Abstract: A portable log splitting machine is disclosed wherein the splitter can be readily broken down into separate lightweight components for convenient transport and storage, such as in the trunk of an automobile. The splitter includes a ram section comprising an elongated beam with a wedge fitted at one end and a slidably-mounted pusher plate or ram which is hydraulically operated to drive a log against the wedge to split the same. The ram is reciprocably moved by the piston rod of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The rod is detachably connected to the ram by a simple yoke and cross pin arrangement and the cylinder is detachably fitted onto the beam by a trunnion pin that extends from the cylinder and slips into brackets carried by the beam for ready assembly and disassembly. An engine-driven pump assembly is connected to the cylinder by two detachable hoses and provides the hydraulic pressure for the cylinder.