Handy Pro 7 tonne electric vertical splitter

[felixthelogchopper]

I have a Handy Pro 7 tonne 3kW electric splitter which has recently developed a problem where it has no real power on the downward stroke. It travels down slowly and stops at the log, barely marking it. It is fine on the return stroke, moving quickly in comparison. It was slow when I first got it and I'm not the first owner, although it had hardly any signs of use. I do use an extension lead but it is heavy duty and our qualified and time-served electrician says it is man enough for the voltage being drawn. I have changed the hydraulic oil using the correct grade but when I did there was a lot of air in the oil so I have left it to settle for a few days. Unfortunately, it has been used without the bleed vent being opened so I am wondering if that would have damaged any seals and, if so, which ones. Any useful suggestions from the Arbtalk think tank gratefully received.

[Kevm]

No you wont have damaged any seals with a bit of air but there may be an air bubble trapped somewhere, you could try running it and cracking a pipe connection to bleed it.

Is it a two stage pump (google it to see images of a two stage pump) it could be that the check valve in the pump is stuck open.

If you can get at it to inspect it or do anything with it I don't know, it will be a little ball bearing or piston with a spring behind it built into the body of the pump somewhere?

Is the control valve working fine? both ways travel the same and no stickyness or noises?

Is there a separate relief valve or maybe built into the control block? you could take it out and check for dirt or damaged o rings?

 

[felixthelogchopper]

18 minutes ago, Kevm said:

No you wont have damaged any seals with a bit of air but there may be an air bubble trapped somewhere, you could try running it and cracking a pipe connection to bleed it.

Is it a two stage pump (google it to see images of a two stage pump) it could be that the check valve in the pump is stuck open.

If you can get at it to inspect it or do anything with it I don't know, it will be a little ball bearing or piston with a spring behind it built into the body of the pump somewhere?

Is the control valve working fine? both ways travel the same and no stickyness or noises?

Is there a separate relief valve or maybe built into the control block? you could take it out and check for dirt or damaged o rings?

 

Thanks for the reply. I have heard back from Handy with a suggestion of how to bleed it from another point so I will give that a try then have a bit more of a poke around for what you mention. There is a definite difference in speed between rising from the log and descending to it, with the up stroke being much faster with a little noise and juddering which I had put down to trapped air.