Got the log splitter working

[Wagoneer]

This is the log splitter that came with the tractor.  I finally figured out the correct hose and valve configuration for the mysterious hydraulic system.  That and a shower in hydraulic oil to drain and fill the cylinder and it is working.  It is a little slow with the 2 GPM pump but it doesn't slow down for much.  I finally got to split that gum that was giving me such a hard time with the wedges and maul.

[BoatGuy]

If it's splitting gum, it's doing a good job for sure! A "friend" gave me a piece of sweet gum to split with my axe (I'm very good with a very sharp axe) and I almost took a double-bit to the face when it bounced off.

Glad you got the hydraulics figured out, too!

[Wagoneer]

The gum slowed it down a bit but it made it through.  The hydraulics must be like you said with a tee coming off of a pressure relief valve.  When I took the fittings off and flushed the cylinder into a bucket it was obvious where the pressure and return were going.  I drew myself a little schematic in case I forget. 

[Johnny-Max]

Do you have to be there when your tractor chops wood for you. It looks like your tractor has it under control 

[Wagoneer]

Do you have to be there when your tractor chops wood for you. It looks like your tractor has it under control 

Sometimes there is just a pile of split wood next to the tractor.   

Maybe it is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's cousin