MTD 500, 510 manual Preparing the Log Splitter

•Disconnect the log cradle from the beam on the side of the control valve. See Figure 4.

Lock	Hex
	Nut
Washer
Carriage Bolt	Disconnect
	Log Cradle

Figure 4

•Lift and slide the cylinder up to the top of beam and into the weld brackets.

•Attach the dislodger over the wedge assembly and secure with hardware, previously removed, to the weld brackets. See Figure 5.

NOTE: Once the six hex screws are tightened, there may be a slight gap between the dislodger and the weld brackets. This gap is normal.

•Reattach the log cradle to the side of the beam with the control valve, aligning the ends of the cradle with the beam flanges. See Figure 5.

•Roll log splitter off the bottom crate.

Attach dislodger

here

Attach log

cradle here

Figure 5

Preparing the Log Splitter

•Lubricate the beam area (where the splitting wedge will slide) with engine oil; do not use grease.

•Remove vented reservoir dipstick or pipe plug, as the case may be, located in front of the engine on top of the reservoir tank. See Figure 6.

•Fill the reservoir tank with Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.

NOTE: The reservoir tank has a capacity of 3.5 gallons.

•Check fluid level using the dipstick or a ruler. See Figure 6. Do not overfill. Replace vented dipstick or the pipe plug tightening it until the top of the threads are flush with top of the pipe.

Dipstick

Reservoir

Tank

Figure 6

•Make sure the spark plug wire is disconnected. Then prime the pump by pulling the recoil starter to turn the engine over. Repeat 10 times.

•Reconnect the spark plug wire and start engine following instructions on page 8.

•Use control handle to engage the wedge to the farthest extended position. Then retract the wedge.

•Refill tank as specified on the dipstick. If your log splitter is equipped with a vent plug instead of dipstick, refill to 3-3.5” from top edge of pipe.

NOTE: Failure to refill the tank will void unit’s warranty.

•Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete cycles to remove trapped air in the system (the system is “self-bleeding”).

•Refill reservoir within range marked on the dipstick.

WARNING: Much of the original fluid has been drawn into the cylinder and hoses. Make certain to refill the reservoir to prevent damage to the hydraulic pump.

NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the vented dipstick, or the vent plug, as the system builds heat and the fluid expands and seeks a balanced level.

•Attach taillights, if so equipped, following the taillight kit manual included with your log splitter.

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