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O
M
PERATOR'S
ANUAL

LOG SPLITTER

MODELS
550 and 560
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning:
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-0363A

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Yard Machines 550

  • Page 1: Log Splitter

    PERATOR’S ANUAL LOG SPLITTER MODELS 550 and 560 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest- covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
  • Page 2: Section 1: Important Rules For Safe Operation

    SECTION 1: IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LOG SPLITTER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Page 3: Customer Responsibilities

    • Both ends of each log must be cut as square as • Always keep fingers away from any cracks that possible to help prevent the log from riding out of open in the log during splitting operation. They can the splitter during operation.
  • Page 4 adding to the width or height of the wedge. Such pressure by shutting off the engine and moving the alterations may cause your splitter to be unsafe. control handle back and forth several times. • Perform recommended maintenance • Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or procedures before you use your splitter.
  • Page 5: Section 2: Important Information For Log Splitter Users

    SECTION 2: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS Always: • Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning over the engine with spark plug • Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly disconnected • Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid •...
  • Page 6: Section 4: Calling Customer Support

    SECTION 4: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT If you are having difficulty assembling this product call the Customer Support Department. You can or if you have any question regarding the controls, reach them by calling: operation or maintenance of this log splitter, please 1-800-800-7310 Before you call, make sure that you have both your and serial number ready, you help the Customer Sup-...
  • Page 7: Section 6: Items Required For Assembly

    SECTION 6: ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION Crowbar or Large Screwdriver Soft Hammer or Mallet 9/16" Wrenches* • Engine Oil 1/2" Wrenches* • Unleaded Gasoline 7/16" Wrench* 13/16” Wrench* • Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or 7/8” Wrench* 10W Non-Foaming Hydraulic Fluid Adjustable Wrench Screwdriver Pliers...
  • Page 8: Section 8: Assembly

    SECTION 8: ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLING THE TONGUE Beam Support Latch Bracket Tongue Ball End Of Hitch Hitch Jack Stand Figure 2 The hardware that is used to assemble the tongue ASSEMBLY C (See Figure 2) will be found in place on the tongue and hitch. The Attach the hitch as follows: assembly has been divided into three assemblies A, 1.
  • Page 9 ASSEMBLING THE WHEELS, BEAM AND TANK Beam Fender Axle Tongue Reservoir Tank Wheel Figure 3 The hardware that is used to assemble the wheels, 4. Place one wheel on each axle, valve stem beam and tank will be found in place on the tank or facing outward.
  • Page 10: Attaching The Hoses

    (OPTIONAL FENDERS) ASSEMBLY C (See Figure 3) 10. Using two 1/2" wrenches, remove the hex nuts Attach the beam to the reservoir tank as follows: (H), lock washers (G), flat washers (F) and hex 1. For shipping purposes, the pressure hose is bolts (E) from the tank.
  • Page 11: Section 9: Controls

    PRESSURE HOSE 1. The pressure hose is attached to the control NOTE: There are two reservoir tank capacities valve. Route the hose between the beam and depending on the log splitter model. The large tank the tongue. Secure the pressure hose to the has a capacity of approximately 7 gallons.
  • Page 12: Section 10: Operation

    BEAM LOCKS Horizontal: The horizontal beam lock is part of the beam support latch bracket. Refer to Figure 2 There are two beam locks one for each operating for location. position. See Figure 5 for the locations. Vertical: The vertical beam lock is located next to the oil filter.
  • Page 13 TO STOP ENGINE 2. After engine has stopped, disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug to prevent accidental 1. Move the engine shut-off switch to the OFF starting while equipment is unattended. position or move throttle control to STOP position. OPERATING POSITIONS VERTICAL HORIZONTAL...
  • Page 14: Section 11: Adjustments

    SECTION 11: ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Adjust wedge plate as follows: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire 1. Loosen the three hex bolts on top of the wedge before performing any adjustments. plate (beneath the splitting wedge). 2. Loosen the jam nuts on the two adjustment bolts on the side of the gib plate, located Attached beneath...
  • Page 15 BEAM AND SPLITTING WEDGE 2. Drain gasoline from fuel tank or place a piece of plastic film underneath the gas cap to prevent Lubricate both sides of the beam where it contacts gasoline from leaking. the splitting wedge with engine oil before each use 3.
  • Page 16: Section 13: Off-Season Storage

    SECTION 13: OFF-SEASON STORAGE If the log splitter will not be used for a period longer 3. Wipe unit with an oiled rag to prevent rust, than 30 days, the following steps should be taken to especially wedge and beam. prepare the log splitter for storage.
  • Page 17: Section 15: Hydraulic Trouble Shooting Guide

    SECTION 15: HYDRAULIC TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Causes Corrective Action Cylinder rod will Broken drive shaft. Return unit for authorized repair. not move Shipping plugs left in hydraulic hoses. Disconnect hydraulic hoses, remove shipping plugs, reconnect hoses. Set screws in coupling not See operator’s manual for correct adjustment.
  • Page 18: Section 16: Illustrated Parts List

    SECTION 16: ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST...
  • Page 19 REF. PART CODE DESCRIPTION REF. PART CODE DESCRIPTION 712-0359 Slotted Nut 3/4-16 Thd. 750-0497 Spacer 3/8" I.D. x .625" O.D. 714-0162 Cotter Pin 5/32" Dia. x 1-1/4" Lg. 781-0162 Jack Stand 734-0873 Hub Cap 781-0680 Tongue Tube 734-1016 Wheel Ass’y. Comp. 781-0690 Locking Rod 734-0872...
  • Page 20 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase for products sold or exported outside of the United within the United States of America, its possessions States of America, its possessions and territories, and territories, MTD PRODUCTS INC will, at its except those sold through MTD PRODUCTS INC’s option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, authorized channels of export distribution.

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560

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