Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the engine manual packed with your log splitter. Read the instructions carefully.

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

NOTE: Your log splitter may be shipped with motor oil in the engine. You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to overfill. Gasoline can be added to the engine when the log splitter is in either the horizontal or vertical position. However, it may be easier when the splitter is in the vertical position.

Tire Pressure

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

WARNING! Excessive pressure when seating beads may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury.

Preparing the Log Splitter

1.Lubricate the beam area (where the splitting wedge will slide) with engine oil. Do not use grease.

2.Remove the vented reservoir dipstick, which is located in front of the engine on top of the reservoir tank. See Figure 3-9.

Dipstick

Reservoir

Tank

Figure 3-9

NOTE: The log splitter is filled to the proper operating level from the manufacturer with Shell Tellus® S2 M 32 Hydraulic Fluid. However, you MUST check the fluid level before operating. If not filled, proceed with the following steps:

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.

3.Check the fluid level using the dipstick. See Figure 3-9. Do not overfill.

NOTE: Approved fluids include Shell Tellus® S2 M 32 Hydraulic Fluid, Dexron® III/Mercon® automatic transmission fluid, Pro-

Select™ AW-32 Hydraulic Oil or 10WAW-ISO viscosity grade 32 hydraulic oil. It is not recommended that fluids be mixed, to top off the reservoir tank during initial set-up use Shell Tellus® S2 M 32 Hydraulic Fluid only.

4.Replace the vented dipstick securely, tightening it until the top of the threads are flush with top of the pipe.

5.Disconnect the spark plug and prime the pump by pulling the recoil starter as far as it will go. Repeat approximately 10 times.

6.Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the engine following instructions in the Engine Operator’s manual.

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

8.Refill the tank as specified on the dipstick if necessary.

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

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

10.Refill the reservoir within the range marked on the dipstick if necessary.

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

10Section 2— Assembly & Set-Up