New Splitter On the Way -- Questions

[TWD]

I recently ordered a: LSED14534 34 Ton Commercial Grade Log Splitter - Swisher

What hydraulic fluid would you guys suggest?

I have a Kubuta and will be changing fluid, is it not advised to use that fluid even though it's filtered?

Any other 'favorite' lube for splitters I should be aware of

 

[Citydude]

I would put the recommended oil in it stated in your manual when you get it. I wouldn't use used oil at first as there is a break in of parts when new.

 

[oosik]

Very simple. Just use what is recommended in your owners manual.

 

[Deere Dude]

If you spend that much money for a splitter then by all means, use the type of fluid the manual recommends.

I bought a new splitter and used the recommended Dexron three 25 years ago and it is still going good without a problem. I would not use used oil or a different type than recommended.

 

[TWD]

The only reason I asked was I'll have 20G+ of Super UDT removed from my tractor and that's free
I did notice the spec. requirement some of the oil I googled was VERY VERY cheap compared to Super UDT :thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

If the oil were still good, why wouldn't you save the money and just leave it in the tractor?

If it's bad enough you don't trust it in the tractor, why would you trust it in a brand new splitter?

 

[TWD]

If the oil were still good, why wouldn't you save the money and just leave it in the tractor?

If it's bad enough you don't trust it in the tractor, why would you trust it in a brand new splitter?

My thought behind the idea is:

Because it's not a 50k$+ tractor that has numerous hydraulic motors, valves, cylinders, etc...(that are PITA to get aces to and work on too) and it's not used for hours on end day after day like a tractor is.

It's a wood splitter, it has a pump 1 cylinder and 1 valve and will be used MUCH less. (Additionally these are all <$500 items that can be swapped in minutes.)

The "break in" on new fluid = dumping it in xHours anyway, so I thought why not use the 'used' (yet filtered) Super UDT I already will have excess off.
When the break-in is done and the hydro fluid is even more dirty (small particles as again, it has a filter) I can toss it and replace it with fluid that will likely last 10+ years.

It was just a thought I had to save couple hundred bucks on fluid

After all the log splitter will need around 15G in it so 30G after first flush is a hefty bill, but again it should be fine for 10+ years after the first 'clean' fill

 

[LD1]

I have never "broke in" a splitter. Or done a oil change shortly after purchase or build. Change filter after splitting the first few cord....sure. but not oil

 

[TWD]

I have never "broke in" a splitter. Or done a oil change shortly after purchase or build. Change filter after splitting the first few cord....sure. but not oil

By "broke in" I simply meant running for x Hours then doing a fluid change. Common practice with pretty much any oil, hydraulic, etc,... system is to do a drain and refill after x Hours.

Why is that not warranted for a log splitter?

I don't know about others but when I use the splitter it's for hours on end and the fluid gets hot... this new splitter with 15g should stay a bit cooler Hehe

I would much rather NOT change the fluid save me a chunk of $$... also why I was going to run the filtered tractor fluid in it, then drain and refill with new.

 

[dickfoster]

I recently ordered a: LSED14534 34 Ton Commercial Grade Log Splitter - Swisher

What hydraulic fluid would you guys suggest?

I have a Kubuta and will be changing fluid, is it not advised to use that fluid even though it's filtered?

Any other 'favorite' lube for splitters I should be aware of

Use whatever the manual recommends. I'm running ATF in mine because the previous owner already had ATF in it. My splitter came with the house. The manual said use either ATF or hydraulic oil as in UTF. UTF is probably cheaper but you don't need a premium grade because all you're doing is running one cylinder with it. It's not like you're trying to lube running gears, brakes or a HST drive as in a tractor.

 

[dickfoster]

My thought behind the idea is:

Because it's not a 50k$+ tractor that has numerous hydraulic motors, valves, cylinders, etc...(that are PITA to get aces to and work on too) and it's not used for hours on end day after day like a tractor is.

It's a wood splitter, it has a pump 1 cylinder and 1 valve and will be used MUCH less. (Additionally these are all <$500 items that can be swapped in minutes.)

The "break in" on new fluid = dumping it in xHours anyway, so I thought why not use the 'used' (yet filtered) Super UDT I already will have excess off.
When the break-in is done and the hydro fluid is even more dirty (small particles as again, it has a filter) I can toss it and replace it with fluid that will likely last 10+ years.

It was just a thought I had to save couple hundred bucks on fluid

After all the log splitter will need around 15G in it so 30G after first flush is a hefty bill, but again it should be fine for 10+ years after the first 'clean' fill

Almost all auto supplies will take the used oil off your hands for nothing. Riebes takes mine, used oil and fuel filters too.

 

[TWD]

Use whatever the manual recommends. I'm running ATF in mine because the previous owner already had ATF in it. My splitter came with the house. The manual said use either ATF or hydraulic oil as in UTF. UTF is probably cheaper but you don't need a premium grade because all you're doing is running one cylinder with it. It's not like you're trying to lube running gears, brakes or a HST drive as in a tractor.

Thanks, good info/comparison I didn't think of.

-Dexron III / Mercon automatic transmission fluid
-10W AW hydraulic fluid
-Pro-Mix AW-32 Hydraulic oil

Are what manual says to select from

Going to do some research, right now I have a bunch of Super UDT in 5G (NEW) and some UDT2 for my Kubota. I was thinking I could use the SUper UDT in the splitter, and do 100% UDT2 in the tractor... anyone have any issues with this? Obviously it cost way more than wal-mart fluid but is it worth it in a splitter?

 

[dickfoster]

By "broke in" I simply meant running for x Hours then doing a fluid change. Common practice with pretty much any oil, hydraulic, etc,... system is to do a drain and refill after x Hours.

Why is that not warranted for a log splitter?

I don't know about others but when I use the splitter it's for hours on end and the fluid gets hot... this new splitter with 15g should stay a bit cooler Hehe

I would much rather NOT change the fluid save me a chunk of $$... also why I was going to run the filtered tractor fluid in it, then drain and refill with new.

All oils break down in use, even the high priced synthetic stuff. You don't want to put already worn out oil in a new machine or you're likely to wear it out too. You want the oil to wear out not your machine and that's why you change the oil in the first place. Remember you can't get somethin for nothin so you're wasting your time and maybe your money too even trying.

 

[TWD]

There's got to be a difference in quality of hydraulic fluid for the splitter the prices are all over!

$35 for 5G @ WalMart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lube-King-LU52325P-5-Gallon-Pail-AW-ISO-32-Hydraulic-Fluid/47652585
$36 for 5G @ Amazon WITH Shipping: Amazon.com: Sinopec AW32 Hydraulic Oil, 5 gallon, Pail: Automotive
$66 for 5G @ Amazon INCLUDING Shipping: Amazon.com: Mag 1 322 AW ISO 32 Hydraulic Oil - 2.5 Gallon, (Pack of 2): Automotive

Favorite AW-32 rated hydraulic oil anyone? LOL!!

 

[dickfoster]

27 dollars will get you five gallons of premium UTF at TSC. Where are you in the Sierra Nevada? Riebes has UTF and ATF as well. I'd probably just drive the 30 miles to TSC to get the UTF instead of the 8 or 10 miles to a Riebes.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I would've already poured the used oil in the splitter and have a pile of wood ready to dry

Brett

 

[LD1]

Thanks, good info/comparison I didn't think of.

-Dexron III / Mercon automatic transmission fluid
-10W AW hydraulic fluid
-Pro-Mix AW-32 Hydraulic oil

Are what manual says to select from

Going to do some research, right now I have a bunch of Super UDT in 5G (NEW) and some UDT2 for my Kubota. I was thinking I could use the SUper UDT in the splitter, and do 100% UDT2 in the tractor... anyone have any issues with this? Obviously it cost way more than wal-mart fluid but is it worth it in a splitter?

Just FYI....some common reference you see for hydraulic oil and how they relate...

10w = DTE 24 = ISO VG 32
15w = DTE 25 = ISO VG 46
20w = DTE 26 = ISO VG 68

 

[TWD]

27 dollars will get you five gallons of premium UTF at TSC. Where are you in the Sierra Nevada? Riebes has UTF and ATF as well. I'd probably just drive the 30 miles to TSC to get the UTF instead of the 8 or 10 miles to a Riebes.

Likely will take the 50m ride to TSC and get this since it's on sale for $27 for 5G, at that price I can afford it :thumbsup:

 

[JRobyn]

I used the TSC Traveller Dexron III in my Swisher (electric).

 

[dickfoster]

Likely will take the 50m ride to TSC and get this since it's on sale for $27 for 5G, at that price I can afford it :thumbsup:

TSC Auburn or somewhere else? You're not one of them big pot growing operations are ya? Lord knows there's a lot of em around here but I don't know of any using tractors yet.