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Find your manual: log splitter manuals (find yours by brand)
Quick verdict
- Best for most people: NorthStar 24-ton H/V (Honda GX160) the sweet spot for typical home firewood.
- Best upgrade: NorthStar 30-ton H/V (Honda GX200) more force while keeping vertical splitting.
- Best for big rounds: NorthStar 37-ton horizontal with log lift (Honda GX390) heavier, horizontal-only, but the log lift saves your back.
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Who makes NorthStar log splitters?
NorthStar is a Northern Tool + Equipment house brand. When people say Northern Tool log splitter theyre often talking about NorthStar models sold through Northern Tool.
Comparison table (the models people actually shop)
| Model | Splitting force | Engine | Orientation | Cycle time | Max log length | Max log diameter | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthStar 24-ton Item #110800 |
24 ton | Honda GX160 (160cc) | Horizontal / Vertical | 13 sec | 25 in | 16 in | Best value for most homeowners |
| NorthStar 30-ton Item #110900 |
30 ton | Honda GX200 (200cc) | Horizontal / Vertical | 14 sec | 25 in | 16 in | More force, keeps vertical splitting |
| NorthStar 37-ton (log lift) Item #11968 |
37 ton | Honda GX390 (389cc) | Horizontal only | 13 sec | 31 in | 24 in | Hydraulic log lift (rated up to 340 lb) |
The best Northern Tool (NorthStar) log splitters
#1 NorthStar 37-ton horizontal log splitter with log lift (GX390) (Item #11968)
This is the heavy-duty option and the only one here with a hydraulic log lift. If youre handling big rounds, the lift is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
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- Best for: big rounds, higher-volume splitting, back-saving workflow
- Tradeoff: horizontal-only and much heavier
#2 NorthStar 30-ton horizontal/vertical log splitter (GX200) (Item #110900)
The best middle ground. You get more force than the 24-ton model while still being able to split vertically when rounds get heavy.
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#3 NorthStar 24-ton horizontal/vertical log splitter (GX160) (Item #110800)
For many homeowners, this is the practical buy once option: Honda reliability, vertical splitting, and strong performance without the bulk of the 37-ton log-lift unit.
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How to choose the right NorthStar model
- If you mostly split typical fireplace rounds: start with 24-ton.
- If you hit knotty hardwood and want more margin: 30-ton is the upgrade.
- If you work with big, heavy rounds regularly: 37-ton log lift is worth it.