Huskee Splitter- hydraulic leak

[jabram]

Hey fellows, wanted to get your thoughts on this. I purchased a 22T Huskee splitter from TSC last October. I split probably a couple cords with it during Dec. & Jan. It ran great, easy to start and plenty of power for everything I needed to split. I stored it in my shed and covered it with an old boat cover. Yesterday I pulled the cover back and saw a pretty good wet spot on the floor under it. I got to looking and the bottom of the pump was dripping with hydraulic fluid. It appears to be leaking around the seal where the shaft exits the top of the pump. I'll go talk to the TSC guys sometime this week, I know all hydraulic components are under a one year warranty. It seems like significant problem for a shaft seal to go out within a few months. Does the pump have to be disassembled to replace this seal? Just wondering your thoughts about this. thanks-

 

[1kzwoman]

Hey fellows, wanted to get your thoughts on this. I purchased a 22T Huskee splitter from TSC last October. I split probably a couple cords with it during Dec. & Jan. It ran great, easy to start and plenty of power for everything I needed to split. I stored it in my shed and covered it with an old boat cover. Yesterday I pulled the cover back and saw a pretty good wet spot on the floor under it. I got to looking and the bottom of the pump was dripping with hydraulic fluid. It appears to be leaking around the seal where the shaft exits the top of the pump. I'll go talk to the TSC guys sometime this week, I know all hydraulic components are under a one year warranty. It seems like significant problem for a shaft seal to go out within a few months. Does the pump have to be disassembled to replace this seal? Just wondering your thoughts about this. thanks-

Return the splitter to dealer asap no way should you have hydraulic leaks after 2 cords.

 

[Jags]

Those types of pumps are usually a replaced item. Not friendly to repairs. Get with them and get the replacement pump. Make sure you have proper alignment on the pump when installed.

 

[bobdog2o02]

Those types of pumps are usually a replaced item. Not friendly to repairs. Get with them and get the replacement pump. Make sure you have proper alignment on the pump when installed.

No surgery, just a bolt on. and it shouldnt be leaking allready. i would make sure there is no water in the fluid though.... Sits all winter, condensation in there and freezing would cause problems.....

 

[fire_man]

OK I have to ask - what's the trick to properly align the pump? Some kind of hose clamp trick?

 

[TreePointer]

Less than a year old. It should be covered by the warranty.

 

[Jags]

OK I have to ask - what's the trick to properly align the pump? Some kind of hose clamp trick?

I use a hose clamp around the center section to keep everything aligned.

 

[jabram]

I took the splitter back to TSC today at lunch and talked to the manager. He was very cooperative and friendly about repairing it under warranty. I told him we needed a new pump, not a seal replaced in the existing pump, so we'll see how it goes. Guys, thanks for the good info!

 

[fire_man]

I use a hose clamp around the center section to keep everything aligned.

I've never removed a pump. I'm assuming the coupler must somehow not be fixed and needs holding while aligning the pump.

 

[Jags]

it goes...
Engine shaft to one half of the lovejoy...spider...other half of lovejoy to pump. When you remove the pump the bolt holes are typically not tight so they can allow for small movement in one direction or the other. It is important to keep both halves of the lovejoy AND the spider all in alignment for smooth operation and longevity of the spider.

Edit to clarify - the spider is not mechanically connected to anything. It "floats" between the two halves of the lovejoy.

Pic:

 

[fire_man]

I'm sure it will make more sense if and when I have to remove a pump.

It sounds like the lovejoy and spider move around with respect to each other. Is the lovejoy part of the coupler that mates the pump to the engine shaft?

 

[Jags]

Here is an expensive tool that does the same thing:

 

[Jags]

Is the lovejoy part of the coupler that mates the pump to the engine shaft?

The lovejoy IS the coupler.

 

[fire_man]

Perfect picture - that helps a million! The Spider is between the lovejoy halves?

Just saw the picture above. Now it really makes sense - thanks!

 

[fire_man]

So now I have to ask another question. If the spider floats, and the lovejoys look like they lock together so the shaft and pump get mechanically connected, what the heck does the spider do?

 

[fire_man]

On a separate topic - The suction side hose for my 27T Troy-bilt splitter lists for $67. Is there anything special about this hose that makes it so expensive? What can I use for a substitute?

 

[Jags]

So now I have to ask another question. If the spider floats, and the lovejoys look like they lock together so the shaft and pump get mechanically connected, what the heck does the spider do?

Each half of the lovejoy is mounted rigid to the motor shaft and pump shaft. The spider goes between these two pieces and acts as a buffer for vibration. The edges of the "legs" on the lovejoy actually ride against the rubber "legs" of the spider. That way, no metal ever touches between the two halves.

 

[pma1123]

Fire man...I've used Gates automotive heater hose for the low pressure side on the speeco in my signature. I had it on hand and the old hose was worn in one spot so the cords were visible; I figure it was better than what was on the splitter. It looks the same and has been holding fine for over a year now with no issue or sign that it is not suitable for hydraulic fluid contact.

 

[fire_man]

Thanks pma - good to know. The suction hose on mine is rated at 1260 PSI WP.
The log cradle broke and started gouging the hose - no cords are visible just worn rubber. I was just surprised how pricy the MTD hose was.

 

[kevin j]

True suction hose has a wire spiral (not braid) in it to prevent collapse under vaccum. Heater hose not good.
Cheapo splitters have clear vinyl suction hose that partially collapses when it is hot.
Return line to tank is low pressure, and heater hose or low pressure textile braid hose is fine there.

 

[fire_man]

Hard to believe a $8 heater hose can replace a $67 Hydraulic line - I guess MTD goes overkill.