While the Cub Cadet LS 27 log splitter is a highly durable and resilient piece of equipment, this heavy-duty addition to landscaping work can sometimes suffer from common issues like a loss of power. When one of these common issues arises, the best thing to do is simply to perform a brief diagnostic procedure that can pinpoint where the issue originated, what led to the issue occurring in the first place, and how it can be fixed with replacement parts, regular maintenance, or professional service. The instruction manual paired with the LS 27 log splitter features a few common issues and their most likely resolutions. Following this guide will make it easy to get the log splitter back into active use.
1. The Cylinder Rod Doesn’t Move
Though this might seem like a major issue with a costly repair looming ahead, the most common issues leading to an immobilized cylinder rod include leaving the shipping plugs in the hydraulic hoses, blocked hydraulic lines, or damaged control valves. Before assuming the worst, take a moment to check the condition of the log splitter’s hoses and valves to ensure that they’re not damaged, malfunctioning, or blocked. It’s also a good idea to check the drive shaft to ensure it hasn’t been broken or severely damaged. While most issues causing cylinder rod problems can be resolved independently, a broken drive shaft will require professional service.
2. The Cylinder is Leaking
The two most common issues that lead to leaking are a scored cylinder or worn seals. These issues typically creep up on the log splitter over time. The required repair is quite complex, and is typically not something that a log splitter owner could perform on their own. Contact cubparts.com to schedule professional service.
3. The Pump Shaft Seal is Leaking
In many cases, a misaligned engine and pump shaft may be to blame for this issue. Correct the alignment to fix any leaking and resume normal use of the log splitter. Other, more serious issues, may also cause a leaking pump shaft seal, including a damaged seal, damaged shaft sections, and a broken drive shaft. These are three very serious issues that will require a complicated repair.
4. The Wedge Moves Even After the Control Handle is Released
This issue is caused by a damaged control valve. This is a serious issue that can affect several other types of log splitter operation as well. Due to the complexity of the required repair to keep the wedge in place, and maintain the highest standard of safety, this issue must be resolved by contacting an authorized Cub Cadet retailer and scheduling professional service.
5. Control Handle Doesn’t Return to the Neutral Position
In almost all cases, a control handle that refuses to return to the neutral position can be blamed on issues with hydraulic fluid. Specifically, the issue is caused by hydraulic fluid that is either too cold, too thick, or contaminated. If the fluid is simply too cold, the issue can be resolved by starting the engine and giving the equipment several moments to warm the fluid. Thick or contaminated fluid must be remedied by draining hydraulic fluid from the log splitter and replacing it with fresh fluid. With the fresh fluid in place, start the engine and warm the fluid prior to use.
In a limited number of cases, this issue may be caused by a damaged control valve. In this case, equipment owners will need to schedule professional service at an authorized Cub Cadet retailer to restore their control handle to its full range of motion.
6. The Cylinder Shaft Speed is Too Slow
A slow cylinder shaft speed may be due to one of several minor issues, including an insufficient amount of engine oil or contaminated engine oil, or excessive pump inlet vacuum. Start by checking the oil level and quality. If the oil is too low, add the right amount of oil and try using the log splitter again. If the oil is contaminated and dirty, perform a full oil change before using the log splitter. Also check pump inlet hoses to ensure that they’re working properly.
More significant issues affecting cylinder shaft speed include damaged valves, damaged gear sections, insufficient engine speed, damaged cylinders or damaged gear valves. These issues require complex repairs that can only be performed by an authorized Cub Cadet service professional.
Get the Job Done with OEM Parts from CubParts.com
When an equipment issue presents itself, the best way to get the log splitter back into active service is to carefully diagnose and resolve the issue using OEM Cub Cadet parts. These parts, designed and manufactured in Cub Cadet’s factories, must live up to a high standard of quality assurance. This means they’ll last longer and be more compatible with the LS 27 and other Cub Cadet models as needed. CubParts.com allows its users to sort available OEM parts by their part number, compatible equipment model number, or associated engine model, for perfect compatibility every time.