Any Easy Way to Determine Hydraulic Fluid

[johnjk]

Looking to do a hydraulic fluid drain and fill on my log splitter. Figured I could go off the label on the splitter but it states to use only ISO VG 32, 46 or ATF. Pretty sure it is not ATF since it is clear but how do I tell 32 from 46 and the answer is not is it 14 different. The manual is just as clear. Can they be mixed? I mainly use the splitter in temps from 30-70. Current fluid is over 9yrs old. I’m may use the splitter 2-3x in one year then it sits in the barn for 2-3yrs. Yesterday was the first I had it out in almost 2 yrs. The one thing it is consistent on is 6.5 gallons of fluid and the filter number which I crossed over to a WIX hydraulic filter.

 

[mikester]

When in doubt drain all of it and refill with your favourite flavour/color

ISO 32 is pretty common. I have ATF in mine. It's a log splitter not a $30K pump in my tractor, I don't worry about it

 

[Russell King]

The ISO VG 32 and 46 are the viscosity of the fluid. 32 is thinner than the 46. They can certainly be mixed but you will end up with something odd (not 32 and not 46). There are charts to show you the viscosity compared to other fluids you may understand better (like motor oil).

Use the 32 if it is cold when you split logs, use the 46 if it gets hot while you split logs. It really won’t make much difference whichever way you go or if they get mixed together.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

if really important to you and if interested in an old school test you could do a slake test.

take piece of plywood or 2*8 pine or whatever handy on the flats.
Place a measured amount of new 32, 46 and ATF and existing used oil side by each. Elevate the end of the board and watch the oil pile run down the board. Which one reacts best in speed down the board as the old oil does. is this completely accurate? no way but used to be done frequently on farms in the old days. Gives you an old school best guess when we wanted to match unknows when possibly mixing lubes.

works well when weather is moderate like it is now.

i wouldn't worry to much though if you are doing a drain and refill.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Well, I had a similar situation once. My “toy” log splitter ran dry for some unexplained reason, and I needed to “get’er done”.

So against my "better judgment” I filled it with SUDT cause thats all I had on the shelf.

I have no idea of the viscosity, nor do I have any evidence that it’s kosher to use it, but I figured that since the Kubota hydraulic fluid is “stupid expensive” it should work.

It did, and my "little toy splitter” has worked flawlessly since.

Of course I am only gambling with a $299 splitter.

YMMV

 

[GreensvilleJay]

FWIW...
I have a similar 'toy splitter' , I use to make kindling from scrap 2by4s. Maybe use it 2-3 times a year. great tool,fun and quiet.

Got a deal on prebent 5/8" rebar,something like 250-270 pieces( 5' long with 90* bend in middle ). made a 'jig' and used the splitter to 'unbend' the rebars mostly straight ( slight 's' in the middle ). Once I got the hang of it, it was FAST to use.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

FWIW...
I have a similar 'toy splitter' , I use to make kindling from scrap 2by4s. Maybe use it 2-3 times a year. great tool,fun and quiet.

Got a deal on prebent 5/8" rebar,something like 250-270 pieces( 5' long with 90* bend in middle ). made a 'jig' and used the splitter to 'unbend' the rebars mostly straight ( slight 's' in the middle ). Once I got the hang of it, it was FAST to use.

Thats a fantastic “non-traditional” use.

Good idea, that I may have to use one day.

Thanks for sharing

PS. I LOVE the ‘quietness” of that splitter so much, I was kicking around the idea of when I eventually make my own splitter, I was going to go “electric”……(You know, “save the Polar Bears” and all that )