Need Help with a log splitter

[Retired Lt]

We have a 'Lickity Splitter' log splitter. The problem is that the ram slides out and retracts just fine but it won't split the wood. The ram stops as soon as it hits the wood (any size piece). We just installed a new pump (pressure is fine) and new hoses and hydraulic fluid. Also does anyone have a manual for one of these machines? Thanks, any help would be appreciated.

 

[bonker81]

Sounds like some kind of relief valve issue. when the cylinder loads up the relief valve on the pump is not allowing the pressure to continue to build. maybe defective or set too low? did you bleed the air out of the system after installing the new pump? air will compress rather than transfer energy. fluids (hydraulic oil, water, etc.) are essentially non-compressible.

 

[savageactor7]

Hydraulic oil filters are real tricky...it's possible to get one that will bind up the cylinder by not letting enough sufficient oil pass through the lines.

 

[AKKAMAAN]

We have a 'Lickity Splitter' log splitter. The problem is that the ram slides out and retracts just fine but it won't split the wood. The ram stops as soon as it hits the wood (any size piece). We just installed a new pump (pressure is fine) and new hoses and hydraulic fluid. Also does anyone have a manual for one of these machines? Thanks, any help would be appreciated.

How did you determine that "the pressure is fine"?
Check the lovejoy coupling too!!

 

[Wirenut2266]

I would start with releif valve, turn clockwise for more psi.(I'll assume you have no gauge) Fully extend ram and dead head system, if you have no gauge, you should be able to hear engine start to grunt a little, do same on retract stroke. In either direction if engine doesn't grunt, internal seals on ram are junk. If it's a tie rod style, $30 rebuild kit will take care of it

 

[mga]

cylinder piston seals worn?

with no resistance it would push/pull fine, with resistance, the oil just seeps past them, giving you exactly what you described.

or, your control valve has problems.

 

[ericjeeper]

way to test piston packing

start engine.run cylinder out to max extension.shut off engine, remove return line from cylinder,place into bucket.start engine engage into forward. if oil flows into bucket. Packing is bad.