A kinetic log splitter includes a frame, a splitter, a gear shaft, a drive assembly, a push plate, a rack, and an automatic brake mechanism. The splitter is coupled to the frame. The gear shaft rotatably coupled to the frame. The drive assembly configured to rotate the gear shaft. The push plate is slidably coupled to the frame. The rack is operatively coupled to the push plate. The rack is configured to engage with the gear shaft to linearly displace the push plate towards the splitter. The an automatic brake mechanism is configured to automatically inhibit rotation of the gear shaft by the drive assembly upon exceeding a predetermined tonnage on the push plate.