Log Splitter Filter Rips

[yomax4]

While splitting some 24" Red Elm, Nasty wet dead knarley wood, My filter would blow the gasket or when replaced and tightened, It would rip the filter case and spray fluid all over everything. It's in line to the return. Do I have something plugged on the input side? Just happened today and never before. I was splitting to its limit a lot today. You never get used to hydraulic fluid showers. Any ideas?

 

[MNwoodchuck]

I'd be interested in what you find out. I had that happen to me a few years back with my 30ton HF splitter. Never did find out a definite cause. I replaced the original filter and mount with a good one from Northern Tool and haven't had a repeat.

1999 JD 4600 MFWD
460 loader
Curtis cab

 

[J_J]

What color is the fluid.

If there is water and freezes, you might be trying to pushing ice through the filter.

What is the micron rating?

Does the filter match the pump flow in GPM's?

 

[yomax4]

The filter is 10 micron and came with the mount from Northern tool. I had been splitting for an hour before I had the problem. 1st The filter gasket blew out and it was unusable. I had a spare filter so I put it on and split for another hour before it split right around the crimp. This is a 25 ton or so splitter. I added a log lift a couple years ago and that valve gets the fluid 1st and I joined it to the detent valve and then to the filter and then to the tank. The fluid looks perfect, No visible rust or discolor. I am unsure if the filter matches the pump flow in GPM but I have been running it for a couple years like it is. I will say this, I was running into large wet dead wood that would stall out the splitter over and over and over and or split in slow motion. Thanks for the replies.

 

[J_J]

Is your tank cap vented?

If not, it might cause some back pressure on the filter.

 

[oldtimer 66]

The internal components of the filter are getting damaged from the pulsations of the relief valve on the return side. I think the filter is rated at a GPM rate and not this "on and off" rate. This is the stalling out that you are saying happens and when it stalls out you return the handle and reverse the direction again and again. After a period of time the filter fails. That is my best guess. Later.

 

[yomax4]

The internal components of the filter are getting damaged from the pulsations of the relief valve on the return side. I think the filter is rated at a GPM rate and not this "on and off" rate. This is the stalling out that you are saying happens and when it stalls out you return the handle and reverse the direction again and again. After a period of time the filter fails. That is my best guess. Later.

That is exactly what I have been doing. The filter system is made by Cross. I cross referenced the filter to a Baldwin that I was told was better built but they had no clue why the Cross filter would bulge and split at the crimp. Once I drained the oil out of the filter it was loose and would rattle inside when I shook it. I have very good venting and I wonder now, How long before this happens again. Oh, My Cross filter that failed was a 10 micron. The new on is a 20 micron I hope that's ok. Both filters are 20 gpm.

 

[yomax4]

I'm a little green on Hydraulics but I can't seem to understand the whole filter failing from relief pulsing. If it is what it is I'll try to limit the pulsing from relief. I sure have done a lot of that. Maybe the new brand filter will be better. Thanks !!

 

[triptester]

The filter heads usually have a by-pass valve sometimes the plastic plunger breaks causing blockage in the pipe discharging into the tank.

 

[J_J]

My thoughts on this is that the filter flow is not correct, or.

A clogged filter and a defective bypass might cause ripping.

 

[oldnslo]

Spin-on filters typically fail from pressure spikes caused by flow surges. These surges can come from the cylinder decompression caused by going to system pressure and then the tree splits or from moving the directional valve from split to neutral to split repeatedly. Decompression flow is extremely high flow for a few milliseconds. This flow surge happens so fast that bypass valves typically can't respond. Amount of decompression shock depends on several variables some of which are: Amount of air in the oil, cylinder size, I.e. trapped volume, system pressure, etc.

Also adding these flow surges is the Hi-Lo pump used on most splitters. Above a preset pressure the high flow side quits sending fluid to the system. There is a sequence valve built into these pumps that allows the oil to circulate from the outlet back to the pump inlet. When the pressure drops this flow is directed back into the system.

 

[yomax4]

You couldn't explain it any better than that. It's exactly what the situation was at the time.
Thanks !

 

[glastron23]

You couldn't explain it any better than that. It's exactly what the situation was at the time.
Thanks !

We had the same problem with the small splitter, when the auto retract kicked off the spike was in the 1300psi range. we resolved it by taking the return line from the valve to the filter head (about 3 1/2 feet) and replaced it with a 1 1/2 tank suction line. The extra volume in the hose acts like a shock absorber taking the spike off the filter head. Jim

 

[woodchipper]

This is an informative thread. Looks like the filter got clogged due to internal deformation caused by the return high pressure spikes. You may want to cut the filter length wise using your band saw, and perform an autopsy. Would be interesting for us all to get those results!

 

[yomax4]

I have not yet cut the filter but I decided to empty the system and check everything. What I found was the Cross Filter mount has a spring loaded rod that I assume is a pressure relief? It was apart. The thin stainless disc, washer, keeper was off the rod and the clip that held it was also un connected. The disc was blocking the exit to the tank causing the pressure to blow the filters. I'n mot sure how this could un-assemble but it clearly was. I removed the filter system ( 10 micron, 22 gpm ) and hooked it up direct. Works fine. Question is, do I need that spring loaded apparatus in there or can I run it without? Also, My splitter has a Stainless steel screen filter with another very fine Stainless screen filter over it that is 3" in diameter and screws into the tank.. Its hooked to the hose coming out of the tank and goes to the pump. Is that enough filter? Thanks !

 

[oldnslo]

I have not yet cut the filter but I decided to empty the system and check everything. What I found was the Cross Filter mount has a spring loaded rod that I assume is a pressure relief? It was apart. The thin stainless disc, washer, keeper was off the rod and the clip that held it was also un connected. The disc was blocking the exit to the tank causing the pressure to blow the filters. I'n mot sure how this could un-assemble but it clearly was. I removed the filter system ( 10 micron, 22 gpm ) and hooked it up direct. Works fine. Question is, do I need that spring loaded apparatus in there or can I run it without? Also, My splitter has a Stainless steel screen filter with another very fine Stainless screen filter over it that is 3" in diameter and screws into the tank.. Its hooked to the hose coming out of the tank and goes to the pump. Is that enough filter? Thanks !

On the Cross return filter, did the disc assembly that is broken allow oil to go from the inlet to the outlet without going through the filter element? I suspect yes and if this is correct the filter is doing little or no good without the bypass valve.

Inlet screen or strainer is for larger chunks. As a rule of thumb 40 micron is the smallest partical that can be seen by by the human eye.

 

[J_J]

If the bypass valve failed, I am not surprised the filter failed.

 

[yomax4]

I wonder why the bypass would fail? I split 10 cords last year with it and had no issues and split nasty 30" oak. Should I contact Cross and let them know? I'm kinda pissed that I took 3 Hydraulic fluid showers because the relief failed. $50.00 worth of fluid and 3= $10.00 filters. The fluid is perfect. No clogs or dirt. No plugged anything. I just cleaned the whole system and flushed and changed fluid a year ago when I added the lift arm. Also. This Star Splitter ( Northern Tool ) 20 ton 11 gpm never had an external filter. I added it as per reading on here. Should I buy a different brand than Cross? Or is there a repair kit for the one I have? Most of my hard wood splitting is done for the year but I would rather not have a 4th shower. At least not til next year. That being said, How many hydraulic showers does it take before you you get used to it?>

 

[J_J]

It in not even logical to have a hyd system with out a filter.

The parts depend on the cleanliness of the fluid.

No filter normally means short life.

Maybe you lucked out.

How about something like this?

3/4" NPT 20 GPM FA1200-10 RETURN FILTER

 

[yomax4]

Would you say that this brand may be better than the Cross one that failed? Also does a filter slow the system down or take away split power? Only asking because i don't know. Thanks.