To take the pressure off the quick connect and the hoses turn off the the pump(shut off the tractor/step on the clutch and then move the control valve forward and back to relieve the pressure in the hoses and you won't loose any oil. LL&P

As far as the log splitter is is concerned, I don't think you need a return line to the tractor unless the tractor controls the cylinder directly. The double action valve controls the flow of hydraulic oil in both directions at the splitter. The tractor has both an output and return line for trolling the hydraulic cylinders it controls. I could be wrong but that's what I think.

Hope you get it figured out. I know I can't help you. :)

When wood splitter is hooked up your handle to chistmas tree valve,lol,determines which way you want the splitter valve to work and leaving your tractors hydraulics on either way dont matter,the splitter valve has a bypass which lets it circulate when not in use then you engage the splitter to control the splitter. I run mine all day long and never turn the hydraulic off on tractor. When you have the loader hooked up,try holding the control one way and pushing or pulling the tractor control the other way at same time,it should just reverse it,far as preasure on lines when hooking something up,just shut tractor off and then work all controls and it should relieve the preasure on lines

the m pump does not have the pressure to run the splitter get a pto drive system it will work great also the cyl on splitter is bnot big enough in dia need 4 in 24 stroke

Don't think an H belly pump will generate enough pressure to operate a wood splitter - unless you're splitting balsa wood. Typical operating pressure on a wood splitter is 2000 - 3000 PSI (I think). The electric over hydraulic might do it, depending on how much pressure it'll generate, but I don't know how many cords of wood that little battery-powered motor will split. Just get a splitter with engine and hydraulics all set up. You'll spend double or quadruple the amount on this arrangement, and it still won't work.

You talk alot about nothing. Get yourself a PTO gear pump and a reservoir.