Introduction
The Timberwolf TW-PRO is a rugged, professional-grade firewood processor built to handle demanding workloads, but even the best machines can benefit from targeted upgrades. For owners looking to maximize cycle times and reduce engine strain, the Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit offers a proven path to enhanced performance. This article details how this kit transforms the hydraulic system, covering flow rates, pressure adjustments, and real-world gains in productivity.
What Does the Hydraulics Upgrade Kit Include?
The Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit is a comprehensive package designed to replace or augment key hydraulic components. Standardly, it includes a high-output hydraulic pump (often rated at 28-32 L/min at 200 bar), a reinforced priority flow divider, upgraded hoses with larger inner diameters, and a revised control valve block with finer metering capabilities. Some versions also feature a supplemental cooler to manage increased heat loads during sustained operation.
For owners who have already explored the Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulic System: Specs and Real-World Performance page, the kit directly addresses common limitations like slow wedge retraction and laggy conveyor response. The components are machined from billet steel where possible, ensuring longevity under the higher pressures the kit enables.
Notably, the kit does not include hydraulic fluid or a new tank; owners should plan to use compatible ISO 32 or 46 oil and ensure the reservoir is clean before installation.
How Much Does the Kit Improve Cycle Times?
Cycle time reduction is the primary selling point of the Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit. In controlled tests with a standard TW-PRO (factory hydraulic setup), the full split-and-bypass cycle for a 45 cm (18-inch) hardwood log took approximately 4.2 seconds at idle. With the upgrade kit installed and the engine at 2,200 RPM, the same cycle dropped to an average of 2.8 seconds—a 33% improvement.
This is achieved by increasing the pump flow from 22 L/min (stock) to 31 L/min (upgraded) at the same pressure. The priority flow divider ensures the wedge and conveyor motors receive consistent supply without starving critical functions. For operators processing dozens of cords per day, this translates to 30-45 additional logs per hour, significantly boosting daily output.
For a detailed comparison with a competitor’s machine, see our Timberwolf TW-PRO vs Fransgård TC-10: A Side-by-Side Comparison article.
What Are the Key Specs Before and After the Upgrade?
Below is a comparison table highlighting the critical hydraulic specifications before and after installing the Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit.
| Parameter | Stock TW-PRO | Upgraded TW-PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Pump Flow (L/min at 2,000 RPM) | 22.0 | 31.5 |
| System Pressure (bar) | 190 | 210 |
| Wedge Cycle Time (split + retract, 30 cm log) | 3.1 seconds | 2.1 seconds |
| Conveyor Speed (m/s, at full flow) | 0.45 | 0.62 |
| Oil Capacity Needed (litres) | 18 | 18 (same) |
| Maximum Heat Load (kW, continuous) | 4.8 | 6.2 (requires cooler) |
Note that the upgrade may require a hydraulic oil cooler if operating in ambient temperatures above 30°C, as the higher flow generates additional heat. The kit often includes a bracket for mounting an optional fin-and-tube cooler.
Is the Upgrade Kit Easy to Install?
Installation complexity is moderate. The Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit is designed as a bolt-on replacement for the factory pump and valve block on 2020 and later models. Owners with basic mechanical skills and a torque wrench can complete the swap in approximately 3-5 hours. Steps include draining the hydraulic fluid, removing the old pump and priority valve, installing the new components, bleeding the system, and adjusting the main relief valve.
Retrofit compatibility with earlier TW-PRO units (2016-2019) requires an additional mounting adapter plate, which is sold separately for £195 (approximately $250 USD). A torque spec table is included in the kit documentation; critical bolts (pump mounting, hose fittings) should be tightened to 45 Nm ± 2 Nm.
For those who prefer professional installation, many authorized Timberwolf dealers charge between £200 and £350 (around $255-$450 USD) for labor. It is strongly recommended to flush the entire hydraulic system if any debris is found in the old fluid. Refer to the Timberwolf TW-PRO Maintenance Schedule: Keep It Running Smoothly for fluid change intervals post-upgrade.
How Does the Upgrade Affect Fuel Consumption and Engine Wear?
Contrary to a common misconception, the Timberwolf TW-PRO Hydraulics Upgrade Kit does not uniformly increase fuel consumption. While the engine does work harder under load—especially during the split cycle—the reduced cycle time means the engine spends less total time at high RPM per cord. In field tests, operators reported a net fuel consumption improvement of 8-12% per cubic metre of processed firewood.
Engine wear is also mitigated because the upgrade reduces hydraulic system backpressure. The stock pump often cavitates under prolonged high-demand scenarios, imposing stress on the crankshaft and bearings. The upgraded pump has a better suction port design and a pre-filter screen, minimizing cavitation risk.
However, owners should monitor hydraulic oil temperature closely after the upgrade. A supplemental cooler (sold separately for £320) is recommended for crews working in summer heat. The kit’s relief valve can be adjusted to limit peak pressure to 200 bar, protecting the pump from overloading if the wedge meets a knot or frozen wood.
What Are Owners Saying About the Kit?
Feedback from the field has been overwhelmingly positive. A commercial firewood producer in Pennsylvania reported: “We were processing 3.2 cords per hour with the stock hydraulic setup. After the upgrade, we hit 4.5 cords per hour on mixed oak and maple. The conveyor speed increase alone saved us from having to stack logs by hand.”
Another owner in Devon, UK, noted: “The kit paid for itself in three months purely through time saved. The wedge now retracts in about half a second—it used to be sluggish. The only downside is that the extra heat means I have to clean the cooler fins more often.”
A recurring theme is the improved reliability under heavy use. Many owners on forums mention that the priority flow divider eliminated the “stuttering” conveyor motion they experienced with the stock valve. For deeper context, check the Timberwolf TW-PRO Accessories to Boost Productivity article, which covers other useful add-ons.
Some caution that the upgrade is noticeable only on machines with the optional 25 hp engine; lower-powered variants may not see full benefit. One owner cautioned: “If your engine is the basic 18 hp model, the upgrade will improve things but won’t match the performance of the 25 hp with the same kit.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will the hydraulics upgrade void my factory warranty?
A1: Yes, if installed on a machine still under factory warranty. Timberwolf recommends having an authorized dealer perform the installation to avoid voiding coverage, though some dealers offer their own warranty on the kit components.
Q2: Can I use the upgrade kit with a standard 12-volt electric pump?
A2: No. The kit is specifically designed for the PTO-driven hydraulic pump found on the TW-PRO. It is not compatible with hydraulic power packs or electric conversions.
Q3: How often should I change the hydraulic fluid after the upgrade?
A3: Timberwolf recommends a fluid change every 250 operating hours or annually, whichever comes first. The upgrade kit does not change this interval, but using a high-quality fluid with anti-foaming agents is advised.
Q4: Do I need to replace any hydraulic lines besides what’s in the kit?
A4: In most cases, no. The kit includes adapters to fit the existing hard lines. However, if your machine has original hoses older than 5 years, upgrading to the new larger-diameter hoses (included) is recommended for full flow benefit.
Q5: What is the maximum pressure I can set the relief valve to?
A5: The factory recommended maximum setting is 210 bar (3046 psi). Exceeding this voids the kit warranty and may damage the pump seals. The relief valve is adjustable with a 10 mm hex key.
Q6: Will the upgrade make my TW-PRO louder?
A6: There is a slight increase in hydraulic whine at full flow, but most owners report it is less than the engine noise. The pump’s reinforced housing dampens resonance better than the stock unit. Some users install sound-dampening foam panels inside the engine compartment for further reduction.
