Log splitter repairs/problems to AL-KO and other Chinese models Part 1

Common problems with AL-KO and similar Chinese generic log splitters the hydraulic valve spindle breaks on the end, stopping the unit from working correctly.
I should have pointed out the small wing nut which is the vent about the dip stick screw this should be open about 3 turns to vent pressure while you use the splitter.
They are great work savers much easier than swinging an axe...I filmed this some time ago.. the irony of it all is I added it as something to do (daytime TV Ahhh) while at home with a bad back!!

[@rickgerstenberg]

Nice video, helped me out. My log splitter wouldn't retract. My issue from watching your video was the valve tip not broken. It was the piece on the valve after the tip that you showed in the video that moves. Mine was froze. cleaned it up, works like new.

[@jetblack11td]

All good then mate....a result! ....Cheers...Trevor

[@MrHooveri]

I had kinda similar issue with my log splitter.. The log splitter went just fine to one direction, but didn't come back, or in best case it came back extremely slow. And also after the first push the splitter didn't need the lever on the left hand side at all to move - it moved just by pressing the engine button on the right hand side. I fixed this by making sure the spring at the end of the valve was properly in position. It was for some reason loose, and didn't move the valve back up after pushing it down.

[@jetblack11td]

Hello....Glad you have sorted it out the valve on these are a bit flimsy..... now is the time of year to get the wood spilt and stacked up for the winter...All the best....Trevor

[@steffantaylor740]

Good work Trev!

[@oliverosbourne6776]

i have an issue with my log splitter that was lent to a freind now it doesnt work , there is no spring when i remove the first bolt to look at the spindle but is one on the spindle , i have put new hydraulic fluid in the splitter as it was dry , the capacitor looks fine , the issue is when i press the on button the motor spins the ram jerks a bit and then it trips my main breaker of my house , could there be an issue with the hydraulic pack on the motor ie the hydrolic fluid needs adding into it if so how or the motor any help would be appreciated

[@plastite]

My valve looks like that. But looks like nothing ever broke off the end. There is a cup in the opposite plug.

[@madinengland]

I have a similar splitter, a Texas Power-Split 500H which splits the log perfectly, but the ram doesn't return. If I hold down the safety handle it returns incredibly slowly. Like 1 minute to return back to the starting position again. Would the pin you mention be the issue? It has plenty of Hydraulic fluid, and if I disconnect the ram from the piston, the ram slides back and forth easily. Many Thanks

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Steve.....Yeah I think it's worth a look pulling the valve pin out and having a look could be a good plan....All the best Trevor

[@nickhenderson8879]

i have a similar problem, i can remove the big nut ok, but cannot see to remove the valve itself from the other side ? does it just pull out?

[@jetblack11td]

Mine just pushed out with a small screw driver maybe the vavle pin on yours is bent, you can get the pins as spare parts if you don't have the equipment to repair it... Cheers....Trevor

[@steveriley1600]

What did you use to reseal the ends and bolts , mine leaks at the. Bolts so I took it apart but ran put of time to take it apart completely. Is it silicone/rtv or o rings ?

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Steve I seem to remember I used copper washers and blue hylomar sealant which you can get from Auto parts stores, the washers you can get kits of them quite cheap from eBay etc winters coming mate get them logs split! cheers.....Trevor

[@steveriley1600]

@@jetblack11td thank you , I had a lot done by ax but use this for small stuff . Got it for 100.00 at the store it was a return

[@jetblack11td]

Hi Steve There not the best made machine in the world fairly poor steel... Iv'e done several repairs on mine if you see the other videos..... but they are great work savers....I avoid axes as best I can...2 slipped discs don't help! mind you the right axe helps, the smaller German style splitters not the big splitting mauls all the best and keep warm....Trevor

[@petergdk]

I had the hardest time figuring out what weight hydraulic oil to use with my splitter. ALKO recommends ISO 22. The WEN 6.5 tons splitter on Amazon recommends ISO 32 and ATF (even thinner) if it's below 4 degrees C, and now you're saying ISO 46. What is the reason for using ISO 46 and not 32? I run my generic horizontal 7 ton splitter with ISO 32, but if i'm going to damage something, i will change it..

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Peter I'm sure it said iso 46 in the instruction manual... to be honest it's not like the hydraulics in a multiple thousand Pounds/Dollar say John Deere tractor or CAT digger etc... Id go for iso 32...my mate topped his up with ATF couple years ago still working OK....All the best and keep warm....Trev

[@trwilkinson4623]

My understanding is that the lower the ambient temperature is the lower viscosity oil to function effectively.

[@MarkSmith-hx9jw]

where can you buy the spindle valve

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Mark I called Nailsworth garden machinery Nr Stroud Gloucestershire..... I've bought quiet a few chain saw parts etc from them and they will mail order if you not local they give a good service....Cheers... Trevor

[@jerrymcg3199]

Hi - great series of videos. I have an Al-Ko on which I need to replace the seal/aluminium housing. As I undid the bolts at the lever end, the shaft and spring assembly sprang out as under tension. Any idea how to refit the shaft and spring? I see no easy way to put it back under tension.

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Jerry.....hanks for the kind comments, It was a while ago now....I'm pretty sure I had some assistance from a mate...I think we used a strong bit of rope with a loop in one end to pull in together and hold it while the other guy got the nuts started..... the good new is the splitter is still working OK has spilt 3+ tons of Ash for this winter ....Cheers.....Trev

[@jerrymcg3199]

@@jetblack11td ok Trev thanks - I'll try a ratchet and strap - that might work. I don't think it needs massive pressure to get it back in. Good to hear it's still going strong.

[@jerrymcg3199]

@@jetblack11td If anyone else is reading this, the ratchet did not work. I bought 4 m10 threaded bars @ 1m length, These are long enough to screw into the end plate even while the spring is uncompressed. As you tighten the threaded bars (with long m10 nuts and large washers) the plate is brought back to its closed position. At a certain point the gap is close enough that you can screw in the original bars, replacing the threaded bars one at a time. Don't forget to use new gasket compound on the end plate to seal it. Also make sure the bleed screw hole is not blocked - mine was and it had been that way from the factory it seemed.

[@jetblack11td]

Ahh..... good thinking Jerry!

[@SIMON-qe4hc]

Hi, is there a way of testing the psi/pressure of the log splitter if it's suspected it's low on pressure? Cheers

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Simon... You would need to attach a hydraulic pressure with a high enough pressure rating.... I don't think there is a suitable tapping on these machines to allow you to do that....All the best ...Trevor

[@rickyemmirt4120]

What happened

[@jetblack11td]

Hello Ricky.....It worked fine and that was 6 years ago.... there is a part 2 Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2K6eHp-a6yZmbs in fact there are 4 in total with other problems, the splitter is still in use with my Son and splits about 3 tons a year so it hasn't done bad. I'm expecting delivery of a Hyundai Vertical 8 ton unit today... so I guess that will be a review video...Cheers....Trevor

[@lookup49]

"And let's see what happens"...end of story?....I'm glad you are not a reporter for the BBC.

[@jetblack11td]

Hello check out the part 2 video? all shown fully working....!

[@Trackhoe075]

You sir should refrain from doing repair videos you never showed any process please

[@jetblack11td]

Hello ....If you need to learn how to Braze up steel parts, there are lots of videos on KZbin showing in detail how that's done!.... all the best....Trevor

[@santosdr2]

This is like a diagnostic test/with an answer on what he did to fix.

[@jetblack11td]

Hello DS.... Thanks for the comment.....Cheers...Trevor