Log Splitter - How often tot change fluid and filter?

[HawkinsHollow]

I bought a used splitter a couple of months ago. Wondering if I should change fluid and filter. Couldn't hurt but how necessary is it?

 

[Peter 315]

If the hyd oil is clean and no water in it, I would just change the filter and add hyd oil..:2cents:

 

[HawkinsHollow]

SORRY, SHOULD HAVE DONE A SEARCH FIRST. Lots of info on here. If you have anything more to add please feel free to do so.

 

[WranglerX]

I got a used splitter the was manufactured in 1991, as far as I know fluid and filter have never been changed, uses Dexron ATF... Looks clean and not burnt, only thing I did was is replace filter when I put on new motor and changed out aged hoses.... Don't see any real concern... ATF fluid can go 100,000 miles, not sure how that related to log splitter hours though...

Dale

 

[RalphVa]

I agree with Peter. Fluid will not go bad.

Ralph

 

[ericm979]

It could accumulate water in it though- the breather lets in moist air as the tank warms and then it can condense when it cools.

When I changed the fluid in the used splitter I bought I filled it as full as I dared so there'd be less of an air space in the tank to "breathe".

 

[oosik]

I had a Didier splitter for 15 years. Check and add ATF fluid as needed. It had a filter that could be removed/cleaned/put back into service. Checked/cleaned this filter once per year.

 

[WranglerX]

It could accumulate water in it though- the breather lets in moist air as the tank warms and then it can condense when it cools.

When I changed the fluid in the used splitter I bought I filled it as full as I dared so there'd be less of an air space in the tank to "breathe".

This silly thing of mine takes 7 gallons of fluid!....

Dale

 

[ericm979]

Mine's got a 16 gpm pump. The manual says to put in 3.5-4 gallons. That's a lot less than the rule of thumb tank size = pump gpm. And yes the cylinder does get hot. When I changed the oil I put in 5, figuring that the worst that would happen is oil coming out the breather. That hasn't happened, so it's all good.

 

[WranglerX]

Mine's got a 16 gpm pump. The manual says to put in 3.5-4 gallons. That's a lot less than the rule of thumb tank size = pump gpm. And yes the cylinder does get hot. When I changed the oil I put in 5, figuring that the worst that would happen is oil coming out the breather. That hasn't happened, so it's all good.

Found manual on line my unit....It says to keep hydraulic fluid 1 inch below top of tank.... Guess it leaves room for expansion...

Dale