The Bernardo HS 30 ZE vertical log splitter is sized for splitting logs in agricultural, forestry, and heavy professional work on large logs. It offers a splitting force of 30 tons, a maximum piston stroke of 948 mm, a workable log length of up to 1,100 mm, dual power supply: a 5.5 kW three-phase 400V electric motor or a power take-off (PTO) for use with a tractor, and a 30-liter hydraulic tank. Two-hand safety compliant with European regulations, an integrated log lifter for loading heavy logs, a robust 372 kg structure with a wheeled trolley for transport, and overall dimensions of 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as the official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Splitting force: 30 tons
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Max. piston stroke: 948 mm
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Workable log length: up to 1,100 mm
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Drive: Dual: electric 5.5 kW / 400V three-phase + PTO shaft (PTO)
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Hydraulic tank: 30 liters
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Safety: Two-handed operation
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Log lifter: Integrated
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Weight: approx. 372 kg
Who uses the HS 30 ZE and for what
The Bernardo HS 30 ZE is a vertical log splitter sized for professional forestry companies, sawmills, and industrial firewood suppliers. The 30-ton force is designed for large logs of hardwood (centuries-old oak, elm, ash) up to Ø 500 mm. The dual power supply (electric 5.5 kW 400V three-phase + PTO shaft) is a distinctive feature: in the workshop/shed, the electric motor is used for consistent work; in the field (e.g., in forests, remote locations without electrical connection), the PTO shaft connected to the tractor's power take-off is used. This is a crucial feature for those who alternate between workshop work and field harvesting. The integrated log lifter is a key design feature for heavy logs: it lifts logs 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 30 ZE log splitter is chosen by professional forestry companies, sawmills, industrial firewood suppliers, biomass district heating plants, and agricultural contractors.
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, single-phase 230V), HS 14 E (14 t, three-phase 400V), HS 16 E (16 t, three-phase 400V); ZE family (dual: electric + PTO shaft): HS 16 ZE (16 t), HS 22 ZE (22 t), HS 30 ZE (30 t); Z family (PTO shaft only): HS 30 Z (30 t).
The HS 30 ZE model is the dual-drive version (electric + PTO shaft) of its respective nominal force. The ZE family includes 3 forces: 16 t (HS 16 ZE), 22 t (HS 22 ZE), 30 t (HS 30 ZE). Increase force for larger logs and harder wood: HS 22 ZE suitable for oak/beech Ø 350-400 mm, HS 30 ZE for industrial logs Ø 500 mm. For exclusive field applications without electrical power, the corresponding Z version (HS 30 Z) is more economical.
Logistics and Krollit support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to Southern Italy). The HS 30 ZE log splitter, weighing 372 kg, is shipped on a protective pallet. For unloading, a pallet jack or crane is recommended: the machine is imposing and requires technical personnel for positioning. Dimensions 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm: check the available height of the storage room (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 is the HS 30 ZE for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Hobbyist |
Not suitable |
Industrial 30-ton machine for professional use: oversized for even advanced hobby use. |
| Professional forestry company / sawmill |
Recommended |
30 t force for industrial logs up to Ø 500 mm in hardwood. Dual drive for workshop and field use with a tractor. |
| Agricultural contractor / district heating plants |
Recommended |
For professional high-volume firewood production. 30 l tank and hydraulic pumps sized for continuous use. |
Not suitable for: applications with exclusive workshop use with electrical connection (the equivalent E version is more economical); applications with exclusive field use with a tractor (the corresponding Z version is more economical); occasional hobby use (30 t force is oversized; consider HS 11 E or HS 14 E); 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 on safety (the log splitter is a dangerous machine: two-hand safety is mandatory).
Splitting capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Max. splitting force |
30 tons |
| Workable log length |
up to 1,100 mm |
| Max. piston stroke |
948 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Advance speed (work) |
Adjustable |
Hydraulic system
| Specification |
Value |
| Hydraulic tank capacity |
30 liters |
| Hydraulic pumps |
High quality for continuous use |
Dual drive
| Specification |
Value |
| Mode 1 |
Electric motor 5.5 kW / 400V three-phase |
| Mode 2 |
PTO shaft (PTO) for tractor |
Safety
| Specification |
Value |
| Control system |
Two-handed operation |
| Log lifter |
Integrated |
| Wedge guide |
Solid and precise |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × D × H) |
1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 372 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo HS 30 ZE vertical log splitter
- Integrated log lifter
- Wheeled trolley for transport
- Two-hand safety system
- Solid and precise wedge guide
- Optional 3-point hitch (for tractor use)
- 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 the nominal adjustable speed), 2-5 seconds for cutting the wood, 3-5 seconds for return. For larger logs or hardwood, the time extends.
For series 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 daily operating time. For professional high-volume production over 500 logs/hour, consider automatic or semi-automatic industrial log splitters.
How does the two-hand safety system work?
The system requires the simultaneous actuation of 2 control levers (one for each hand) to activate the hydraulic piston. If one lever is released, the piston stops immediately. This feature is legally mandatory 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 hands of the operator are engaged on the levers, away from the cutting wedge and the log. European regulations explicitly prohibit 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 30-ton force handles standard fresh wood logs without problems; logs with large knots, side branches, bifurcations, or dry-seasoned wood require higher force and may require multiple passes or repositioning.
For particularly difficult logs: reduce the log size 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, knotty industrial logs, consider higher-force models: 30-ton HS is adequate for typical logs, higher-force models handle extreme cases.
Does the hydraulic oil need to be changed 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 is 30 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 needing replacement. Original Bernardo hydraulic oil or commercial equivalents (Shell Tellus, Mobil DTE, Total Azolla) are available from standard industrial suppliers.
How is the HS 30 ZE log splitter transported?
The integrated wheeled trolley allows for easy movement over short distances (yard, shed, field). For road transport (truck, trailer), the 372 kg weight requires attention: loading with a ramp or crane, secure fastening during transport.
For moving between agricultural/forestry sites, a dedicated agricultural trailer is recommended. The retractable cylinder (for E/ZE models) reduces the height in transport position: machine dimensions 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm are the operating dimensions; for transport, the machine can be reduced in height. The Z and ZE versions with 3-point hitch can be connected directly to the tractor for field handling.
