How to Rent a Log Splitter

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Winter's coming, and your fireplace is ready. You went to the forest and came back with a truckload of wood. There's just one problem. Some of the chunks are too large to fit in your fireplace. You need a log splitter.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Decide what size log splitter you need and whether you want a gasoline, electric or tractor powered log splitter. For hardwoods, you will need a splitter that is rated higher in tonnage than for soft. Most rental stores only keep a heavy-duty splitter on hand. Estimate how long you will need the splitter.

Step2

Do an Internet search for equipment rental stores near you, or look in the phone directory yellow pages under Rental Service Stores. Call several stores in your area and ask for rates, availability, delivery and return and choose the best deal.

Step3

Reserve the log splitter over the phone with a credit card for the length of time you need.

Step4

Review the rental contract when you take custody of the splitter to make sure the terms are as agreed.

Step5

Note any damage to the splitter when you take custody so you will not get charged for it later and don't accept a splitter that has more than minor scratches. Ask about safety and maintenance precautions.

Tips & Warnings

Some stores will let you pick the splitter up at midday and keep it until the store opens the next morning for a half-day rate, or you can take it out at closing time on Saturday and keep it the rest of the weekend for the price of one day.
Always wear steel toed shoes, eye, ear and hand protection when using a wood splitter.