Abstract: A log splitter is securely attached to one bumper of an automotive vehicle and utilizes the power steering pump of the vehicle to operate a hydraulic cylinder of the log splitter which advances and retracts a log-engaging ram head in relation to a stationary log splitting wedge near the far end of the device. The splitting wedge has a protective swinging guard biased to the active safety guarding position by retraction of the cylinder operated ram head and biased to an inactive or open position by a spring device.