Log splitter with extendable work space

A log splitter comprising:

• a tongue;
• a beam moveably coupled with the tongue, wherein the log splitter is configurable to be in at least one of an extended position or a compact position via movement of the beam with respect to the tongue, and wherein an overall longitudinal length of the log splitter in the compact position is smaller than an overall longitudinal length of the log splitter in the extended position;
• a stabilization leg to stabilize the log splitter when the log splitter is in the extended position, wherein the stabilization leg is to be deployed at least when the log splitter is in the extended position,
• wherein a first transition from the extended position to the compact position is initiated by a first horizontal movement of the beam in a first direction with respect to the tongue, and a second transition from the compact position to the extended position is initiated by a second horizontal movement of the beam in a second direction with respect to the tongue, wherein the first direction is an opposite direction of the second direction, and
• a crank and an associated rack and pinion, wherein actuation of the crank is to cause movement of the pinion along the rack to initiate movement of the beam in the first direction or in the second direction.