10-ton manual log splitter quick fix

[Fantail]

Not long ago I picked up the harbor frieght 10 ton log splitter. It's basicaly a 10-ton jack on a splitter frame. What the instructions don't make very clear is the difference in the handle operation. But it's easy to figgure out once you have pressure on. The other thing I noticed right away was a slight assembly - design flaw. There's a bracket welded to the end of the piston, springs are attached to it to draw back. The problem is the bracket slightly extends past the piston - this can place extreeme pressure on the welds, three welds. So off to the hardware store, or was it lowes, anyhow I picked up a 1&1/2 id nipple and a cap end. That fits snug enough, but keeps any logs away from the bracket and puts pressure on the piston where it belongs. Once the warrenty is up I might have this welded up better but in any case I put this to the test after work. Below is a pic of the work this thing did in about 3 hours.

That's with griling & beer time 

[Fantail]

Here's a video review I did.

HF 10-ton log splitter.wmv

[wdswtr]

I do believe you are suppose to pump each handle in unison.  It speeds up the splitting process.  So as your pulling one handle towards you you are then pushing the other away from you so there is constant fluid running to the cylinder.

[Fantail]

Yes you can do that to get the piston out a little quicker. But the cylinder/pump on the right is smaller & steps down the pressure for a sort of 'low gear' on tougher logs. That, and I forgot my tripod so I was working one handed.