The Bernardo HS 14 E vertical log splitter is designed for splitting logs in agricultural, forestry, and advanced hobbyist settings, for medium-sized logs. It offers a splitting force of 14 tons, a maximum piston stroke of 850 mm, workable log lengths of 560 - 1,040 mm, electric drive (3.5 kW 400V three-phase motor), a 7.5-liter hydraulic tank, and a hydraulic pressure of 24.6 MPa. It features two-hand safety in compliance with European regulations, an integrated log lifter for loading heavy stumps, a robust 185 kg structure with wheels for transport, and overall dimensions of 1,200 × 1,500 × 2,300 mm. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Splitting force: 14 tons
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Max. piston stroke: 850 mm
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Workable log length: 560 - 1,040 mm
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Drive: Electric 3.5 kW / 400V three-phase
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Hydraulic tank: 7.5 liters
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Safety: Two-handed operation
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Log lifter: Integrated
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Weight: approx. 185 kg
Who uses the HS 14 E and for what
The Bernardo HS 14 E is a vertical log splitter designed for advanced wood hobbyists, small forest owners, domestic wood stove users, and semi-professional applications. The 14-ton force is correctly sized for soft wood (fir, pine, poplar) up to Ø 300 mm and for hardwood (oak, beech, chestnut) up to Ø 250 mm. The exclusively electric drive (3.5 kW 400V three-phase) is sized for use in a workshop, agricultural shed, or yard with a stable electrical connection. The 400V three-phase power supply requires an industrial line; for use without three-phase, consider 230V single-phase models or PTO drive. The integrated log lifter is a crucial design feature for heavy stumps: it lifts stumps to the hydraulic piston without the operator having to manually lift logs that can weigh 50-100 kg. The two-hand safety system requires both hands of the operator to activate the piston, eliminating the risk of hand crushing during splitting. Among Krollit's customers, the HS 14 E log splitter is chosen by advanced wood hobbyists, homeowners with stoves/fireplaces, small woodland owners, and B&B operators with wood heating.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo HS log splitter range is organized into 7 models by splitting force and drive, grouped into 3 sub-families: E family (electric only): HS 11 E (11 t, 230V single-phase), HS 14 E (14 t, 400V three-phase), HS 16 E (16 t, 400V three-phase); ZE family (dual: electric + PTO): HS 16 ZE (16 t), HS 22 ZE (22 t), HS 30 ZE (30 t); Z family (PTO only): HS 30 Z (30 t).
The HS 14 E model is electric only: for applications with a fixed electrical connection. The difference between HS 11 E (230V single-phase) and HS 14 E / HS 16 E (400V three-phase) is the available power: 230V single-phase is compatible with standard domestic connections but limits motor power (3.3 kW); 400V three-phase allows for higher power (3.5-4.5 kW) and greater stability under continuous load. For applications also used in the field (woods, remote locations), the corresponding ZE version is correctly sized: HS 16 ZE is the electric/PTO alternative to the HS 16 E.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days in Southern Italy). The HS 14 E log splitter, weighing 185 kg, is shipped on a protective pallet. Two people are recommended for unloading with care. The integrated wheeled trolley facilitates movement after unloading. Dimensions 1,200 × 1,500 × 2,300 mm: check available storage room height (the machine has a retractable cylinder to reduce height during storage). Hydraulic oil, wedge spare parts (cutting wedges, wedge guide), hydraulic pumps, valves, original Bernardo log lifter spare parts available from stock with 3-5 business days shipping. Customer support in Italian available.
Who the HS 14 E is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Passionate wood hobbyist with stove/fireplace |
Recommended |
14 t force sized for domestic/hobby use. 400V three-phase power requires an industrial line. |
| Small forest owner with company woodland |
Recommended |
Processing logs up to Ø 250-300 mm on hardwood. Integrated log lifter to facilitate loading. |
| Farm with wood heating |
Suitable |
For occasional use during the winter season. For continuous intensive use, consider HS 16/22/30 models with greater force. |
Not suitable for: workshops/homes without a 400V three-phase connection (the 230V single-phase HS 11 E is compatible with any standard domestic outlet); exclusive field use (the ZE version with PTO is correctly sized); hardwood logs over Ø 300 mm (14 t force may not be sufficient; upgrade to HS 16/22/30); use in enclosed spaces without ventilation (adequate ventilation is recommended for prolonged use, even if the electric machine does not generate fumes); use by untrained personnel regarding safety (the log splitter is a dangerous machine: two-hand safety is mandatory).
Splitting Capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Max splitting force |
14 tons |
| Workable log length |
560 - 1,040 mm |
| Max piston stroke |
850 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Forward speed (work) |
4.2 cm/s |
| Return speed |
5.2 cm/s |
Hydraulic system
| Specification |
Value |
| Hydraulic tank capacity |
7.5 liters |
| Hydraulic pressure |
24.6 MPa |
| Hydraulic pumps |
High quality for continuous use |
Motor
| Specification |
Value |
| Drive type |
Electric |
| Motor power (S6 40%) |
3.5 kW |
| Voltage |
400V three-phase |
Safety
| Specification |
Value |
| Control system |
Two-handed operation |
| Log lifter |
Integrated |
| Wedge guide |
Massive and precise |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
1,200 × 1,500 × 2,300 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 185 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo HS 14 E vertical log splitter
- Integrated log lifter
- Trolley with wheels for transport
- Two-hand safety system
- Massive and precise wedge guide
- User and safety manual in Italian
- Official Bernardo warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical split take?
For medium-sized logs (Ø 200-300 mm), a complete split typically takes 8-15 seconds: 3-5 seconds for the piston to advance (at a nominal speed of 4.2 cm/s), 2-5 seconds for cutting the wood, 3-5 seconds for the return. For larger logs or hardwood, the time extends.
For serial production (e.g., preparing firewood for the winter season), the typical rate is 200-400 logs/hour with an experienced operator. The integrated log lifter significantly reduces fatigue for heavy logs, extending the daily operating time. For high-volume professional production exceeding 500 logs/hour, consider automatic or semi-automatic industrial log splitters.
How does two-hand safety work?
The system requires simultaneous activation of 2 control levers (one for each hand) to activate the hydraulic piston. If one lever is released, the piston stops immediately. This is a legally mandatory feature in Europe according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for log splitters.
The purpose is to eliminate the risk of hand crushing: with two-hand safety, both of the operator's hands are engaged on the levers, away from the cutting wedge and the log. European legislation explicitly prohibits log splitters without two-hand safety. WARNING: bypassing the safety (e.g., by applying weight to a lever) is illegal and creates a risk of serious injury: it is never acceptable.
Can I split logs with knots or branches?
Yes, but with caution. The 14-ton force handles standard fresh wood logs without problems; logs with large knots, side branches, bifurcations, or dry-seasoned wood require greater force and may require multiple passes or repositioning.
For particularly difficult logs: reduce the size of the log before splitting (saw to 30-50 cm instead of 80-100 cm), position the log so that the wedge enters the softest point (not on the knot), split gradually without forcing. For professional use with large and knotty industrial logs, consider higher force models: the HS 14 t is suitable for typical logs, models with greater force handle extreme cases.
Does hydraulic oil need to be replaced periodically?
Yes. For daily professional use, it is recommended to change the hydraulic oil every 200-300 hours of actual work (typically 1-2 times a year for intensive use). The tank capacity is 7.5 liters.
Recommended hydraulic oil: ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46 for standard use (check manual for exact specifications). Complete replacement includes draining the old oil, cleaning the tank, changing the hydraulic filter (if provided), and refilling with new oil. For occasional hobby use, the oil typically lasts 2-3 years before requiring replacement. Original Bernardo hydraulic oil or commercial equivalents (Shell Tellus, Mobil DTE, Total Azolla) are available from standard industrial suppliers.
How is the HS 14 E log splitter transported?
The integrated wheeled trolley allows for easy movement over short distances (yard, shed, field). For road transport (truck, trailer), the 185 kg weight requires attention: loading with a ramp or crane, secure fastening during transport.
For movements between agricultural/forestry sites, a dedicated agricultural trailer is recommended. The retractable cylinder (for E/ZE models) reduces the height in the transport position: the machine dimensions 1,200 × 1,500 × 2,300 mm are the operational dimensions; during transport, the machine can be reduced in height. The Z and ZE versions with 3-point linkage can be connected directly to the tractor for field movement.
