Introduction
Boss Industrial Log Splitter EC5T20 sports a 1300 watt, 1.8HP electric motor that is capable of generating 2700 PSI (pounds per inch) log splitting pressure. It’s a horizontal log splitter that can handle maximum log length and diameter up to 20.5 inches and 10 inches respectively. It can be run using household electricity.
Assembly
Like most other log splitters of its class, EC5T20 comes fully assembled. You just need to screw in the operating handle.
Design and features
It is compact and low profile (40x12x20 inches) and weighs only 107 lbs. It is easy to move and fits in the trunk of any car. The log splitter is only 20 inches in height. You will have to work in a sitting position to split logs with it. In one hand, though this will save you much effort of lifting logs; on the other hand, splitting woods in a sitting position is often not an optimal way to do it, as you will have to move every few seconds to put logs on the splitter. It would have been nice if EC5T20 came with some stand. However, since it doesn’t, you may want to put it on a table for
It is too small for towing with a car. The wheels didn’t feel sturdy enough given the weight they are to carry. But they will be okay if you are going to move it on a
The power cord that comes with it is 5.5 feet in length. As mentioned earlier EC5T20 can be run using household electricity (110-volt). Being an electric log splitter you can’t leave it outside and expose it to water or wet condition.
It doesn’t come with any log cradle. Logs fall on the ground after
Running the Boss Industrial Log Splitter EC5T20
Operating EC5T20 is child’s play. You just need to plug it in, and then push the start button on the motor. However, before splitting logs with EC5T20, you should loosen the hydraulic vent plug a couple of turns and let the ram feed and retract twice or thrice to repel any trapped air in the hydraulic system. You can feed the ram pushing down the operating handle. Once the ram reaches the wedge end, release it. The ram will auto-retract. Once you are done with splitting logs, remember to tighten the vent plug.
Performance
We tested EC5T20 with seasoned, semi-seasoned, and green rounds of Pine, Oak, Cedar, Ash, and Maple. The rounds were 6 to 12 inches in diameter. EC5T20 was able to split the rounds without a problem except for the 12-inch Oak round. It also failed to split a knotty birch round that was 10
Boss Industrial Log Splitter EC5T20 takes about 16.5 seconds to complete a cycle (11 seconds for feed and 5 seconds for retreat). But for hardwood and knotty rounds, it might take slightly more time. If you split mostly clean logs, you can expect to get a pleasant experience with this log splitter. It will take you about 40 minutes to split one cord of wood.
Also, more often than not, the EC5T20 fails to fully split the logs. In those cases, you will have to separate the wood chips manually.
On the good side, EC5T20 stood still and didn’t vibrate much or made that much of noise either.
EC5T20 is operated by a single hand, which is more natural, convenient and effective. However, it can also be a safety issue, particularly for the first time users. Make sure you keep your other hand away from the ram and the wedge.
Conclusion
EC5T20 has decent power for residential log splitting needs. It will be able to split most clean logs with diameter up to 12 inches. It doesn’t make much noise, so you can safely use it in your backyard without troubling your neighbors. Boss 5-ton electric log splitter can be run by household electricity. It only consumes 1300 Watt of electricity. However, you can further save on electricity by using a 4-way wedge.
Pros
Fast for residential purposes. Easily splits clean logs up to 12 inches in diameter. Uses 1300 Watt household electricity. Compact, fits in the
Cons
Boss Industrial Log Splitter EC5T20 Doesn’t have enough power to split knotty rounds that are even 10-inches in diameter, especially true for hardwood like Elm. No log cradles. More often than not, it fails to split all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the maximum log diameter that it can split?
Ans: Maximum log diameter can vary depending on the wetness of the wood, age of cut etc. It is rated to split logs up to 10 inches in diameter. But it can handle 12 inches logs that are clean.
Q. What about the warranty?
Ans: It comes with a 2-year warranty for residential and 6-month warranty for commercial use.
Q. Where is it made?
Ans: It’s made in China like most other splitters.
