Maintenance and common faults on log splitters
Hydraulic log splitters are robust machines, but proper maintenance is essential for reliable operation.
Oil and maintenance
Hydraulic oil breaks down over time and can absorb moisture and dirt.
This results in lower pressure and uneven movement.
Recommendation:
Replace the hydraulic oil every second season / every two years with normal hobby use.
With frequent use, it should be changed more often.
Benefits of changing the oil:
Many problems with low pressure are caused by old oil.
Machine stops during splitting
If the machine stops while splitting, it is almost always because the wood is stuck.
Causes:
Solution:
Only free the wood by carefully knocking it loose.
Never try to pull it out by hand.
Low splitting force
If the machine loses power, the cause is usually hydraulic.
Possible causes:
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Low hydraulic oil level
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Worn or leaking seals
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Air in the system
Check the oil level first — this solves many issues.
Machine does not start
If nothing happens when starting, check:
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On/off switch
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Power supply
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Capacitor
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Fuse
The capacitor is a common wear part on older machines.
The on/off switch may also fail due to condensation or moisture.
Uneven or jerky movement
If the splitter moves unevenly:
Typical causes:
Bleeding the system and changing the oil often solves the problem.
Typical spare parts
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Hydraulic oil
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On/off switch
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Seal kit
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Valves
Spare parts enquiries
As there are many different models, not all drawings can be available online.
Contact us with your model number and we will help identify the correct spare part.
Safe operation
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Always use two-handed operation
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Wear safety shoes
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Never operate the machine with two people
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Keep hands away from the splitting zone
