The Bernardo HS 16 ZE vertical log splitter is designed for splitting logs in agricultural, forestry, and professional settings, handling medium to large logs. It offers a splitting force of 16 tons, a maximum piston stroke of 948 mm, and can process logs up to 1,100 mm in length. It features dual power options: a 4.5 kW 400V three-phase electric motor or a PTO (power take-off) shaft for tractor use. It has an 18-liter hydraulic tank. Safety features include two-hand operation compliant with European regulations and an integrated log lifter for loading heavy blocks. The robust 277 kg structure includes a wheeled trolley for transport, with overall dimensions of 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as the official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
-
Splitting force: 16 tons
-
Max piston stroke: 948 mm
-
Workable log length: up to 1,100 mm
-
Drive: Dual: electric 4.5 kW / 400V three-phase + PTO (power take-off) shaft
-
Hydraulic tank: 18 liters
-
Safety: Two-hand operation
-
Log lifter: Integrated
-
Weight: approx. 277 kg
Who uses the HS 16 ZE and for what
The Bernardo HS 16 ZE is a vertical log splitter sized for farms, small forestry businesses, firewood suppliers, and district heating plant operators. The 16-ton force handles hardwood blocks up to Ø 350-400 mm, even with knots and branches. The dual power supply (electric 4.5 kW 400V three-phase + PTO shaft) is a distinctive feature: in a workshop/shed, the electric motor is used for consistent work; in the field (e.g., in forests, remote locations without electricity), 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 collection. The integrated log lifter is a critical design feature for heavy blocks: it lifts blocks to the hydraulic piston without the operator having to manually lift logs that can weigh 50-100 kg. Two-hand safety operation requires both of the operator's hands to activate the piston, eliminating the risk of crushing hands during splitting. Among Krollit's customers, the HS 16 ZE log splitter is chosen by farms with their own woodlands, local firewood suppliers, large-scale wood-heated agritourism businesses, and forestry cooperatives.
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 16 ZE model is the dual-drive version (electric + PTO shaft) of its respective nominal force. Difference from HS 16 E (electric only): the ZE version costs more but offers flexibility of use even in the field with a tractor. For exclusive workshop/shed applications with a stable electrical connection, the E version is more economical. 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.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days to Southern Italy). The HS 16 ZE log splitter, weighing 277 kg, is shipped on a protective pallet. A pallet truck or crane is recommended for unloading: the machine is substantial 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 (splitting wedges, wedge guide), hydraulic pumps, valves, and original Bernardo log lifter spare parts are available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping. Customer support in Italian is available.
Who the HS 16 ZE is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Woodworking hobbyist with high family consumption |
Adequate |
16 t force is oversized for strictly hobby use. For simple domestic use, consider HS 11 E or HS 14 E. |
| Farm/forestry business with continuous use |
Recommended |
16 t force for hardwood logs up to Ø 350-400 mm. Dual electric/PTO drive for workshop and field use. |
| Firewood supplier |
Recommended |
Integrated log lifter for heavy loads, two-hand safety for intensive use, 18 l hydraulic tank for autonomy. |
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); use in enclosed spaces without ventilation (adequate ventilation is recommended for prolonged use, although the electric machine does not generate fumes); use by personnel not trained in safety (the log splitter is a dangerous machine: two-hand safety is mandatory).
Splitting capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Maximum splitting force |
16 tons |
| Workable log length |
up to 1,100 mm |
| Max piston stroke |
948 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Feed speed (work) |
Adjustable |
Hydraulic system
| Specification |
Value |
| Hydraulic tank capacity |
18 liters |
| Hydraulic pumps |
High quality for continuous use |
Dual drive
| Specification |
Value |
| Mode 1 |
Electric motor 4.5 kW / 400V three-phase |
| Mode 2 |
PTO (power take-off) shaft for tractor |
Safety
| Specification |
Value |
| Control system |
Two-hand operation |
| Log lifter |
Integrated |
| Wedge guide |
Massive and precise |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 277 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo HS 16 ZE vertical log splitter
- Integrated log lifter
- Wheeled trolley 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 the nominal adjustable speed), 2-5 seconds for cutting the wood, and 3-5 seconds for retraction. For larger logs or hardwood, the time will extend.
For series production (e.g., preparing firewood for the winter season), the typical cadence is 200-400 logs/hour with an experienced operator. The integrated log lifter significantly reduces fatigue for heavy logs, extending daily operational time. For high-volume professional production exceeding 500 logs/hour, consider automatic or semi-automatic industrial log splitters.
How does the two-hand safety 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 is a mandatory feature in Europe according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for log splitters.
The purpose is to eliminate the risk of crushing hands: with two-hand safety, both of the operator's hands are engaged on the levers, away from the splitting wedge and the log. European regulations explicitly prohibit log splitters without two-hand safety. WARNING: Bypassing 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 16-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 need 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), and split gradually without forcing. For professional use with large, knotty industrial logs, consider higher force models: 16 t HS is suitable for typical logs, models with greater force handle extreme cases.
Does the hydraulic oil need to be replaced periodically?
Yes. For daily professional use, it is recommended to change the hydraulic oil every 200-300 actual working hours (typically 1-2 times a year for intensive use). The tank capacity is 18 liters.
Recommended hydraulic oil: ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46 for standard use (check manual for exact specifications). Complete replacement includes draining 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 16 ZE log splitter transported?
The integrated wheeled trolley allows for easy movement over short distances (yard, shed, field). For road transport (truck, trailer), the 277 kg weight requires attention: loading with a ramp or crane, secure fastening during transport.
For transfers between agricultural/forestry sites, a dedicated agricultural trailer is recommended. The retractable cylinder (for E/ZE models) reduces the height in the transport position: machine dimension 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm is the operating dimension; for transport, the machine height can be reduced. Z and ZE versions with 3-point hitch can be connected directly to the tractor for field handling.
