6 Tips for Oiling Your Hydraulic Log Splitter

A hydraulic log splitter splits logs into firewood. The splitter has a small motor. The motor runs a pump to pressurize the oil in the hydraulics. The hydraulic ram pushes the wood up against the axe-like plate at the end of the splitter which splits the wood.

1 - Check the Engine Oil

Before each use engine oil should be checked. To check the engine oil, unplug the log splitter. Take the right size of Allen wrench and insert it into the dipstick head. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag. Then reinsert the dipstick. Pull it out again and check the levels against the markings on the dipstick. Add oil as needed.

2 - Bleed the Cylinder

A hydraulic log splitter must be maintained in order to work efficiently. The hydraulic cylinder can have excess air in it and that will reduce the power. You must bleed the air out of the system for it to work properly. To bleed the cylinder, extend the piston rod all the way out. Take out the oil fill plug. Unscrew the release screw quickly. The piston rod will push into the cylinder and push the air out of the oil fill hole. Put the plug back in.

3 - Add Oil

Another reason for reduced power is that the hydraulic oil may be low. In order to add more hydraulic oil, take out the oil fill plug. Add oil until it is 75% full. Then follow the steps above to bleed the system.

4 - Change the Oil Filter

Oil in the splitter is pumped through a filter. Periodically you should replace the filter. Simply take off the old one and put some lube on the "O" ring. Put the new filter on and hand tighten it down.

5 - Change Hydraulic Fluid

To change the hydraulic fluid put the splitter on blocks or saw horses so you can get to the drain plug. Then put a container underneath the plug. Take off the oil filling cap. Next pull out the drain plug so the hydraulic oil can drain out and into the container. Once all the oil has drained out, replace the drain plug. Then pour the replacement oil through a funnel placed in the filling hole. It will take about six quarts of oil to fill the reservoir. Now take out the funnel. Check the oil level with the dipstick.

6 - Change Engine Oil

To change the engine oil, put a container under the drain plug. Take out the dipstick and the drain plug. Let the oil drain into the container. Once all the oil has drained out, replace the plug. Fill the reservoir through a funnel. Add about one pint of oil. Take out the funnel and then check the oil level with a dipstick.

Maintaining both the hydraulic oil and the engine oil of your hydraulic log splitter will help it to work properly. It will also lengthen the life of the machine.