Operating Tips - MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual

3. Support the tongue and pivot the jack stand up against the
tongue. See Fig. 5-5.
Figure 5=5
4. Secure with the spring clip and clevis pin previously
removed. See Fig. 5-5.
5. Attach the coupler hitch to a class 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.
WARNING! Do not tow faster than 45mph and
check the local, state and federal requirements
before towing on any public road.
NOTE: Use caution when backing up, using a spotter outside the
vehicle is recommended.
OperatingTips
Always:
1. Use clean fluid and check the fluid level regularly.
2. Usean approved hydraulic fluid. Approved fluids include
Dexron ®III/ Mercon ®automatic transmission fluid, Pro-
Mix
TM
AW-32 Hydraulic Oil or a 10 Weight AW hydraulic oil.
3. Usea filter (clean or replace regularly).
4. Usea breather cap on the fluid reservoir.
5. Make sure the pump is mounted and aligned properly.
6. Usea flexible "spider" type coupling between the engine
and pump drive shafts.
7. Keep the hoses clear and unblocked.
8. Bleed the air out of the hoses before operating.
9. Flush and clean the hydraulic system before restarting after
servicing.
10. Use"pipe dope" on all hydraulic fittings.
11. Allow time for the engine to warm-up before splitting the
wood.
12. Prime the pump before the initial start-up by turning over
the engine with the spark plug disconnected (if not already
done at the factory).
13. Split the wood along the grain (lengthwise) only.
Never:
1. Usewhen the fluid is below 20 ° F or above 150° F.
2. Usea solid engine/pump coupling.
3. Operate through the relief valve for long.
4. Attempt to adjust the unloading or relief valve settings
without pressure gauges.
5. Operate with air in the hydraulic system.
6. Useteflon tape on the hydraulic fittings.
7. Attempt to cut wood across the grain.
8. Attempt to remove partially split wood from the wedge
with your hands. Fully retract the wedge to dislodge the
wood with the log dislodger.
SECTION S -- OPERATION
13