How to Maintain Your Hydraulic Log Splitter

A properly maintained hydraulic log splitter will allow you to split cord after cord of wood safely and efficiently. Use the following log splitter maintenance tips to ensure your machine continues to run smoothly and efficiently all year long.

Instructions

Instructions for maintaining a hydraulic log splitter

Step 1 - Check for leaking hydraulic fluid

If you suspect hydraulic fluid is leaking from your log splitter, you can check by passing a piece of cardboard or wood underneath the damaged area. If drops of fluid are present on the cardboard, you've located the leak. When checking for hydraulic fluid leaks, be sure to wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from dangerous fluids.

Step 2 - Fill hydraulic fluid reservoir

When hydraulic fluid is low in your log splitter, the machine will operate with noticeably less power. To add the appropriate amount of hydraulic fluid, you must first remove the oil filling plug. Then, fill with hydraulic fluid until the reservoir is three-fourths full.

Step 3 - Remove air from the hydraulic cylinder

After you have added the correct amount of hydraulic fluid, you'll need to remove, or bleed, the trapped air from the cylinder. To remove the trapped air, first start the engine, then use the control handle to extend and retract the wedge twelve complete cycles.

Step 4 - LUBRICATE BEAM

Lubricate the top, sides and bottom of the beam and where it comes into contact with the splitting wedge. Do not use a heavy grease to lubricate the beam. Regular engine oil is the recommended lubricant due to the close contact of the wedge to the beam

Step 5 - Clean the log splitter regularly

Be sure to clean the machine regularly to remove oil, grease and debris. Make sure the machine is always turned off before you perform any cleaning. Also, remove debris around the machine as you work to prevent anything from getting lodged in the log splitter during operation.

Step 6 - Store your hydraulic log splitter in a dry area

A shed or garage is the perfect option to store your machine to avoid water damage and rust. Cover your machine with a water-proof tarp for extra protection.

Step 7 - Replace worn log splitter parts

If any log splitter parts are worn or broken, replace them before operating your machine. Compare the part and model number to the new part when you're ready to make the purchase. This will ensure you buy the right part for your specific hydraulic log splitter.

With these basic hydraulic log splitter maintenance tips, you'll be able to keep your machine in prime working order and ready to operate for years to come. To ensure proper maintenance of your log splitter, refer to your operator's manual for repair and maintenance instructions specific to your model. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance instructions will ensure that your log splitter runs safely and efficiently so you can split more wood at a faster pace. We know you depend on your wood splitter to work properly, so trust Troy-Bilt to help you properly maintain, clean and operate your machine with confidence. Use our Parts Finder to locate and order any replacement parts you may need for maintenance.