Like most farm equipment, when you need your log splitter most, you need it to be operating at tip-top condition. That requires a little preventive maintenance and planning, because the last thing you need is a breakdown when the weather is good and you have a gigantic pile of wood to split.

Here are a few basic maintenance tips gleaned from numerous sources that will remind log splitter operators of best practices in keeping their machines running in optimal condition.

Store it right. If at all possible, store the splitter in a dry place where it is not exposed to the elements.

Check it out. Before using the splitter, as with most farm equipment, do a regular inspection or walk around to make sure all the parts are in good condition and there are no wear points of weakness before you begin operations. If parts need repair or replacement, get those done before you start splitting.

Check for leaks. Place a piece of scrap wood or cardboard beneath the machine when you aren’t using it to monitor if you have fluid leaks from the hydraulic cylinder. The cardboard test also helps in observing how prevalent the leaks are by the amount of fluid dropping down on the cardboard.

Fill it to the correct level. The hydraulic fluid level in your reservoir should always be about three-quarters full to run at optimal power. If there is not enough fluid, remove the oil fill plug and add enough fluid to get to that three-quarters level.

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Get the air out. If you add hydraulic fluid, you will have to bleed the air trapped from the cylinder by starting the engine and extending and retracting the wedge several times through complete cycles before operating normally.

Clean and lubricate. Lubricate all sides of the beam where it contacts the wedge using engine oil. Plus, be sure to clean debris, grease or oil from the machine.

Refer to the manual. Be sure to have the operator’s manual handy in case you have maintenance questions.

Be safe. Wearing protective gear — including gloves, eye and ear protection and a hard hat, along with chainsaw chaps, just as if you were cutting wood with the chainsaw — will help prevent major injuries from flying debris and other accidents.

For those who split cords and cords of wood every season, these tips seem quite basic, but they are a good reminder to even experienced splitters about ways to make the most of their time working through a pile of wood that needs splitting.