Log splitter hydraulic oil filter help

FTG-05 · Sep 17, 2025

For +12 years I've used the Wix 51553 hydraulic filter on my Speeco/Huskee log splitter. I just looked up via Wixfilters the actual part number from the log splitter Owner's Manual (390601A0) and it shows the correct filter as being Wix filter 51249. The only differnece: 30 micron for the 51553 vs. 10 micron rating for 51249 filter.

Erik B · Sep 17, 2025

JRHAWK9 said: ↑

I would assume/hope that's the way most (if not all) splitters are setup. I don't think it would be a good idea to put the filter on the suction side.

It's a positive displacement pump, meaning it's going to pretty much pump it's rated volume no matter what. If the filter is a restriction, it will just bypass what it can't flow through the filter media once the differential in pressure passing through the filter reaches whatever PSI the bypass valve in the filter is set at.

In other words, the pump will do it's thing and provide whatever it's rated volume is to the system. If the filter is not capable of passing the full flow through the filter, you will just have partial bypassing happening the majority of the time. Probably not a big deal, as it's a closed system, outside of the vent hole on the fill plug. I just wanted to limit the partial bypassing as best I could, hence putting in a larger capacity filter head AND filter.
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The Speeco I have has the filter on the input side of the pump. It has worked without any problems for over 25 years. Hope I didn't jinx myself

brenndatomu · Sep 17, 2025

Erik B said: ↑

The Speeco I have has the filter on the input side of the pump. It has worked without any problems for over 25 years. View attachment 455954 Hope I didn't jinx myself
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They did that on some older ones... didn't take em too long to figure out that was a bad idea...you must take decent care of your equipment though, or at least not operate at extremes that would make that "weakest link" fail...

Erik B · Sep 17, 2025

brenndatomu said: ↑

They did that on some older ones... didn't take em too long to figure out that was a bad idea...you must take decent care of your equipment though, or at least not operate at extremes that would make that "weakest link" fail...
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I do keep it inside when not in use. I am only using 3-4 cords per year and I don't run it more than 4-5 hours per day when I am doing my splitting.

isaaccarlson · Sep 17, 2025

Erik B said: ↑

The Speeco I have has the filter on the input side of the pump. It has worked without any problems for over 25 years. View attachment 455954 Hope I didn't jinx myself
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What is the micron rating?

Erik B · Sep 17, 2025

isaaccarlson said: ↑

What is the micron rating?
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I do not know. I would have to look it up. I did replace the filter once, and that was a bunch of years ago. 15 years ago the filter got changed.

isaaccarlson · Sep 19, 2025

Erik B said: ↑

I do not know. I would have to look it up. I did replace the filter once, and that was a bunch of years ago. 15 years ago the filter got changed.
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It is amazing how well these filters flow with thinner fluid like atf, especially when warm. Mine shows less than 1psi of restriction at 11 gpm when warm.