Maintenance & Adjustments

WARNING! Do not make any adjustments without first stopping the engine, disconnecting the spark plug wire and grounding it against the engine. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

Maintenance

Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your log splitter for all engine maintenance.

Tire Pressure

The max recommended operating pressure is 30 psi. Do not, under any circumstances, exceed the manufacturer’s recommended psi. Maintain equal pressure on all tires.

WARNING! Excessive pressure when seating beads may cause the tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury. Refer to the sidewall of the tire for recommended pressure.

Hydraulic Fluid

Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter reservoir tank before each use. Maintain the fluid level within the range specified on the dipstick at all times.

Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100 hours of operation. Follow the steps below:

1.Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the reservoir tank.

2.Carefully unthread the inlet filter and clean it with penetrating oil. See Fig. 6-1.

Suction Hose

Inlet Filter

Figure 6-1

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3.Allow the fluid to drain into a suitable container.

4.Reinsert the filter and refill the reservoir with three (3) gallons of oil. Approved fluids include Dexron® III /Mercon® automatic transmission fluid or a 10 Weight AW hydraulic oil.

Maintain the fluid level within the range specified on the dipstick at all times. When checking the fluid, always make sure to tighten the dipstick until the top of the threads are flush with the top of the pipe.

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

Contaminants in the fluid may damage the hydraulic components. Flushing the reservoir tank and hoses with kerosene whenever service is performed on the tank, hydraulic pump or valve is recommended. Contact an authorized 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.

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

Hose Clamps

•Check, before each use, if the 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.

Adjustments

Raising and Lowering the Beam

Use control handle to run wedge up and down beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid, which will warm and thin the fluid. Place log splitter on a firm, level surface.

To raise the beam for vertical operation:

1.Pull out the horizontal beam lock on the tongue.

2.Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.

3.Move the beam to the vertical position. Secure it with the beam lock on the reservoir tank assembly.

WARNING! Always use the log splitter in the vertical position when splitting heavy logs.

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