Thread: Log splitter hydraulic oil temperature

I did about an hour of log splitting today. At the end of it I noticed the hydraulic ram, pump, hoses and oil tank were all quite hot. The ram was too hot to hold your hand on. I can't say I've ever checked them before, so I don't know if this is abnormal or not. I measured the temp of the hydraulic oil in the tank at 68C. Does that sound right?

That sounds within tollerance to me.

The manufacturers specs for my hydraulic pump say that the seals are good to about 100 degrees C. The seals in the ram are rated to about 80 degrees C.

68 degrees C seems a little warm unless you have been splitting wood for 6 hours straight but its certainly within acceptable limits.

I used my sisters shop bought splitter and after a few hours use all the parts were warn/hot to touch as well.

Simon

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I just re-read your post. While its within temp limits, that is quite warm for an hour of use.

I assume your fluid levels are all ok?

Simon

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G'day Simon,
There's plenty of fluid in the tank. Assume for a moment that the fluid temp is above normal. What could be the cause?

Hi Chris, Guys,

Its caused by shoving the fluid through small holes. Could simply be a kink in a pipe.

Chris double check the clear pipe from the tank to the pump, a small amount of air drawn in on the suction will cause cavitation,
as well as causing heat it will cause damage to your pump.

cheers, shed

That is at the upper limit of acceptable temperature. Has the splitter always done this or is this a new problem? Is it a homemade or bought splitter? What viscosity oil is in it? My assumption from behind the key board is poor hydraulic system design.

Does it have a hydraulic filter?

Perhaps it is needs replacement.

Simon

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Thanks Gents.
The splitter is this one: RedGum GX200 Log Splitter - RedGum Log Splitter

No filter. No kinks in any pipes. Pretty sure this is a new problem. I recently topped it up with 5L of fluid after replacing the ram. I can't remember what viscosity I topped it up with, but it was whatever was recommended in the manual. There is a new leak from the base of the actuator valve. Probably from when I replaced the ram. Perhaps air is being drawn in there?

It is possible the spring in the pressure by-pass valve is weak, and allowing fluid to leak through continually.


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Originally Posted by jack620

No filter.

The fitting on the oil reservoir that supplies the oil to the pump is screwed into a circular plate with a number of 6mm bolts around the
outer edge securing it to the oil reservoir, if you remove this plate you will find the oil filter screwed onto the other side of the plate.

cheers, shed

Thanks Shed. Seems like a bl**dy inconvenient place to put it. Is there a way to remove it without draining the tank?

Another test you can do before inspecting the filter is to run the engine BUT not touch the spool valve. This will circulate fluid but not into the cylinder. If the fluid still gets hot then you know its not to do with the cylinder. Its some issue between the fluid supply to the pump and the spool valve return to the resevoir.

Edit: that filter is a suction filter. Blocked suction filters due to lack of servicing is a major cause of pump cavitation and early pump failure.

Very important to maintain a suction filter.

Simon



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Thanks Simon. I'll run it tomorrow without moving the spool valve.

Would it be difficult to fit an external filter? If so, can you recommend a suitable unit and supplier please?

Hydraulic suction filters can be a trap for equipment that does not have a premium service regime because they are often overlooked or unknown to the operator. They then clog over time, causing pump cavitation and ultimate failure.

With my log splitter i opted for filtration on the return line. While it only filters particles out once they have already passed through the system, they do have some sdvantages over suction filters.

If they are neglected, they will not cause cavitation of the pump if blocked, they are usually mounted external, making servicing much easier. I also have a 0-30 psi pressure gauge fitted so i know that once the back pressure in the return line gets over about 20 psi, i know the filter is clogged and needing replacement. At 25 psi the filter head goes into byepass and no filtration is being done.

If you search on ebay for a spin on hydraulic filter assembly, you will find what i used.

Cheers.

Simon

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