M11968G ITEM NUMBER: 11968 SERIAL NUMBER: _______________ Owner’s Manual Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, & Storage Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic machine that splits wood logs. WARNING READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using log splitter. All operators of this equipment must read and completely understand all safety information, operating instructions, maintenance and storage instructions.
Hazard Signal Word Definitions 2
Table of Contents Hazard Signal Word Definitions............................................................................................................................................. 2 Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 About Your Log Splitter ...............................................................................................................
About Your Log Splitter Thank you for purchasing your NorthStar log splitter! About Your Log Splitter This log splitter is a machine designed to split wood logs using a hydraulically powered moving ram that pushes the log against a splitting wedge. The log splitter’s gasoline engine is used to pressurize the hydraulic system. This log splitter is designed to split logs up to 30" long and 24" in diameter, lengthwise with the grain only.
Safety Label Locations Ref 1 2 3 4 5 6 Part No 777898 791291 777896 777891 39260 788937 Description Log Lift Crush Hazard Decal Split Control Lever Operation Decal Operation Instruction Label Hydraulic Fluid Warning Decal Hot Muffler Decal Poisonous Gas Warning Decal Ref 7 8 9 10 11 12 Part No 777890 777888 39262 777892 778610 787944 Description Fire Hazard Warning Decal Stuck Log Warning Decal Log Lift Control Caution Label Moving/Towing Instruction Decal Log Splitter Warning Decal Pinch Point Warn
Safety Label Locations 6
Machine Component Identification Ref 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Description Engine Return Filter Hydraulic Dipstick Beam Slide Log Cradle Tow Bar Leg Log Lift Table Log Lift Cylinder Ref 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Description Hydraulic Pump Pump Bracket Wheel 2" Ball Coupler Wedge Beam Split Control Lever Control Valve 7 Ref 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Description Main Cylinder Suction Strainer Hydraulic Tank Light Kit Log Lift Control Valve Log Lift Control Valve Lever Safety Chains
Initial Unpacking & Set-Up IMPORTANT! Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil. 1. Step One: Add engine oil Add oil to the engine. Using a funnel, add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark on the dip stick. (See engine Owner’s Manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.) 2. Step Two: Secure Split Control Lever Secure the Split Control Lever in the operating position. Use following procedures: 1. The Split Control Lever is shipped taped to the hydraulic cylinder.
Initial Unpacking & Set-Up 4. Step Four: Verify Hydraulic oil level Verify hydraulic oil level. Note: Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil. 1. Check hydraulic oil level: a) Make sure engine is off and the cylinder is fully retracted. b) Relieve all hydraulic system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times. c) Remove hydraulic dipstick. Verify that oil level reads full. NOTE: Do not thread the dipstick when checking oil level.
Moving & Towing to the Job Site WARNING The log splitter is heavy. It can crush and cause serious injury if it rolls out of control or tips over. Follow the instructions below for safely moving and towing the log splitter. Moving the log splitter: 1. Lock log lift in UP NEVER move log splitter when the log lift is down because the log splitter will position be unbalanced and difficult to move, and the lifter is more likely to be damaged. 1.
Moving & Towing to the Job Site 4. Tow bar leg DOWN Lock the tow bar leg in the “DOWN” position before you move the log splitter anywhere by hand. Moving Log Splitter by Hand 5. Move log splitter to Move log splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch work site or tow for towing. (See instructions on p. 17 on selecting a work site) hitch Important Safety Instructions: • Hills. Do not move the log splitter up or down hills by hand -- use a towing vehicle. • No riding.
Moving & Towing to the Job Site 5. Attach to hitch (2” Ball) Attach log splitter to vehicle hitch 1. Attach log splitter’s coupler to a class 2 or higher hitch with 2" ball (only). 2. Adjust coupler to ball by raising locking lever and turning lock nut with fingers. 3. Proper adjustment is obtained when coupler is as tight as possible on ball and locking lever can still be opened and closed. 4. Lock lever closed to secure the attachment.
Moving & Towing to the Job Site 7. Put tow bar leg UP Move the tow bar leg to the “UP” position and lock. (The support leg must remain in the up position during towing.) Towing Log Splitter 8. Tow to desired location Tow log splitter carefully to desired work site. (See instructions on p. 17 on selecting an appropriate work site) 9. Lock leg down and unhitch Important safety instructions: • Added length. Be aware of the added length of the splitter. • Speed limit.
Before Each Use: Step One: Inspection / Maintenance Step One: Inspect and Maintain log splitter before each use If the log splitter has been used previously, it must be inspected and maintained BEFORE EACH SUBSEQUENT USE. WARNING ALWAYS shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and relieve system pressure before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or repairing the splitter. Relieve system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times.
Before Each Use: Step One: Inspection / Maintenance Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses, tubing, fittings or other components. • NEVER check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood (at least two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end over the suspected area (wear eye protection).
Before Each Use: Step Two: Fueling Step Two: Fueling WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. 1. Engine off/cool The engine must be off and allowed to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel. WARNING: A running engine is hot enough to ignite fuel. Never add fuel or remove gas cap if engine is running or still hot. 2. Outdoor location Fill fuel tank outdoors – never indoors.
Before Each Use: Step Three: Work Site Selection & Set-Up Step Three: Work site selection and log splitter set-up WARNING It is important to select an appropriate work site and properly set up the log splitter in order to minimize the risk of slips and falls, equipment rolling or tipping over, carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidental fires. 1. Select location Select an appropriate location for operating the log splitter. Requirements: 1. Dry, level surface with good footing.
Before Each Use: Step Three: Work Site Selection & Set-Up 4. Lock leg DOWN Lock leg in the “DOWN” position. In this position, splitter is level for splitting and less likely to roll during operation. 5. Block wheels Block the wheels to prevent unintended movement of the log splitter.
Splitting Operation WARNING Before starting the log splitter, review the following instructions and safety information for safe operation. Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that crush, cut, or entangle; from flying objects, burns, fire, falling or tripping; or from carbon monoxide poisoning. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • General safety information: Read manual.
Splitting Operation 1. Put on protective clothing / gear Wear the following protective clothing and safety gear: 1. Eye protection. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating the machine. Pieces of log may fly out and serious eye injury can occur. 2. Boots. Falling logs can crush feet. Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots when operating or helping to load logs. 3. Gloves. Wear snug fitting gloves without draw strings or loose cuffs. 4. Hearing protection.
Splitting Operation Instructions for operating the power log lift: WARNING: Crush hazard • Operator position. Stay in the designated OPERATOR position while operating log lift control. • Second person. If a helper is assisting in loading logs to be split, do not actuate log lift control until the helper is at least 10 feet away. • Hand activate. Use only your hand to operate the log lift control. Never use any other body part, or a rope, cable, or other remote device to actuate the control. 1.
Splitting Operation FIG02218 Correct Log Orientation Incorrect Log Orientation WARNING: ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from the ram, wedge, and partially split logs while loading, operating and unloading the log splitter. Important safety instructions: • Hold bark side. Hold the bark side of logs when loading or positioning, never the ends. Never place your hands or any part of your body between a log and any part of the log splitter. • Ram moving. NEVER load or unload while the ram is moving.
Splitting Operation Important safety instructions: 7. Stop ram ● Operator position. ALWAYS operate the log splitter from the manufacturer’s indicated OPERATOR POSITION. (See diagram above.) Other positions are unsafe because they can increase the risk of injury from crushing, cutting, flying objects, or burns. ● Remove hands. Remove both hands from log before activating Split Control Lever ● Hand Activate. Use only your hand to operate the Split Control Lever.
Splitting Operation 8. Important STUCK LOG procedure If a log does not split completely and becomes stuck on the wedge, follow the instructions below to remove the log. A log can become stuck to the wedge if the wedge becomes embedded in the log and the log doesn’t split and separate. This can happen if the log is too stringy or tough to split completely. If this happens, follow the directions below. • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 9.
Storage WARNING Gasoline vapors can ignite and cause a fire. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from sources of heat, flame, or sparks. Follow the instructions below for storing your log splitter between uses. 1. Retract wedge 2. Cool Retract the wedge completely to keep the rod protected from corrosion. Allow the machine to cool 5 minutes before storing. WARNING: A hot engine can be a fire hazard. 3. Wipe with oily Wipe the beam and wedge with an oily rag to prevent corrosion. rag 4.
Periodic Maintenance In addition to the maintenance performed with each use, periodic maintenance should also be performed according to the following schedule. WARNING ALWAYS shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and relieve system pressure before cleaning, adjusting, or repairing the splitter. Relieve system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times. IMPORTANT: If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Troubleshooting WARNING Before troubleshooting or attempting to service, read the following safety instructions to avoid serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, burns, fire or explosion, or escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid. Important Safety Instructions: 1. Engine off. Always make sure the engine is off before cleaning, repairing or adjusting the splitter, except as recommended by the manufacturer. 2. Hydraulic safety.
Specifications Maximum Pressure ................... Maximum Flow ......................... Hydraulic Fluid Capacity........... Hydraulic Fluid Type………… Coupler Size…………………… Maximum Towing Speed……… Maximum Log Length ............... Maximum log Diameter……….. Maximum Log Weight .............. Pressure Relief Setting .............. Hydraulic Cylinder Bore ........... Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke ......... Spark Arrester…………………. Fuel Valve……………………... Overall Dimensions ................... Dry Weight ..............
Parts Breakdown- Exploded View 11968 – Rev G 29
Parts Breakdown- Exploded View 11968 – Rev G Ref 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Part No 39124 38983 777324 796300 39159 777918 406518 791071 788079 5018 791072 791722 791157 791158 791160 36130 791159 791068 795786 791723 788001 82146 790690 790783 791165 791161 50RAS8 791163 790784 791070 791164 791069 791162 790064 778592 601091 779683 777911 777912 Description Right mount arm Lift pin Lift table Left mount arm Lynch pin Travel
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation WARNING Carefully read and make sure you understand the following safety information before using the log splitter. Improper use or maintenance of the log splitter can result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, flying objects, escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid, or carbon monoxide poisoning. • • • Introduction Read manual.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rough terrain. Be extra cautious and drive slowly when traveling over rough terrain. Under the influence. Never tow this splitter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. On public roads. If towing on a public road, make sure to comply with all local, state, and federal towing requirements.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • Tires. Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair before towing the splitter. When adding air to tires, do not over-inflate -- serious injury could occur if tire explodes. • Guards/shields. Make sure all guards and shields are replaced after servicing the log splitter. Replacement parts. If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Unattended. Never leave the machine unattended while the engine is running. Under the influence. Never operate, or let anyone else operate, the log splitter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Adjusting/repairing. Always make sure the engine is off before cleaning, repairing or adjusting the splitter, except as recommended by the manufacturer.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • • • • Safety – After use Remove engine debris. Debris on a hot engine can be a fire hazard. With the engine off, clean debris and chaff from engine cylinder head, cylinder head fins, blower housing rotating screen, and muffler areas. Avoid contact with hot muffler. Let engine cool before storing. Let engine cool for at least five minutes before storing. A hot engine can be a fire hazard. Storage location.
Limited Warranty Dear Valued Customer: The NorthStar Product you just purchased is built with the finest material and craftsmanship. Use this product properly and enjoy the benefits from its high performance. By purchasing a NorthStar product, you show a desire for quality and durability. Like all mechanical equipment this unit requires a due amount of care. Treat this unit like the high quality piece of machinery it is. Neglect and improper handling may impair its performance.
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California Proposition 65 Information WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including gasoline engine exhaust, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and carbon monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Manufactured by Northern Tool + Equipment Co., Inc. Burnsville, MN 55306 NorthernTool.
