Oil filter on Splitters

[SawdustSA]

I notice on most, if not all, hydraulic splitters that the oil filter is on the oil return line to the tank and not on the supply side to the pump. Would it not be better to supply filtered oil to the pump?

The only reason I can think is to prevent oil starvation to the pump when the filter is clogged up.

 

[budman]

BOOM !!

 

[SawdustSA]

If it is on the suction side, which is before the pump, it should not go boom or am I missing something?

 

[bmblank]

I think he meant, "boom, you hit it on the nose."

 

[bmblank]

Either that, or boom, collapsed filter.

 

[kevin j]

Yes, pump cavitation issues.

On the return side, it can have a pressure drop much higher, say up to 25 psi, to move the oil through. On suction side, only a psi or two and the pump can cavitate. Higher allowable psi drop = much finer filtration and much smaller size, like a factor of 10.

 

[xman23]

I don't see that it matters, It's a closed system and all the oil runs through the filter.

 

[Ashful]

I don't see that it matters, It's a closed system and all the oil runs through the filter.

In that sense, you're right, but you're forgetting a few other factors. There are only three locations in which filtering can be done:

1. Return line to tank, where it's typically located.
2. Suction line from tank to pump, where it could cause pump starvation / flow rate issues.
3. Pressure line from pump to valve, where it would likely explode.

Which of these three locations would you prefer to see it in?

 

[BrotherBart]

Ain't no filter on the planet that is going to survive 3,000 psi on the pressure side.

If is wasn't on the return line, the almost rusted out filter on my splitter would not have survived since 1988.

 

[SawdustSA]

It would probably work best on the return line. The only thing that bothers me, is that if you have dirt in the tank, the oil would have to circulate though the whole system, pump, cylinder etc before it gets filtered. So in other words, the only part on the splitter which is really protected is the oil tank. Don't see the real importance of a filter then really.

 

[lindnova]

It would probably work best on the return line. The only thing that bothers me, is that if you have dirt in the tank, the oil would have to circulate though the whole system, pump, cylinder etc before it gets filtered. So in other words, the only part on the splitter which is really protected is the oil tank. Don't see the real importance of a filter then really.

I think the idea is to get the dirt out and keep the oil clean. If a particle runs thru the pump once, bad, but at least the filter can catch it and it won't run thru again and again.

 

[Jags]

Suction hose collapse or pump cavitation is probable if installed before the pump. The filter needs a bit of pressure to push the fluid through it. The return line is the only acceptable place to put it.

 

[xman23]

I haven't changed the hydro oil or filter in 10 years of my use. What do you guys do?

 

[TreePointer]

I'm going on 5 years with my current splitter and haven't changed the hydraulic fluid. If it doesn't look dirty or milky (moisture), I leave it in there. The filter gets changed according to the owners manual--100 hours or once per splitting season.

With more expensive equipment like tractors, I change the fluid and filters at the recommended service intervals.

 

[Ashful]

Even with tractors, the hydro fluid change schedule is very long, like 100 - 500 hours, dep on make/model. Takes a LONG time to put a few hundred hours on a tractor not used for farming...

Engine oil gets contaminated by combustion blow-by, not the case with hydro systems. Here the enemy is just water absorption.

 

[Fifelaker]

They do make a high pressure filter but they are proud of them. http://www.surpluscenter.com/Brands/Zinga/SAE-12-30-GPM-HIGH-PRESSURE-FILTER-9-7293.axd

 

[WiscWoody]

I ordered this hour meter for my splitter just to see how long I'm ball and chained to the danged thing!

(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gas-Golf-Cart-Digital-TACH-HOUR-METER-Water-Resistant-Works-On-All-Gas-Model-/191164018790?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c82437066&vxp=mtr)

 

[Ashful]

I ordered this hour meter for my splitter just to see how long I'm ball and chained to the danged thing!

(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gas-Golf-Cart-Digital-TACH-HOUR-METER-Water-Resistant-Works-On-All-Gas-Model-/191164018790?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c82437066&vxp=mtr)

That is one bit of information I think I'm happier not knowing...

 

[bobdog2o02]

I ordered this hour meter for my splitter just to see how long I'm ball and chained to the danged thing!

(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gas-Golf-Cart-Digital-TACH-HOUR-METER-Water-Resistant-Works-On-All-Gas-Model-/191164018790?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c82437066&vxp=mtr)

I was thinking of adding one of these to my splitter just to keep track of maintenance. I loan it to friends and rent it. Out......