Choosing between a Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter machines directly influences:
- Reliability
- Fuel efficiency
- Service life
- Maintenance needs
- And much, much more
It’s not something you can take lightly - but the long and short of it is our log splitters powered by these two engine manufacturers are as dependable and high-performance as it gets! You really can’t go wrong either way. Honda engines tend to be considered “higher end” by a narrow margin, but Kohler brings really impressive performance at a slightly lower price.
We’ll take a closer look at how Honda and Kohler engines compare on log splitting equipment below. But if you’d rather get a personalized recommendation, remember that Equipment Outfitters carries the best log splitters powered by either of these engines. Reach out now!
Pros and Cons of Kohler Engines on Log Splitters
A lot of our gas log splitter brands and models here at Equipment Outfitters are powered by the Kohler Command PRO and CH-series engines. More specifically, the:
- CH270
- CH395
- CH440
These are paired with mid- to high-tonnage hydraulic systems to deliver the necessary torque at working RPM for fast, consistent splitting force. Kohler has been building small engines for commercial turf and construction equipment for decades, so you can trust the reliability.
Pros
- Strong low-RPM torque for hydraulic pump consistency, even with knotty hardwood
- The Commercial Command PRO lineup is constructed with cast-iron cylinder liners and pressurized lubrication
- Easy to get parts through small-engine dealers across North America
- Often paired with electric start options on larger splitter builds
- Generally, a more affordable engine without much compromise on performance/reliability
Cons
- Slightly more vibration than premium Honda GX engines
- Neglecting maintenance shows up faster than on some oversized industrial engines
- Some entry-level Kohler models lack the long service intervals of higher-end engines
Log Splitters We Carry That Use Kohler Engines
Detail K2 log splitters use Kohler engines, and are available in 27-ton, 32-ton, and 40-ton capacities. All offer horizontal/vertical splitting configurations, have heat-treated steel wedges, and two-stage hydraulic pumps for unparalleled performance. They’re also full-beam designs.
For kinetic power, you have two solid options with Kohler engines - the PowerKing 22-ton and 42-ton log splitters. These are made with Kohler Command Pro engines and have 1- to 3-second split times to help you work faster.
Pros and Cons of Honda Engines on Log Splitters
This is the higher-end engine you’ll find on the best log splitters in our lineup. Honda engines are used across premium log splitters, especially GX160, GX200, GX270, and GX390 engines.
Many manufacturers spec Honda engines because they’re better at holding RPM under load, and they tend to be more reliable, starting even after long periods of storage. That matters when a splitter sits unused for months between firewood seasons.
Pros
- GX-series engines run smoother at working RPM, so you can generally expect less vibration through the beam and hydraulic pump
- Easy pull starts and predictable cold-weather starting (with proper maintenance)
- Tight manufacturing tolerances maintain compression over years of heavy use
- Strong resale value since buyers recognize the Honda GX name
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to similar displacement Kohler or CRX engines
- Replacement parts and carburetor assemblies can be more expensive
Log Splitters We Carry That Use Honda Engines
You can’t go wrong with the Iron and Oak 24-ton or 30-ton log splitter we carry here at Equipment Outfitters for Honda power. This also has full-beam frames and commercial-grade hydraulic components for a really long service life.
The Brave Pro Series Horizontal/Vertical log splitters in our lineup also use Honda GX power. These log splitters are available in the following tonnages:
These are some of the top Honda-powered log splitters in the world, available at the lowest prices online exclusively at Equipment Outfitters.
Kohler vs Honda Engine For Log Splitter: Which is Better?
Like we said from the start, you really can’t go wrong picking between a Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter. These are two very dependent choices for residential and commercial-grade log splitting equipment. There are subtle nuances you should know, though.
Reliability and Service Life
We give the slight edge to log splitters powered by Honda engines - particularly the Honda GX160, GX200, GX270, and GX390 engines. These have incredibly tight machining tolerances and retain compression for a really long time. We see GX engines with thousands of hours in rental fleets when oil changes are done on schedule!
That’s not to say Kohler’s engines won’t last a really long time, though. The Command PRO CH270, CH395, and CH440 engines are built for commercial duty as well. They have cast-iron cylinder liners, heavy-duty air filtration systems, and full-pressure lubrication to ensure a long useful life with minimal hiccups along the way.
Either brand will serve you well for years to come - if not longer.
Fuel Efficiency and Run Time Per Tank
Honda GX engines may be slightly more fuel efficient at comparable displacement, especially under moderate load. That really only translates to marginally longer run time per tank on a splitter running a GX200 or GX390, though.
Kohler Command PRO engines are fairly competitive in this aspect of our Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter comparison. Especially the CH395 and CH440 models.
The truth is, fuel efficiency differences are small. They tend to be overshadowed by hydraulic demand and operator workflow. You won’t notice a glaring discrepancy here.
Torque Delivery Under Heavy Splits
Low-end torque is super important when your splitter hits a knotty hardwood round, and the pump loads up. Fortunately, Honda GX and Kohler Command PRO engines both produce strong torque curves for equipment like log splitters.
You might find that Honda engines feel a little smoother as RPM drops under heavy hydraulic pressure. Kohler engines respond fairly well with solid mid-range pull and they recover well once the wedge clears, though.
The key takeaway - neither is going to struggle within its rated tonnage.
Maintenance Intervals and Parts Availability
Honda’s parts availability is one of its biggest advantages over a lot of other engines - and it does have a slight edge over Kohler. Almost any small-engine shop stocks GX air filters, carb kits, and ignition parts. That matters for buyers who maintain their own equipment.
For what it’s worth, though, Kohler parts are readily available too - you just might have a little more trouble sourcing parts for Command PRO components off the shelf at smaller rural shops.
The service schedule itself is similar between brands: oil changes, air filtration checks, and periodic valve adjustments.
Noise and Vibration During Operation
It’s a subtle difference between Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter models, but Honda GX engines usually run slightly smoother at idle and mid-RPM in direct comparisons. That’s because of their internal balancing, which minimizes vibration transferred to the beam and handle area.
Kohler engines produce a slightly deeper exhaust tone. They can feel more mechanical at full load, but most of the perceived difference comes from the splitter frame and engine mounts - not necessarily the engine design alone.
That’s important context. Some brands that use Kohler engines do so because they’re slightly more affordable. These manufacturers are more likely to look for cost-cutting measures elsewhere, too.
Speaking of which…
The Cost Side of Things
Honda-powered log splitters almost always cost more up front. This can be traced back to brand reputation, resale value, and long-standing performance.
Kohler-powered machines cost a little less, but that doesn’t mean they’re “cheaper” by a big margin in terms of performance and reliability. They still deliver commercial-grade durability.
That’s what we want you to remember most from our comparison of the Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter - these are two exceptional brands. You can’t go wrong either way, and the best kinetic log splitter or hydraulic log splitter is just a few clicks away at Equipment Outfitters!
Upgrade Your Workflow With Log Splitters Powered by Kohler and Honda Engines!
We’ve handpicked the top machines from the most trusted brands in the industry, including Detail K2, Brave, Iron & Oak, Boss Industrial, Oregon, and many more. A lot of these brands go above and beyond to source Honda GX and Kohler Command PRO engines.
We back these machines up with world-class customer service from A to Z, with price matching and hassle-free financing available as well.
You’ll find everything from compact homeowner units to high-tonnage machines with horizontal/vertical operation, highway-towable frames, and dual-direction wedges for faster cycle times. You can narrow it down to some of our most popular tonnages below:
- 40-ton log splitter
- 32-ton log splitter
- 25-ton log splitter
- 22-ton log splitter
- 10-ton log splitter
- 7-ton log splitter
These are just a few of the many collections we have in store for you at Equipment Outfitters. Don’t hesitate to connect with our customer service team for one-on-one support if you’re looking for the perfect machine to work smarter!
Closing Thoughts on a Kohler vs Honda Engine For Log Splitter
Choosing between a Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter setups comes down to how you work, how often you split, and what kind of service access you have locally. But frankly, you can’t go wrong either way!
Both engines deliver reliable power when paired with the right hydraulic system, so the better choice is the one that matches your workflow, tonnage needs, and maintenance expectations.
Whether you’re looking for an electric log splitter or a kinetic log splitter, Equipment Outfitters can help you compare real machines side by side so you know exactly what you’re getting before you buy. Talk to our team today!
Frequently asked questions
Which engine is better, Honda or Kohler?
We give a slight edge to the Honda engines on log splitters, but Kohler engines (specifically the Command PRO and 3000 Series) deliver pretty comparable torque and reliability at a more affordable price point. You can’t go wrong either way.
Which Kohler engine to stay away from?
Honestly, there aren’t any Kohler engines you’ll find on log splitters that should be “avoided.” We recommend looking towards Kohler Command PRO or 3000 Series engines.
What are common Kohler engine problems?
Most issues stem from maintenance neglect: dirty carburetors from stale fuel, clogged air filters, or low oil. Ignition coils and fuel pumps can wear out on high-hour units, but these are straightforward repairs with readily available parts. And truthfully, these are issues you’ll experience on any engine that gets put through the wringer.
What is the most reliable log splitter?
We get asked all the time, who makes the best log splitter? Anything from Detail K2, Boss Industrial, Oregon, Brave, or Iron & Oak. Shop the best selection at Equipment Outfitters, whether you want a Kohler vs Honda engine for log splitter!