Hydraulic Oil For Log Splitter

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Analyst Man

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Anyone know anything about the AW46 hydraulic oil sold at Sams Club? It's labeled "Certified R & O Hydraulic Oil AW-46 - 5 Gallon Bucket, $43.98" but I can't find out who makes it. Any information will be appreciated. I'm thinking of using it in my SpeeCo 25 ton log splitter.
 
I run hydraulically operated machinery near daily and use 46 in my simple single ram wood splitter.
Most splitters have no provision for an oil cooler, have small reserve tanks and relatively fast return cycle times on the ram- 46 will heat up and flow freely fairly quickly in use.
My SpeeCo 25 ton splitter holds 6.5 gallons but the cylinder got pretty hot when I was splitting wood from a BIG black oak that blew down during a storm several weeks ago. Split about 2 cords in 70 to 80 degree weather. Haven't changed the oil in several years but this was an unusual amount of wood for me to split. I only burn for aesthetics in the winter so my splitter doesn't see a lot work. Sometimes I don't use it for a few years.
 
If it meets the manufacturer spec I can't see any reason not to use it. A log splitter is not a real demanding hydraulic application.
Lots of people do use a lighter oil in them. Have no clue what's in mine at this point.
Most splitters require very little in the way of hydraulic fluid. Some factors have to do with with what you are splitting, Right now with 90 F days splitting Pine is noticeably warm. With in fifteen minutes my couplers are almost too hot to touch. With my Bobcat durring the winter it requires me to cover up the radiator to get the rams moving. Lighter fluid works well in cooler climates as heaverier fluid works better inwarm conditions. Thanks
 
I use the cheapest hydraulic fluid that Tractor Supply sells (which is also used in my 1966 Case backhoe)...I think it's around $20 or $25 per 5-gallon pail...
 
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