19 lb
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction with solid welds
- Adjustable cant hook handles logs up to 15 in in diameter
- Simple assembly using standard nuts and bolts
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- Specific lifting height off the ground is not stated
- 48 in handle provides slightly less leverage than 50.9 in options
- Spec table leaves out dimensional details beyond weight
How we scored them
Each log lifter is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPEED FORCE 47in Jack | 8.5 | 33 | 22 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| Right Hand Timberjack | 7.8 | 28 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 2 |
| FAHKNS Timberjack | 7.4 | 27 | 19 | 19 | n/a | 2 |
| PIRIPARA Timberjack | 7.4 | 28 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| VEVOR 48in Timberjack | 7.3 | 27 | 20 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 0 to 10. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
How to choose the best log lifter
Handle length and leverage
Leverage is what allows a manual log jack to raise heavy timber with minimal operator strain. The models compared here feature handle lengths ranging from 47 to 50.9 inches. Longer handles offer greater mechanical leverage when rolling and lifting dense logs, while slightly shorter handles are easier to transport and maneuver in thick brush. Understanding proper leverage is a core part of learning how to move heavy logs safely.
Log diameter capacity
Check the maximum log diameter against the trees you harvest. Several steel jacks accommodate logs from 3 to 15 inches in diameter, and one reaches 15.5 inches. For larger trunk sections, an aluminum model with an extended hook accommodates logs from 5 to 24 inches across. Attempting to lift logs wider than the hook’s stated capacity risks slipping or losing grip on the bark.
Steel vs aluminum frames
Traditional log lifters use carbon steel or alloy steel tubing finished with powder coating to resist rust. Steel is rigid and durable, with weights in this group spanning from 10.19 to 15 pounds. In contrast, an aluminum frame reduces weight while maintaining strength, offering an 11-1/2-pound tool that provides extra capacity without adding carrying fatigue.
Ground stands and cant hook conversion
The ground stand holds the log aloft while you saw. Some models feature a detachable stand that unbolts so you can convert the tool into a rolling cant hook. Other designs incorporate a wide dual-foot base intended to prevent the stand from sinking into soft ground. For timber handling differences between tools, see our guide on cant hook vs peavey.
Ground clearance and chainsaw protection
The primary benefit of a log lifter is elevating logs off the dirt, with stated lift heights between 10 and 15 inches. Keeping your saw chain out of soil prevents dulling teeth and guards against kickback hazards. Elevated timber also allows complete bucking cuts without pinching your guide bar. For proper cutting technique, review how to buck firewood safely with a chainsaw.
Lift with your legs, not your back, and get help or a mechanical aid for big rounds. Respect each tool's rated capacity, keep feet clear of rolling logs, and wear gloves against splinters. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a log lifter and a timberjack?
They are different names for the same logging tool. A timberjack combines a cant hook handle with a built-in foot or stand that levers a log upward and supports it above the ground for sawing.
Why should I use a log jack for cutting firewood?
A log jack keeps wood elevated so your chain never contacts the ground. Dirt, stones and sand quickly dull cutting teeth, and striking hidden ground debris increases kickback risk. Lifting the log also avoids bar pinch during through-cuts.
Can a timberjack be used as a regular cant hook?
Yes. Models that feature a detachable bottom stand can be converted into a standard cant hook by removing the hardware, allowing you to roll and reposition logs without the stand getting in the way.
What log diameter can these tools handle?
The steel models in this comparison handle logs from 3 to 15 inches or 15.5 inches in diameter. The aluminum model features a larger hook rated for logs from 5 to 24 inches.
How high does a log lifter raise the wood?
The models in this comparison with published lifting heights state elevations between 10 and 15 inches off the ground, which provides sufficient clearance for chainsaw bucking.
Related guides
Explore our complete firewood handling hub for more tools to move timber. See our comparisons of the best cant hooks and best log tongs. For processing your harvest, read our guides on the best chainsaws for firewood, our chainsaw safety gear checklist, protective best chainsaw chaps, and the best log splitters for home use. Once your rounds are split, learn how to stack firewood for optimal drying.
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.