Engineeredlawns
1. The size and species of WHAT you are splitting will determine features -things like the need for Horizontal vs. Horizontzl/Vertical model, as well as size of splitter in tons and stroke length or cycle times. Or wether you will equip your splitter with a lift for the really big rounds. Additionally, convenience features like a four or six-way head and outfeed table need to be considered. Mostly red oak and then some white oak. Some rounds can be up to 32", but the red oak pops open so easy with a maul, but I am getting older. I am also splitting the rest of the tree, so the rounds do get smaller. 90 to 95% is 20" or less
2. WHY you are splitting (commercial or home use) will help determine the capacity of the splitter in cycle times to increase production as well the need for production oriented features like a four or six way head, and auto return valves, and outfeed tables etc.I split for my wood stove and help out one other person with their wood. Maybe 6 cords a year. Table would be nice but don't have to have 4 way wedge, and production speed is not critical
3. WHERE you are splitting I think determines the need for wether or not a lift or horizontal/vertical splitter is needed. I may catch flak for this, but I feel if you take the splitter to the wood, i.e. where you fell the tree, then a lift or vertical splitting is handy to have. . . simply roll the large rounds to the splitter or lift and you're in business. HOWEVER - if you bring your wood to the splitter it would make sense to reduce the size of the large rounds first ripping in half or quarters with a saw -to minimize handling of heavy rounds, so the need for a lift or vertical splitting is diminished.I split at home. Unless I can take the splitter in the truck. I haul wood in my small dump trailer, big rounds get moved on a hand truck and up a ramp into the trailer.
4. WHAT'S the cost? Obviously everyone wants the best splitter they can afford - and your own situation and buget will determine what's right for you. The cheaper the better, but I don't really need to go over $2500 or around that. I don't want to spend $1500 and get the wrong machine and then have to sell it to get something else. I would rater spend the extra $$ and get the best machine possible for personnel use, but I also don't need the production machine for do 50 chords.
Lots to think about - good luck in your choice and post some photos when you get your unit!