replacing hydraulic pump on log splitter manufacturer

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This 2-Stage pump fits a wide variety of log splitters and outdoor power equipment and works in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The included inlet nipple requires a 1" inner diameter suction hose.

Rated for up to 3,000 PSI at 3,600 RPM, this pump can power log splitters from 5 to 35 tons, depending on the inner diameter of the hydraulic cylinder. It features a fast cycle time by moving quickly when unloaded. It automatically shifts to low-flow/high-pressure mode at 500 PSI.

Be sure to use AW-32 10-Weight (ISO 32) or AW-46 20-Weight (ISO 46) light hydraulic fluid or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. This pump is not designed for use with “universal” or "tractor" transmission oil, such as "303". The use of incorrect fluid may damage the pump and void the warranty.

Make sure the hydraulic fluid reservoir is not below the pump to ensure a sufficient flow of fluid to the pump. Suction-side filtration should be no finer than 150 microns. The use of a 10-25 micron filter on the suction side of the pump is too restrictive and will cause failure.

The mounting flange on this pump has a 4-bolt, 2 inches on center, mounting pattern. The bolt circle is 2.85" and the bolt hole diameter is M8 (.344").

This 2-Stage pump fits a wide variety of log splitters and outdoor power equipment and works in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The included inlet nipple requires a 1" inner diameter suction hose.

Rated for up to 3,000 PSI at 3,600 RPM, this pump can power log splitters from 5 to 35 tons, depending on the inner diameter of the hydraulic cylinder. It features a fast cycle time by moving quickly when unloaded. It automatically shifts to low-flow/high-pressure mode at 500 PSI.

Be sure to use AW-32 10-Weight (ISO 32) or AW-46 20-Weight (ISO 46) light hydraulic fluid or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. This pump is not designed for use with “universal” or "tractor" transmission oil, such as "303". The use of incorrect fluid may damage the pump and void the warranty.

Make sure the hydraulic fluid reservoir is not below the pump to ensure a sufficient flow of fluid to the pump. Suction-side filtration should be no finer than 150 microns. The use of a 10-25 micron filter on the suction side of the pump is too restrictive and will cause failure.

We recommend using an L-style jaw coupling to connect the pump to an engine. Couplings and mounting brackets are available. You should use at least a 5hp 163cc engine to maintain 3,600 RPM under load.

Hey, it happens. We break stuff. Wait… are your log splitter parts breaking or getting damaged by your usage or your wrong equipment?  Answer these questions first:

“A log splitter is a piece of machinery or equipment used for splitting firewood from softwood or hardwood logs that have been pre-cut into sections (rounds), usually by chainsaw or on a saw bench. Most log splitter parts consist of a hydraulic or electrical rod and piston assembly and rated by the tons of force they can generate. The higher the pressure rating, the greater the thickness or length of the rounds are split.”

For most commercial or home-based splitters, it doesn’t matter much if you power the log splitter by an electric motor, a gas engine, or even a diesel engine.  They all drive a hydraulic pump. And regardless of the power source and pump combination, a log splitter typically uses a hydraulic piston to drive the log through a fixed wedge or blade.

Let’s start with the heart of the log splitter – the hydraulic pump. Did you notice I didn’t mention the engine or motor? Don’t get hung up on how big the engine or motor is. It is the primary mover, but it’s only good as the hydraulic pump it will operate.

Hydraulic pumps for log splitters usually are either a single-stage or a two-stage pump.  Cheaper, often off-brand log splitters, and even some larger well-known commercial log splitters may come with a single-stage pump.  A single stage pump will do the task, but it moves the hydraulic cylinder slower. Splitting time is increased.  If you’re not concerned about time, then there’s no real concern about using this type of hydraulic pump.

Hydraulic two stage pumps are ideal for log splitters. A two-stage pump will first produce high volumes of low-pressure fluid (first stage). This stage moves the hydraulic cylinder in and out quickly. The two-stage model is great for moving the splitter ram up against the wood fast, and for retracting it fast.

When the pump encounters resistance (splitting wood), the second stage of operation engages. A calibrated valve will sense the pressure change and divert service to the pump’s high-pressure fluid stage for splitting. The volume of fluid (speed of the ram) will drop considerably during the second stage, but the force increases significantly.  For example, a typical first-stage log splitter pump may unload fully around 450 psi while the second stage operates up to 3000 psi.

The effectiveness of a log splitter ram determined by the bore size, the stroke length, and rod diameter. Bigger isn’t always better in this case.  You have to have the correct amount of fluid volume and pressure matched to the cylinder for it to provide the proper force.  For example: let’s say you placed a much more significant, higher volume ram in place of a smaller one.  You may experience inadequate performance simply because your splitter isn’t able to handle the increased demand for fluid pressure and return.

Your return lines and fluid reservoir may be too small placing back pressure on the cylinder. The control valve porting may be too little doing the same. Your pump may not be able to deliver enough pressure due to a lack of fluid volume.

Since pressure creates heat, it’s recommended to use a reservoir that can hold a 3/1 ratio of fluid. Meaning, if your system uses one gallon of fluid each cycle, then your reservoir should hold three gallons. This gives the fluid time to cool down.

It’s best to be sure you have matched components on your log splitter.  Often a larger tonnage no-brand splitter may look very attractive at first, but the parts may be miss-matched, or of poor quality.

Determine your replacement log splitter parts needs by using calculators.  Give Don’s Hydraulic Cheat Sheet a try.  Just change the fields marked “Bore, Rod, Stroke, Pressure and GMP” to calculate your force and speed.   To find a bore size, input the desired force you need and applied pressure to the ram. This will output the required bore size.

Whether you need a hydraulic filter or just cylinder repairs, Cylinder Services carries a quality range of log splitter parts including control valves, Prince Hydraulic Cylinders, NBC hydraulic log splitter pumps, and accessories. Be sure to check out our store.

This product is a Hi-Lo cast iron hydraulic gear pump with max pressures of 900 PSI for the low pressure and 3000 PSI for the high pressure pump. Typical applications are log splitters and presses, where alternating low and high pressures are required to move a cylinder.

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 held together with four large bolts, you are in luck because this is the most common tie-rod style cylinder. The cylinder will have a clevis mount on the barrel end of the cylinder. The rod end mount is usually threaded to accept a clevis or possibly some other style of end. There are not as many options in this style of cylinder.

If your cylinder has a welded body and has a clevis mount on each end it is a welded-clevis style cylinder. The cylinder will have a clevis mount on the barrel end of the cylinder, with the rod-end mount is usually threaded to accept a clevis or possibly some other style of end.

If your cylinder has a welded body and has a short piece of pipe on each end it is a welded-cross tube style cylinder. The cylinder will have different widths on each end. You will want to place close attention to mounting widths and pin hole sizes to insure compatibility.

If your cylinder has a hole drilled through the rod end of the cylinder, this is what is called a pin-eye style cylinder. These cylinders are commonly available with either a clevis mount or a cross-tube on the barrel end. You will want to place close attention to mounting widths and pin hole sizes to insure compatibility.

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.

This 2 stage pump can give you much faster cycle times and higher possible pressures with a small engine. Excellent for use on log splitters. 85% efficient.

Model GP-CBN is a HI/LO hydraulic gear pump with 12 different displacement combinations with maximum pressures of 900 psi for the low pressure pump and 3000 psi for the high pressure. The change from LO to HI pressure is automatic with the LO side pressure pre set from 400 psi to 900 psi.

The HI/LO section of the pump is all aluminum and the end plates are cast steel. Applications for the HI/LO pump are log splitters, presses etc where rapid movement of the cylinder at low pressure is required prior to automatically switching to the high pressure mode to meet load requirements.

Aftermarket replacement for MTD 718-04127 log splitter pump Hi/Lo 2 stage hydraulic gear pump. 11 GPM @ 3600 RPM, 3 GPM @ 400 PSI and 8 GPM @ 3000 PSI. 3600 RPM rated speed, SAE 4 bolt flange mount. 1" metal tube inlet port with 1/2" NPT outlet port. 1/2" keyed shaft. Right hand rotation (clockwise). Cast iron housing. The pump will automatically switch from low pressure (400 PSI) to high pressure when it reaches 900 PSI and then advance to 3000 PSI.

We ordered this for our troy bilt wood splitter. Everything fit well and we have used it twice since putting on. We had to use coupler that was sent to get it to work with ours. The price was very reasonable and shipping was very fast sent through the usps. We use wood to heat our home so that was a tremendous plus.

I called several other companies that said that it was in stock only to find out that it wasn"t. I called Fremont expecting the same. They had it and shipped the same day. These guys do what they say they will do. Kudos to Fremont Industrial Supply

Bolted right up on my Troy Built 27 ton log splitter. Fired right up and did the job with no leaks. Happy to find this company thanks to Google search!

This 2 stage pump can give you much faster cycle times and higher possible pressures with a small engine. Excellent for use on log splitters. 85% efficient.

Model GP-CBN is a HI/LO hydraulic gear pump with 12 different displacement combinations with maximum pressures of 900 psi for the low pressure pump and 3000 psi for the high pressure. The change from LO to HI pressure is automatic with the LO side pressure pre set from 400 psi to 900 psi.

The HI/LO section of the pump is all aluminum and the end plates are cast steel. Applications for the HI/LO pump are log splitters, presses etc where rapid movement of the cylinder at low pressure is required prior to automatically switching to the high pressure mode to meet load requirements.

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the flexible log splitter pump coupler. The hydraulic pump coupling connects the engine drive shaft to the hydraulic pump. The coupler is designed to break if the hydraulic pump seizes up, protecting the engine from damage. The log splitter pump coupler deteriorates over time, causing vibration and noise when the hydraulic pump is running. If the log splitter hydraulic pump coupling breaks or the coupler is worn, use the manufacturer-approved replacement part to install a new one.

Beiler Hydraulics offers all the components needed to build your own log splitter as well as supply manufacturers of log splitters. We stock the log splitter two-stage pumps, log splitter valves, and a wide variety of hydraulic cylinders ranging from light duty tie-rod cylinders to heavy duty welded cylinders. So whether you are replacing a part on your log splitter or want a new set up, Beiler Hydraulics can help. Please contact our professional sales team for your specific log splitter needs.

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.

For more information about the services we offer at Flowfit or for advice from our experts, please don’t hesitate to give the team a call on 01584 879 033 or e-mail us atsales@flowfitonline.com

The 257-011, by MTE, is manufactured in the USA. It is commonly used by individuals building their own log splitter. It may also be used as a replacement pump for major log splitter manufacturers like MTD, Timberwolf, Champion, Ariens, and Swisher.