Petrol log splitter issue

[b00f01.lt]

Hi there, i bought a petrol splitter off a mate that has owned it for years, has always worked well split anything thrown at it but it seems to work backwards as in ram starts moving slow then speeds up closer to the end of the stroke, shouldnt it be the other way around? Any idea on where to start, the pump has no adjustment on it only adjustment is on the valve

 

[citydude]

Yeah, normally 2 stage pump should run fast with low pressure at the start, then slow down and kick into high pressure for the tough part of the split. If yours is doing the opposite, it could be the pump’s unloading valve sticking or the valve body misadjusted, checki the control valve settings and making sure the pump’s relief/unloader isn’t gummed up

 

[b00f01.lt]

There is no adjustment on the pump is only a single stage pump, would the 2 stage stuff be in the ram itself, only adjuster is on the valve, note this thing is 17 years old now

 

[citydude]

Oh, okay, if it’s a single stage pump, then yeah, any 2 stage behavior would have to come from the valve or the ram itself. Since the only adjustment is on the valve, that’s where I’d focus, check for wear, sticking, or internal leakage that could cause the ram to accelerate at the end of the stroke

 

[Henry jnr]

Sounds like it could be a valve issue or possibly air in the hydraulic system, I'd say start by checking the hydraulic fluid level and bleeding any air out.
Anyway, hydraulics aren't my specialty, just felt to jump in

 

[What]

If you mean while splitting wood, its because once its halfway split, the force is a lot less to split the last bit, so it goes faster. Mine does the same thing.

 

[champselysees]

Yeah, mine does that too. Once the wood starts giving, the ram moves faster at the end because there’s less resistance. Don’t think it’s anything wrong with the splitter.

 

[b00f01.lt]

Yea i understand what you both are saying, but i dont think thats the case with mine it doesnt seem right that with a shorter length ring it speeds up before touching it, some go off with a bang

 

[What]

Yea i understand what you both are saying, but i dont think thats the case with mine it doesnt seem right that with a shorter length ring it speeds up before touching it, some go off with a bang

Sorry I can't help you.

 

[morsmordre]

When you say it “works backwards,” is it slow at the start even with no log on it, or only under load when it first contacts the wood. Also does the engine bog at all, or does RPM stay steady. I’m wondering if it’s more a valve issue, a restriction on the suction side, or the pump shifting stages weird. Do you know if it’s a two stage pump.