Very good 
The Sun Joe LJ10M is a quality manual log splitter – there is no engine to do the work for you but it’s still very easy to operate, provides a solid power and the price is much lower compared to motorized units.
Pros:
- Good price
- Solid power, does not require much labor
- Compact
Cons:
- Requires fairly specific length of logs
Key specifications:
- Splitting force: up to 10 tons
- Operation: manual
- Max log length: 18″
More Videos
Manual Splitter
The Sun Joe LJ10M is a manual splitter which means it’s slower than the electric or gas machines and you’ll also have to engage some muscles. On the other hand, there are also many advantages associated with having no motor:
First of all, it’s a lot cheaper while still offering a sturdy construction and decent cutting power. It’s also lighter, does not require any fuel or electric cord, doesn’t make any noise and requires only a minimal maintenance.
It requires almost no assembly, you just attach the handles and you are ready to go. The manual is well written and illustrated, no problem here.
Solid Power, Just Slower
When you take into account that there is no engine to help you, the pump is able to develop a surprisingly high power with very little strength needed. Even women or people with back problems can operate it fairly easily and deal even with large and tough pieces.
According to specifications, it’s designed for logs up to 8" in diameter but users reported splitting 12-14" or even larger pieces. Only for green hardwood logs you would need some more force.
Each split would take you about 20-40 seconds (depending on the log size) which is fairly slow but still manageable – see the video above.
Probably the only disadvantage of the Logger Joe is that is requires logs of a fairly specific length to work properly. The maximum length is only 18" (versus the traditional 20.5") so if you cut the logs just a bit larger, you have a problem. And also if they are shorter than let’s say 15", the piston won’t push far enough and some logs won’t split entirely (but at least in this case you can use a spacer and fix the problem). So make sure your logs are between 15 and 18 inches long.
Manipulation and Storage
The LJ10M comes with two wheels to enable moving it around but as they are really small, they work only on hard surfaces. On grass or uneven terrain you would probably have to use a wheelbarrow or a dolly since it’s probably too heavy to be carried in your hands.
On the other hand its compact size makes storage a breeze, it stands vertically after you remove the handles and takes very little space.
Conclusion: If you need a quality log splitter for an occasional use but don’t want to spend too much money, the Sun Joe LJ10M would be a great option for you. It’s a lot cheaper than motorized units but still very easy to use and doesn’t require much labor. Also, some people prefer to use an axe but still own this model to deal with the tougher logs. We can definitely recommend it.
But if you want an engine to do all the work for you, check out the Boss Industrial ES7T20, our most recommended splitter.
>> Read more or buy the Sun Joe LJ10M here
Specifications:
- Brand: Sun Joe
- Type: Manual
- Weight: 87 lbs
- Splitting force: up to 10 tons
- Max log diameter: 8″
- Max log length: 18″
- Cycle time (approx.): 20-40 seconds
- Operation: manual
- Warranty: 2-year full
Frequently asked questions:
Do you have to be strong to use it?
No, even women, seniors or people with back problem have no trouble operating it. Only hard green logs do require some force.
Can it split logs that have more than 8″ in diameter?
Yes, users reported splitting 12-14" and even larger pieces.
How to reset the ram after each split?
You open a valve by twisting a knob and the piston retracts (see the video above). It’s also possible to retract it only partly if you have shorter logs (to save some time).
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