DeWalt 28 Ton 196cc Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Hydraulic Log Splitter

I rolled the DeWalt 28‑ton splitter onto my shop floor and immediately noticed two things: it’s stout, and it means business. This is a full‑beam, towable hydraulic unit with a vertical/horizontal pivot and an honest 28 tons of force behind a 196 cc Kohler OHV engine. In the 27–30‑ton class, it sits right where I like a homeowner/prosumer splitter to be: enough muscle to tackle ugly hardwood rounds, yet quick enough to make firewood efficiently without feeling like you’re waiting on the hydraulics all day.

Assembly and setup

This machine ships in a big, heavy crate. Plan your uncrating and assembly with a friend, a hoist, or equipment—moving the beam and subframe components solo is a chore. The assembly itself is straightforward and intuitive, but a few steps reward extra care:

• Wheels/bearings: Set the wheel bearing preload correctly. Snug the castle nut to remove play, spin the wheel to seat the bearings, then back the nut off just enough to align the cotter pin. The wheel should spin freely without side‑to‑side slop. Get this wrong and you can cook a bearing in short order.
• Fluids: Engine oil and hydraulic oil are included, which is a welcome touch. After assembling and purging air from the hydraulic system (cycle the ram several times), I needed to top off the hydraulic reservoir to reach the dipstick—don’t be surprised if you add a quart or two. The system holds about 3.7 gallons, and the pump is a 14 GPM two‑stage unit. Kohler recommends 10W‑30; engine oil capacity is 0.63 qt.

Controls are simple: a throttle/choke on the Kohler, a single detented auto‑return valve, and a stout beam latch for switching between horizontal and vertical. The detent on the return stroke is crisp, and the cylinder kicks out of detent reliably at the end of travel.

Performance and cycle time

With fuel in the 0.87‑gallon tank and the choke set, the Kohler typically fires on the first pull. Noise and vibration are what I’d expect for a 6.5 HP unit—present but not punishing—and the governor response is predictable under load. The two‑stage pump transitions cleanly when you ask the wedge to push into tough fibers; you’ll hear the engine note change, but it keeps chugging.

Cycle time is listed at 13 seconds (DeWalt also cites 11.5 seconds elsewhere). In mild weather with warm fluid, I timed round‑trip cycles right around 12 seconds. That’s not “fast‑cycle” splitter territory, but it’s quick enough that, with the auto‑return engaged, I could stage the next piece and stay productive without bottlenecking.

Power is the headline here. In horizontal mode, I split straight‑grained red oak and maple like it was nothing. For crotches and knotty sections, flipping to vertical mode reduces the wrestling match—set the round on the foot plate, square it to the wedge, and let the ram do the work. DeWalt rates maximum log length at 25 inches and diameter up to 30 inches. In practice, anything near that 30‑inch mark belongs in vertical mode. The splitter will pause as the pump drops to the high‑pressure stage, then push through with authority. I didn’t encounter a piece it wouldn’t split; occasionally it took a second bite on truly twisted fibers, which is normal.

Usability and ergonomics

The integrated log table/cradle is a standout. It keeps halves from sliding off the beam and saves your back from chasing pieces to the ground. The work height in horizontal mode is comfortable for average‑height users, and the valve handle feels exactly where my hand wants it—no awkward reach.

The auto‑return detent makes a real difference over a long day. I could initiate return and immediately sort or stage the next piece. Just be conscious of where hands and tools are; “hands‑free” should never mean inattentive.

Switching between horizontal and vertical is quick: pull a latch, pivot the beam, and re‑latch. The pivot and support feel stout. I like to keep a steel wedge or chock handy to stabilize large rounds under the foot plate, especially on uneven ground.

Portability and towing

This is a towable splitter with 16‑inch DOT‑approved pneumatic tires, a 2‑inch ball coupler, and safety chains. The axle and tires are rated for road use (DeWalt calls out up to 45 mph), but remember this isn’t a braked trailer with lights—check your local regulations before towing on public roads. Around the property, the large tires roll easily over gravel and ruts.

Manhandling it by hand is possible for short moves, but the weight is real. If you expect to move it solo often, consider adding a swing‑up jack on the tongue. Hitching to a vehicle is the easiest way to move it any distance. Tongue weight is noticeable but manageable.

Maintenance

• Engine: Follow Kohler’s break‑in—change oil early and keep fresh 10W‑30 on hand. The air filter is easy to access. Keep the carb and linkages clean and it’ll keep first‑pull manners.
• Hydraulics: Check the fluid level after the first few hours once air is fully purged; top off as needed. Inspect hoses and fittings regularly. If your unit includes a return‑line filter (most do), add it to your service schedule. Keep the ram wiped down and avoid nicking the chrome.
• General: After the first 5–10 hours, go through and re‑torque fasteners (beam pivot, wedge, engine mount, axle/hubs). It’s cheap insurance against vibration loosening. Grease zerks as provided.

The steelwork looks robust, welds are clean, and the beam and foot plate show minimal deflection even under a heavy push. I make a habit of inspecting the area around the beam pivot and the foot plate for early signs of stress—especially if you routinely tackle large crotch pieces with side loads—because small issues addressed early never become big ones.

Safety and workflow tips

• Use vertical mode for rounds you can’t lift comfortably; don’t be a hero in horizontal.
• Let the engine recover if you hear it bog; forcing the valve doesn’t make it faster.
• Keep the work area clear of offcuts so you’re not stepping into hazards while reaching for the valve.
• Split to manageable stove lengths before re‑splitting into kindling; the work table makes staging easy.

Specs that matter

• 28 tons of splitting force via a 14 GPM two‑stage pump
• 196 cc (6.5 HP) Kohler OHV engine; CARB and EPA compliant
• Approx. 12‑second real‑world cycle when warm
• Max log length: 25 in.; max diameter: 30 in. (vertical recommended near the limit)
• 3.7‑gal hydraulic capacity; 0.87‑gal fuel tank
• Auto‑return detent; integrated log table/cradle
• 16‑in. DOT‑approved pneumatic wheels; 2‑in. ball coupler with safety chains
• 3‑year limited warranty, plus 1‑year free service and 90‑day money‑back guarantee

What I’d change

• Weight is both its strength and its nuisance. A standard tongue jack would be a small but meaningful upgrade for solo users.
• The manual could spend more time on wheel bearing setup and initial hydraulic fill/purge. Neither is complicated, but both matter.
• Including a small top‑off bottle of hydraulic oil in the crate would save a trip to the store after purging the system.

Who it’s for

If you heat with wood, manage a small woodlot, or batch split several cords a season, the DeWalt 28‑ton splitter hits a sweet spot. It’s overkill for occasional campfire duty and underkill if you’re running a commercial firewood business eight hours a day, but for serious homeowner and farm use, it’s right on target.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 28‑ton splitter. It pairs dependable power with practical features—auto‑return, a genuinely useful log table, horizontal/vertical flexibility—and backs it with a Kohler engine and a solid warranty. The assembly requires some muscle and attention to detail, and you should plan to top off the hydraulic fluid after purging. Once set up, though, it starts easily, splits hard, and keeps a steady workflow with a reasonable cycle time. If you want a durable, towable splitter that can handle large hardwood rounds without drama, this one earns a spot in the shed.