M11967E.1 ITEM NUMBER: 11967 SERIAL NUMBER:_______________ Owner's Manual Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, and 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 About Your Log Splitter................................................................................................................... 4 Attention: All Rental Companies and Private Owners who loan this equipment to others! ............ 4 Safety Label Locations ..................................................................................................................... 5 Machine Component Identification ...........................................................................
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 which 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 Reference # 1 3 7 11 13 2 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 Part Number Description Warning Decal Kill switch/ Wedge Control Decal Lift and Split Control Decal Pinch Point Warning Decal Gasoline Only Decal Fire Hazard Warning Decal Hydraulic Fluid Warning Decal Moving/Towing Decal Hot Muffler Decal Stuck Log Warning Decal Splitter Operating Instruction Decal Decal, Poisonous Gas Log Lift Crush Hazard Decal 777335
Safety Label Locations 6
Machine Component Identification Ref 1 2 Description 2" Ball Coupler Jack Ref 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4-Way Wedge Lift and Split Control Beam Log Lifter Ram Return Filter Cylinder Pump Battery Box (next to engine) Engine 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7 Description Hydraulic Tank Fill Cap Hydraulic Temp Gauge/Oil Level Indicator Hydraulic Tank Engine Fuel Tank Light Kit Engine Kill Switch Wedge Control Control Valve Log Cradle Tow Bar Leg Safety Chains Carbon Canister
Initial Unpacking and Set-Up IMPORTANT! Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil. Step One: Add oil to engine Add oil to the engine. Using a funnel, add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick. (See engine owner's manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.) Step Two: Inspect log splitter components Closely inspect all log splitter components. (See Machine Components section of this manual on p. 6 for diagram of components.
Connecting Battery to Engine Your log splitter's engine is equipped with an electric starter, which requires the installation of a 12-volt (or 12V) lawn tractor size battery (Group U1-7). The battery should have a minimum rating of 18 Amp-hour (or 18Ah). The battery is to be supplied by the customer and should be installed in the protective battery box located near the engine. Follow the instructions below for connecting and disconnecting the battery.
Moving and 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 position Raise the log lift to the full upright (vertical) position. Never move log splitter when the log lift is down because the log splitter will be unbalanced and difficult to move, and the lifter is more likely to be damaged.
Moving and Towing to the Job Site 5. Move log splitter to work site or tow hitch Roll the splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch for towing. (See instructions on p. 19 on selecting a work site.) Important Safety Instructions: • Hills. Do not move the log splitter up or down hills by hand - use a towing vehicle. • No riding. Never allow anyone to sit or ride on the log splitter. • No cargo. Never transport cargo or wood on the log splitter. Towing: 1.
Moving and Towing to the Job Site 4. Lock log lift in UP position Secure log lift into the UP (vertical) position using the travel pin. Locate the travel pin stored behind the crank jack and use it to secure the log lift in the vertical position. Log lift Log lift travel pin storage location Insert travel pin for log lift here 5. Turn engine off Turn engine off. Never move the log splitter with its engine running. 6. Turn fuel valve off Turn fuel valve off.
Moving and Towing to the Job Site 9. Put jack and tow bar leg UP. To provide adequate ground clearance while towing, secure both the jack and tow bar leg in the "UP" position. Crank jack to up position Lock tow bar leg in up position 10. Tow to desired location 11. Lower jack down and unhitch Tow log splitter carefully to desired work site. (See instructions on pg.17 on selecting an appropriate work site.) Important safety instructions: • Added length. Be aware of the added length of the splitter.
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, then passing the other end over the suspected area.
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 outdoors – never indoors.
Before Each Use – Step Three: Work Site Selection and Setup Step Three: Work site selection and log splitter setup. 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.
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 2. Lock and block 3. Start engine 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.
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 7. Extend ram Move Split Control Lever toward wedge to extend ram and split log. 8. Stop ram Important safety instructions: • 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.
Splitting Operation 1) Retract ram fully. 2) Turn engine OFF. 3) Remove stuck log from the wedge manually with a pry bar or a sledgehammer. • Important: Be extremely careful as log pieces may fly off as they separate from the wedge. Make sure bystanders are clear and wear safety goggles. 4) Do not attempt to resplit a stuck log once it has been removed from the wedge. Manually split with an axe or cut with a chainsaw. 10. Return ram Move Split Control Lever away from wedge to return ram.
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 Retract the wedge completely to keep the rod protected from corrosion. 2. Cool 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 Arrestor…………………. Fuel Valve……………………... Battery Requirements…………. Overall Dimensions ...................
Parts Breakdown – Exploded View 11967 Rev E.
Parts Breakdown – Exploded View 11967 Rev E.
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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Safety During Towing Read instructions. Review towing safety instructions in your towing vehicle manual. Securely attached. Be sure the log splitter is securely attached to the towing vehicle before towing. Tires. Be 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. Added length.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • • • • • • • • 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. Other debris. Debris on moving parts can cause excess wear. With the splitter engine off, clear debris from moving parts. Fuel tank / lines. Before each use, check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • On skin / clothes. If gasoline is spilled on your skin or clothes, change clothes and wash skin immediately. Gasoline storage. Store gasoline in a cool, dry place in an UL listed, tightly sealed container. Safety in Work Site Selection / Set-up • • • • • • Spark arrestor. If your splitter will be used near any unimproved forest, brush, or grassy covered land, then engine should be equipped with a spark arrestor.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation Safety in Loading, Operating, and Unloading • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Square log ends. Logs that are not cut square can slide out while splitting and become a safety hazard or cause excessive force to log splitter components. Use a chainsaw to cut logs square on each end before attempting to split them. Single log. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time.
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation • • Log stuck on wedge. 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 to manually remove the log: IMPORTANT: NEVER attempt to remove a stuck log by using the hydraulic force of the splitter, or by modifying or adding attachments to splitter.
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.
