A log splitter includes a chassis having a support table configured to support a log to be split, a splitter screw having a generally conical shape and mounted to a rotatable screw shaft that is supported by the chassis, and a drive assembly configured to rotate the shaft to impart rotational movement to the splitter screw about a screw axis. The drive assembly includes a motor coupled to the screw shaft via a constant velocity transmission (CVT) (also known as continuously variable transmission). The CVT can provide both high speed and high torque during the splitting process as required to split the log. A fall restriction bar helps restrict a person from accidentally falling onto the splitter screw. An engine-kill bar is pivotally mounted to the chassis. A log-rotation stop mechanism is configured to restrict rotation of a log that gets stuck on the splitter screw.

Disclosed herein is a portable wood log splitter comprising a power unit and a work tool. The power unit comprises an engine and a gear box while the work tool comprises a drive shaft having a spreading mechanism and a splitting threaded cone. In some embodiments, the work tool is releasable from an output shaft of the gear box. The drive shaft of the work tool is hollow and provided with a thread on the outer circumference to drive the spreading mechanism. A nut with a toothed disc resides on the thread and able to shift in the axial direction of the drive shaft rotation axis due to rotation of the drive shaft. In operation, the splitting threaded cone is driven by force of the power unit to initially fracture a log, then using the spreading mechanism, the portions of the split log are fully separated under power.

Disclosed herein is a portable wood log splitter comprising a power unit and a work tool. The power unit comprises an engine and a gear box while the work tool comprises a drive shaft having a spreading mechanism and a splitting threaded cone. In some embodiments, the work tool is releasable from an output shaft of the gear box. The drive shaft of the work tool is hollow and provided with a thread on the outer circumference to drive the spreading mechanism. A nut with a toothed disc resides on the thread and able to shift in the axial direction of the drive shaft rotation axis due to rotation of the drive shaft. In operation, the splitting threaded cone is driven by force of the power unit to initially fracture a log, then using the spreading mechanism, the portions of the split log are fully separated under power.

Disclosed herein is a portable wood log splitter comprising a power unit and a work tool. The power unit comprises an engine and a gear box while the work tool comprises a drive shaft having a spreading mechanism and a splitting threaded cone. In some embodiments, the work tool is releasable from an output shaft of the gear box. The drive shaft of the work tool is hollow and provided with a thread on the outer circumference to drive the spreading mechanism. A nut with a toothed disc resides on the thread and able to shift in the axial direction of the drive shaft rotation axis due to rotation of the drive shaft. In operation, the splitting threaded cone is driven by force of the power unit to initially fracture a log, then using the spreading mechanism, the portions of the split log are fully separated under power.

Disclosed herein is a portable wood log splitter comprising a power unit and a work tool. The power unit comprises an engine and a gear box while the work tool comprises a drive shaft having a spreading mechanism and a splitting threaded cone. In some embodiments, the work tool is releasable from an output shaft of the gear box. The drive shaft of the work tool is hollow and provided with a thread on the outer circumference to drive the spreading mechanism. A nut with a toothed disc resides on the thread and able to shift in the axial direction of the drive shaft rotation axis due to rotation of the drive shaft. In operation, the splitting threaded cone is driven by force of the power unit to initially fracture a log, then using the spreading mechanism, the portions of the split log are fully separated under power.

A log splitter tool preferably includes a splitter portion and a drive portion. The splitter portion includes a modified cone shape with a concave curved profile formed on a side. A cross section of the cone shape preferably has a twisting three-lobe shape. A helical three-lobe contact thread is formed in the modified cone outer surface. The three-lobe contact thread preferably has angular spacing between each lobe of greater or less than 120-degrees. The three-lobe contact thread preferably has a constant pitch. The size of each thread preferably decreases in size from a bottom of the modified cone to a top of thereof. A top of the modified cone is preferably terminated with a self-drilling tip. The drive portion extends from a bottom of the cone portion. A second embodiment preferably includes a drive shaft rotatably retained in a handle.

A log splitter tool preferably includes a splitter portion and a drive portion. The splitter portion includes a modified cone shape with a concave curved profile formed on a side. A cross section of the cone shape preferably has a twisting three-lobe shape. A helical three-lobe contact thread is formed in the modified cone outer surface. The three-lobe contact thread preferably has angular spacing between each lobe of greater or less than 120-degrees. The three-lobe contact thread preferably has a constant pitch. The size of each thread preferably decreases in size from a bottom of the modified cone to a top of thereof. A top of the modified cone is preferably terminated with a self-drilling tip. The drive portion extends from a bottom of the cone portion. A second embodiment preferably includes a drive shaft rotatably retained in a handle.

A combination splitter and grapple for engaging, holding and transporting a log or group of logs or other material, and for splitting or otherwise breaking the log(s) into smaller pieces. The combination grapple and splitter is useful for processing firewood, tree services, mulch yards, land clearing, wood fuel processing, biomass, or other purposes.

A combination splitter and grapple for engaging, holding and transporting a log or group of logs or other material, and for splitting or otherwise breaking the log(s) into smaller pieces. The combination grapple and splitter is useful for processing firewood, tree services, mulch yards, land clearing, wood fuel processing, biomass, or other purposes.