MTD 500, 510 manual Beam and Splitting Wedge, Hose Clamps, Engine, Flexible Pump Coupler, Tires

•Maintain fluid level at all times within the range specified on the dipstick, or within 3-3.5” from top edge of the pipe.

•Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100 hours of operation.

•Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the reservoir tank and drain the fluid into a suitable container. Refill using only Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.

NOTE: Please dispose of used hydraulic fluid and engine oil at approved recycling centers only.

•Since contaminants in fluid may damage the hydraulic components, you will have to drain the fluid and flush the reservoir tank and hoses with kerosene whenever any repair work is performed on the tank, hydraulic pump or valve. For this job, contact your nearest service dealer.

Hydraulic Filter

•Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of operation. Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter. Order part number 723-0405.

Beam and Splitting Wedge

•Lubricate both sides of the beam (where it comes into contact with the splitting wedge), before each use, with engine oil. The wedge plate on the log splitter is designed so the gibs on the side of the wedge plate can be removed and rotated and/or turned over for even wear.

•Make certain to readjust the adjustment bolts so wedge moves freely, but no excess space exists between the wedge plate and the beam.

Hose Clamps

•Check, before each use, if hose clamps on the suction hose (attached to the side of the pump) are tight. Check the hose clamps on the return hose at least once a season.

Engine

Refer to the engine manual for all maintenance needs.

Flexible Pump Coupler

The flexible pump coupler is a nylon “spider” insert, located between the pump and the engine shaft. Over time, the coupler will harden and deteriorate.

Replace the coupler if you detect vibration or noise coming from the area between the engine and the pump. If the coupler fails completely, you will experience a loss of power.

IMPORTANT: Never hit the engine shaft in any manner, as a blow will cause permanent damage to the engine.

•Remove the three nuts and lock washers that secure the pump to the coupling shield. Two nuts are at the bottom corners and one is in the top center.

•Remove the pump.

•Rotate the engine by slowly pulling starter handle until engine coupling half set screw is visible. Loosen set screw using allen wrench and slide coupling half off engine shaft.

•Loosen set screw on pump coupling half and remove coupling half.

•Slide new engine coupling half onto the engine shaft until the end of the shaft is flush with the inner portion of the coupling half. (There must be space between end of the engine support bracket and coupling half). Tighten set screw.

•Install pump coupling half and key on pump shaft. Rotate coupling half until set screw faces opening in shield. Do not tighten set screw.

•Install nylon “spider” onto engine coupling half.

•Align pump coupling half with nylon “spider” by rotating engine using starter handle. Slide coupling half into place while guiding three mounting bolts through holes in pump support bracket.

•Secure with nuts and washers removed earlier.

•Set. 010” to. 060” clearance between the nylon “spider” and the engine coupling half by sliding a matchbook cover between the nylon “spider” and the engine coupling half and moving pump coupling half as needed. Secure pump coupling half with set screw. See Figure 11.

NOTE: Make certain proper clearance is obtained before tightening set screw.

	Gear Pump
Set
Screw
Nylon	Steel
“Spider”	Coupling
Insert	Halves
Clearance
	Engine

Figure 11

Tires

See sidewall of tire for recommended pressure. Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Maintain equal pressure on all tires.

WARNING: Excessive pressure (over 30 p.s.i.) when seating beads may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury. Refer to sidewall of tire for recommended pressure.

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