PHIL850
Silver Member
I bought someone else's project log splitter (frame with piston) and started building the rest
of it up with some new parts from Northern Hydraulics. Got it assembled, filled it with Hydrualic fluid, fired it up and yahoo the piston goes in and out no problem! Tested many in/out cycles and she works great. Put a small oak long on it, and pull the lever and guess what? She won't even attempt to split the log! Ram comes out up against the log and stops. Engine loads up, but no push. I try to hear if the relief is opening, but of course my ears aren't working their best at this stage in the game. I mean this thing just comes up against the log and stops. The wedge barely puts a mark in the log. I have ordered a 3000 psi gauge to put on the pressure side of the valve to see whats going on, but thought I might bounce this off a few of you for your thoughts as well. All the hydraulic components are NEW with the exception of the piston and Tank. I am using a Haldex 2 stage 11 GPM pump, a Prince LS 3000 25 GPM detent valve, Northern brand external 125 micro 15 gal/min suction strainer (cartridge type), 3/4 suction and return lines (proper suction hose) and 1/2" pressure lines. The tank is full of new Hydro fluid. although it does appear to be a little foamy to me. Could I be sucking Air on this external suction screen?
Other notes: the tank was originaly pretty gummed up and I flushed it a few times to remove Gak and sludge with some tranny fluid prior to filling with new fluid. Could the strainer be plugged up already with more sludge from the tank?
At any rate. I do plan to put a gauge on this (more money) and see what is going on. Any and all opinions are very much welcomed!!
thanks, Phil
of it up with some new parts from Northern Hydraulics. Got it assembled, filled it with Hydrualic fluid, fired it up and yahoo the piston goes in and out no problem! Tested many in/out cycles and she works great. Put a small oak long on it, and pull the lever and guess what? She won't even attempt to split the log! Ram comes out up against the log and stops. Engine loads up, but no push. I try to hear if the relief is opening, but of course my ears aren't working their best at this stage in the game. I mean this thing just comes up against the log and stops. The wedge barely puts a mark in the log. I have ordered a 3000 psi gauge to put on the pressure side of the valve to see whats going on, but thought I might bounce this off a few of you for your thoughts as well. All the hydraulic components are NEW with the exception of the piston and Tank. I am using a Haldex 2 stage 11 GPM pump, a Prince LS 3000 25 GPM detent valve, Northern brand external 125 micro 15 gal/min suction strainer (cartridge type), 3/4 suction and return lines (proper suction hose) and 1/2" pressure lines. The tank is full of new Hydro fluid. although it does appear to be a little foamy to me. Could I be sucking Air on this external suction screen?
Other notes: the tank was originaly pretty gummed up and I flushed it a few times to remove Gak and sludge with some tranny fluid prior to filling with new fluid. Could the strainer be plugged up already with more sludge from the tank?
At any rate. I do plan to put a gauge on this (more money) and see what is going on. Any and all opinions are very much welcomed!!
thanks, Phil