Beatrice Lang
Electric log splitters are a cost-effective way to keep your home warm. They are simple to use and can save you time and effort compared to manual log splitters. If you want to speed up your electric log splitter, there are several modifications you can make. Firstly, check the hydraulic fluid levels and top them up if necessary. You can also increase the flow of hydraulic oil by upgrading to a larger pump or speeding up the existing pump. This will enable the splitter to process logs more quickly and efficiently. However, keep in mind that some of these modifications may come at a significant cost, so it might be more economical to simply purchase a faster log splitter.
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What You'll Learn
Increase the flow of hydraulic oil
To increase the flow of hydraulic oil in your electric log splitter, you can try the following:
Firstly, check your hydraulic fluid levels. Low fluid levels can cause a decrease in performance. To check the levels, place the log splitter upright with the wheels and motor at the bottom. You should then see a bolt on top of the housing, which you can unscrew to reveal a dipstick that can be used to check the oil level. If the fluid level is low, you can top it up by pouring hydraulic fluid into the hole. Make sure to use the right type of hydraulic fluid for your machine, as specified in the user manual.
If you notice a decrease in performance and suspect low hydraulic fluid levels, try raising the front of the log splitter (opposite end to the motor) on a block of wood so that it's pointing uphill. If you see an increase in performance, this confirms that you need to top up the hydraulic fluid.
When choosing hydraulic oil, it's important to consider the viscosity, which describes the fluid's resistance to flow. Higher viscosity means the oil is thicker and harder to compress, while lower viscosity indicates a thinner, more fluid oil that is faster and easier to compress. The ISO grading of an oil describes its viscosity, with ISO 32 being a thin, light oil with low viscosity suitable for cold environments, and ISO 46 being a thicker oil suitable for temperate and hotter climates. The AW grading indicates the presence of anti-wear agents and other additives, which can help prolong the lifespan of your log splitter, prevent rust, and reduce sludge build-up.
In general, use AW-32 in colder temperatures due to its thinner consistency, and AW-46 in hotter temperatures. However, if you have a smaller log splitter, stick to ISO-32 as bigger gears enable more fluid flow, making the heavier ISO-46 more suitable. Additionally, consider the climate and weather conditions when choosing the viscosity of your hydraulic oil.
Finally, it is recommended to replace the hydraulic oil in your log splitter after every 150 hours of use, or every 50 hours if using a lower-quality fluid. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent any issues caused by degraded oil.
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Upgrade to a bigger pump
Upgrading to a bigger pump is a surefire way to increase the speed of your electric log splitter. The speed of a log splitter is directly related to the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid. By increasing the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid, you can significantly improve the speed of your log splitter.
To increase the flow rate, you can opt for a bigger pump that can push more fluid through the system. This will reduce the cycle time, which is defined as the time it takes to fully extend and then retract the hydraulic cylinder rod. However, upgrading to a larger pump can be expensive, and you may need to consider other components such as the engine, hoses, and valves to handle the increased flow.
Before upgrading to a bigger pump, it is important to check for any potential blockages, leaks, or bends in the hydraulic system that may be slowing down the splitter. Additionally, ensure that the handle is tightened securely and there is no trapped air. It is also recommended to check if the fan is spinning freely and the ram is free from any blockages.
If you decide to upgrade to a bigger pump, you may need to consider the power curve of your engine or motor. Ensure that you have extra or unused torque in the motor to pull a larger pump. Additionally, consider the line sizes and fittings, as extremely restrictive fittings can increase pressure drop and waste energy.
Upgrading to a bigger pump can be a costly endeavour, and it is important to balance power and fuel efficiency. By optimising the engine power and hydraulic pressure, you can improve the speed and efficiency of your log splitter while avoiding excessive fuel consumption.
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Increase the speed of the existing pump
To increase the speed of the existing pump in an electric log splitter, there are several modifications and adjustments that can be made. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to achieve this:
Firstly, check if your log splitter is positioned correctly. Place the log splitter so that it is pointing uphill. You can use a block of wood or a similar object under the front end (opposite to the motor) to achieve this orientation. This simple adjustment can help improve the performance of the log splitter.
Next, inspect the hydraulic fluid levels. Hydraulic fluid plays a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the log splitter. If the hydraulic fluid level is insufficient, the splitter may not have enough power to split logs effectively. To check and top up the fluid level, follow these steps:
- Tip the splitter upright so that it stands straight with the wheels and motor at the bottom.
- Locate the bolt on top of the housing and unscrew it using the appropriate tool, such as an adjustable wrench.
- Use the dipstick attached to the bolt to check the hydraulic fluid level.
- If the level is low, pour hydraulic fluid into the designated hole, ensuring you use the correct type of hydraulic fluid for your specific log splitter model.
Now, let's discuss some adjustments to the pump and pressure settings:
- Turn up the unloading pressure on the two-stage pump: Most small pumps switch to low-flow high-pressure mode around 500 psi. By increasing the kickdown pressure, you can keep the pump in the high-flow mode for a longer duration, allowing it to return to high flow more quickly. This adjustment often doesn't incur any additional cost.
- Install stroke limiters: If you don't require the full stroke of the cylinder, installing stroke limiters can reduce wasted travel time. For example, if you only need 20 inches of stroke but have 24 inches available, installing a stroke limiter can save you 8 inches of travel time with each cycle.
- Upsize the hydraulic pump: If your engine has extra torque available, upgrading to a larger hydraulic pump can significantly reduce cycle times. For instance, replacing a 13 GPM pump with a 28 GPM pump can lead to a substantial decrease in cycle time.
- Modify the cylinder size: Replacing the standard cylinder with a smaller one, such as a 3.5-inch or 3-inch cylinder, can increase speed but will result in a loss of force. This modification is one of the cheapest options to increase speed.
It is important to note that while these modifications can increase the speed of your existing pump, there may be limitations to the overall speed improvement. As you pursue higher speeds, achieving further gains can become more expensive. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a faster log splitter rather than investing in extensive upgrades for an existing slow one.
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Adjust the kickdown pressure
Adjusting the kickdown pressure on an electric log splitter is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, power on the wood splitter engine. This will cause the hydraulic fluid to warm up. Wait until the engine reaches its idling speed, which is essential for testing its capacity effectively.
Next, you need to expose the hydraulic pump and other components for easy access to the adjustment controls. To do this, remove the engine shields. You may need to use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen any bolts holding the shields in place. Once the shields are removed, you will have access to the hydraulic pump, hydraulic pump inlet strainer, system relief valve, and other splitter pumps.
Now, locate the adjustment screw. This is typically located in the same spot as on a gas-powered log splitter. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the kickdown pressure. Pay attention to the engine sound as you adjust; if it starts to sound strange or like it's losing control, stop turning the screw, as you may have reached the maximum pressure limit. Some models will automatically shut off the engine when this limit is reached.
Fine-tune the pressure by adjusting the wedge's position. Electric log splitters use hydraulic pressure to split logs, so by adjusting the wedge, you can control the amount of force exerted on the log.
Finally, replace the engine shields. Screw everything securely back into place and power on your log splitter to test the new settings. If you feel further adjustments are needed, simply repeat the process, making smaller changes to fine-tune the pressure to your desired level.
Remember, adjusting the kickdown pressure is a simple and effective way to speed up your electric log splitter without incurring additional costs. It is always recommended to refer to your log splitter's user manual for any model-specific instructions or precautions.
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Install stroke limiters
Stroke limiters can be an effective way to speed up the cycle time of your electric log splitter. If you don't need a full stroke, limiting the cylinder stroke can reduce unnecessary travel time and speed up the process.
There are several ways to install stroke limiters on your log splitter. One method is to use stop collars, which are cheap and effective. These stop collars can be adjusted to limit the return stroke of the cylinder, ensuring that it only travels the necessary distance. This prevents wasting time and energy on unnecessary movement.
Another option for installing stroke limiters is to use adjustable stops. Eastonmade, for example, offers an adjustable stop feature that can help control the stroke length. This option may require some additional space under the cylinder, so it's important to check the specifications before installation.
Additionally, you can explore machining bushings that fit inside the cylinder to physically limit the stroke length. This method has been demonstrated in some YouTube videos, where users have successfully limited the stroke with a 3-4" bushing.
It's worth noting that while stroke limiters can speed up the cycle time, there are other factors to consider. Upgrading to a larger pump or cylinder can also contribute to faster return times, but it may require additional modifications to your machine, such as increasing the size of your hydraulic tank and hoses to accommodate the higher flow rate.
In summary, installing stroke limiters can be an effective way to speed up your electric log splitter by reducing unnecessary cylinder travel. However, it's important to consider the specific design and requirements of your machine when choosing and installing these modifications.
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Frequently asked questions
To speed up your electric log splitter, you can increase the flow of hydraulic oil by getting a larger pump or speeding up the existing pump. You should also check for any blockages, leaks, or bends in the hydraulics, as well as ensure that the handle is tightened securely and there is no trapped air. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also important for maintaining and improving the speed of your electric log splitter.
If you are willing to spend more money to speed up your electric log splitter, you can upgrade to a faster splitter with a more powerful engine and pump. You can also try increasing the kickdown pressure and installing stroke limiters.
Gas-powered log splitters are generally faster and more powerful than electric log splitters, but they require more maintenance. Battery-powered log splitters are also an option, but they may not have the same power and range as electric or gas-powered splitters.
