Match Tonnage to Your Needs:
4-7 tons: Optimal for small diameter, softwood logs (less than 12 inches).
8-20 tons: Suitable for medium-sized logs (12-24 inches) and a mix of softwood and hardwood.
20+ tons: Recommended for large diameter hardwood logs (24 inches and above) or when dealing with tough, knotty logs.
If you mainly split soft, straight-grain, or dry, seasoned wood, 22-ton to 28 tons of power will suffice. If slow-burning hardwood will be in your wood stove this winter, then how many tons of force your log splitter can produce is much more of a factor.