Home 40 Ton Log Splitters
40-Ton Log Splitters: Current Models and Class Tradeoffs
40 tons is a high-force class, but the useful decision is still about the whole machine. Current exact models differ in cycle time, engine/pump package, handling features and how much of the extra force you will actually use.
Quick decision
Treat 40 tons as a specialized high-force class. In the current catalog, the two exact models share engine, pump, cycle and horizontal/vertical capability, so the real choice shifts toward full-beam versus half-beam workflow and handling accessories.
Current verified catalog: 2 exact 40-ton models.
Current verified 40-ton models
These are current exact records from the normalized production catalog. The table keeps missing fields explicit rather than borrowing a specification from another model or family.
| Exact model | Cycle | Max log | Position | Engine | Pump | Road tow | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX YS4065 | 40 ton | 15.2 sec | 26 in | Horizontal / Vertical | Briggs & Stratton · 306 cc | 18 GPM | Yes · 45 mph max | Manufacturer source |
| YARDMAX YU4066 | 40 ton | 15.2 sec | 26.5 in | Horizontal / Vertical | Briggs & Stratton · 306 cc | 18 GPM | Yes · 45 mph max | Manufacturer source |
The current 40-ton decision is full beam versus half beam
Both current 40-ton records are YARDMAX gas-hydraulic machines with 306 cc Briggs & Stratton power, 18 GPM pump flow, 15.2-second published cycles, horizontal/vertical operation, 2-inch hitches and 45 mph published towing. That makes this class unusually useful for isolating frame/workflow differences without the cycle and engine changing at the same time.
YU4066 is the full-beam record and publishes a 26.5-inch maximum log length, 14-inch published diameter, 605.2 lb weight, optional log table and hydraulic-log-lift availability. YS4065 is the half-beam record, publishes a 26-inch maximum log length and 26-inch diameter claim, and supports an optional log table; hydraulic-log-lift availability is not stored for the half-beam record.
Why the log-lift path can matter more than the shared 40-ton rating
When rounds are genuinely heavy, the hardest part of the session can be getting them into working position. The full-beam YU4066's documented hydraulic-log-lift accessory path can therefore be a larger workflow difference than any force comparison between these two models—because the advertised force and cycle are already the same.
See Log Splitter Log Lifts for the accessory decision and Horizontal vs Vertical for the broader loading tradeoff.
When 40 tons is unnecessary
A 40-ton label is not an insurance policy against every difficult log. If 30–35 ton machines already handle the wood you process, moving to 40 tons can increase machine size and purchase cost without improving the majority of the session. Buy this class because the wood or the exact frame/accessory configuration justifies it, not because it is the largest current class in the catalog.
Full-beam versus half-beam at the same published force and cycle
| Feature | YU4066 full beam | YS4065 half beam |
|---|---|---|
| Published force | 40 ton | 40 ton |
| Published cycle | 15.2 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Pump | 18 GPM | 18 GPM |
| Maximum log length | 26.5 in | 26 in |
| Hydraulic log lift | Available | Not published / not verified |
| Log table | Available | Available |
Because the headline force, engine displacement, pump flow and cycle are the same, this comparison avoids the usual problem where “beam style” is mixed together with a completely different powertrain. It lets the buyer focus on frame and handling rather than mistaking every change for a force-class change.
Check whether 40 tons fits the actual job
Use the force class as a shortlist, then let wood difficulty, round size, workload, cycle time and handling decide whether this class is appropriate.
Compare neighboring force classes
Moving up is worthwhile only when the extra reserve solves a recurring wood problem. Moving down can improve price, weight, storage, fuel use or cycle time when maximum force is rarely needed.
Browse the 40-ton market after narrowing the class
Retail listings change faster than manufacturer specifications. Verify the exact model number and operating configuration before ordering.
Technical and product references
Frequently asked questions
How many current 40-ton models are in the catalog?
Two: YARDMAX YU4066 full-beam and YS4065 half-beam.
Do the current 40-ton models have the same cycle time?
Yes. Both current normalized YARDMAX 40-ton records publish a 15.2-second cycle.
Which current 40-ton model supports a hydraulic log lift?
The current YARDMAX YU4066 full-beam record supports hydraulic-log-lift availability. That availability is not stored for YS4065.
Is 40 tons automatically better than 35 or 37 tons?
No. Extra advertised force is useful only when it solves a recurring difficult-round problem. Cycle time, handling, frame, storage and support can matter more.