how do you bleed hydraulics on a log splitter

How do you bleed hydraulics on a log splitter?

• Check the fluid level in the hydraulic cylinder.
• Extend the hydraulic cylinder completely to bring air towards the top of the cylinder.
• The air will escape through the bleeder nut.
• Tighten the bleeder nut, when you find any discharge of hydraulic fluid through the nut.

Full Answer

How to bleed air out of a log splitter?

But you can also follow these steps to bleed the air out: Please, put on your safety goggles. Push the hydraulic ram extending to its full forward position by the control switch. Turn the oil-filler plug counter-clockwise to remove the oil filling plug from a log splitter.

How does a hydraulic log splitter work?

In a typical log splitter, the operator places a log on the splitter, then shifts a directional valve to route fluid from the pump to the cap end of the hydraulic cylinder. The smaller pump moves the piston rod at lower speed, but can achieve higher pressure to push the wedge into the log and split it.

How do you change the oil in a hydraulic log splitter?

Push the hydraulic ram extending to its full forward position by the control switch. Turn the oil-filler plug counter-clockwise to remove the oil filling plug from a log splitter. Release the ram by rotating the release screw counter-clockwise. Allow the ram to retract until you see hydraulic oil coming out from the oil filling plug hole.

How to bleed a hydraulic cylinder?

Extend the hydraulic cylinder completely to bring air towards the top of the cylinder. The air will escape through the bleeder nut. Tighten the bleeder nut, when you find any discharge of hydraulic fluid through the nut.

How do you get air out of hydraulic system?

For dissolved air, you can remove it by raising the temperature of the fluid until the air is released. This should only be done if absolutely necessary as hydraulic oil will normally tend to be at least 10% dissolved air.

How do you bleed air from a double acting hydraulic cylinder?

0:221:55QuickJack Hack to Bleed New Hydraulic Cylinders - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis means bleeding out all the air and our instruction manual we provide one way to do this simplyMoreThis means bleeding out all the air and our instruction manual we provide one way to do this simply use a hex key sometimes called an Allen wrench to let air out of the cylinder.

Do you have to bleed air out of hydraulic system?

Air in your hydraulic lines can eventually cause damage to the entire system, so it's a good idea to bleed the lines once in a while, or if you suspect air was caught.

Where do you bleed hydraulics?

When the valve starts leaking hydraulic fluid, the air has been bled from the cylinder. Bleed the farthest lines or cylinders first: Whether you're bleeding a cylinder or hydraulic lines, always bleed the farthest ones first and work forward. This allows you more space to work.

What will happen if there is air trapped in the hydraulic system?

When air contaminates a hydraulic fluid, usually via the pump's inlet, aeration, cavitation, or foaming can occur. Aeration is bad news, as it degrades the hydraulic fluid causing damage to the components of the system due to loss of lubrication, resulting in overheating and burning of the seals.

How do you bleed a hydraulic valve?

0:293:01AS Air Bleed Down Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by removing the airlines from the top of the actuator. Using the proper size box and wrenchesMoreBegin by removing the airlines from the top of the actuator. Using the proper size box and wrenches remove the high-pressure lines from the bleed down valve.

How do you prime a hydraulic system?

2:154:54ESCO Hydraulic Pump Priming [Model 10592] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt into the port where the air pocket is it just starts to run out. Now reinstall the pressureMoreIt into the port where the air pocket is it just starts to run out. Now reinstall the pressure relief valve.

How do you bleed a hydraulic cylinder without a bleeder valve?

The proper bleeding procedures for slave cylinders without bleed screws is as follows:Push the slave cylinder pushrod inward and disconnect both bands of the retaining strap to enable the pushrod to fully extend. ... Tilt the slave cylinder to a 45° angle. ... Insert the master cylinder line into the slave cylinder port.More items...

STEP 0: Read your manual

I know, obvious, but needs to be said. The steps below are general to many models. You will want to read your make and models manual for exact details specific to your machine.

STEP 1: Check for Hydraulic Fuel Leakage

I’m a fan of cardboard.

STEP 2: Fill hydraulic Fluid Reservoir

First, don’t forget there is direct correlation between your machines working power and the hydraulic fluid level. Hydraulic fluid is really the main component in your log splitter. Don’t let the level get low and check it frequently.

STEP 3: Air Removal from a Hydraulic Cylinder

Done filling your hydraulic fluid? Wait! You are not done yet. You must bleed or purge the trapped air from the cylinder. To do that you need to extend the piston rod to its maximum length and remove the oil filling plug.

STEP 4: Clean log splitter regularly

Consider choosing a self-cleaning hydraulic log splitter. If you do not have one, be sure to clean your machine on a regular basis. Cleaning involves removing oil, grease, and debris. Also, clean debris around the machine so nothing can get trapped inside the machine. Always remember to turn off the machine before performing the cleaning work.

STEP 5: Sharpen the blades

If you notice any sign of dullness or spot on the edge of the blade, sharpen it using a coarse metal file first. To reform the sharp point of the blade, use the coarse file to sharpen the sides. Then finish the process by using a metal file along with the edge of the blade.

STEP 6: Store in a dry place

You need to store your log splitter in a dry place to prevent damage from water and rust. A shed or garage is a very good choice for keeping your log splitter dry throughout the year if the garage stays dry for rest of the year! However, using a waterproof cover to protect your log splitter is also a good idea.

The Log Splitter Hydraulic Circuit

Most log splitters use a hydraulic cylinder ( like these) to push a cut piece of log into a sharpened wedge, which splits it.

THE HYDRAULIC PUMP

Most log splitters use a 2-stage gear pump which is a special type of hydraulic pump. They are rarely used in any other hydraulic systems. But they are widely available and relatively cheap because so many are sold for logsplitters.

THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

The cylinder is the “actuator” of the system: it converts the hydraulic pressure and flow into force to split the wood, and speed to make it efficient. The larger the cylinder diameter the more force (tonnage) it puts out, but the slower it will go: it takes more oil to fill, and so takes longer.

The Hydraulic Log Splitter Valve

The hydraulic directional valve controls the motion of the cylinder. The “spool”, shifted by the handle, has 3 positions:

The Oil Reservoir or Tank

The hydraulic oil for the system is stored in a tank, usually steel. Reservoirs serve two important functions: They allow the oil to settle any air bubbles and contamination particles; and they allow the oil to cool while it’s not circulating.

The Filter

Every good hydraulic system has a filter to remove fine contamination particles from the oil. The recommended rating is 10 microns, (10 microns equals 0.00039 inches; about 1/5 the diameter of a human hair). A filter this fine would plug the suction line, so it must be installed on the return, typically right at the tank return port.

The Hydraulic Oil

Hydraulic oil is blended with chemical additives beneficial for hydraulic systems. They help resist wear, shed contamination, maintain viscosity when cold, resist foaming, rust and oxidation, etc. Typical viscosity is around SAE 10, usually labelled AW32.