Finding the best log splitter hydraulic cylinder will depend on the size and force needed.
The most common hydraulic cylinder size is a 4-inch 2,500 PSI cylinder, which provides greater force as the cylinder size increases.
The hydraulic cylinder is crucial for your log splitter as it provides the force necessary to split the log.
Finding the right hydraulic cylinder for your log splitter can be a challenge.
There are a few factors to consider.
Continue reading for tips on how to choose the right one for you.
Related Reading: What Size Hydraulic Pump for Log Splitters?
Table of Contents
What Does the Hydraulic Cylinder Do?
Let’s begin by discussing the function and significance of a hydraulic cylinder.
It is a crucial component of a log splitter that generates the force required to cut through wood.
This is achieved by exerting pressure on the piston, which is located in the center of the chamber.
The chamber can be divided into two sections.
As the pressure builds up in the lower section, it forces the piston to fly out and slice through the wood.
Once it’s done, the pressure lowers and the piston comes back inside the cylinder.
Most Common Cylinder Sizes
There are several standard sizes for hydraulic cylinders.
These sizes include:
- The 4-inch cylinder is the most common option for backyard log splitters.
- 4.5 inches
- 5 inches
The larger the diameter results in more power but can lead to slower reload due to increased pressure.
Finding the Best Log Splitter Hydraulic Cylinder
Let’s discuss how to choose the right size for your log splitter by considering a few important factors.
Log Size
When considering log splitting, the size of the logs you plan to split is a crucial factor to keep in mind.
The size of your hydraulic cylinder will increase with the size of the logs you want to split.
A 24-inch stroke cylinder is a common option and is typically sufficient for splitting logs found in most backyards.
To determine the amount of power provided by a cylinder, the PSI levels are the best indicator.
For most residential users, a common option is 2,500 PSI.
When paired with a 24-inch stroke cylinder, this will generate a force of 31,000 pounds, which is sufficient to break through a log.
For efficient handling of logs, it is advisable to use a tool that can generate at least 30 tonnes of force.
If you are unsure about which size to choose, it is better to opt for a tool with slightly more power.
It is not a disadvantage to have more power in this case.
If you need to replace the hydraulic container of your log splitter, it’s crucial to have the technical details with you.
You can find these details in the owner’s manual or by searching online.
Having this information will help you to make sure that you purchase a compatible replacement part.
Power of Your Log Splitter
It can be tempting to use a large log splitter hydraulic cylinder.
This approach will give you more power and make it easier to cut through logs, but it has some downsides.
- Oil requirements. The larger the cylinder, the more oil it will require.
- Reset times. This is the biggest downside to using a larger cylinder. The larger it is, the more time it takes for the pressure to build up. As a result, it will take longer to reset. In most cases, each reload will take 20 to 30 seconds.
Typically, most backyard log splitters have a five-horsepower engine.
However, if you find that the cylinder size is too large and the reload speed is taking too long, there is a solution.
You can opt for a more powerful pump which will help you build up pressure faster and fix the problem.
Using a larger cylinder than what your splitter is designed for may seem like a possibility.
However, it is not a good idea as it will exceed the engine’s limits.
This can lead to overheating, which in turn can cause costly repairs.
Changing the Pressure on Your Hydraulic Cylinder
Keep in mind that the pressure required to split the logs may vary depending on the type of job you are doing.
For instance, it will be harder to split green logs compared to dry logs, and you will need to apply more force to split them.
If the forest is mature, you can decrease the pressure, resulting in greater speed.
Follow these instructions to adjust the pressure:
- Start the engine
- Put the pump lever into neutral
- Adjust the pressure. You’ll need to use a flathead screwdriver to do this. Turn it clockwise to raise the pressure. There should be a guide to tell you what pressure it is.
After you’ve made this adjustment, it should be ready to start using it with the new pressure settings.
Other Ways to Increase the Power of Your Log Splitter
The type and pressure of hydraulic cylinders are important but not the only factors to consider.
Other ways to increase power include:
- Check the oil. If your log splitter is not functioning correctly, it might be due to the pressure not building up properly in the cylinder. You can easily check if this is the issue by inspecting the lines for oil leakage. If you find any oil leakage, it is likely that worn-out parts are causing this problem. The solution is to replace the worn-out parts to ensure the proper functioning of the log splitter.
- Upgrade the motor and pump. One of the most effective ways to increase power is by upgrading both the motor and the pump. This upgrade offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to run a larger hydraulic cylinder. Additionally, it increases the speed of the system.
Related Reading: The Best Log Splitters for the Money: Maximizing Value
Final Thoughts
The appropriate size of a hydraulic container will vary based on your specific needs.
Generally speaking, a 4-inch 2,500 PSI model is sufficient for most log splitters.
However, if you are willing to sacrifice some speed in the return mechanism, you could opt for a larger one that provides more power.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!