YARDMAX Half Beam Log Splitter Vs Full Beam 35 Ton

Price the Yardmax Half Beam Log Splitter on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2oLrxsQ
Price the Yardmax Full Beam Log Splitter on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2oOGd8Z
Full or Half Beam? - Our team has had long discussions about ergonomics and log splitters. Back in the day, when burning wood for heat was very popular, we would build our own log splitters that were run off the hydraulics of a tractor. The log splitter was built to our liking and they were much different from the gas powered models we see today. After our review of the Yardmax Full Beam Log Splitter, there was a lot of discussion on how it was designed and why. Not long after, we were able to use a Yardmax Half Beam at an expo and we felt much more at home with the half beam. We were able to get closer to the unit without tripping over tires, the control lever was in the same position the old models we built were and there is less height to lift the logs on to the table when working in the horizontal position.

In our opinion and at our age, working with either the half or full beam log splitter in the vertical position is not ideal. We will say that the half beam is much more ergonomic in the vertical position, but the tables on either is too small for this work and you much lift the log up four inches on the table and hold it against the beam. If it has to be done, we used some scrap lumber to try to make the area a bit more level to the smaller table to make vertical splitting easier on your back.

Both of these units are available on Amazon and come shipped in a wooden box. Assembly is pretty simple, especially with the half beam.

YARDMAX YU3566 35 Ton Full Beam Gas Log Splitter, 4-way wedge, Briggs & Stratton, CR1450, 10.5HP, 306cc

YARDMAX YS3567 35 Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter, 4-way wedge, Briggs & Stratton, CR1450, 10.5HP, 306cc

Traditional Looks

When traveling, the full beam style log splitter seems to be the unit that is most popular. This has to be because people see the longer beam and the looks of more strength, because if you had an opportunity to use both side by side, we do not feel you would choose the full beam. The big difference in construction is the location of the attachment to the beam. On the half beam there are large pins welded to the cylinder holding it to a shorter beam. The wedge and the cylinder connection are close, allowing for less flex or twist. On the full beam the cylinder end is held to the beam and the wedge is the stabilizer. There is more chance for flex and twist because of the distance between the connections.

The positioning of the hydraulic oil tank is what makes a big difference in use. The full beam has the tank surrounding the axle of the unit while the half beam uses the center rail under the beam to hold the oil. That allows the half beam to be narrow and the full beam to be just wide enough to have you tripping over the rear tire. To be clear, this is not just the design of the Yardmax log splitters, it is all the brands.

The control lever on the half beam is straight up, not letting you notice that the log table is two inches lower. The vertical control lever is easier to use in the horizontal and vertical positions and allows for more option on where you can stand than the lever mounted on the right hand side.

Over The Top?

While we feel strongly on what model we would use, many people do not notice the items that we are talking about. The full beam is not a bad log splitter, in fact, is you plan to tow your splitter around a lot, it might be a better choice. We are two guys that spent months next to a log splitter in our younger years and have strong opinions on how these should be. After a long day of work, your back will tell you if you are working with an ergonomic log splitter or not!