probably got something to do with the oil being so cold, I know if I go to use my splitter in the bitter cold it really doesn't work that well till everything gets good and warm which can take awhile for the hyd fluid. you probably didn't notice it on the tractor because you had it plugged in then warmed it up for awhile before you used it. good luck

Pete

 

I haven't had that problem but is the pump you are using the same GPM as the tractors? Also the little motor your trying to run it off of may not have enough power to give when under heavy load. Hydraulic systems do not like cold weather just like an engine the oil is thick and until warm may be sluggish. I would bet if you ran the hoses back to the tractors system it would split better again.

 

I have a self powered log splitter came with an 8hp B&S on it and you could stall the motor with a stubborn log after a few seconds of holding the pressure on.

Replaced that motor with a 13hp Honda clone, this motor would not stall, just load down to a lower rpm, the splitter had more splitting power with the 13hp but not a big difference.

Replaced the kickoff valve with a new one, now you can stall the 13hp motor in a second with a log sideway across the wedge.

The splitter now has WAY WAY more splitting power and has yet not to split a log I put in it to split

Pressure relieve valve setting must be higher than the old one.

 

Your problem is the cold, stiff hydraulic oil. I have an old cast iron 10 hp Briggs on my spliter. In cold weather I release the belt on the pump before I try to start it, let the engine warm up some and then tighten the belt. Let it run for another 10 min or more before it is ready to do. Once warmed up it will work fine. Set a forced air heater directed on the tank and engine for a while before you want to use it will work much better.

 

I don't think the wood is the problem cuz I have found that most frozen wood splits easier then unfrozen wood but that was a long time ago when I was a young man and did it with an ax..

 

Works fine warmer out. Works poorly colder out.

Leads me to just thinking the oil is t suited to the cold and is thick as gear oil.

 

Oil too thick from the cold

 

Can't see it being oil problem because the splitter sits inside the heated shop. I'am leaning towards the wood being to frozen ,tommoro is supposed to be a lot warmer so I'll give it a try then.

 

I don't think the wood being frozen would have anything to do with it. I split a couple dozen logs with an axe 2 weekends ago. They split the same as before.

If the wood is that wet that it's frozen solid it would seem to me it would be too wet to burn?

 

The size wood you are talking about a splitter should not have an issue with. Being that it is going to be warmer tomorrow your trouble shooting scenario will be flawed as the oil will also be warmer. Just a thought but sometimes with equipment that is stored inside and then brought out into the elements valves can stick and create some hard to pin point malfunctions that work themselves out in different conditions. Good luck!

 

When the wood has frost in it, it splits good with an axe because of the hitting force and it snaps the wood apart, you don't have the hitting force with a hydraulic spliter like you do with an axe. One of those flywheel type splitters might work, they snap right out into the wood, like an axe. Just a thought I had.

Noel

 

D&R RAPID SPLITTER I know you have to work with what you have, I own one of them its amazing my BIL and me split a cord in an hour

 

Never have issues with wood splitting any harder when it's frozen, we've been using this beast with a 4 way spliter and 17 hp twin the last few weeks, very lethargic the first 20min or so, after it warms up it splits fine.

 

Wet frozen wood just doesn't split well at all Massey, I know just what you had expierienced,been there done that!! Previously cut wood that has been rained on and suddenly frozen,especially when it was cut the previous season will not spit well at all. Fresh cut stuff will explode it seems when touched by the wedge at those sub zero temps...

 

Are you trying to split seasoned wood or green wood? I like to cut dead trees into length first. Then I can split it and let is sit for a season before I burn it. Burns better that way as it is dryer.

 

Freshly cut a week ago so very green. I'am going to try today, its only - 2 c this morning, before changing hose's and then try with the tractor to see if it's maybe pump issue's. You have to realize this old combine that I salvaged the pump from has been sitting for 20 + years. So this is a new project and I haven't had a chance to really try it out in warmer temps.

 

In my experience of burning firewood for 30+ years is if you cut green wood, block it to the lengths you intend to burn and let it dry at least a winter and summer. Keep the rain and snow off it. Then split it and left it sit for a few weeks before you burn it. Green wood will be real stringy and hard to split except for the real hard woods. If the pump was that old it very well could be the problem. Probably got a lot of moisture in it over the years and internal rust in a hydraulic pump is not good. Good luck with your project.

 

Split all the wood today and everything worked fine. It was melting out today so it was warmer out. So I've come to the conclusion that with a hydraulic wood splitter the green wood can't be frozen in order for it to split. It makes me thing of like when you take out a frozen loaf of bread you can't push a knife throught it untill it thaws out. Or thats how I'am looking at it anyway.