Operating Guide

8 Section 4— controlS & operation
b. The horizontal beam lock is self-
locking. The spring loaded lock will
snap into place when the beam is
lowered into position. See Figure 4-3.
1
2
Horizontal Beam Lock
Figure 4-3
Using the Control Handle
The control handle has three positions. See Figure
4-4.
REVERSE
To
Return
Wedge
To Stop
Wedge
NEUTRAL
FORWARD
To Split
Wood
Figure 4-4
• FORWARD — Move the control handle to the
FORWARD position to move wedge toward the
log to split.
NOTE: The control handle will return to the
NEUTRAL position as soon as the handle is
released (FORWARD position only).
• NEUTRAL — Release the control handle or
move the lever to the NEUTRAL position to
stop the wedge movement.
• REVERSE — Move the control handle to the
REVERSE position to return the wedge toward
the cylinder. The control handle stays in the
REVERSE position and returns to the NEUTRAL
position automatically when fully retracted. Do
not hold the handle in the REVERSE position
when fully retracted.
NOTE: The REVERSE position may also
be moved back to the NEUTRAL position
manually, if necessary.
WARNING! If the control handle on
your log splitter is not functioning
properly, STOP USE IMMEDIATELY and
contact an authorized service dealer.
WARNING! Do not attempt to service,
repair or replace control valve. Contact an
authorized service dealer.
WARNING! Do not attempt to adjust
or modify the control valve or the
hydraulic system from its original settings
or manufacture in any way.
Splitting the Wood
1. Start the engine as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
2. Place the log against the end plate and only
split the wood in the direction of the grain.
3. To stabilize the log, place your left hand on the
side of the log opposite the beam as shown in
Figure 4-1.
WARNING! Never place a hand on the
ends of the log, between the log or end
plate and the splitting wedge.
WARNING! Only one operator
permitted. The operator who loads and
stabilizes the log, must be the adult who
operates the control handle.
4. Move the control handle to the FORWARD
position to split the wood.
5. Remove left hand from the side of the log
once wedge just contacts the log. Continue
moving control handle forward to split the log.
6. Release the control handle to stop the wedge
movement.
7. Move the control handle to the REVERSE
position to return the wedge.
8. To remove partially split wood from wedge,
move the control handle to the REVERSE
position until the wedge is fully retracted to
allow split wood portion to contact the log
dislodger.
WARNING! Never remove partially
split wood from the wedge with your
hands. Fingers may become trapped
between the split wood.
9. Once removed from the wedge with the log
dislodger, split the wood from the opposite
end or in another location.
Transporting the Log Splitter
WARNING! Do not tow faster than 45
mph and check the local, state and
federal requirements before towing on
any public road. Always check the tire
condition before towing.
1. Lower the beam to its horizontal position.
Make certain the beam is locked securely with
the horizontal beam lock.
2. Remove the spring clip and clevis pin from the
jack stand.
3. Support the tongue and pivot the jack stand
up against the tongue. See Figure 4-5.
Spring Clip
Clevis Pin
Figure 4-5
4. Secure with the spring clip and clevis pin
previously removed in Step 2. See Figure 4-5.
5. Attach the coupler hitch to a class I or higher
2” ball on the towing vehicle; latch securely.
a. If the coupler hitch does not fit on the
ball, turn the adjustment nut one turn
counter-clockwise.
b. If the coupler hitch is too loose on the
ball, turn the adjustment nut one turn
clockwise. Then recheck and adjust
accordingly.
6. Connect the safety chains to the towing
vehicle.
7. Plug in the lights (if equipped) to the tail light
connector on the tow vehicle.
8. Move fuel shut-off valve to OFF position.
NOTE: Use caution when backing up, a
spotter outside the vehicle is recommended.
Operating Tips
Always:
1. Use clean fluid and check the fluid level
regularly.
2. Use an approved hydraulic fluid. 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. Check the engine oil level. Refill
if necessary.
3. Use a filter (clean or replace regularly).
4. Use a breather cap on the fluid reservoir.
5. Make sure the pump is mounted and aligned
properly.
6. Use a flexible “spider” type coupling between
the engine and pump drive shafts.
7. Keep the hoses clear and unblocked.
8. Bleed the air out of hoses before operating.
9. Flush and clean the hydraulic system before
restarting after servicing.
10. Use liquid thread sealant on all hydraulic
fittings.
11. Allow time for the engine to warm-up before
splitting wood.
12. Prime the pump before initial start-up by
cranking the engine with the 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 the relief valve for more than
five (5) seconds.
4. Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve
settings.
5. Operate with air in hydraulic system.
6. Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings.
7. Attempt to cut the wood across the grain.
8. Attempt to remove partially split wood from
the wedge with your hands. Fully retract
the wedge to dislodge wood with the log
dislodger.