The Bernardo HS 30 Z vertical log splitter is designed for splitting logs in agricultural, forestry, and heavy-duty professional applications involving 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, and is exclusively PTO-driven for use with a tractor, with a 30-liter hydraulic tank. It features two-hand safety in compliance with European regulations, an integrated log lifter for loading heavy logs, a robust 332 kg structure with wheels for transport, and overall dimensions of 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an 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: Power Take-Off (PTO) for tractor
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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. 332 kg
Who uses the HS 30 Z and for what purpose
The Bernardo HS 30 Z is a vertical log splitter designed 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 exclusive PTO drive is designed for field use with a tractor: the machine connects to the tractor's 3-point hitch and uses the PTO for hydraulics. This is a more economical solution than the ZE version for those who never need electrical power. The integrated log lifter is a crucial 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. Two-hand safety 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 30 Z 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 drive): HS 16 ZE (16 t), HS 22 ZE (22 t), HS 30 ZE (30 t); Z family (PTO drive only): HS 30 Z (30 t).
The HS 30 Z model is PTO-only: designed for exclusive field applications with a tractor (district heating plants, mobile sawmills, contractors). The difference with the HS 30 ZE (dual drive): the Z version costs significantly less (no electric motor, no electrical wiring, no control panel) but eliminates the flexibility of electric use. For mixed applications (workshop + field), the ZE version is the correct choice despite the higher cost.
Krollit Logistics and Support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to Southern Italy). The HS 30 Z log splitter, weighing 332 kg, is shipped on a protective pallet. A pallet jack or crane is recommended for unloading: the machine is imposing and requires technical personnel for positioning. Dimensions 1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm: check available storage room height. Hydraulic oil, spare wedge parts (cutting wedges, wedge guide), hydraulic pumps, valves, original Bernardo log lifter spare parts available from stock with 3-5 business day shipping. Customer support in Italian available.
Who the HS 30 Z is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Hobbyist |
Not recommended |
Industrial 30-ton machine for professional use: oversized for even advanced hobbyist use. |
| Professional forestry company / sawmill |
Recommended |
30 t force for industrial logs up to Ø 500 mm in hardwood. PTO drive only: designed for exclusive field use. |
| Agricultural contractor / district heating plants |
Recommended |
For professional high-volume firewood production. 30 l tank and hydraulic pumps sized for continuous use. |
Not recommended for: workshop applications without a tractor (E or ZE versions are correctly sized); mixed workshop + field applications (the ZE version with dual drive is correctly sized); 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, although electric machines do 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 |
Drive
| Specification |
Value |
| Mode |
Power Take-Off (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 × W × H) |
1,400 × 1,500 × 2,500 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 332 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard Equipment
- Bernardo HS 30 Z vertical log splitter
- Integrated log lifter
- Trolley with wheels for transport
- Two-hand safety system
- Solid 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, 3-5 seconds for retraction. For larger logs or hardwoods, the time extends.
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 physical strain for heavy logs, extending 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 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 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 (cut 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: HS 30 t is adequate 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 30 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 applicable), 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 30 Z log splitter transported?
The integrated wheeled trolley allows for easy short-distance movement (yard, shed, field). For road transport (truck, trailer), the 332 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 lowerable cylinder (for E/ZE models) reduces height in 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 movement.
