hydraulic pressure

oldstoner · Aug 21, 2017

I am running a 6 ton hydraulic wood splitter on my tractor. It used to split really good. now it will barely split fire wood. Can I adjust or clean something to give it more power?
It is a 56 300 utility

Brendon-KS · Aug 21, 2017

It is possible that the system relief valve is getting tired and weak. However, before messing with that be sure to plumb in a pressure gauge so you know exactly where you're at. For that tractor I'd suggest using a 3000 psi guage for the best combination of capacity and resolution.

BarnyardEngineering · Aug 21, 2017

Full new everything in perfect shape pressure is 1500 PSI.

When it won't split wood, what is happening? What sounds is the tractor making? The relief valve will make a sort of squealing or high-pitched hissing noise if it is popping off.

I agree with checking the pressure. You can get a pressure gauge online pretty cheap, then all you need is a hydraulic coupler tip and maybe a couple of adapter bushings to mate the two together.

Unfortunately there isn't anything to "adjust" to fix the problem, and also unfortunately, a bad relief valve is rare. It's usually the $1000 pump.

Now even though the "ton" rating for wood splitters is bogus, 6 ton isn't a very strong wood splitter. Most of the ones they sell today are in the 20 ton range. Could it be that you're splitting some snarly or extra-hard wood this year?

khouse6 · Aug 21, 2017

some of the farmalls, have a screen on the hydraulic system. maybe get a owners manual and check this out

Janicholson · Aug 21, 2017

Maybe 1200psi new, I think you are optimistic on a 300U. If he is idling the tractor maybe 500 if it warm day temp, and many hours
on the pump. Jim

ss55 · Aug 21, 2017

What pressure is your wood splitter rated for to produce 6 tons of force? If you know the piston diameter, you can work out the pressure needed to produce 6 tons of force. The splitters with a small gas engine and a two stage hydraulic pump can generate 3000 PSI. Your late 1950's tractor might only generate half that when new.

Rick Remmert · Aug 21, 2017

Seals in the cylinder might also be bad. It does not take much for them to start by-passing. You have flow, but no pressure being built up.

BarnyardEngineering · Aug 22, 2017

True. All kinds of things to look for here that aren't the $1000 pump.

Troubleshooting is the best course of action here and will lead you to the least expensive solution whatever that may be. Start with the pressure test.

hydraulic pressure

oldstoner

Member

Brendon-KS

Well-known Member

BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

khouse6

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

ss55

Well-known Member

Rick Remmert

Member

BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

Similar threads