Building a log splitter, need hydraulic help!!

[markct]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( no thats not it, the cylinder isn't even connected to the slide right now )</font>

dont be so sure, cylinders themselves can bind, things like bent rods, dented tubes will do that. we have a garbage truck at work that had a cylinder that right from the day we got it appeared to stick at one point, the factory rep came out and they are pretty sure its got a dented tube, maybe dropped durring manufacturing etc, tommorow they are installing a new one

 

[RonMar]

Jimmysisson
I wouldn't put a "T" anywhere in a splitter system, there is no need.

Oil should flow from Tank through strainer, pump, spoolvalve, filter and back into tank for a complete circuit.

For slow/erratic operation I would check the following first. Strainer clean.
Suction side fittings tight so you are not sucking air.
Using the correct hydraulic fluid for your ambient temperature.

If this is a homemade system, and the above items are OK, have you calculated cylinder cycle times based on pump outputs(IE: are you expecting more than your pump can possibly give)? If this is a new problem for a formerly good working system, you might have a pump or cylinder issue.