Transmission,Differential and Hydraulic oil/Help Dell

In a 3" ram, a stock pump making 1500 psi will make a force of ±10,000 pounds, which is nothing special at all for a log splitter. For that same ram, a stock pump making 2.5 gpm of flow will move the ram at about 1.25 inches per second. A man could get old waiting for that to split anything.

I have a 3-point log splitter with a 3" ram, but it's run by a separate Cessna pump, driven by the PTO, which makes about 15 gpm and 3000 psi. This thing has a simple rule-of-thumb - if I can lift it, it will split it. Suggest you explore hooking your log splitter to a pump like that, or the Prince-style PTO pump which Dell suggests. You'll also be able to upgrade to open-center, double-action working, with automatic reverse.

HTH

llater,

llamas

Here is one source for a higher capacity external PTO driven hydraulic pump. You could probably find others by doing web searches.

I'm NOT a hydraulics design engineer, you're on your own. There are books out there that can help you do-it-yourself..... ....Dell

• PTO hydraulic pump

Some multi-viscosity additives can and do "eat" parts of trannys and pumps.

Please read and understand what frequent N-Board contributor "llamas" has to say about hydro-oil.

I can go to the local Ford/New Holland dealer, the John Deere dealer, the Kabota dealer, Wal-Mart, NAPA parts store and get or order a 5 gal bucket of oil that meets spec M2C-134D. About $25..... .....Dell

• llamas excellent hydro-oil article

I have a 1946 2N with a questionable service history. I use the 134 spec and have not had a problem. Here in northern illinois we also go through the temperature changes you speak of, and aside from a leaky shifter boot putting water in my tranny, things have been fine.

Of course, there may come a day when a leak makes itself known by dripping out of one of the seals. I supose that if a seal wears out, the symptoms may show up sooner with a thinner fluid than with a thicker fluid. However, just because the symptoms are delayed, doesn't mean the problem isn't there. If the seals are worn out, they are worn out and will need replacing. But you won't know the seals are bad until the leak happens.

I guess my advice would be to realise that the next fluid change you make will not be your last, and if you don't like the way the 134 works, try a different flavor.