Switching from atf to hydraulic fluid in log splitter.

[Austinowa]

Hey guys I have a 90’s log splitter that I’ve been looking at changing the hydraulic fluid.

So far reading manual it states it can take atf or hydraulic fluid. My question is would switching from atf to hydraulic fluid cause any damage? It’s going to take 5+ gallons to change and it would be much cheaper to switch to hydraulic fluid.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[JavierH19]

Unless you use nasty yellow bucket/303 or something too thin no. But if you want a tip lowes sells mag1 ATF in 10 quart jugs for just 24.99 and they have free shipping. Can't beat that 2.50 a quart price. Mag1 is warrens own brand so they're trusted. I buy 10qt mag1 15w-40 and its been great so I'd buy the ATF too.

Edit: last I checked a week ago it was in stock but now out of stock. I'm sure a log splitter can wait but if not good quality hydraulic oil will do, just make sure it's at least iso 46 or better yet 68. 32 is too thin.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAG-1-Mag-1-Auto-Trans-Fluid-Dex-Mer-2-5-Gal/5001933159

 

[JavierH19]

AAP has iso 68 on sale for 60 a bucket.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...xNdILv112XInHMG-7DoaAt02EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Lowes sells mag1 hydraulic fluid for $65 but has to be shipped but it's the regular price and it has a good viscosity after checking the pds.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAG-1-Mag-1-Univ-Tractor-Hydraulic-Fluid-5-Gal/5001985253

 

[dnewton3]

... My question is would switching from atf to hydraulic fluid cause any damage?

As long as you do a decent job of purging the fluid, the short answer is "no"; damage will not occur.

Drain the reservoir, crack open all the lines and let them gravity drain, turn the pump over by hand (pull the starter cord with the ignition off), and that'll be more than good enough. What little residual that might be left is of no consequence to the equipment.

 

[chorty]

another perspective.

i built my own log splitter, back 15 years ago. And then brand new 2 stage pump was $131. It was $400 to buy new ATF fluid. At the cost of used motor oil, free, that's like 3 smoked pumps. So, used motor oil as only been used, of various mixed and matched brands, miles of use, age, and viscosity. Could care less. It was motion lotion. All that mattered to me.

15 years later, still using used motor oil, and still builds pressure as intended, functions well, and does as it needs.

I do have the return circuit, along with a PB valve with snap couplers going through return filter. The snap couplers are so i can throw a valve and send power to either the splitter circuit, or to the snap copulers to power whatever else, like my cement mixer.

the return filter is a Wix 51551 that's changed every couple of years, or soon after a few hours of use if I top off the tank with more nasty used motor oil/ATF.

Recently it was used to run a huge 400Ton ram i cobbled together to crush a few semi loads of semi tires. I had to get the rims out for the recycler. hundreds of daytons and bud wheels. steel and aluminum.. So i used the old 8Hp briggs and stratton splitter and nasty oil for a power source, running a huge 48" stroke, 9.5" bore, with a 5.5" ram and at 2000PSI, it has impressive force. Ran fine. No problems besides some drippy drippy at the seals.

I think people worry too much. Just send it.