wood splitter hydraulic pump problems factory

Depending on your model, you may have a bit of exploration to do to discover what is causing issues with your log splitter. The simplicity of the design, however, can help you pinpoint your exact concern. Luckily, you can correct many problems on your own, and this guide helps explain some of the most common ones to help narrow down your log splitter troubleshooting. Get out there and you’ll be back up and running sooner than later!

Themost popular log splitters use hydraulicsto power the force needed to split various-sized logs. Because of this, common problems are related to the power source provided to the hydraulics or the hydraulic pressure.

Gas splitters are powered bya 4-stroke enginethat requires regular maintenance. If you neglect your engine, you may have problems with your log splitter working properly. It is especially true if your splitter won’t start or stay running.

Unfortunately, electric engines are not something you can work on easily. Often, they require a professional if you feel the problem is located in the engine, and many times the cost of the engine repair is more than what a new splitter might cost.

You are the power source for a manual hydraulic splitter, and these simple designs are pretty easy to troubleshoot simply because there is not much to the overall design.

Hydraulic issues are common and generally easy to pinpoint. Hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to power a force. In a log splitter, the engine pressurized fluid which powers the driving force behind the wedge to split the wood.

If your splitter is bogging down under pressure or seems weak, chances are there is something wrong with how this system operates about the size of the hydraulic pump and what it is capable of. There are a few things you can do to address these issues correctly.

First, you need to narrow down the problem through your observations. You also need to look at actions before blaming the hydraulic system. A good knowledge of what your splitter is capable of and how a log splitter works is a great place to start.

If your log is not splitting through, it may be too green or too large and require a greater force than what your machine can handle, and you should check the tonnage. If you know this is not the case, then taking a closer look at the hydraulic system is in need.

If you experience vibration or shaking during operation, chances are you have a low hydraulic oil level. Check the level and top it off if needed. If the levels are correct, you may have air in the lines.

If your cylinder rod won’t move and the hydraulics are not engaging, you might have a simple solution if this is the first time you have used your splitter. First, check to see if the shipping plugs are still in place by disconnecting the hydraulic hoses, removing the plugs, and putting them back on.

If this isn’t the first time you have used your splitter, and it just started, something else might be blocking the hoses. You can remove the hoses and flush them or change the hydraulic fluid. You may have a blocked control valve which can also be cleared by flushing the hydraulic system.

As seen, common issues surround engine maintenance and hydraulics. Many problems are simply from regular wear and tear and are uncomplicated to fix with new filters, seals, and hoses. However, if problems persist or seem worse despite your care and attention, you may need to take a closer look at the piston and replace it.

Log splitters are made for heavy, long-term use, and the materials used in their design are durable and efficient. Because of this, most companies also provide excellent customer support to help narrow down any issues you may be experiencing. There are also manuals included to help solve your problems.

The hydraulic pump controls the flow of fluid within the pump system. Most log splitter hydraulic pumps will be two-stage pumps, meaning that they can force the liquid within them to move in two different directions, which allows for the hydraulic arm to be pushed forward to split wood, and also retracted so the machine can be reloaded with a new log. The seals on these pumps wear over time and eventually can cause hydraulic fluid to leak out of the system. If fluid is leaking from your pump, disassemble it and replace all seals. When repairing a damaged pump it is important to carefully analyze and address the rest of the hydraulic system. When the pump fails it will often send metal debris throughout the hydraulic system. At a minimum it will be necessary to thoroughly flush the hydraulic fluid and replace the filter. Debris left in the system can quickly ruin a new pump.

Hey everyone, ive been on here awhile but i forgot my username and password so i had to make a new account. Anyway, i have an old Didier log splitter but i imagine the pumps on all or most are similar. I was splitting wood last weekend and it just stopped, ram wouldnt move, wasnt pumping anything. I took the pump apart and the gear thats on the same shaft as the LoveJoy coupler, the keyway is sheared off. Its not a normal square keyway and its not a woodruff key, It looks just like a small round pin. Its roughly 1/4" long and about the same thickness as a toothpick. Ive been to a few shops, (erie bearing and morgantown hydraulics) and they cant seem to come up with anything. I was able to file down a woodruff key to fit it but i think it will shear off because its not rounded. The pump has a tag with a model and serial # but no manufacturer. Anyone have a clue where i can find this? Ive been looking for hours for exploded parts diagrams but i noone shows whats in the pump. I was able to find the part on the Sears parts direct website, but of course the item is no longer available. Since i had it apart i was going to replace the O-ring, both C clips that hold the gear and the key. Cant find anything. Im trying to avoid buying a new pump when this one can be fixed with a .50 cent part. Thanks.

Hydraulic Log Splitter systems use pressurised fluid to power a force that is used behind a wedge to split wood. If the log splitter seems weak or not performing as it should then there is a strong likelihood that something is not right with how the splitter system is operating.

To begin with, check your log splitter and the wood you are trying to split. If a log is not splitting all the way through then the log may be too green or too large, meaning that it would require a greater force than your log splitting machine can manage. Also make sure the log is loaded properly and isn’t on an angle or is too long. If this is in order, then take a look at the wedge itself, as with heavy use they can become blunt and stop cutting as they should.

These vibrations or shaking could be due to the log splitter being low in hydraulic oil. If the levels look correct when checking this could mean that there is air within the oil lines. To fix this the bleed valve needs to be opened and the pressure plate needs to be cycled back and forth a few times.

Temperature could also be the culprit for loss of driving force, as hydraulic oil is more viscose in cold weather resulting in a weak response until the machine warms up.

The nut for the ram has possibly come off the piston if the ram has extended but not retracted. With the engine off, hold open the valve and push it back in using a narrow rod. However, with this issue you may need to bring it in or contact one of the Flowfit team to discuss replacing the nut to prevent damaging your hydraulic log splitter system if you use it again.

Log splitters are a relatively simple design, making them easy to maintain and fix, but if issues are persisting or you aren’t confident with fixing this machine then please do seek professional advice.

A: To determine which pump to purchase, you will need to know the following: what HP engine will you be powering my log splitter with, what size reservoir capacity do you have available, what type of pump mount you will be using?

A: There are two common types of mounts used on log-splitters. There is a four-bolt mount and a two-bolt mount. The four-bolt mount pumps generally come in 5gpm-16 gpm sizes and have a ½” keyed shaft about 1-1/2” long. The two-bolt mount pumps come in 22gpm and 28gpm sizes and have a 5/8” keyed shaft that can differ in length.

A: If your log-splitter is moving slow but still capable of splitting the wood it always has, it is most likely stuck in its second stage. In the second stage (or low flow/high-pressure stage) the pump produces 25% or less of its rated GPM but it does it at a higher pressure. The transition from the first stage (or high flow/low-pressure) is an automatic process achieved via internal valving with in the pump. If something within that valving has malfunctioned, and it is typically more economical to just replace the whole pump.

1. If the engine bogs down and stalls out, the pump is likely stuck in its first stage. In the first stage (or high flow/low-pressure stage) the pump produces its rated GPM but it does it at about 400-900psi. The transition from the first stage (or high flow/low-pressure) to the second stage (or low flow/high-pressure stage) is an automatic process achieved via internal valving with in the pump. If something within that valving has malfunctioned, and it is typically more economical to just replace the whole pump.

2. If the engine bogs down slightly but fails to stall out, you most likely have a bad seal on the cylinder piston. It is often more cost effective to rebuild a cylinder than to replace it depending on the extent of any internal damage. Consult with your local hydraulics shop.

A: 2-stage log splitter pumps are sized by how many gallons per minute (GPM) they flow in the low-pressure stage. Most 2-stage Log-splitter pumps will safely create 3000 psi regardless of how quickly they transfer the fluid doing it. So, there is not actually a more “powerful” pump, just slower or faster.

A: The size of splitter is typically specified in tons of splitting force. This number is determined by the surface area of the piston multiplied by the pressure applied by the pump. The amount of tonnage that you will need depends predominately on the type and size of wood that you will be splitting. Hardwoods such as oak and hickory take more force to split than most coniferous soft woods like spruce and fir. The Janka rating is the measurement that they use to rate the hardness of wood. The higher the number, the harder the wood. Log diameter size is another important factor in the amount of force required to split the log. One of the most important factors in determining the Tonnage required to split logs is the moisture content. See below for a decent chart for tonnage requirements for seasoned wood. You will need 50-75% more tonnage for splitting green wood.

A: The tonnage rating on your log-splitter is determined by two distinct factors; piston surface area and pounds of force per square inch (psi) supplied by the pump acting upon that surface. To determine the piston surface area, you must take half of the bore diameter, and multiply that number by itself. Then take that number and multiply by pi (approximately 3.14). This will give you the surface area in square inches. Although your hydraulic pump will be rated to a certain maximum pressure rating, typically 3500psi, most log splitter hydraulic systems have a relief valve limiting the amount of pressure supplied to the cylinder and other components. To find the tonnage of your log-splitter you will take the relief valve setting in pounds per square inch multiplied by the surface area of the piston in square inches, then divide that number by 2000 pounds per ton. See example below for a 4-1/2”cylinder at 3000psi:

A: Your valve will have four ports. The IN port is supplied by the hydraulic line coming directly from the pump. The OUT port will return the flow of oil directly to the reservoir. That leaves the two work ports on the valve. The work port closest to the valve handle will be connected to the barrel port (extending) on the cylinder. Attach the other valve port to the rod port (collapsing) side. See the figure below.

A: Typical Log-splitter valves have three positions. Extend – Center – Retract. The extend position directs flow to where the cylinder expands thus forcing the wedge through the log to be split. The handle must be held in this position to maintain cylinder movement. The valve will spring to center from the extend position when the handle is released. The retract position of a log-splitter valve has a feature commonly referred to as a pressure kick-out detent. Pulling the valve into the retract position detent will cause the cylinder to collapse until it is fully pulled in without holding onto the valve handle. Once the pump pressure builds to a pre-set amount, the internal workings of the valve will force the handle back into the center position automatically.

A: The hoses on your log-splitter should have the rating printed or embossed onto the outside sheathing of the line. If it is not visible or readable it is a distinct indicator of weather damage and or rot, and you should look to have them replaced.

Your log-splitter requires multiple hoses and could potentially have three different pressure ratings (see figure below). The suction line shown in green does not see any pressure, on the contrary they usually have some sort of structure to keep the hose from collapsing. The return lines shown in orange do not typically see much for pressure, but they are typically rated to 350 psi. The actual pressure lines shown in red should be rated to at least 3500psi for your typical log-splitter application.

A: Most Hydraulic systems can be safely operated with either ATF (automatic Transmission Fluid) or a standard petroleum based hydraulic oil. Some Log-splitters have a replaceable filter assembly to help clean the oil clean. If your log-splitter does not have a replaceable filter it would be beneficial to use ATF and allow the detergents in the fluid to help keep things clean.

A: There are many manufacturers of log-splitters out there, and just as many if not more manufacturers of cylinders. The only way to know for sure which cylinder that you have is to contact the log-splitter manufacturer with the model and serial number of your unit and ask for a parts breakdown for their part number for the seal kit.

If this is not an option for you for whatever reason, you can disassemble your cylinder and match up the seals by example with your local hydraulics shop. If you do not have a local shop, or they do not offer this type of service, you will need to measure the hard component dimensions of your cylinder. You will then need to match them with the dimensions of available seals with a seal supplier such as Seal Source, Hercules Sealing Products, or any other national seal supplier. Many of them have an online interface to help you make this selection.

A: There are many manufacturers of log-splitters out there, and just as many if not more manufacturers of cylinders. The only way to know for sure which cylinder that you have is to contact the log-splitter manufacturer with the model and serial number of your unit and ask for a parts breakdown for their part number for the cylinder that they used on that specific unit.

A: The first step in selecting a replacement cylinder for your log-splitter is identifying what style of cylinder that you currently have. While many manufacturers utilize common style cylinders, many do not. Please see the figures below for the most readily available styles.

If your cylinder is mounted on lugs coming out of the side of the cylinder, this is what they would call a trunnion style cylinder. Trunnion mount cylinders are almost entirely exclusive to the log-splitter manufacturer. You will need to get a replacement from the original manufacturer or contact a machine shop to recreate the mounts on a more common cylinder.

Once you have determined the style of cylinder you are looking for, you will need to determine bore size, the mounting pin to pin length (both collapsed and extended), the rod diameter, and pin hole sizes. Drawings are usually available for individual cylinders to insure a proper fit. It might be necessary to have a local shop alter your log-splitter frame to accept the cylinder, or alter the cylinder to fit your machine.

A: 2-stage log splitter pumps are sized by how many gallons per minute (GPM) they flow in the low-pressure stage. While operating below the bypass setting the pump will transfer that number of gallons per minute.

A: Availability of replacement parts for log-splitter valves depends on the manufacturer of the valve. You will first need to identify the manufacturer of the valve. Northern Hydraulics carries replacement handles and brackets for Cross MFG valves and replacement brackets and detents for the Energy MFG log-splitter valves

A:The retract position of a log-splitter valve has a feature commonly referred to as a pressure kick-out detent. Pulling the valve into the retract position detent will cause the cylinder to collapse until it is fully pulled in without holding onto the valve handle. Once the pump pressure builds to a pre-set amount, the internal passages in the valve will force the spool back into the center position automatically.

LOG SPLITTER PARTS for all makes of wood splitters. Hydraulic pumps cylinders control valves tanks. Kits to repair or for building your on hydraulic LOG SPLITTER.

Log splitters are a useful tool to have in your arsenal, so they deserve proper care. Over time, even small issues will build up and create noticeable drops in the efficiency of your log splitter.

If you’re looking for ways to ensure your splitter is kept in optimal condition, then you’ve come to the right place. We will walk through some of the most useful log splitter maintenance tips.

Hoses that extend from the hydraulic tank to the cylinder should be regularly inspected for wear and tear. Just keep in mind that these hoses have a lot of pressure so don’t feel around for leaks.

Water buildup will contaminate hydraulic fluid over time, so it’s important that you perform a regular inspection. If you notice a milky grey color in the fluid, then it has been contaminated.

This significantly decreases the efficiency of the log splitter and will lead to other problems if left unchecked. Replace contaminated hydraulic fluid as quickly as possible.

This one is a bit tricky so you will have to take extra steps. The hydraulic pump contains a power take-off coupling that can sometimes get loose. Inspect it at least once a year. Here’s the challenge.

If the coupling is loose, then you have to change the bearings since it’s not feasible to tighten the coupling itself. The pump will eventually fail to start up if the coupling gets too loose.

The ram must be regularly greased in order to ensure proper operation of a log splitter. Plus, the ram will get rusty if it’s not covered in grease. Needless to say, that will damage the whole machine.

If you happen to notice rust on the ram during your inspection, gently sand it off and then apply grease to the affected area. If left unchecked, rust will break the hydraulic seal and lead to expensive damage, and you may end up having to shop for a new log splitter hydraulic cylinder.

This log splitter maintenance tip is only applicable if your machine operates on a gas-powered engine. If so, then you need to inspect it regularly just like you would any other engine.

There are certain indicators that something’s wrong, so never ignore unusual operation. The most common indicator with a hydraulic log splitter is excessive vibration.

Whether you"re looking to build your own log splitter or repair an existing machine, we"ve got the log splitter beams and support legs to get the job done.

Our log splitter I-beams are thoughtfully designed and constructed from structural solid steel. Carefully crafted with industrial-grade welds, our wood splitter beams are the perfect backbone for your build. There are factory pre-drilled holes in the webbing for attaching log cradles, a log lift, or accessory work tables. Mounting points for hydraulic cylinders are already welded in place.

Our bipod support legs, found on our 300 and 700 Series log splitters, are designed to provide stability while operating the machine, then fold up and lock into position when towing the machine. It will be an essential component if you"re building a wood splitter equipped with a hydraulic log lift like ours.

Firm ground is found by our single support legs when operating our 500 Series log splitter. When splitting in the horizontal position, a front leg folds down and is locked into position. And when splitting in the vertical position, a back support leg drops down to support the machine. This single support leg is perfect for your tip-up wood splitter build too!

Description: This hydraulic valve is mostly used for log splitter devices which cut the log or wood (part of log) into smaller pieces. For this reason this valve is also called log splitter valve. It is directing the fluid from hydraulic pump to hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic tank. The valve has 3 positions with detent in one position which is released when the pressure reaches certain level. The purpose of this pressure released detent is to automatically kick back the valve into its neutral position when hydraulic cylinder completes the stroke. For this reason this hydraulic valve is also called automatic kick back valve. It is manufactured with adjustable inlet relief valve.

Abnormal noise in hydraulic systems is often caused by aeration or cavitation. Aeration occurs when air contaminates the hydraulic fluid. Air in the hydraulic fluid makes an alarming banging or knocking noise when it compresses and decompresses, as it circulates through the system.

Air usually enters the hydraulic system through the pump’s inlet. For this reason, it is important to make sure pump intake lines are in good condition and all clamps and fittings are tight. Flexible intake lines can become porous with age; therefore, replace old or suspect intake lines. If the fluid level in the reservoir is low, a vortex can develop, allowing air to enter the pump intake.

Check the fluid level in the reservoir, and if low, fill to the correct level. In some systems, air can enter the pump through its shaft seal. Check the condition of the pump shaft seal and if it is leaking, replace it.

Cavitation occurs when the volume of fluid demanded by any part of a hydraulic circuit exceeds the volume of fluid being supplied. This causes the absolute pressure in that part of the circuit to fall below the vapor pressure of the hydraulic fluid. This results in the formation of vapor cavities within the fluid, which implode when compressed, causing a characteristic knocking noise.

The consequences of cavitation in a hydraulic system can be serious. Cavitation causes metal erosion, which damages hydraulic components and contaminates the fluid. In extreme cases, cavitation can cause mechanical failure of system components.

While cavitation can occur just about anywhere within a hydraulic circuit, it commonly occurs at the pump. A clogged inlet strainer or restricted intake line will cause the fluid in the intake line to vaporize. If the pump has an inlet strainer or filter, it is important for it not to become clogged. If a gate-type isolation valve is fitted to the intake line, it must be fully open.

This type of isolation device is prone to vibrating closed. The intake line between the reservoir and pump should not be restricted. Flexible intake lines are prone to collapsing with age; therefore, replace old or suspect intake lines.

Fluid temperatures above 180°F (82°C) can damage seals and accelerate degradation of the fluid. This means that the operation of any hydraulic system at temperatures above 180°F is detrimental and should be avoided. Fluid temperature is too high when viscosity falls below the optimum value for the system’s components. The temperature at which this occurs is dependent on the viscosity grade of the fluid in the system and can be well below 180°F.

High fluid temperature can be caused by anything that either reduces the system’s capacity to dissipate heat or increases its heat load. Hydraulic systems dissipate heat through the reservoir. Therefore, the reservoir fluid level should be monitored and maintained at the correct level. Check that there are no obstructions to airflow around the reservoir, such as a build up of dirt or debris.

It is important to inspect the heat exchanger and ensure that the core is not blocked. The ability of the heat exchanger to dissipate heat is dependent on the flow rate of both the hydraulic fluid and the cooling air or water circulating through the exchanger. Therefore, check the performance of all cooling circuit components and replace as necessary.

Air generates heat when compressed. This means that aeration increases the heat load on the hydraulic system. As already explained, cavitation is the formation of vapor cavities within the fluid. These cavities generate heat when compressed. Like aeration, cavitation increases heat load. Therefore, inspect the system for possible causes of aeration and cavitation.

In addition to damaging seals and reducing the service life of the hydraulic fluid, high fluid temperature can cause damage to system components through inadequate lubrication as a result of excessive thinning of the oil film (low viscosity). To prevent damage caused by high fluid temperature, a fluid temperature alarm should be installed in the system and all high temperature indications investigated and rectified immediately.

A reduction in machine performance is often the first indication that there is something wrong with a hydraulic system. This usually manifests itself in longer cycle times or slow operation. It is important to remember that in a hydraulic system, flow determines actuator speed and response. Therefore, a loss of speed indicates a loss of flow.

Flow can escape from a hydraulic circuit through external or internal leakage. External leakage such as a burst hose is usually obvious and therefore easy to find. Internal leakage can occur in the pump, valves or actuators, and unless you are gifted with X-ray vision, is more difficult to isolate.

As previously noted, where there is internal leakage there is a pressure drop, and where there is a pressure drop heat is generated. This makes an infrared thermometer a useful tool for identifying components with abnormal internal leakage. However, temperature measurement is not always conclusive in isolating internal leakage and in these cases the use of a hydraulic flow-tester will be required.

Proactively monitoring noise, fluid temperature and cycle times is an effective way to detect conditions that can lead to costly component failures and unscheduled downtime of hydraulic equipment. In most cases, informed observation is all that is required.

This is an excellent replacement pump for log splitters, hydraulic presses, snow plow power units and a variety of other agricultural power equipment. Mounting Positions: Horizontal & Vertical This two-stage gear pump provides faster cycle times with an over-all higher pressure rating, so you can squeeze every bit of power out of your equipment.

This log splitter hydraulic fluid constructed with high-quality oil suck pipes, which needed to be cleaned often, our pump work in a low-noise condition.

This hydraulic pump is equipped with other hydraulic tools that can carry out lifting, pressure type, elbow, bending row, straightening, cutting, assembly, demolition and many other works. Reduce labor intensity.

Used in applications where extending a hydraulic cylinder is needed, truck tailgate lift, RV leveling, scissor lift, dump trailer, lift truck, snow plow, aerial platform, road signs, material handling, wheelchair lifts, etc.