Log splitter hydraulic fluid

[Diamondpilot]

Start by filling it 3/4 full. You are getting the foaming from the fill cap because its got air in the system due to your running it low on fluid. You will need to run it through a few cycles to allow it to burp the air. after you have done this retract the cylinder all the way and shut it down and then refill the oil to aprox 3/4 full.

Chris

 

[radioman]

Air can compress alot more then oil can. This is where you are getting the jerking from. I bet that after running it, you will see alot of foam in the tank. After you let the splitter sit overnight, take a flashlight and peer in the tank looking around for a tube or inlet.There should be a inlet tube sticking up in the oil tank. Chances are your oil is lower then that inlet causing oil to get in to the ram and lines giving you the jerk motion. Just fill up with more oil to cover that inlet by at least an inch higher then inlet.

Cycle the ram a few times full open and full close. Then try to split again, chances are it will be just fine.

 

[csr0831]

I figured I had air in it. There is no way to see into the tank on this one.....I mean I can see stright down, but the return and supply fittings are at the other end of the tank. The supply to the pump is taken off a fitting directly on the bottom of the tank. I do not know if it was just welded over a hole in the bottom of the tank, or if there is a short riser tube in the tank. This splitter is about as simple as it gets...doesn't even have a filter on it! However, when it works I've not found anything it won't split....just haven't used it in a couple of years. Anyway, I suspect the root of my problems are air and low fluid. Thanks again for all the help everyone!

 

[csr0831]

Ok...I went down to the local northern tools and asked what they used in their splitters. I was told they use ISO 32 hydrulic fluid...should be ok to use that? Also...I've got a couple of leaks on the low pressure side where plastic elbows thread into differant parts (tank, pump, etc.). Can I use teflon tape on those fittings to stop the leaks....they are already threaded in as far as they will go. Thanks guys!

 

[Mousefield]

Ok...I went down to the local northern tools and asked what they used in their splitters. I was told they use ISO 32 hydrulic fluid...should be ok to use that? Also...I've got a couple of leaks on the low pressure side where plastic elbows thread into differant parts (tank, pump, etc.). Can I use teflon tape on those fittings to stop the leaks....they are already threaded in as far as they will go. Thanks guys!

I used to do some pipe/steam fitting when I worked for a large drycleaner and I used teflon tape a lot. Check to see if the threads are in good shape, if in good shape just clean the threaded areas and put on a several layers of teflon. If it doesn't work you may need new fittings. If you do need new fittings they should not be to expensive, at least you would have the old ones to take to the store to make sure you get the right ones. :laughing: As far as the hydraulic fluid, if that's what they use then I would use the same. Drain ALL the old oil out before refilling.

 

[Diamondpilot]

AW 32 is perfect for a splitter.

Chris

 

[studor]

Aw 32 is what I use -- I woud also stay away from teflon tape on the fittings -- better to buy new fittings than to have some chunks of teflon floating around in an unfiltered system - JMHO

 

[csr0831]

Hello Gents...

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input. I did use teflon tape...I just mades sure it was up near the shoulder of the fitting. There was nothing wrong with the fitting that I could tell so using a new one would have been of no help. I used the ISO 32 fliud after I drained the old. Put in about 2.5 gallons. It splits like a dream. Spent two hours today working on an Oak tree...my back finally gave out, so I quit. Thanks again guys! : )

Chris

 

[RZHill]

Now your back should not give out unless you are splitting horizontal.
I have a 27 ton splitter that will split both ways. I ALWAYS split vertical, have a small stool to sit on and roll the logs to the splitter. works fine for me and I have split some Maple that was 4' in diameter , after halfing it with a chain saw.
My biggest gripe is picking up the split logs to load the truck.
RZ Hill

 

[csr0831]

I AM splitting horizontal....as I said, this is an old (20 - 25 years) bare bones splitter and will not split verticaly and splits only one way. I am splitting Red oak approximatly 3' in diameter, I put the piece in the Jonny Bucket on the tractor, drive it up to the splitter and then I can roll it onto the splitter, because I **** sure can't lift it from the ground. After I half it, I can lift up those peices, but after a day of that, my back tells me all about it.:ashamed: