A log splitter apparatus and method for splitting logs includes an upward facing wedge and a shroud secured to the upward facing wedge. The shroud can have a positioning aperture defined therein that is positioned over the upward facing wedge to position an associated log on the upward facing wedge for splitting of the associated log by the upward facing wedge when a downward force is applied to the associated log at an upper end of the associated log that is opposite a downward end positioned at or adjacent the upward facing wedge.

An apparatus and methods for limiting the return stroke and modifying the extension stroke of a log splitter. A control rod is translated in the direction of the return stroke of the log splitter. An effort end of a trip arm coupled to the control rod is moved in the direction of the translation and a load end of the trip arm is moved in the opposite direction. The rotation of the load end causes a control lever of the log splitter to move from its rearward position to an intermediate position thereby stopping the return stroke.

An apparatus and methods for limiting the return stroke and modifying the extension stroke of a log splitter. A control rod is translated in the direction of the return stroke of the log splitter. An effort end of a trip arm coupled to the control rod is moved in the direction of the translation and a load end of the trip arm is moved in the opposite direction. The rotation of the load end causes a control lever of the log splitter to move from its rearward position to an intermediate position thereby stopping the return stroke.

A method of preparing wood for packing comprises: loading wood lengthwise into a conveyor system; conveying the wood pieces one-by-one onto a loading hatch in a predetermined orientation; when a wood piece is fully on the loading hatch, opening the loading hatch and dropping the wood piece in the predetermined orientation into a measuring compartment; repeating the conveying and dropping process so that multiple wood pieces are stacked in the same orientation in the measuring compartment; and, when a required amount of stacked wood is within the measuring compartment, dropping the stacked wood pieces into a packing area.

Utilities (e.g., apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipment such as log splitting apparatuses onto cargo trailers or the like in manners that increase the number of assembled log splitting apparatuses that can be loaded onto the cargo trailers (or otherwise result in more efficient loading of assembled log splitting apparatuses onto the cargo trailers) while facilitating assembled presentation of the log splitting apparatuses after unloading from the cargo trailer.

Utilities (e.g., apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipment such as log splitting apparatuses onto cargo trailers or the like in manners that increase the number of assembled log splitting apparatuses that can be loaded onto the cargo trailers (or otherwise result in more efficient loading of assembled log splitting apparatuses onto the cargo trailers) while facilitating assembled presentation of the log splitting apparatuses after unloading from the cargo trailer.

A bar clamp has a slide bar supporting a movable jaw assembly. The slide bar is supported in a fixed jaw assembly. The fixed jaw assembly includes a drive mechanism for moving the slide bar relative to the fixed jaw assembly. Mechanisms for expanding the capacity of the bar clamp including the use of straps and two slide bars. Specialized jaws are provided where the jaws may be removable from the jaw assemblies. Additional clamping jaws are provided in addition to the movable and fixed jaw assemblies for varying the clamping force applied to a workpiece.

A stroke reducing device for a log splitting apparatus that allows a user to dynamically (e.g., on the fly) adjust the stroke of a splitting assembly of the apparatus based on the length or other dimension of wood being split by the apparatus. Upon the splitting assembly retracting by an amount substantially equal to a desired reduced stroke length, the splitting assembly triggers one or more mechanical links of the stroke reducing device that are engaged with or otherwise interconnected with a trigger (e.g., switch, handle, etc.) of a drive assembly (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, etc.) that is retracting the splitting assembly to manipulate the trigger to deactivate the drive assembly and limit further retraction of the splitting assembly.

A method of preparing a log splitter comprising a first beam supporting a moveable blade configured for splitting logs and a second beam extending between two wheels, the method comprising: elevating the first beam in relation to the second beam while the first beam is connected to the second beam by a rigid element that is pin jointed at a first end to the first beam and at a second end to the second beam; rotating the first beam horizontally about a vertical connection until the first beam is oriented perpendicular to the second beam; and attaching a tow bar beneath the first beam and parallel with the first beam.

A log splitter having an activation lever and a safety lever that defines a pawl configured to engage with a detent associated with the activation lever in an unactivated position so that the activation lever cannot be rotated unless the safety lever is first rotated out of a safety position to remove the pawl from the detent.