Operating Guide

6 Section 3— ASSembly & Set-Up
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:
Caution: 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 dipstick securely, tightening it
until the top of the threads are flush with the
top of the pipe.
5. Disconnect the spark plug and prime the pump
by slowly pulling the recoil starter as far as it will
go. Repeat approximately 10 times.
NOTE: Close the fuel shut-off valve (if equipped)
before performing Step 5. Remove and set aside
any loose parts included with the log splitter. to
avoid engine flooding.
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 log
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.
Tire Pressure
The max recommended operating pressure is 30
psi. Do not under any circumstances exceed the
manufacturer’s recommended psi. Maintain equal
pressure in both tires.
WARNING! Excessive pressure when
seating beads may cause tire/rim
assembly to burst with force sufficient to
cause serious injury.
Repositioning the Control Handle
The control handle is shipped hanging from the valve
on the handle link.
1. Remove the clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin
from the control handle. See Figure 3-8.
Bow-Tie
Cotter
Pin
Control Handle
Clevis
Pin
Figure 3-8
2. Rotate the control handle into the operating
position and secure with the clevis pin and
bow-tie cotter pin removed in step 1. See
Figure 3-8.
Set-Up
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual. 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 is 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
log splitter is in the vertical position.
Preparing the Log Splitter
1. Lubricate the beam area (where the splitting
wedge will slide) with engine oil. Do not use
grease.
2. Use a wrench to remove the vented dipstick,
which is located in front of the engine on top
of the reservoir tank. See Figure 3-9.
Figure 3-9
Removing the Supports
CAUTION: Do not attempt to move the
log splitter off of the crate base until after
the crate supports and nylon straps have
been removed.
1. Cut the two nylon straps securing the log
splitter to the crate, one on each side of the
reservoir tank, near each fender. There are also
two supports found on the log splitter crate,
one beneath the engine and one beneath the
beam. Carefully cut and discard each tie-strap
and remove and discard each support. See
Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6
NOTE: The jack stand will support the weight of the
log splitter with the supports removed.
WARNING! The next step requires two
people to safely remove the log splitter
from the base of the crate.
2. Carefully move the log splitter off of the
crate by lifting up on the tongue tube, near
the hitch coupling, and slowly pushing the
machine backwards — over the two rear
wheel chucks — and off the back of the crate
base. See Figure 3-7.
Figure 3-7