The log splitter rental cost can add up pretty quickly. You’d save money by owning a log splitter before you know it, depending on how often you’re using the machine. So how much does it cost to rent a log splitter, and at what exact point does purchasing a splitter make more sense?
As you can probably imagine, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer on log splitter rental pricing. It depends on the specific type of splitter you rent, how long you need it for, and where you’re renting it. It’s typical to pay over $100 per day, though.
The truth is, most people find that buying a log splitter makes more sense if they use it a few times a year. You’ll own the equipment for years to come, and it’ll save you money in the long run. You’ll also get way more convenience from owning your equipment.
We’ll weigh options (renting vs buying) and more importantly, help you determine which type of log splitter you need. After all, Equipment Outfitters is your one-stop shop for an electric log splitter, kinetic log splitter, skid steer log splitter, or gas log splitter! Reach out now.
Key Takeaways
- It can cost anywhere from $60 to $100+ a day to rent a log splitter.
- That’s easily $500 a year if you rent a splitter a few days at a time, three times a year.
- At a certain point, owning your log splitter makes more financial AND practical sense.
- We can help you weigh the pros and cons (and pricing) of renting vs buying.
- Equipment Outfitters stocks the best brands at the lowest prices online, with world-class service and hassle-free financing options.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Log Splitter?
So how much does it cost to rent a log splitter on average? That’s the problem - there’s not necessarily “an average” price we can give you without knowing more about your rental needs.
How long will you need the splitter for?
Where are you located?
What size and type of splitter are you renting?
Those are the big three factors to consider in estimating your log splitter rental cost.
Small electric or low-tonnage models typically rent for $40-$60 per day. Mid-sized gas hydraulic splitters in the 20-25 ton range typically run $75-$100 per day. Larger towable splitters (30 tons and up) usually cost $100-$150 per day, with weekly rates landing around $300-$450.
Those numbers don’t always include fuel, delivery, or damage coverage, either. Your best bet is to connect with a rental provider in your city or county for a more personalized quote. Or, narrow it down to a more specific type of log splitter. We’ll help you do that below.
Factors Influencing the Log Splitter Rental Cost
The biggest things that shape what you’ll pay to rent a log splitter include how long you need the machine, how powerful it is, and what extra services are involved.
Rental Length
Daily rates are the most expensive on a per-day basis. A splitter that rents for $90 per day may drop to $250-$300 for a full week. Weekend rentals often fall somewhere in between.
Splitter Size and Tonnage
Size matters! So, ask yourself first - what size log splitter do I need?
Smaller electric or 10-15 ton units cost less because they’re lighter and easier to move. They’re also the most affordable style for rental companies to secure themselves.
Mid-range 20-25 ton splitters cost more but bring you more capacity. As you can imagine, 30-40 ton splitters are the most expensive with heavier frames and towing requirements.
Type of Log Splitter
Electric splitters are cheaper to rent and cheaper to run, but they’re limited to smaller rounds. Gas hydraulic splitters cost more but are far more versatile. You can compare the electric vs gas log splitter in our blog if you want to learn more.
There are also kinetic splitters. These are less common in rental fleets, so you’ll pay a premium to rent one of these in most cases. The best kinetic log splitter can save you time, though.
Local Availability and Season
Where you live plays a bigger role in the log splitter rental cost than you may imagine. Limited inventory can lead to surge pricing. Prices are usually higher in the fall and winter when demand peaks. You might be able to save some cash by getting a head start on your firewood prep.
Delivery, Fuel, and Damage Fees
Delivery typically adds $50-$150 each way. Fuel is often not included, and damage waivers can add another $10-$25 per day. These extras can quickly turn a $100 rental into a $200 bill.
Does it Make More Sense to Buy a Log Splitter?
Renting can work for a one-off job. Buying starts to make more sense once splitting becomes a recurring task throughout the year, though. Even if you only use a log splitter twice a year, it might make more financial sense to own your machine over the course of a decade or two.
How Often You Actually Split Wood
Two or three weekend rentals per year often cost the same as buying a basic homeowner splitter outright. Anyone processing firewood annually (or after every storm) will arrive at the break-even point faster than they guessed they would.
Total Rental Cost Over a Season
Once you know how often you need to rent a machine, you can work backwards to figure out your total log splitter rental cost over the course of a season.
Three weekends a year easily puts you in the $300-$450 range before fuel, delivery, or damage fees. That doesn’t sound crazy, but add it up over the next five years - you’re paying well over $1,500!
Our most affordable log splitters start at less than $600, and even some of our more rugged commercial-grade machines cost less than $2,000.
Convenience vs Scheduling Pressure
Rentals lock you into someone else’s clock. You’re rushing to finish before return deadlines, working around weather, and hoping the machine you need is available.
Owning means splitting when logs are ready, when the ground is frozen, or when you have an hour to kill. You get way more freedom and flexibility, and that alone can be worth investing in your own equipment in some cases.
Storage and Transport
Don’t just run the numbers on budget, though. Think about what’s more practical in terms of storage as well. You need to keep the machine on your property year-round when you own it, and that might mean dedicating space in your shed, garage, or shop.
Where to Rent Log Splitters Near You
If you decide that you’re going to bite the bullet and pay the log splitter rental cost, you’ll want to get quotes from a few local providers. So where should you start looking? Type in “log splitter rental near me” and see what pops up.
Home Depot commonly rents this type of equipment. Other big names you’ll come across include United Rentals, All Star Rentals, Sun Coast Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and more.
Get a Machine That Pays For Itself at Equipment Outfitters
If you decide to buy a machine instead of renting it, look no further than Equipment Outfitters. The best log splitter is just a click or call away. We’ve handpicked the top models from the most respected brands in the industry, including:
- Oregon
- Brave
- Iron & Oak
- Detail K2
- And more!
So, who makes the best log splitter? Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you narrow it down to a specific model based on the type of wood you’re splitting, where you plan on splitting it, and your budget.
Our lineup covers everything from compact electric splitters to full-beam, towable gas models built for seasonal firewood production. You get clear specs, honest guidance, and the lowest pricing online. Take the next step today.
Closing Thoughts on the Log Splitter Rental Cost
So, how much does it cost to rent a log splitter? We hope this guide has left you feeling clear and confident in whether the log splitter rental cost exceeds that of ownership over the long run or not. A lot of property owners find that it makes more sense to own their equipment at a certain point.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own, though. We can help you compare real rental numbers against ownership costs. If we decide that it does make more sense to buy a machine outright, we can discuss financing and point you in the right direction.
It all starts with a conversation. Get in touch today and work smarter with the right log splitter!