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Top Picks: The Best Hydraulic Pumps for Fast and Efficient Log Splitting
Are you trying to buy a new hydraulic pump for your log splitter or do you need a perfect replacement pump kit for your wood splitter? Then, you should start your buying journey by reading this post. In this article, we’ll review the six best log splitter hydraulic pumps in 2023.
We compiled our list of the best gear pumps available after considering thoroughly their construction, splitting power, flow rate for cycle time, operating speed, safety features, and overall benefits. We also included a buyer’s guide, FAQs, and a summary to help you make a well-informed choice that suits your log splitter’s requirements and needs.
| Top 3 Log Splitter Hydraulic Pumps | ||
|---|---|---|
 RuggedMade 2-Stage Pump | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:11 GPM Weight:10 lbs. | Pricing on Amazon Pricing on Walmart Detail review |
 Yaegoo 11 GPM 2-Stage Pump | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:11 GPM Weight:6.5 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Bestauto Log Splitter Kit | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:13 GPM Weight:10.7 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
| 6 Best Hydraulic Pumps for Wood Splitter | ||
|---|---|---|
RuggedMade 2-Stage Pump | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:11 GPM Weight:10 lbs. | Pricing on Amazon Pricing on Walmart Detail review |
Yaegoo 11 GPM 2-Stage Pump | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:11 GPM Weight:6.5 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
Bestauto Log Splitter Kit | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:13 GPM Weight:10.7 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
RuggedMade 16 GPM 2 Stage | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:16 GPM Weight:10 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 TooTuff Log Splitter Build Kit | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:16 GPM Weight:10 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Bestauto Log Splitter Kit | Max. Pressure:3000 PSI Outlet Port:1/2-inch NPT Shaft Dia.:1/2-inch Flow Rate:16 GPM Weight:11.8 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
What is Log Splitters?
Log splitters are powerful machines designed to split logs efficiently. The machines offer effective splitting power to logs of various sizes. Almost all log splitters (including electric and gas types) use a hydraulic pump which is the integral component of a hydraulic machine that helps achieve the basic splitting of logs. The major components of a log splitter include an engine, hydraulic oil pump, valve, and hydraulic oil tank.
A typical hydraulic pump used for a log splitter is designed to feature a 5 hp gasoline engine, two-stage pumping sections, a hydraulic cylinder (4” diameter, 24” long), a 20 tons rated splitting force, and a 3-5-gallon hydraulic oil reservoir. Log splitters often use a two-stage pump to generate the right amount of pressure and flow rate required for splitting logs.
Log Splitter Sizes and Their Applications
There are various log splitter sizes available, and each has specific uses:
Log Splitters (4-7 Tons): Tiny log splitters are useful for dividing small to medium-sized logs. They are electric and best used occasionally.
Log Splitters (10-20 Tons): Medium log splitters split medium to large logs. They’re gas-powered and durable.
Log Splitters (22-30 Tons): Giant log splitters are useful for splitting hard or huge logs. Gas-powered, they’re durable.
Big Log Splitters (Above 30 Tons): Extra-large log splitters handle the toughest work. Gas-powered log splitters can handle the biggest and toughest logs. Professionals or those splitting lots of large logs should use them.
Top 6 Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump Reviews
It’s tough to pick one product when you have many products from different brands making similar claims. So, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the best six pumps for a log splitter on the market. After reading this review, making a decision will become easier for you.
So, let’s get started.
RuggedMade 11 GPM 2-Stage Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The RuggedMade Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump is perfect for log splitters with a rated force. This hydraulic pump is made to last because of the sturdy aluminum used in its construction. Installation is simple thanks to its straight keyed shaft type, 1/2″ shaft diameter, and 1.375″ shaft length. This pump is adaptable and suited for a variety of hydraulic applications. It is compatible with engines ranging in size from 160cc to 670cc. The exit port requires a 1/2″ NPT (F) fitting, while the inlet port is 1″ (F).
If you require a high-performance pump for your 5-35 ton splitter, the RuggedMade 11 GPM Hydraulic Pump for Log and Wood Splitter is your best bet. This pump is perfect for forceful and efficient splitting due to its 11 GPM flow rate and 3000 PSI pressure rating. The two-stage design incorporates a high-pressure pump with a small displacement and a low-pressure pump with a large one, resulting in a reliable and stable operation.
This hydraulic pump boasts up to 3000 PSI capable of powering log splitters and outdoor power requirements that range from 5 to 37 tons, depending on the hydraulic cylinder diameter (inner).
The two-stage pump operates at a maximum speed of 3600 rpm for faster cycle times during unloading. It’s preset to gear down mode at 500 PSI to help relieve the pump’s pressure; thus, ensuring the proper functioning of your splitter hydraulic system.
Yaegoo 11GPM 2-Stage Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The Yaegoo 11GPM 2-Stage Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump is suitable for any log splitter application. It features a flow rate of 11 GPM capable of creating a stream of high-pressure oil required for generating maximum splitting force.
This two-stage hydraulic pump works at 3000 PSI to ensure effective splitting power without a loss of pressure. It’s built to automatically switch from high-pressure to low-pressure at 500 PSI for quick drawing back of the piston after splitting the log.
This log splitter hydraulic pump is ideal for log splitters with a rated splitting force of about 35 tons. It supports both vertical and horizontal applications.
Bestauto Log Splitter Pump Kit
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The Bestauto Log Splitter Pump Kit is a suitable replacement pump kit for log splitters. It’s built with extrusion aluminum material that can resist wear and tears for an extended service life cycle.
This kit comes with a two-stage hydraulic pump, pump bracket, and jaw coupler. The 2-stage hydraulic pump works at 3600RPM maximum to ensure the fastest possible cycle times. The pump offers 13 GPM flow at 3000PSI maximum operation pressure to provide quick oil output.
The pump bracket and jaw coupler make lifting, pressure type, elbow, bending row, straightening, cutting, assembly, and more possible for a hydraulic log splitter. It’s compatible with a wide range of engine sizes.
RuggedMade 16 GPM 2 Stage Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The RuggedMade 16 GPM 2 Stage Hydraulic Log Splitter Pump features a body built with aluminum material for longevity. It’s designed to contain two pumping stages and a bypass valve to allow for efficient log splitting.
The first stage of the pump generates 16 GPM at 650 PSI required to reset the entire splitting system back after splitting. The second stage of the pump delivers 3.5 GPM at 2500 PSI to generate the maximum splitting force required to push the piston into a log for effective splitting performance.
It rotates clockwise to generate 3000 PSI maximum pressure at 3600 RPM to provide you with the fastest cycle times.
TooTuff Log Splitter Build Kit
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The TooTuff Log Splitter Build Kit is a perfect kit for a DIY splitter project. It provides two-stage pump action to allow for maximum log-splitting efficiency. The 1st pumping stage operates with a maximum flow rate (13 GPM) at a lower pressure of 650 PSI to help ensure a quicker cylinder return position.
In the second stage, the pump switches to a lower flow rate (3 GPM) and higher pressure (2500 PSI) to generate the maximum effective splitting power to split the log.
This hydraulic pump provides faster cycle times (16 GPM at 3600RPM) and higher possible pressure (up to 4000 PSI) with a small engine or most 8-14HP gas engines.
Bestauto Log Splitter Pump Kit
- Max Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Outlet Port: 1/2-inch NPT
- Shaft Dia: 1/2-inch
The Bestauto Log Splitter Pump Kit consists of a powerful hydraulic pump and hydraulic tools such as a jaw coupler and pump bracket. This hydraulic pump is built with sturdy and durable materials that can withstand even harsh environments.
The pump offers two-stage hydraulic actions to keep your log splitter running correctly. The 1st stage of the pump is preset to operate with a maximum flow rate of 16 GPM at 650 PSI for a quicker withdrawal of the piston after the log has been split.
While the 2nd stage of the pump operates with the lower flow (3.5 GPM maximum) at higher pressure (2500 PSI maximum) to ensure excellent splitting efficiency.
Hydraulic Pump for Log Splitter Buying Guide
Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind when buying your GPM hydraulic log splitter pump:
Quality of material
The materials used in the construction of a hydraulic pump for log splitters would determine the longevity and performance of such a pump. Log splitter pumps built with high-quality materials such as aluminum have a longer service lifespan.
It’s important to ensure that all the components of the pump you intend to buy are built with materials of high strength and hardness that can resist wear and tear over multiple uses. It’s also important to check if the pump’s quality is well-assured by the manufacturer so that you can have a great user experience.
Splitting power
The splitting power of a hydraulic pump for log splitters is largely dependent on the maximum pressure that such a pump can generate. The amount of pressure that a pump generate vary from brand to brand.
However, the higher the pump’s maximum pressure, the more effective its splitting power. We don’t recommend more than 3000 PSI, which is the practical maximum pressure that most 2-stage gear pumps required for excellent log splitting.
Flow rate for cycle time
The flow rate of the hydraulic pump determines the periods of time the pump would take to work through a pile of logs. The pump’s flow rate is largely dependent on the size of the engine powering the system.
A two-stage hydraulic pump for log splitters often requires minimum horsepower such as 5-7 hp engines with 11 GPM pumps, 6 hp engines with 13 GPM pumps, 8 hp with 16 GPM pumps, and 11 hp with 22 GPM pumps.
You don’t have to worry too much when choosing a hydraulic pump based on the flow rate as virtually all log splitter pumps out there are rated for the same pressure.
Pump’s operating speed
It’s important to know that the operating speed of the hydraulic pump is hugely dependent on the hydraulic flow rate (GPM). Generally, larger pumps produce more flow which means more operating speed. However, bigger gear pumps require larger engines or powerful engines to drive them. Small pumps produce less flow but don’t require more horsepower to function properly.
We don’t suggest more than 3600 RPM, which is the recommended maximum operating speed for most gear pumps.
Safety Valve
The safety valve ensures the smooth operation and performance of the hydraulic pumps. It helps to control the maximum pressure created by the hydraulic pump. Without a safety valve, most hydraulic pumps will build pressure up to a point that something break. Uncontrolled maximum pressure is likely to break your hydraulic hoses, garden hoses, hydraulic pressure hoses, the cylinder, or the pump itself.
To ensure the entire safety of your hydraulic system, you should go for 2-stage pumps with features such as a hydraulic relief valve, check valve, directional control valve, unloader valve, or hydraulic valve. Any of these safety features would help keep your pump’s pressure in check.
Besides, you should check if the pump you want to buy comes with a return filter, filter element, or filter head. Any of this would function to keep dirt out of its hydraulic reservoir (fluid reservoir).
Safety Tips for Using a Log Splitter
- Use safety glasses, gloves, and earplugs.
- Avoid the log splitter’s moving parts.
- Don’t overload the log splitter.
- Keep the log splitter stable and level.
- Avoid log splitting with kids and pets.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
FAQs
Which type of hydraulic pump is used in most log splitters?
Most simple wood splitters use a 2-stage gear pump for efficient log splitting. The two-stage pumps give log splitters effective splitting power using small engines. They can help generate the highest possible pressure required to keep most log splitters working smoothly and efficiently.
What hydraulic fluid type should I use in my wood splitter?
The approved fluid types for the hydraulic system of most wood splitters are AW-32 10-Weight (ISO 32) and AW-46 20-Weight (ISO 46). These hydraulic fluid types help lubricate your gear pumps and other hydraulic parts for protection against corrosion and weariness during extreme cold and heat.
How often should I replace hydraulic oil in my log splitter?
We recommend changing the hydraulic oil in your log splitter every 100 hours of work. Regular changing of the hydraulic oil in your log splitter would help improve the performance of your log splitter hydraulic system. In addition to replacing your log splitter hydraulic oil as recommended, you also need to change your filter to keep dirt away.
How does a two-stage hydraulic pump differ from a single-stage?
A single-stage hydraulic pump features only a single pumping section or setting. It’s designed to generate just one flow rate (maximum GPM) at one maximum pressure to create the maximum splitting force. While a two-stage hydraulic pump features two pumping sections or settings. It’s designed to generate two flow rates at two different pressure levels.
A two-stage pump automatically switches to its ‘high-pressure/low-flow stage to split the blog (something that can’t be achieved with a single-stage pump). Two-stage pumps generally save splitting time than its counterpart (that’s one-stage pumps).
How big of a log splitter do I need for hardwood?
A medium to the big log splitter, weighing at least 10 to 20 tons, is advised for splitting hardwood.
Conclusion
Look no further than this review if you would like to try out the best hydraulic pumps for log splitters out there. Any of the review gear pumps is capable of giving your splitters the power required to split logs efficiently. We’re certain that you won’t go wrong with choosing to buy any of the above products. They are the best anyone can find on the internet at the moment.
