How do splitting knives work and what are your options with a BTD firewood processor?

How do splitting knives work and what are your options with a BTD firewood processor?

The splitting knife determines how the cut section of a log is divided and how efficiently the available splitting force is used. Depending on the BTD model, 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-way splitting knives are available for different log diameters, wood species and required firewood sizes.

What does a splitting knife do?

After the log has been cut to the selected length, the splitting cylinder pushes the section through the splitting knife. The knife divides the wood into several pieces.

The more sections the knife creates, the smaller the resulting firewood pieces become. At the same time, more resistance can occur during splitting, especially with larger, harder or heavily knotty logs.

BTD splitting knives are designed to distribute the splitting forces as efficiently as possible during the splitting process. Angled and stepped cutting edges help prevent the wood from having to split at all points at the same time.

Which splitting knives are available?

Knife type Typical result Application Available on
4-way 4 larger pieces Suitable when larger firewood pieces are required or when additional splitting force per section is desirable PROcompact, PROcompact-S, PROplus and TrailerPlus-M
6-way 6 pieces General-purpose configuration for professional firewood production PROcompact, PROcompact-S, PROplus and TrailerPlus-M
8-way 8 smaller pieces Suitable when smaller and more uniform firewood pieces are required PROcompact, PROcompact-S, PROplus and TrailerPlus-M
12-way ring knife 12 smaller pieces Suitable for selected logs and applications where smaller firewood pieces are required PROplus and TrailerPlus-M

Which splitting knife is standard on each BTD model?

  • PROcompact: 6-way splitting knife as standard; other knife options available depending on configuration.
  • PROcompact-S: 8-way splitting knife as standard; 4- and 6-way options available.
  • PROplus: 6-way splitting knife as standard; 4-, 8- and 12-way knife options available.
  • TrailerPlus-M: 8-way splitting knife as standard; 4-, 6- and 12-way splitting knives are available as options.

How do you choose the right splitting knife?

The best knife depends on several factors:

  • wood species;
  • log diameter;
  • knotting and grain structure;
  • desired firewood size;
  • available splitting force;
  • required production capacity.

A 4-way knife generally produces larger pieces and places less resistance on the splitting process. An 8- or 12-way knife produces smaller pieces but can require more splitting force, particularly with large or difficult logs.

Manual or hydraulic knife adjustment?

  • PROcompact: mechanically adjustable splitting knife.
  • PROcompact-S: mechanically adjustable splitting knife.
  • PROplus: hydraulically adjustable splitting knife.
  • TrailerPlus-M: hydraulically adjustable splitting knife; 8-way as standard, with 4-, 6- and 12-way knives available as options.

Can I switch between different splitting knives?

Yes. Depending on the BTD model, different splitting knives can be fitted to adapt the machine to the wood being processed and the required firewood size.

Knife changes must always be carried out safely and in accordance with the operating instructions, with the hydraulic system depressurised and the machine secured against unintended movement.

Is the 12-way ring knife suitable for every log?

No. The 12-way ring knife is intended for suitable logs and applications where relatively small firewood pieces are required. Log diameter, wood species, knotting and available splitting force all influence whether this knife is the best choice.

Conclusion

The correct splitting knife helps match the firewood size to the log diameter, wood species and available splitting force. BTD offers 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-way configurations depending on the model.

The PROcompact is supplied with a 6-way knife as standard, the PROcompact-S with an 8-way knife, the PROplus with a 6-way knife and the TrailerPlus-M with an 8-way knife.

Need advice on splitting knives?

Contact us for advice on splitting knives and available options

Related Topics

Compare BTD firewood processors

Maintenance and safety