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Find your manual: log splitter manuals (find yours by brand)
Table of Contents
Quick verdict (pick the right Honda-powered NorthStar)
- Best for most people: NorthStar 24-Ton (Honda GX160) – plenty of force for typical home firewood, lighter than the bigger frames, still does horizontal/vertical.
- Best “middle ground” upgrade: NorthStar 30-Ton (Honda GX200) – more splitting force than the 24-ton while keeping horizontal/vertical operation.
- Best for big rounds (save your back): NorthStar 37-Ton with Log Lift (Honda GX390) – the only one here with a hydraulic log lift (rated to lift up to 340 lb), bigger log capacity, but horizontal-only and much heavier.
Top pick: NorthStar 24-Ton (GX160)
Comparison table (verified specs)
| Model | Splitting force | Engine | Orientation | Cycle time | Max log length | Max log diameter | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthStar 24-Ton Item #110800 |
24 ton | Honda GX160 (160cc) | Horizontal / Vertical | 13 sec | 25 in | 16 in | 490 lb (dry) | Most homeowners, regular firewood, want Honda reliability without a huge chassis |
| NorthStar 30-Ton Item #110900 |
30 ton | Honda GX200 (200cc) | Horizontal / Vertical | 14 sec | 25 in | 16 in | 530 lb (dry) | More force than the 24-ton, but still want horizontal/vertical versatility |
| NorthStar 37-Ton (Log Lift) Item #11968 |
37 ton | Honda GX390 (389cc) | Horizontal only | 13 sec | 31 in | 24 in | 1000 lb (ship) | Big rounds, higher volume work, anyone who wants a log lift to save their back |
1) Overall winner: NorthStar 24-Ton Horizontal/Vertical (Honda GX160) (Item #110800)
If you want the best log splitter with a Honda engine for typical home firewood, this is usually the sweet spot. You still get horizontal/vertical splitting, strong force, and a fast cycle time, without stepping up to the heavier 30- and 37-ton frames.
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Why pick the 24-ton over the 30- or 37-ton?
- Best balance for most people: plenty of splitting force for home firewood without the bulk of the log-lift 37-ton.
- Fast cycle time: 13 seconds (and it keeps vertical splitting).
2) Best middle ground: NorthStar 30-Ton Horizontal/Vertical (Honda GX200) (Item #110900)
This is the upgrade path if you know you want more force than the 24-ton, but you don’t want to jump to the much larger horizontal-only log-lift machine.
Check price & availability (Amazon)
Why pick the 30-ton?
- More splitting force than the 24-ton while keeping horizontal/vertical operation.
- Strong all-rounder if you routinely deal with tougher species or larger rounds.
3) Best for big rounds: NorthStar 37-Ton Horizontal with Log Lift (Honda GX390) (Item #11968)
This is the “big momma” option, and importantly, it’s the log-lift model. If you’re handling heavy rounds, the hydraulic log lift (rated up to 340 lb) can be the difference between getting the job done and wrecking your back.
Check price & availability (Amazon)
Tradeoffs to know
- Horizontal only (no vertical splitting).
- Much heavier than the 24- and 30-ton models, so plan your storage and towing realistically.
Related guides (to help you choose)
- NorthStar 24 Ton log splitter review
- Northern Tool (NorthStar) log splitters guide
- Best log splitters (comprehensive guide)
FAQ
Does Honda make a log splitter?
No, Honda makes engines (like the GX160, GX200, and GX390), but the log splitters themselves are built by other manufacturers who use Honda engines.
Is a Honda engine worth it on a log splitter?
If you want reliability, easy starting, and long-term parts support, Honda GX-series engines are a strong choice. The right model still depends on your log size, volume, and whether you want vertical splitting or a log lift.
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