Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter with an automatic hoist for lifting logs onto the platform of the splitter. The splitter has a splitting wedge adjacent one end of the platform, and an extensible and retractible hydraulic ram on the platform spaced rearwardly from the splitting wedge for placement of a log lengthwise between the ram and the splitting wedge. The ram is extensible for pushing a log against the splitting wedge to split the log and retractible for placement of another log on the platform. The hoist comprises a boom extending up from the platform forward of the splitting wedge. The boom is pivoted on the platform on a generally vertical axis. Means for grasping a log to be split is supported by the boom and a cable and pulley system operable in conjunction with the ram for raising and lowering the grasping means.