Maintenance And Adjustments - MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual

Maintenance& Adjustments
6
WARNING!
Do not make any adjustments without
first stopping the engine, disconnecting the spark
plug wire and grounding it against the engine.
Always wear safety glasses during operation or
while performing any adjustments or repairs.
Maintenance
Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your log
splitter for all engine maintenance.
Tire Pressu re
The max recommended operating pressure is 30 psi. Do
not, under any circumstances, exceed the manufacturer's
recommended psi. Maintain equal pressure on all tires.
WARNING! Excessive pressure when seating beads
may cause the tire/rim assembly to burst with force
sufficient to cause serious injury. Refer to the
sidewall of the tire for the recommended pressure.
Hydraulic Fluid
Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter reservoir
tank before each use. Maintain the fluid level within the range
specified on the dipstick at all times.
Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100 hours of
operation. Follow the steps below:
1. Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the
reservoir tank.
2. Carefully unthread the inlet filter and clean it with
penetrating oil. See Fig. 6-1.
/
Suction Hose
Inlet Filter
Figure 6-1
3. Allow the fluid to drain into a suitable container.
4.
Reinsert the filter and refill the reservoir with three (3)
gallons of oil. Approved fluids include Dexron ® III/Mercon ®
automatic transmission fluid or a 10 Weight AW hydraulic
oil.
Maintain the fluid level within the range specified on the dipstick
at all times. When checking the fluid, always make sure to tighten
the dipstick until the top of the threads are flush with the top of
the pipe.
NOTE:Always dispose of any used hydraulic fluid and
engine oil at approved recycling centers only.
Contaminants in the fluid may damage the hydraulic
components. Flushing the reservoir tank and hoses with
kerosene whenever service is performed on the tank, hydraulic
pump or valve is recommended. Contact an authorized service
dealer.
Hydraulic Filter
Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of operation. Use only
a 10 micron hydraulic filter. Order part number 723-0405.
Beamand Splitting Wedge
Lubricate top, sides and bottom of the beam and where it
comes into contact with the splitting wedge with engine
oil before each use.
Make certain to readjust the adjustment bolts so that the
wedge moves freely, but no excess space exists between
the wedge plate and the beam.
HoseClamps
Check the hose clamps on the suction hose (attached to
the side of the pump) to ensure they are tight before each
use. Check the hose clamps on the return hose at least
once a season.
Adjustments
Raisingand Lowering the Beam
Use the control handle to run the wedge up and down the beam
6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid, which will warm and
thin the fluid. Place the log splitter on a firm, level surface.
To raise the beam for vertical operation:
I. Pull out the horizontal beam lock on the tongue.
2. Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.
3. Move the beam to the vertical position. Secure it with the
beam lock on the reservoir tank assembly.
WARNING! Always use the log splitter in the
vertical position when splitting heavy logs.