Log splitter filter and fluid change

[endoscott]

I know some of you are very knowledgeable about farm equipment so I am asking about a log splitter I got from my BIL, a Bachtold Brothers 5.5 HP Honda power, needs hydraulic filter and fluid change (pretty sure it's never been done in about 20 years of use). It's a spin on filter, are they pretty universal for threads and size? Numbers on existing: 03038 and 112214. What is the best and most long lasting fluid. I don't care if it's a little expensive if the quality is high. Synthetic or not? Thanks in advance!

 

[Ozymandias]

They come in a great variety of threads and filtration rate.
And even thorough googled I can't come up with anything useful with the numbers provided.

If not someone can pinpoint it you have to take it off and measure the thread, from there it's easy.

Oil? For this application even olive oil would be good enough... no, seriously, take any hydraulic oil from a major brand. Only thing to strictly stay away is bio based oil.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

For that application, I would probably just leave the fluid alone and change the filter, unless it is obviously contaminated with water and rust. For fluid, I would just find the cheapest stuff from Tractor Supply, or even use ATF.

I didn't find anything useful with the filter numbers, but I did poke around a bit on Baldwin's site for some guidance. Judging by the photo, my guess is the filter is roughly the size of our oil filters, and should have a 1-12 thread.

 

[Ozymandias]

Then it would be Donaldson 551551, same as I use for Trans and Powersteering.

 

[NIsaacs]

That hydraulic system appears to be a little strange. It appears to have the filter plumbed to the suction line. Most are in the return line. Maybe there is another line that I can't see.

I agree with the 1"-12, pretty standard. The Donaldson P151551 crosses to a Napa 1551, 10 micron. That might be too fine for the suction line. The 1553 Napa is a 33 micron.

The standard hydraulic filter for universal systems from TSC is a Lenz CP-752-30, 25 micron.

Hydraulic oil usually comes in 3 viscosities, AW68, AW46 and AW32, some brands will use ISO v/s AW. Climate will dictate here. I always buy premium grade oil, any brand, non synthetic.

I didn't have any luck with the numbers published.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FIL1551?impressionRank=2

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FIL1553?impressionRank=2

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[endoscott]

Thank you all! I will remove the old one and take it with me to Tractor Supply.

 

[Ozymandias]

The longer I think about it, on this application the only reason to change the oil would be contamination, especially water. Otherwise it's pretty much a Lifetime fill.

 

[NIsaacs]

The longer I think about it, on this application the only reason to change the oil would be contamination, especially water. Otherwise it's pretty much a Lifetime fill.

I think it depends on the duty cycle. Heavy use, tough wood and hot days will create heat. Normal with hydraulics and no coolers on the little guys. Preventive maintenance is good.

 

[Ozymandias]

I think it depends on the duty cycle. Heavy use, tough wood and hot days will create heat. Normal with hydraulics and no coolers on the little guys. Preventive maintenance is good.

That's right, commercial use is a different animal.
This one here doesn't look like heavy used for 20 years old.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I would change hydraulic fluid and filter. Hydraulic fluid (oil) oxidizes as it ages. That’s bad for the pump and valves. My splitter has a 20 gallon tank and it’s expensive to change when I do it. However my splitter is also 20 years old and gets some long hard workouts every season. My only failure was a hydraulic line last season. Pump, spool valves and cylinder are still running strong. If the fluid in yours is 20 years old, it’s probably pretty dark. The color should be a light color.