I just checked the oil in my ryobi 4 ton electric splitter after using it for about 10+ years-several hundred hours of use. Never checked it before, oils between the two marks on the dipstick and still looks brand new. 😊
Hi, by removing the bleed, vent screw, you have higher risk of contamination being drawn into the oil reservoir. Depending on ambient temperature of use, if below 40• F, a manufacturer recommends using ATF as the hydraulic oil. Honing the leading edge of the splitting wedge eases the load on the motor & pump. Great tool 😊.
Thanks for watching. Had a comment from a viewer after the video to only crack open the vent we been doing that and it works great. Only thing is with big wood we bent the vent plug but it still closes. Been meaning to put out a follow-up video on this great little splitter.
I plug mine directly into my Honda 2000 generator in the backyard. I use a clamp to hold down my start button so the electric motor is always on. I split over 2 cords of green-black walnut that were cut between 16 and 20 inches. The rounds were all that I could do to pick them up. Yes, it has its limitations but it's very rare that I had one that it would not split. I have the Earthquake W500 5 ton from TSC with a total warranty of 7 years. They are all about the same just a few differences and names. I got my money back already. :)
Suggest that you monitor the temperature of the motor, as not rated for continuous use. Some people modify control by adding a foot switch, which would allow heat dissipation between strokes. No liability accepted.
What would cause the ram to go forward to split a log but then it won't return. It stays all the way forward. The hydraulic oil level is where it should be between the lines. After 3-4 hours with the splitter upright, the ram will return 2/3 of the way back and stop. Before I go buy a new one, maybe there's an easy fix that I'm not aware of.
Yes that is a safety feature that makes it harder to operate. I would think it is safer to keep one hand on the wood to keep a piece from flying out. But with two people it does work well. Thanks for the comment.
