One more benefit: gas-powered kinetic wood splitters are incredibly energy-efficient tools that use less fuel than their hydraulic counterparts. Obviously kinetic splitters have a lot to offer. However, in certain cases, a hydraulic splitter still might be the better option for some people.

Do you need to change hydraulic fluid in a log splitter?

Whether it’s gas or electric log splitter, it is recommended to change the hydraulic fluid every 100 hours of work (be sure to check they manual of your exact machine). In addition, just like your car, you need to change the log splitter hydraulic oil filter also.

How much does a hydraulic log splitter cost?

Hydraulic log splitters cost between $130 and $300. The price will vary depending on how much force it can generate. A manual hydraulic Log Splitter is easier to use compared to a manual one.

Are log splitters worth the money?

Electric log splitters are definitely worth using. Again, it depends on the type of job you’re doing. For the average homeowner who just wants to split up his or her winter wood before the snow flies, they’re great.

How much pressure does it take to split a log?

For example, an Oak tree log requires 1350 pounds of pressure to split, based solely on its level of hardness.

What is the best hydraulic oil for a log splitter?

The approved fluids that our log splitter hydraulic systems may be filled with are:

• Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
• 10W AW Hydraulic Oil.
• Pro Mix AW-32 Hydraulic Fluid.

  What kind of oil goes into a log splitter?

  Electric log splitters require hydraulic oil with a 10W (Winter) weight rating. This hydraulic oil type provides lubrication for gears and other mechanical parts during extreme cold and heat, effectively protecting parts from wearing down.

  How does the hydraulic system in a log splitter work?

  An engine, or electric motor, drives the pump shaft, and supplies the power for the system. The oil from the pump runs to a hydraulic valve, which provides control over the movement of the cylinder.

  What kind of oil does a log splitter pump use?

  The oil from the pump runs to a hydraulic valve, which provides control over the movement of the cylinder. The oil source is a hydraulic reservoir (tank) which is connected directly to the inlet port of the pump. Most use AW32 viscosity (approx 10 wt.) hydraulic oil, which is of course an important part of any hydraulic system.

  Where is the relief valve on a log splitter?

  It is usually located within the housing of the directional control valve. It is rarely in the pump. Without a relief, most hydraulic pumps will build pressure until something breaks, like a hose, or the cylinder, or the pump itself.

  How does the return spool on a log splitter work?

  The return detent holds the spool in the cylinder return position so the operator can let go of the handle while the cylinder returns. But it is a detent with a special self-cancelling feature: when the cylinder “bottoms out”, the oil pressure increases suddenly automatically releasing the detent so the valve spool can spring back to neutral.