The amount of pressing force (also called ton) required to split wood depends on several factors, such as the type of wood, its thickness, and the splitting technique and blade construction used.
See BTD Technics and below an overview of the most important points of interest:
Softwood (e.g., pine, spruce):
A splitting force of 10 to 12 tons is often sufficient to split these types of wood quickly and efficiently
Hardwood (e.g., oak, beech, chestnut):
Hardwood requires more power, usually between 15 and 20 tons, to split even the thickest and most knotted logs. The construction of the splitting wedge is also of significant importance in this case
Extra-large or knotted logs:
In extreme cases, a splitting force of 30 tons or more may be required, such as in industrial forestry operations where logs with a diameter greater than 50 cm are processed
Hobby and Semi-Professional Use:
Usually a pressing force of 5 to 10 tons, suitable for lighter applications
Commercial Machines:
These can often generate 30 tons or more, making them ideal for professional use
The construction of the splitting blade plays a crucial role in how efficiently the available pressing force is used:
Stepwise Split Wedges:
This design ensures a better distribution of force and increases efficiency
Shear-Positioned Split Wedges:
Offer additional advantages by utilizing the force even more efficiently
Vertical Grain-Following Split Wedges:
Optimally designed wedges that follow the grain structure of the wood—such as in the BTD PROplus machines—result in a significant reduction in the required splitting force
An efficient blade design that minimizes wear, extends the machine’s lifespan, and reduces energy consumption
A well-engineered clamping system that enables perfectly perpendicular sawing. As a result, the cut section is always pressed straight through the splitting wedge
A pressing table with serrations that firmly secures the wood, preventing it from shifting during splitting
In short, the required pressing force is determined not only by the wood’s properties, such as hardness and thickness, but also strongly by the design and construction of the splitter. By choosing a machine with an advanced blade design and efficient force distribution, you’ll work faster, more economically, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Visit BTD Technics for more information.
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