Craftsman logsplitter 208cc 27 ton

orucco · Jun 8, 2012

I just bought this logsplitter and it said to prime it and extend the hydraulics 12 times before using, which I did. The hydraulic fluid level was right in the middle of the min/max before I did anything and after doing what I stated it barely reaches the min. level. The manual states it can use 4 different types of hydraulic fluid but recommends not to mix them. My problem is it has a label on the splitter stating that it was filled with Shell Tellus S2 M32 which I cannot find anywhere. One of the other fluids permitted is Dexron III/Mercon. Woud I be ok in topping it off with it?..............Thanks!

orucco · Jun 8, 2012

I have talked to Sears repair techs and they passed me onto the parts guy who apologized but could not help. I need less than a quart to topoff with existing Shell fluid but can only find a source in California where I would have to buy 5 gal for $65.00 and $39.00 shipping! I talked the Sear's Hood River, OR owner who said I could either order the fluid in it or drain it out and put one of the other fluids in it. I said I can also bring it back and he said fine he could probably re-sell it real quick and I probably would have the same problem if I looked for another brand as 1 or 2 companies make them. Pretty pathetic customer service and product support. It would have been better to have not had any fluid in it as once the tank iis drained how do I get it out the rest out of the system to put another fluid in? I will put in a BBB complaint against Sears as the product is advertised as it is already to operate because they have supplied both engine oil and hydraulic fluid.

KennyG · Jun 8, 2012

I agree it's a real annoyance, but I think I would just drain it and refill it with an acceptable available fluid. If it wasn't under warranty, I wouldn't worry about mixing fluids. Chalk this one up to experience.

orucco · Jun 8, 2012

Thanks, I will probably end up doing that and going with the Dexron III that is readily availablle. Can I just drain the tank or do I need to get it all out of the system and if so how would I do that.............Thanks again!

KennyG · Jun 9, 2012

I think by retracting the cylinder and draining the tank, that would be fine. I wouldn't mess with unhooking lines or anything.

orucco · Jun 10, 2012

Thanks again!!!

woodlandfarms · Jun 11, 2012

IMO, just put more oil in. You can mix oils is what I am saying in this application.

orucco · Jun 14, 2012

woodlandfarms said:
IMO, just put more oil in. You can mix oils is what I am saying in this application.

Thanks again to all!!! I just returned home from the hospital as I had a heart attack Sunday and found a reply from Sears that it can be topped off with DexronIII. Hopefully they will pass that on to there techs and store managers.

Bucks88 · Sep 16, 2014

orucco said:
I just bought this logsplitter and it said to prime it and extend the hydraulics 12 times before using, which I did. The hydraulic fluid level was right in the middle of the min/max before I did anything and after doing what I stated it barely reaches the min. level. The manual states it can use 4 different types of hydraulic fluid but recommends not to mix them. My problem is it has a label on the splitter stating that it was filled with Shell Tellus S2 M32 which I cannot find anywhere. One of the other fluids permitted is Dexron III/Mercon. Woud I be ok in topping it off with it?..............Thanks!

I own the same splitter. What size wrench do you use on the oil drain nuts?