Hyraulic Fluid of Choice

TWD · Oct 27, 2016

I started a thread in the Rural Forum about fluid for my new logsplitter.

$27 for 5G at TSC.

Any reason to spend $$ on synthetic high-end for log splitter? (I run Super UDT/2 in my Kubota, and have a little Super UDT (not 2) left and lots of 2 for my tractor).

Debating if it's at all worth running Super UDT ?

Log splitter will require 15G of fluid, so a lot and adds up

Stupid to use snythetic high end fluid in a splitter or ?? What's everyone favorite or stories?!

RickB · Oct 27, 2016

Pump, valve, cylinder, tank. It's a simple system, no wet clutch packs or such. Fill it with inexpensive Dino oil meeting the viscosity recommendations and be happy.

Deere Dude · Oct 27, 2016

Deleted

ovrszd · Oct 27, 2016

I agree with Rick. Run inexpensive hydraulic oil and you'll be fine. No magic going on in there.

CCWKen · Oct 27, 2016

If you built the splitter, use the oil recommended by the pump manufacturer. The mods to my ZTR call for 10W-40 SD or CC oil due to the wheel motors. This is basic diesel motor oil. Which I'm having a hard time finding in 10W-40.

Since all you have to worry about is the pump, use the pump specs. Probably any HD hydraulic fluid will perform well.

CADplans · Oct 27, 2016

About 17 years ago,, I researched oil for a machine I built,,
hydraulic pump, valves, cylinders,,, etc,,,

EVERYTHING I found then recommended having a small percentage of zinc in the oil.
I found the identical oil could be found with,,, and without the zinc.
I ended up finding some Vavoline hydraulic oil that had the specified amount of zinc,,,

I am sure most any good quality hydraulic oil would work for a woodsplitter,,, but,,,
the zinc made me feel good!! :thumbsup:

ovrszd · Oct 28, 2016

Believing in a product has a high value for me.

TWD · Oct 28, 2016

CCWKen said:
If you built the splitter, use the oil recommended by the pump manufacturer. The mods to my ZTR call for 10W-40 SD or CC oil due to the wheel motors. This is basic diesel motor oil. Which I'm having a hard time finding in 10W-40.

Since all you have to worry about is the pump, use the pump specs. Probably any HD hydraulic fluid will perform well.

$87 out the door for 15G at local TSC.

Also snagged some bird feed 35lbs on sale for $7 hard to pass that up for my guineas to snack on :licking: and some starter food for the 13 chickys that just hatched

IceStationZebra · Oct 31, 2016

Realize I'm late to the party but I'd recommend any universal tractor oil for a splitter. Reason being that they tend to sit around for long periods of time and UTO is designed to handle the moisture and prevent rust. ISZ