Log Splitter Hydraulic Fluid Maintenance

To keep your log splitter splitting for many years to come, check the hydraulic fluid often.
Before using your hydraulic log splitter, make sure the reservoir tank is filled. And after 100 hours of use, change out the hydraulic fluid and the filter.

How to change the hydraulic fluid for your log splitter

1. Place a suitable container under the tank to collect the fluid. Make sure it’s big enough. Fluid in the container—good; fluid on the ground—bad. `
2. Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the reservoir tank. See Figures 6-1 and 6-2 in your Engine Operator’s Manual for reference. (It came with your log splitter).
3. Carefully un-thread the inlet filter and clean it with penetrating oil.
4. Allow the hydraulic fluid to drain into that suitable container. The reservoir tank has a capacity of 3 gallons and the entire hydraulic system has a capacity of approximately 4.7 gallons – so make it a big container. Afterwards, reinstall the cylinder, hoses, pumps, and filter. Tighten the hose clamps to 50-60 in-lbs.
5. Check the hydraulic fluid level by using the dipstick. Be careful not to overfill.
6. Replace the dipstick securely, tightening it until the top of the threads are flush with top of the pipe. Lefty loosey. Righty tighty.
7. Time to prime the pump. Remember to disconnect the spark plug first and then pull the recoil starter. Grip it and rip it about 10 times.
8. Reconnect the spark plug and start the engine. If you need help, follow the instructions in your Engine Operator’s Manual.
9. Use the control handle to engage the wedge – extend to the farthest position on the beam. Then retract the wedge back to the staring position.
10. If necessary, refill the reservoir within the range marked on the dipstick.
11. Continue self-bleeding (moving the wedge back and forth) 12 more times to help remove any trapped air from the system.

Important stuff to know:

• A lot of the original fluid will be drawn into the cylinder and hoses. That’s why you want to refill the reservoir, to prevent damage to the hydraulic pump. (Failure to refill the tank will void your warranty—turning your log splitter into an oversized paperweight.)
• Some fluid may overflow from the vent plug as the system builds heat and the fluid expands. This is how the splitter balances its levels. That’s why you never want to operate the hydraulic log splitter without the proper amount of fluid in the reservoir tank.
• When checking the fluid, always make sure to tighten the dipstick until the top of the threads are flush with the top of the pipe.
• Only dispose of used hydraulic fluid and engine oil at approved recycling centers.
• Contaminants in the fluid may damage the hydraulic components, which is why you always want to use kerosene to flush out the reservoir tank and hoses whenever you service the tank, hydraulic pump, or valve. Contact an authorized service dealer to learn more.

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