Operation; Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Usingthe Logsplitter - MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual

Operation
Starting the Engine
WARNING! Read, understand and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
WARNING! Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes,
and safety glasses when operating a log splitter.
Ensure safe footing.
Before EachUse
1. With the spark plug wire disconnected, remove the dipstick
and check the hydraulic fluid level. Refill if necessary.
Approved fluids include Dexron ® III/Mercon ®automatic
transmission fluid, Pro-Mix
TM
AW-32 Hydraulic Oil or a 10
Weight AW hydraulic oil.
2. Check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
3. Fill up the gasoline if necessary.
4. Lubricate the front, sides, and back of the beam face and
where the splitting wedge will slide with engine oil. Do not
use grease. Make sure to lubricate both the front and the
back of the beam face.
5. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Starting Engine
1. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is fastened
securely over the metal tip of the spark plug.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
3. Move the choke lever to the CHOKE position.
4. Grasp the starter handle and pull the rope out slowly until
the engine reaches the start of its compression cycle (the
rope will pull slightly harder at this point).
5. Pull the rope with a rapid, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip
on the starter handle. Let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat
until the engine cranks.
After the engine starts, move the choke lever to the OFF
position. Place the throttle lever to the speed desired.
In cold weather, run the wedge up or down the beam 6to 8
times to circulate the hydraulic fluid.
6.
7.
WARNING! When starting a warm engine, the
muffler and surrounding areas are hot and can
cause a burn. Do not touch.
Stopping the Engine
1. Move the choke lever to the OFF position.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
Usingthe LogSplitter
1. Place the log splitter on dry, level ground and shut off the
engine.
2. Place the beam in either the horizontal or vertical position
and lock it into place with the appropriate locking rod.
NOTE:Take extra care when raising and lowering the beam
as it is fairly heavy. Be sure to keep hands away from any
possible pinch points.
3. To place the beam in the Vertical Position proceed as
follows:
f
a. Pull the horizontal beam lock out to release the
beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.
b. To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out
on the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the
beam. See Fig. 5-1.
Vertical Beam Lock
Figure S-1
11