DeWalt 32 Ton 227cc Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Hydraulic Log Splitter

I brought the DeWalt 32-ton splitter onto my woodlot to replace my seasonal rental routine, and after several weekends of steady work it’s earned a permanent spot in the shed. It’s a heavy, full-beam, horizontal/vertical unit with a Kohler OHV engine and an auto-return cylinder—classic splitter formula—but the details are what make it succeed (and occasionally frustrate).

What it is and who it’s for

This is a 32-ton, trailerable hydraulic splitter rated to handle logs up to 26 inches long. It pivots from horizontal to vertical so you can roll big, heavy rounds into position instead of muscling them onto a beam. Power comes from a Kohler OHV engine (listed at 9.5 HP); my paperwork referenced 227cc, but the engine tag on my unit read 277cc. Either way, the power on tap is appropriate for the tonnage. The splitter rides on 16-inch D.O.T.-approved tires with a 2-inch ball coupler and an extended tongue that plays nicely with trucks, ATVs, or UTVs. It’s backed by a 3‑year limited warranty, a 1‑year service contract, and a 90‑day money-back guarantee.

If you’re heating with wood, tackling storm cleanup, or feeding a large wood stove or outdoor boiler, this is aimed squarely at you. It’s overkill for occasional backyard campfire duty, and its weight makes it a poor match if you need to hand-maneuver it frequently on tight, soft ground.

Setup and assembly

Mine arrived crated and heavy. This is not a solo lift. I used a hoist to get the beam and engine assembly aligned without drama, and I’d recommend a second set of hands or mechanical assistance. The instructions are adequate but terse in a few spots. One small but appreciated touch: the manual rides in a weatherproof tube/box on the machine, so it’s always with you.

Fluids were included (engine oil and hydraulic oil), but don’t assume “ready to run.” After bleeding the system, I checked the hydraulic dipstick and needed to top off a couple of quarts to eliminate aeration in the return line. It’s a five-minute task that makes a real difference in smoothness and noise. Plan on verifying tire pressure, lug nut torque, and all fasteners while you’re there.

A specific assembly tip that matters: when installing the wheels, tighten the castle nut only enough to take up bearing play while spinning the wheel, then back it off to align the cotter pin. The wheel should spin freely with zero drag. Overtightening here is a quick path to hot hubs and early bearing failure.

Conversion and controls

Switching from horizontal to vertical is simple: pull the pin, swing the beam, re-pin, and you’re ready to roll rounds into place. The base plate is large and stable, and the control lever lands naturally by your right hand in either orientation. In vertical mode, chock the tires and work on reasonably flat ground; the unit is stable, but you don’t want anything creeping when you’re wrestling big wood.

The auto-return on the cylinder is a clear productivity win. Once a split completes, I bump the lever to retract and use those seconds to clear halves or stage the next round. It cuts idle time and feels safer than hovering over the control.

Power and splitting performance

In use, the splitter delivers what its rating suggests: confident, low-RPM power that doesn’t flinch at tough grain. I ran a mix of seasoned red oak, fresh maple, and a few stringy elm rounds. Straight-grained pieces pop with a single push; gnarlier knots and crotch wood can slow the stroke, but I had no stalls. If I loaded down the wedge on stubborn pieces, easing off for a second let the engine catch up and the pump deliver full pressure again.

The 26-inch length capacity covers the vast majority of firewood cuts. In vertical mode, diameter becomes the practical limit—if you can tip it upright and roll it, you can usually split it. I appreciated that I didn’t have to lift every heavy piece waist-high; rolling a 200-pound round into place and working it down the middle is far kinder on the back.

Cycle speed and workflow

DeWalt doesn’t list a cycle time here, and I’m not going to guess a number, but the pace is solid for a 32-ton machine. It’s not a lightning-fast, small-cylinder “production” splitter, nor is it a lumbering beast that leaves you waiting. With the auto-return, I found a rhythm that kept me moving without rushing: split, retract, clear, repeat. For one- or two-person crews, it’s an efficient tempo that favors consistency over outright speed.

Build quality and durability

The frame, beam, and wedge are beefy where they need to be, with clean welds and proper hardware sizing. After a few cords, nothing has shifted or loosened beyond standard break-in tweaks. Still, I always inspect the stress points: the beam pivot, the tongue/engine mount junction, and the wedge channel. That’s where high loads and vibration live on any splitter, and an occasional once-over is cheap insurance.

One practical note: this machine is heavy. That’s good for longevity and splitting stability, less good for hand maneuvering. You’ll want it hitched to move any real distance, and even lining up to the ball by hand takes some muscle. The extended tongue helps with backing and tight turns, but plan your workflow to minimize dragging it around the yard.

Towing and mobility

With D.O.T.-approved 16-inch tires and a 2-inch coupler, road towing is straightforward. The wheel rating notes up to 45 mph; I kept my speeds conservative and had no issues. The extended tongue behaves well behind a truck and makes ATV/UTV towing more comfortable—less chance of jackknifing and more clearance around brush. As always, check local requirements for lighting and safety chains before hitting public roads.

Maintenance and day-to-day care

The Kohler OHV engine has been a bright spot: first-pull starts when cold, easy warm restarts, and no hunting at idle. It’s quiet for its size class, without the tinny resonance some small engines produce. Keep up with the initial oil change, keep the air filter clean in dusty conditions, and glance at the hydraulic hoses and fittings at the start of each day. The auto-return detent is positive and hasn’t drifted; a dab of grease on pivots and the beam’s wear surfaces keeps the action smooth.

Quirks worth knowing

• Engine displacement paperwork vs. engine tag: mine was inconsistent (227cc in documentation, 277cc on the engine). The seat-of-the-pants takeaway is that power is appropriate for the tonnage; I never felt underpowered.
• Hydraulic oil level matters: top it off after initial bleeding to avoid foaming and chattering.
• Assembly is not trivial: budget time, lifting help, and attention to bearing preload on the wheels.
• Weight is both a virtue and a hassle: great for splitting stability, tough for frequent repositioning by hand.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 32-ton splitter hits the right balance of power, pace, and practicality for serious residential use. It has the grunt to open up tough, knotted hardwood, the flexibility to go vertical for back-saving big rounds, and the road manners to move between sites without drama. The auto-return cylinder and sensible control layout make it easy to settle into a productive rhythm, and the Kohler engine’s manners are exactly what you want on a long splitting day.

It’s not perfect. The machine’s sheer mass makes setup and repositioning a chore without a hitch, the documentation could be clearer in a few assembly steps, and you’ll likely need to top off hydraulic fluid after bleeding. I also recommend routine inspections of high-stress weld areas and the beam pivot—smart practice on any high-tonnage splitter.

Recommendation: I recommend the DeWalt 32-ton splitter for homeowners and landowners who process substantial hardwood and want near-commercial muscle without stepping into full pro pricing. It’s powerful, stable, and thoughtfully equipped for real-world work, provided you’re prepared for a heavy machine and a careful setup. If you value portability above all else or you split only a small amount of softwood each season, a lighter, faster-cycling unit may fit better. For everyone else, this is a reliable, long-term splitter that earns its keep.