Logs, chippers and woodland

Guides

• Best log splitters for smallholdings: compared on tonnage, maximum log length, power source and orientation from makers' UK specs

  Log splitters compared on makers' tonnage, max log length, power and orientation. We haven't tested them.

• Best wood chippers for smallholdings: compared on maximum branch diameter, engine and feed system from makers' UK specs

  Wood chippers compared on makers' maximum branch diameter, engine and feed. We haven't tested them.

• Electric vs petrol log splitter: which suits you

  Electric, petrol or PTO log splitter? Compare by volume, power supply and where you split, with your own running costs.

• What size log splitter do I need? Tonnage explained

  Pick log splitter tonnage from your species, log diameter and length, and how dry the wood is, using makers' guidance.

• Horizontal vs vertical log splitter

  Horizontal or vertical log splitter: how log size, weight and your back decide it, from makers' specs.

• Log splitter safety

  Safe log splitting: one operator, two-hand controls, guards and protective kit, from the maker's manual and HSE.

• Processing your own firewood

  From felled timber to split logs: cutting, splitting and stacking, the kit it takes and how long it takes.

• PTO log splitters

  How a tractor-mounted PTO log splitter works, matching it to your tractor's PTO and linkage, and safety.

• Wood chipper vs garden shredder: which suits you

  Chipper or shredder? Compare by branch size, volume and what you'll do with the chips, using makers' specs.

• Woodland management equipment

  Kit for a small woodland: chainsaw, brushcutter, winch and splitter, with HSE training and protective kit.