Balfor A5 splitter - lack of hydraulic power

[HFJ]

Hello. I've been given an old electric Balfor A5 5T log splitter. The control valve/handle was jammed solid, which I've now dismantled, cleaned and re-assembled so it's working again. The splitter works, apart from a lack of power in the hydraulic ram. I've managed to find a copy of the manual, which says it could be the hydraulic oil filter needs cleaning. I can't see where the filter is, so assume it's between the oil reserve and the motor? Tried pulling the reserve off, but it's firmly fixed in there for now. 

 

Has anyone got any idea what could be causing the lack of power? Anyone know where the filter is, and how to get at it? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

 

[GarethM]

As it's a closed circuit, it shouldn't get any oil contamination unless water has got into the oil.

 

Everything will be off the shelf so to speak, but there could be a metal mesh filter somewhere in the circuit, but would be more inclined to think it's probably a failed pump.

[dumper]

Or seals in the ram I would go for this before pump

[GarethM]

One assumes it's a simple open centre hydraulic circuit, so you could undo the pump outlet pipe and direct it into the tank filler.

 

Obviously you can't check pressure, but you can see it flows. If he's had the valve block apart I'd go for that over ram seals.

[HFJ]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do them in order of 'easiness', so GarethM's first, then dumpers.  Something to do at the weekend.