Whether you need a winter’s supply for a wood-burning furnace, a smaller stockpile for a cozy fireplace, or a convenient stack for an outdoor firepit, renting equipment for firewood can help you cut, split, and haul all the wood you need. But which tools are best, and why is renting a good option?

Why Rent Equipment for Firewood

The tools that make harvesting firewood – different types of saws, splitters, and processors – can be quite expensive to purchase. Furthermore, once you own them, you need to store and maintain them properly, including sharpening, lubrication, and small engine repairs. If you rent the equipment, however, you will always have access to upgraded, more efficient tools in proper working condition, without any storage or maintenance requirements. This is especially convenient if you only need a small or moderate supply of firewood, as it makes better financial sense to rent the gear if you will only be using it a few days each year.

Tools for Harvesting Firewood

There are a number of tools that can be rented to process firewood, and the right tools to choose will depend on the amount and type of wood to be processed as well as your experience with the tools. The equipment that can help make chopping and splitting firewood less of a chore includes…

• Firewood Processors – These large-scale machines typically include integrated splitting and can handle massive logs of longer lengths. This is ideal for large jobs such as lot clearing, but the equipment does require more than one operator and is not generally recommended for a novice. Some rental companies may offer firewood processors for hire with experienced crews to work the machinery effectively.
• Log Splitters – Splitters come in different sizes to handle wood of different lengths and diameters, and a splitter may or may not have a conveyor attachment for more convenient handling. This is a great choice if you will be splitting several cords of wood or have a medium-sized job but don’t need to handle the largest logs.
• Chainsaws – Chainsaws range in size and may be gasoline powered, battery operated, or even corded. They also come in different weights and larger units may be more challenging for inexperienced handlers to control safely and effectively. Chainsaws are best for smaller jobs or for cutting larger logs into lengths that a splitter can handle.
• Pole Saws – These elongated, small saws are best for high pruning and trimming jobs when branches need to be removed but a whole tree may not be felled. This can be a great way to get a small campfire or fire pit supply of firewood, or to create easy kindling. The reaches of pole saws will vary, as will the strength of their cutting power.
• Firewood Cart – Also called a log cart, these carts make toting split wood much easier and more efficient. This can be a very useful rental if you are using a firewood processor but need to move the chopped firewood to a different location, or if you are clearing the back of a lot and it is difficult to get a vehicle into position for hauling the wood.
• Bundler – These fast-wrapping machines will bundle split firewood into convenient bundles, typically with a simple plastic wrap. This is the ideal way to portion out cut and split firewood for campfire sites, selling to individuals, or just for easier hauling.

Rental Tips

Regardless of the type of equipment you rent to process firewood, be sure you are familiar with how to operate it safely and ask for instructions or a brief demonstration if necessary. Also note whether the equipment is to be delivered and what the delivery terms and charges may be, or if you will need to pick up and haul the equipment yourself. If you are renting equipment for a long job, check into maintenance requirements and whether the tools will need to be resharpened during the rental period. Be sure you have the appropriate safety gear to operate the tools, and be aware of any overtime charges or extra fees based on how or when the equipment is returned.

Renting equipment for firewood processing can make it easier to turn wooded lots, piles of fallen logs, or just cords of rough logs into usable firewood much faster than doing the work with hand tools. By knowing which tools are best for which types of jobs, you can rent the right gear to process firewood safely and efficiently.