Adjusting Your Log Splitter; Maintaining Your Log Splitter - MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual

WARNING:
Do not tow faster than 45mph
and check local, state, and federal
requirements before towing on any public road.
NOTE: Use caution when backing up. It
recommended to use a spotter outside the vehicle.
SECTION 5: ADJUSTING YOUR LOG SPLITTER
_ WARNING:
Do not at time make
any any
adjustments without first stopping engine,
disconnecting spark plug wire, and grounding it
against the engine.
WedgeAssembly Adjustment
As normal wear occurs and there is excessive "play"
between the wedge and beam, adjust the bolts on the
side of the wedge assembly to eliminate excess space
between the wedge and the beam. See Figure 10.
• Loosen the jam nuts on the two adjustment bolts on
the side of the wedge. Turn the adjustment bolts in
until snug and then back them off slowly until the
wedge assembly will slide on the beam.
• Tighten the jam nuts securely against the side of
the wedge to hold the adjustment bolts in this
position.
GibAdjustment
Periodically remove and replace the "gibs" (spacers)
between the wedge assembly and the back plate.
See Figure 10.
NOTE: The gibs may be rotated and/or turned over for
even wear.
• Loosen the lock nuts under the each back plate and
slide the gibs out.
• Turn or replace the gibs.
• Reassemble the back plate and secure with the
lock washers and lock nuts.
• Readjust the bolts on the side of the wedge
assembly.
Adjustment
Bolt
ibs
Jam ',_._', _
Nut
Lock N
k
Washer
Figure 10
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LOG SPLITTER
d_l WARNING:
Before cleaning, lubricating,
repairing, or inspecting, disengage the control
handle and stop engine. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Conditions t hatwill voidWarranty
1. Failure to maintain proper fluid level in reservoir
2. Changing the relief valve setting or pressure
adjustment of control valve without proper
knowledge and instruction from the factory
WARNING:
Higher pressure could cause
,_, the hoses to burst, cylinder to rupture, and
intense fluid to be released, which could result
in serious personal injury.
3. Disassembling the pump
4. Use of incorrect hydraulic fluid
5. Allowing the flexible pump coupler to deteriorate
without proper and regular inspection
6. Lack of lubrication or improper lubrication of the
beam or unit
7. Improper adjustment of splitting wedge
8. Excessive heating of the hydraulic system
9. Attempting to start unit in temperatures under 20°F
without pre-heating fluid in reservoir
10. Unattended leaks in hydraulic system
HydraulicFluid
• Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter
reservoir tank before each use.
• Maintain fluid level within the range specified on the
dipstick at all times.
• Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every
100 hours of operation.
• Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the
reservoir tank and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Refill using only Dexron III automatic
transmission fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.
NOTE: Please dispose of used hydraulic fluid and
engine oil at approved recycling centers only.
• Since contaminants in fluid may damage the
hydraulic components, you will have to drain the
fluid and flush the reservoir tank and hoses with
10