How much stored capacity for log splitter?

[sqdqo]

Can anyone offer an opinion on how much hydraulic fluid capacity to provide for a log splitter with a 9hp engine, 16gpm pump and 4-1/2" - 5" cylinder bore with max extension of 24"?

 

[atgreene]

Can anyone offer an opinion on how much hydraulic fluid capacity to provide for a log splitter with a 9hp engine, 16gpm pump and 4-1/2" - 5" cylinder bore with max extension of 24"?

You need at least the same amount of storage as gpm or you will have issues with heat.

In your case, 16 gallons.

 

[kennyd]

You need at least the same amount of storage as gpm or you will have issues with heat.

In your case, 16 gallons.

Yes, that is ideal. But on can probably get away with a smaller tank because of the duty cycle...most of the time the there is no load on a logsplitter. The other consideration besides heat is air entrainment, you want the fluid to "rest" a little so any air bubbles can dissipate.

 

[atgreene]

That's where a 16 gallon tank is ideal. Realistically you will never put 16 gallons of fluid in it, yet it has enough time to let air settle out and run cool, if you run splitters like I do.

 

[markct]

i have to disagree with a log splitter being intermintent duty, i know even in winter most of the ones i have owned or operated have had no problem getting oil warm. theres alot of fluid circulating and often going over relief. i would say at a minimum use a tank that holds atleast the gpm rating of the pump, 1.5 times gpm is better if you can. i know the 12 gpm pump on our loader has a 10 gal capacity in the loader frame and it will warm up a bit when splitting wood with the splitter connected to it for a few hours, and the loader frame being the tank actualy has alot more surface area for cooling than just a square tank would. bigger is better in this case! and dont forget a filter on the return line

 

[Oliver1655]

Another thing to consider if you plan on doing much splitting during the summer is to add an oil cooler (radiator) in your return line. I am using a 16 gpm 2 stage pump with a ten gallon reservoir that has approximately seven gallons of hydraulic oil in it. I placed a 21 x 21" oil cooler with 3/4 " inlet and outlet between the valves and the reservoir. I use a standard 20" box fan to move air through it. Even splitting wood continuously in mid 90 degree temperatures, the oil stays below 120 degrees.

 

[Monster5601]

I bought a dual action 20 ton splitter from Northern Tool with a two stage 11 GPM pump. The tank holds 3 gallons and the manual suggested using Dexron III (which I did) when using the splitter for long periods in temperatures above 70 degrees.

My son and I split 5 face cords one day, about 9 to 10 hours of constant use in temperatures in the low 90's with out any issues.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

A 16gpm Haldex 2-stage pump only circulates about 3.5gpm at full pressure. The 11gpm pump does 2.9gpm at full pressure. It looks like your NT splitter followed the 1-minute residence rule based on the high pressure output spec.