Log Splitter Filter Rips

J_J · Mar 30, 2015

10 micron will be the same on all filter brands. They always seem to have these n stock.

A filter with a gauge on it is ideal.

If it gets clogged, the gauge will tell you when to replace..

It should not slow anything down. If it starts to clog up, there will be some back pressure.

triptester · Mar 30, 2015

The by-pass valve failure is not limited to the Cross brand it can happen in any filter head. Cold weather and not letting the hydraulic fluid warm up puts stress on this moving part. When the fluid is cold and thick it has trouble passing through the filter cartridge this repeated slamming open of the by-pass leads to eventual failure.

yomax4 · Mar 31, 2015

triptester said:
The by-pass valve failure is not limited to the Cross brand it can happen in any filter head. Cold weather and not letting the hydraulic fluid warm up puts stress on this moving part. When the fluid is cold and thick it has trouble passing through the filter cartridge this repeated slamming open of the by-pass leads to eventual failure.

Interesting. How long would you warm it up prior to splitting wet hardwoods.? I'll buy a different brand filter system and install it. Cross told me that what I described could not happen and they would not elaborate. Thanks Gents..

triptester · Apr 1, 2015

The warm up time depends on the outside temperature and the viscosity of the fluid. Hydraulic fluid comes in 3 viscosity 32,46,and 68. The 68 fluid can be as thick as honey below 32 degrees. The optimum operating temperature for most hydraulic fluids is 130 degrees, the same temperature that is recommended for domestic hot water. Most splitters never reach that temperature. In below freezing temps ATF fluid is often used.

yomax4 · Apr 1, 2015

I use the universal fluid so I can use it in my tractor too. Not sure of viscosity but will note that. I ordered another filter and mount and will try this again although a little gun shy after the last round of fluid showers. I see on my old mount that there are 1/8 pipe plugs that could be removed and a gauge installed. I think ill do that so I know what the pressure is. How high of pressure gauge should I put on? 0-60# ?

CDN Farm Boy · Apr 1, 2015

Just guessing here but I would think you'd want a gauge closer to 0-600 on the return line, maybe higher. On the pressure side you'd want up to 3000# guage

oldnslo · Apr 1, 2015

yomax4 said:
I see on my old mount that there are 1/8 pipe plugs that could be removed and a gauge installed. I think ill do that so I know what the pressure is. How high of pressure gauge should I put on? 0-60# ?

Most spin-on filters are only rated to around 100 PSI and the by-pass valve is tpical in the 25 - 30 PSI range. A gauge that reads 60 PSI should be adequate but 100 - 150 should ensure you won't damage the gauge.

What size is the line from the filter going into the reservoir?

rswyan · Apr 1, 2015

I went with 0 - 300 on the return side, and 0 - 3000 on the pressure side on mine.

J_J · Apr 1, 2015

CDN Farm Boy said:
Just guessing here but I would think you'd want a gauge closer to 0-600 on the return line, maybe higher. On the pressure side you'd want up to 3000# guage

Return line pressure should never be more than about 100 psi.

Any pressure in the return line takes away from the developed pressure.

Your hyd components develop a pressure and then have to work against the return line pressure.