Champion 27-Ton Gas Log Splitter Review

Large, heavy logs can be difficult to load onto a horizontal log splitter. The Champion 27-Ton Log Splitter gives you an easier way to deal with them. Its convertible design allows for horizontal or vertical operation. Switch the splitter to vertical mode and you can split heavier rounds from the ground instead of lifting them onto the machine.

The splitter pairs its towable frame with a full beam and a 224cc Champion gas engine. It has the size and hydraulic capacity expected of a larger residential grade splitter. In the rest of this review, we’ll look at how that design works in practice.

There are several model variants of the Champion 27-ton splitter. The model now under review is 201312.

Key Features

• Horizontal and vertical operation
• Two-stage hydraulic pump
• Auto-return valve
• Towable chassis
• Side log catchers
• 16-inch pneumatic tires

Splitting Performance

The Champion 201312 has 27 tons of ram force and can take on logs up to 24 inches long and 100 pounds. That gives it plenty of capacity for larger rounds and dense hardwood. Its two-stage pump moves the 8 inch tall wedge quickly through easier sections before switching to higher pressure when the wood offers more resistance.

The added hydraulic force is beneficial when processing knotty or difficult wood. People using Champion 27 ton splitters have reported successfully splitting large green oak, knotty oak, hickory, and locust. These woods can place much more demand on a splitter than clean, straight-grained rounds. Reports involving several of these hardwoods suggest the machine has the force needed for tougher firewood rather than being limited to easier rounds.

Very large rounds can still require some care. One report involving large green oak found that driving the wedge straight through the center of an oversized round could be difficult. Starting from the side worked better. That does not necessarily point to a power problem. Diameter and grain can change how a large round responds to the wedge. The 27 ton system gives the splitter plenty of force, but the way an oversized round meets the wedge can still affect how easily it splits.

Engine and Cycle Time

The 224cc engine powers the 27 ton hydraulic system. Its two-stage pump lets the skewed wedge move quickly through easier sections before bringing higher hydraulic pressure into action when it encounters tougher grain. The speed of the hydraulic system increases as the resistance inside the log changes.

Its 16 second cycle sets the pace for repeated splitting when you’re working through a large quantity of rounds. The auto return system is rated for more than 220 cycles per hour, which supports a steady workflow when splitting hard logs. A 16 second cycle is toward the slower end of the current 27 ton class. So cycle speed is worth thinking about if you regularly process large amounts of wood.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Operation

This Champion splitter is highly versatile, giving you two ways to work through a wood pile. Horizontal operation suits rounds that are easy enough to lift onto the beam. It keeps the splitter in its conventional position and works well for smaller pieces that can be moved without much effort.

Vertical operation makes a bigger difference as rounds get heavier or harder to handle. The beam pivots upright, allowing the round to stay on the ground as the wedge moves down through it. This is great for larger hardwood rounds that would be difficult to lift onto the beam. The splitter keeps its 27 ton hydraulic force in either position. The difference is how you load the wood.

Locking mechanisms secure the beam in each position. It only takes a few seconds to switch the beam to a vertical position using quick lock pin. In practice, its sensible to change positions when the type of wood changes rather than between individual rounds. You can work through a mixed pile horizontally at first, then switch to vertical operation when the heavier rounds appear.

See the Champion 201312 in operation

Moving and Firewood Handling

Getting this 465 pound splitter to the wood pile is easier than moving the wood to it. Its towable chassis lets you bring the splitter to the firewood instead of carrying heavy rounds back to a fixed location. The 2-inch ball hitch is rated for towing at up to 45 mph.

The 16 inch pneumatic tires are DOT-approved and give the splitter enough wheel size for a machine of this weight. Once the splitter reaches the pile, the wheels allow short-distance repositioning, but the 465 pound chassis still takes effort to move around the work area.

Side log catchers help keep split pieces on the splitter instead of letting them roll off beside the beam. This is beneficial when a large round produces several pieces. More of the split wood stays within reach as you work through the pile.

Safety Features

Two features help keep the splitter and its logs controlled during operation. Beam locks secure it in either horizontal or vertical operation. The log cradle helps keep the round on the beam as the wedge enters the wood.

Each operating position has its own beam locking mechanism. That matters because the splitter changes position depending on the round being handled. The locks hold the beam in place during operation, including when it is raised for vertical splitting.

The cradle provides similar control for the log. It helps prevent rounds from rolling off the beam when the wedge makes contact. Larger or irregular rounds get more support as the split begins. It also helps keep the wood positioned over the beam instead of falling away from the splitting area.

Maintenance and Support

Engine oil needs to be checked every eight hours or daily. The first oil change is due after five hours, followed by changes at 50 and 100 hours. The air filter also needs regular cleaning.

The hydraulic system has its own service schedule. Champion specifies a hydraulic filter change after the first 50 hours, then every 100 hours or each season. Hydraulic oil follows the same interval. The towable chassis needs attention too, with the wheel bearings scheduled for annual inspection and repacking as needed.

Seasonal storage requires some preparation. Champion recommends cleaning the splitter, retracting the wedge, and protecting the beam and wedge against corrosion. A 2-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support are included. Champion also provides model specific parts information online and access to authorized service centers.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts on the Champion 27 Ton Gas Log Splitter

The Champion 201312 is an excellent log splitter for regular wood splitting where large, heavy rounds are often part of the pile. Its vertical beam is real handy for heavier logs, and the towable design lets you position the machine near the wood. These two features address some of the more difficult parts of processing larger firewood.

Its 27-ton hydraulic system gives the splitter the power to work through knotty rounds and other wood that can put more resistance on the wedge. For smaller rounds or occasional splitting, a lower-tonnage splitter may be all you need. But for larger home firewood jobs involving tough logs, this Champion splitter is an admired choice.

Frequently Asked Questions