Champion 7-Ton Gas Log Splitter Review

Champion Power Equipment brings forth the Champion 7-Ton Gas Log Splitter (90720) as a splitter that puts portability ahead of splitting force. Its lightweight, low-profile design gives it the edge when it comes to portability and loading logs with ease.

But with only 7 tons of splitting power, it has less reserve than a higher tonnage splitter for when a log puts up serious resistance. So what splitting jobs can this small splitter handle well and where does it fall short? This review reveals all.

Key Features

• Two-stage hydraulic pump
• Automatic ram return
• Integrated log cradle
• Low-profile frame
• Skewed splitting wedge

Splitting Performance

The splitting performance of the Champion 90720 is better than one would expect from a 7-ton splitter. It has the capacity for logs up to 19.3 inches long and 50 pounds. The 7-ton ram can handle a wide range of diameters when the wood does not offer excessive resistance. A large round of easy-splitting wood can require less force than a smaller round of dense or knotty wood.

It performs best with seasoned softwoods and other low-resistance woods. Champion’s hardness guide places pine, fir, spruce, poplar and aspen toward the easier end of the scale. The splitter has a skewed wedge, so it can also split through hard wood. Reports of it splitting oak, hickory and ash show that its 7-ton rating does not restrict it to softer species. The result can vary a lot between individual rounds.

The limits become more apparent when the wood offers greater resistance. Green hardwood generally requires more force than seasoned wood. Dense species put greater demands on the wedge, and knots or twisted grain can make a round harder to split. Choosing a more powerful splitter is recommended if green wood is a regular part of the workload.

Large rounds become more challenging when their size is combined with dense wood, knots or twisted grain. A wide round with straight grain may split without much difficulty. A round of similar diameter with difficult grain can demand considerably more force. The machine can manage occasional tough pieces, but it has less reserve when the resistance remains high.

Engine and Cycle Time

Powering the Champion 90720 is a 79cc four-stroke OHV engine. The engine is paired with the 7-ton hydraulic system. Its 3 GPM, 2-stage pump provides higher flow when the ram is moving freely, then shifts to high pressure when the wedge encounters tougher wood.

A hydraulic cycle takes 20 seconds, including the ram’s forward stroke and return. That is average for a gas log splitter in the 7-ton class. The speed is adequate for routine firewood preparation, but processing a large pile will take longer than it would with a faster cycling model.

Log Loading and Operation

The low loading height is one of the Champion 90720’s more distinctive features. Its beam sits close to the ground, reducing how high logs need to be lifted before splitting. This can make heavier rounds easier to position. The downside is that loading round after round involves more bending.

Due to its horizontal only design, each round needs to be lifted onto the beam before it can be split. An integrated log cradle helps support the round and keeps it positioned near the wedge during operation. This design keeps the loading process simple, but the low beam height is still a factor when processing a large number of logs.

Moving and Positioning

The splitter is designed to be moved by hand rather than towed. At 148 pounds, it is manageable to move on level ground, but slopes and uneven surfaces will require more effort.

Its 10-inch solid wheels do not need inflation and cannot be punctured. That removes one maintenance issue that comes with pneumatic tires.

The 23.6-inch width and low 18.1-inch height make the splitter easier to get through narrower access points and into low storage spaces. Its compact size is beneficial when moving it through a gate or storing it in a shed or garage.

Assembly and Setup

The Champion 90720 requires some assembling before it is ready to use. Assembling it is rather easy and takes only about 50-60 mins on average.

Assembly involves attaching the wheels and support leg, securing the beam, engine and hydraulic cylinder, then fitting the handle and connecting the hydraulic hoses. The beam is heavy, so Champion recommends having at least two people handle it.

Watch Champion’s official assembly video for the 90720:

Maintenance and Support

The main maintenance tasks required involve the engine and hydraulic system. The engine needs routine attention to its oil, air filter and spark plug, along with the usual servicing required by a four-stroke engine. The hydraulic system has separate oil checks and change intervals.

This splitter is not fitted with a hydraulic filter. So keeping the hydraulic oil in good condition and following the recommended change intervals is particularly important. The work remains within the scope of routine owner maintenance and does not require specialist help.

Champion provides a two-year limited warranty for household use, plus free lifetime technical support. Model-specific manuals and parts information are also available, making it easier to follow servicing instructions and source replacement parts.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts on the Champion 7-Ton Gas Log Splitter

The Champion 90720 is a rare log splitter as it exceeds many people’s expectations for what its capable of for its small size and 7-ton rating. It can split through a wide range of different woods, including many hardwoods, but its limits become clearer with green hardwood, dense knotty rounds and heavily twisted grain.

That makes this splitter an excellent choice for splitting wood for home use when portability matters as much as splitting capability. It has enough splitting force for a surprisingly broad range of wood types without becoming a heavy machine that is difficult to move.

Frequently Asked Questions