Are Champion Power Equipment log splitters the real “champions” they are made out to be? After all, investing in a log splitter that can’t even get through small logs will be a problem for most. Luckily, our woodworking team has conducted multiple Champion log splitter reviews to make sure that won’t happen.
Reviews of the Top Champion Log Splitters
1. Champion Power Equipment 100424
Our team was very impressed by the Champion Power Equipment 100424 27-ton log splitter. This Champion product brought more versatility compared to other brands thanks to its horizontal and vertical operating format.
Get through larger logs thanks to its 224cc engine and extremely fast 11-second cycle period that gets the job done quickly. To save you more time, the 100424 also has an auto-return feature. There is also a handy log catcher onboard the Champion wood splitter to prevent you from having to bend too far down.
The single cylinder OHV engine has a ton of splitting power and a large splitting capacity recommended for more heavy-duty jobs.
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What We Like
- 224cc single cylinder engine
- Cast iron sleeve
- Low oil shutdown
- 11-second cycle time
- Handy log catchers
- 2-stage gear pump
- EPA certified
- Expanded operator area
- CARB compliant
- 2-year limited warranty
- Free lifetime tech support
- DOT-approved wheels
- 2-inch ball hitch coupler
- Low flow/high pressure
What We Don’t Like
- Not the best for splitting smaller logs
- Exhaust deflector placement is inconvenient in vertical mode
2. Champion Power Equipment 90720
The Champion Power Equipment 90720 is a log splitter that’s operating horizontally with a 20-second cycle period. To reduce your work time even more, this reliable log splitter has an auto-return feature.
The more compact log splitter has an 80cc engine that powers through logs up to 19-inches long and 50-pounds in weight. Getting your logs in place is not a difficult task with the integrated log cradle that also has a low profile for easy loading.
Your purchase comes with a 2-year warranty with free lifetime technical support should you run into any issues in the future.
What We Like
- Horizontal Champion splitter
- 80cc engine
- 20-second cycle time
- 2-year warranty
- Lifetime tech support
- Low oil shutoff
- Cast iron sleeve
- Recoil start
- 3000 PSI max pressure
- 1.3-gallon hydraulic oil system
- 10-inch never-flat wheels
- 50-state compliant emissions
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t be in the vertical position
- Not the best for eucalyptus tree wood
Champion Log Splitters Buyer’s Guide
Our team members conducted several Champion log splitter reviews and also incorporated their own experiences into each review. There are many features to look for in the best Champion log splitter, and below are some of the most important ones to be aware of.
Tonnage
The tonnage is the amount of pressure force exuded by the Champion products on our list. Every product will have the tonnage clearly listed, and the higher the number, the more force the log splitter uses to split logs. Champion makes various models including a 34-ton log splitter, a 25-ton log splitter, and the ones we mentioned above.
The larger, longer, and heavier the log is, the more tonnage you need to split through. On average, our woodworkers say 7 tons is the baseline for average firewood. You should also consider the type of wood you’re working with because it will also have a hand in the log splitter tonnage.
Understanding the difference between hard and soft woods as well as green and aged wood is also important. Hardwoods are from deciduous trees [1], which means trees that lose their leaves in colder months. Softwoods are from evergreen trees that keep their needles in the winter months.
Green wood is wood that has been freshly cut, while aged wood is typically at least a season old, which means they have dried against the air and is easier to cut and split.
Power Source
Your next consideration is how your Champion Power Equipment log splitter gets its power for splitting logs. You can take your pick from gas-powered wood splitters, electric options, and manual-hydraulic splitters. There are a few other types, but unless you’re working on a farm or acreage, these three are the most common types.
The best Champion wood splitters are usually gas powered. Gas splitters are more portable and aren’t restricted by a power cable. The size can also vary from easy to wheel around models to commercial-sized workhorses.
Gas splitters are our team’s recommendation for a long-term investment and if you need a lot of splitting power. Unfortunately, you should know that these types do require more maintenance, and they are loud and produce emissions so they need to be used outdoors.
You can also find gas options that have a horizontal/vertical full beam log splitter, which increases the versatility of your machine.
On the other hand, electric models can be used in your garage or workshop, and they are also portable in terms of size and weight. However, you always have to be sure you are near a power source, which limits your options outdoors.
They also aren’t as powerful as a gas-powered machine, and can usually handle small to medium-sized logs but not larger than 20 inches in most cases. Unfortunately, electric models don’t usually include horizontal/vertical full beam features.
The last type, the manual-hydraulic models, rely on the user’s strength and hydraulic oil to split logs. You can find both horizontal and vertical designs within this category, but it is still only recommended for small to medium logs. One thing our team will say is that manual-hydraulic log splitters are very efficient.
Our tests showed that gas-powered are preferred among many of our team members, but there are some that appreciate the efficiency and lightweight profiles of the other two types as well.
Return Speed and Efficiency
The efficiency can be summed up by the cycle period, which is how long it takes for the Champion Power Equipment splitter to get through a single log. Our contracts say the average time is anywhere between 10 to 20 seconds, Of course, the shorter the cycle time the better and more efficient the machine is.
Look for auto-return features, which return the piston back to its original position after each split. It saves you time without having to manually put the piston back in place.
Champion: History and Technology
Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California, the Champion brand has made a name for itself since 2003 and has expanded its operations to at least two other states and there is even a facility in Toronto, Canada.
Aside from log splitters, Champion Power Equipment also features generators, chipper shredders, pressure washers, snowblowers, and other lawn and garden accessories.
Champion prides itself in its endless innovation, which includes CO Shield, which is a carbon monoxide auto-shutoff function, and EFI (Fuel Injection Technology).
You can also find dual fuel portable generators, which allow generators from the brand to operate on both propane and gasoline. You can switch from one source to another simply and safely.
Lastly, you can also see Wireless Start Technology, which allows users to start up their generators from up to an 80-foot distance.
Customer Support
It’s very clear to our team that Champion prides itself in impeccable customer service. Aside from offer a 2-year limited warranty on the company’s wood splitters, their products also come with free lifetime technical support.
The brand claims to have legendary customer support from certified technicians in the states and in Canada. You can email them or reach out to them via their social media platforms and they usually get back to you within the hour or by the end of the day.
Our woodworking team says stellar customer support is so important for not only customer experience, but also when you need to invoke the warranty. A log splitting machine is not a cheap investment, so friendly and helpful customer service will go a long way.
FAQ
Who makes the engine on Champion log splitters?
Champion makes the engine on Champion log splitters. From what we can gather from detailed reviews, the engines are the house brand OHV (overhead valve) engines, but some of their products such as the towable 27-ton log splitter have the Honda GX200 engine.
Our Top Pick For a Champion Log Splitter:
Champion Power Equipment 90720
The 90720 is the clear winner after a very detailed Champion log splitter review. Our experts say the 7-ton power the machine produces is just the right amount for everyday tasks and average-sized logs. The Champion 90720 features a 1.3-gallon fuel tank an auto-returning valve, wheels for easy portability, and a durable design with a cast iron sleeve and a log cradle for loading.
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