Electric (hydraulic) Log Splitters

as the title really.

I see there is one around the two hundred pound mark advertised in the comics at the moment.

I've seen much more expensive (and powerfull?) ones at the game fairs, what I need to know is whether the cheaper, lighter ones work and last the course.
I have enough weathered and weathering Sitka and Larch logs to keep the stove going for three or four years, during that time more trees will blow down or be felled as they become a threat to buildings etc. So I would expect it to get fairly modest gentle (no hard wood) use but would want it to last.

Anyone got any experience/recommendations?

I am too old/lazy/physically inept for a two handed axe to be a safe or sensible proposition.
I have and use a chain saw (petrol), but an effective log splitter would take a lot of the strain of that.

Been a prolific year for rabbits (and hares!), but the myxie's taking it's toll now.

Alasdair in the Pentlands

Hi Alasdair, The log splitter you are looking at is it based on a cork screw action or hydraulic ram. If it was me i would go for a petrol engine as you can keep the mess away from your yard as you will find when you start using one.

Thanks happykeeper
I was deliberately going for an electric one as I find that petrol engines only used every other month or so don't start so easy! I have an electricity supply in area I would be using it. I accept petrol is probably got more poke. Wondered if anyone had actually used one of the smaller electric ones and could comment on performance and duarability?

Alasdair.

perhaps your local hire shop may have one you could try out for a weekend.