What kind of fluid?

[ernemats]

I purchased a used log splitter and I am trying to figure out what was used for the hydraulic fluid , it is a light yellow color and has an odor not like motor oil. The guy I got it off couldn't remember what he used just that he got it at Tractor Supply. The reason I would like to know is that I am going to use my power trac for the power and it uses 5 - 30 motor oil for its hydraulics and I will be running the fluid for the power trac to run the log splitter and if the log splitter cylinder has hydraulic fluid or something else I do not want it going through the hydraulics of the power trac. Any ideas or suggestions what I should do or how to identify the fluid in the log splitter.

 

[3930dave]

Try contacting oil testing labs like Blackstone, Cat, Finning, etc.... and describe what you are trying to sort out, they may be able to help, for a minor fee.

Rgds, D.

 

[2458n]

Drain the log splitter. At most you will have alittle over 5 gallons- less if you just drain the cyl. valves, and hoses. The former owner could have plain hyd. fluid or used trans/hyd. fluid. Or even 20wt. motor oil. Use what your power trac calls for and you will not worry about crossing anything up.

 

[J_J]

Remove the rod end hose from the valve and place in a bucket and extend the cyl.

That will fill and replace the fluid in the cyl.

The small amount that is left in the lines will not matter.

 

[ernemats]

Remove the rod end hose from the valve and place in a bucket and extend the cyl.

That will fill and replace the fluid in the cyl.

The small amount that is left in the lines will not matter.

JJ does it make any difference if you remove the hose from the valve or the cylinder and does the other fitting need to be plugged?

 

[J_J]

If you want to dump the cyl fluid, remove the hose at the valve and place in a bucket.

You an use air to blow out the hoses.