MTD 500, 510 manual Raising and Lowering Beam, Transporting the Log Splitter, Operating Tips

• To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out on		Raising and Lowering Beam
	the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the	• Use control handle to run wedge up and down
	beam. See Figure 7.
		beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid,
• Stand in front of the unit to operate the control
		which will warm and thin the fluid.
	handle and to stabilize the log. See Figure 8A.
		• Place log splitter on a firm, level surface.
A	B
		• To raise the beam for vertical operation: Pull out
		the vertical beam lock on the tongue.
		• Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.
		• 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.
	Figure 8	• To lower the beam: Pull out the horizontal beam
		lock on the reservoir tank.
Horizontal Position
		• Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.
• Pull the vertical beam lock out and rotate it down.		Carefully pull back on beam and lower it to the
	See Figure 7. Pivot beam to the horizontal position.	horizontal position.The horizontal beam lock will
	The beam will lock automatically in horizontal	lock automatically. See Figure 7.
	position.	Transporting the Log Splitter
• Stand behind the reservoir tank to operate control
	handle and to stabilize the log. See Figure 8B.

Operating Tips

Always:

1.Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly.

2.Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.

3.Use a filter (clean or replace regularly).

4.Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir.

5.Make sure pump is mounted and aligned properly.

6.Use a flexible “spider” type coupling between engine and pump drive shafts.

7.Keep hoses clear and unblocked.

8.Bleed air out of hoses before operating.

9.Flush and clean hydraulic system before restarting after servicing.

10.Use “pipe dope” on all hydraulic fittings.

11.Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood.

12.Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning over the engine with spark plug disconnected.

13.Split wood along the grain (lengthwise) only.

Never:

1.Use when fluid is below 20°F or above 150°F.

2.Use a solid engine /pump coupling.

3.Operate through relief valve for long.

4.Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve settings without pressure gauges.

5.Operate with air in hydraulic system.

6.Use teflon tape on hydraulic fittings.

7.Attempt to cut wood across the grain.

8.Attempt to remove partially split wood from the wedge with your hands. Fully retract wedge to dislodge wood with log dislodger.

IMPORTANT: Always turn fuel valve to OFF position before transporting the log splitter.

•Lower the beam to its horizontal position. Make certain the beam is locked securely with the horizontal beam lock.

•Remove spring clip and clevis pin from jack stand.

•Support the tongue and pivot the jack stand up against the tongue. See Figure 9.

Clevis Pin

Tongue

Assembly

Spring

Clip

Jack Stand

Figure 9

•Secure with the spring clip and clevis pin previously removed. See Figure 9.

•Attach coupler hitch to a class I or higher 2” ball on a towing vehicle; latch securely.

a.If coupler hitch does not fit on ball: Turn adjustment nut one turn counter-clockwise.

b.If coupler hitch is too loose on ball: Turn adjustment nut one turn clockwise.

•Connect the safety chains to the towing vehicle.

•Plug in the tail lights, if so equipped, to the tail light connector on the tow vehicle.

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