Problem with MTD 25 ton splitter - 4 second delay to 2nd stage

Bc3 · Nov 11, 2016

Thanks in advance.

splitter is in excellent shape and not a lot of visual wear and tear. New ag32w oil and filter..motor runs great. 6hp motor 25ton circa 2005

problem is that on the drive stroke it takes 4 seconds for the second stage to kick in. motor loads up slightly and then when stage 2 comes in it goes right through the split. It does the same thing on the return stroke.. 4 second delay before the handle kicks off.

Energy says not likely the valve but either the pump or the seals in cylinder. I don't want to pay $100 if its something i can diagnose myself ..im sure someone here has plans or experience in building a test gauge? also don't like to throw money at something for a guess.

please let me know..I've seen a video on you tube with someone having the same problem but with no final follow up to conclusion.

thanks, bc3

Rocky J · Nov 11, 2016

By chance it is not a bent cylinder rod passing in and out of the cylinder head? Can you measure the exact spot it does it and see if it is the same place with no log in it, or is only when it is loaded?

ovrszd · Nov 11, 2016

Very odd behavior.

Not sure I understand what you mean about delay on the drive stroke. So, you pull the lever to extend the cylinder and there's immediately a 4 second delay? You pull the lever and the cylinder extends normally until it meets resistance and then there's a 4 second delay? More clarity please.

Bc3 · Nov 11, 2016

The cylinder rod is perfect in that it shows normal above age condition borderline new.

The delay occurs as the splitting head makes contact with the wood..it starts into the split..stalls for 4 seconds, you hear motor load down until the second stage kicks in, motor relaxes and the head continues into the split no problem.

On the return stroke as the rod fully returns, the same thing happens - motor loads for 4 seconds and then the lever kicks off

ovrszd · Nov 11, 2016

Yep, that's what I thought you were describing. Way beyond my hydraulics intelligence level. My splitter has a two stage pump, which is what I'm assuming yours has. In stroke mode, mine will stall for possibly 2 seconds when it meets enough resistance to cause it to go into power stage, then it'll continue.

Not doubting you at all. Have you put a clock to this and confirmed that it actually stalls for 4 seconds. For the first time users of mine they'll comment on something maybe wrong with it??

Is this something that has suddenly developed or has it been the normal behavior since you started using it??

Leejohn · Nov 11, 2016

Check and make sure you are not sucking air, also if you have suction filter check or change that.

mrmikey · Nov 12, 2016

Wonder if the transition pressure is set too high? I think the specs on my pump said 500psi is when it shifts. Another thing could be the pump might be getting bad and bypassing, taking the 4 seconds to build up enough pressure.
Only way to tell is to put a pressure gauge in the circuit..........Mike

ovrszd · Nov 12, 2016

mrmikey said:
Wonder if the transition pressure is set too high? I think the specs on my pump said 500psi is when it shifts. Another thing could be the pump might be getting bad and bypassing, taking the 4 seconds to build up enough pressure.
Only way to tell is to put a pressure gauge in the circuit..........Mike

Yep. Need to research the pump data so you can utilize the numbers you collect.

Rocky J · Nov 12, 2016

From what I can tell from all the diagrams is both sides of the pump are putting out fluid until it reaches 500 psi back pressure then it opens a unloader valve on the high volume side of the pump and it just circulates and lets the high pressure side continue working. So it sounds like that unloader/bypass valve is hanging or sticking for a fraction of time. The fact that it does work and does its job other then the delay eliminates the cylinder seals , the symptoms would be the opposite of yours, if it was bypassing the seals at 500 psi and 11 gallon a minute going up to 2500 psi and 3 gallon a minute would creep at best.The two sides of the cylinder become one with some restriction. You might pull your filter and see if there is any foreign material in it, I will attach a few pictures of my cylinder when the seals went bad , one is the power steering off the Jinma and the other is the fel cylinder from the case.