Servicing and using a Harbor Freight 5 ton electric log splitter

I've used this splitter for 5 years and it works great. No matter how big a log splitter you get you will find some wood hard to split but this unit does the majority of the work fine. I can't stress how important it is to replace the hydraulic fluid before you run it so it is running full with the exact same fluid. Use a proper extension cord and an electric circuit that is a true 15 amp service. I keep an axe handy to knock the wood that gets hung up loose. I also use it to get those tough strands of stringy wood to finish separating. I just finished five 60 foot tall Elm trees , a 90 foot black gum tree and two 95 foot Poplar trees. From time to time you have to roll a log around to find the sweet spot to do the initial split but the logs I was splitting was up to 24 inches across and 16 inches long. Yes it will split them as long as the hydraulic fluid is at the proper level , the sliders are clean and oiled and you are actually sending 15 amps to it.
I have to note that my unit has the old style on / off switch. The newer model has a momentary switch that you have to hold in while mine stays on when you push the button. More than likely some person turned on the older model and did not pay attention to where their hands were and got them crushed. The fix was make it a two handed operation. I will not tell you how to change the power switch.

[@mrkoolio4475]

Great tips…thank you

[@moelana]

thanks dad

[@roberta.k4213]

Thanks for the video, it swayed me to buy one. More power and heavier than I expected!! Worked very well.

[@timgiles9413]

Mine leaks oil when I let it sit. Are there any repair videos on the main hydraulic seal? Thanks.

[@donarmstrong5872]

If it just drips make sure you close that wing nut that you open to let the air out after you have stopped using it. I always end up closing it and using paper towels to clean up the oil. While running I learned to put a paper cup right beneath that wing nut to catch the foamy oil the drips out while in operation.

[@slicedbacon2861]

Great video, Don. Lots of useful information. I have, basically the same log splitter. Works fantastic but, the power switch failed, due to corrosion caused by moisture. I'm having a very hard time finding a replacement switch. Any input would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I live in western Canada. Thanks in advance.

[@donarmstrong5872]

I noticed that newer units have a momentary power switch not a constant one like mine. Looking at several videos on various units plus one my neighbor got they use a c clamp to hold the switch on constant then used a foot peddle switch to turn the power on and off. In my case my power cord clip on has broken so I'm looking at replacing my power cord and I think I will try to replace the power switch also.

[@PainterD54]

You should use ATF in cold weather instead of the thicker hydraulic oil.