MTD 500 Series Operator's Manual page 9

• To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out on
the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the
beam. See Figure 7.
• Stand in front of the unit to operate the control
handle and to stabilize the log. See Figure 8A.
A
Figure 8
Horizontal Position
• Pull the vertical beam lock out and rotate it down.
See Figure 7. Pivot beam to the horizontal position.
The beam will lock automatically in horizontal
position.
• Stand behind the reservoir tank to operate control
handle and to stabilize the log. See Figure 8B.
Operating Tips
Always:
1. Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly.
2. Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or
10W AW hydraulic fluid.
3. Use a filter (clean or replace regularly).
4. Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir.
5. Make sure pump is mounted and aligned properly.
6. Use a flexible "spider" type coupling between
engine and pump drive shafts.
7. Keep hoses clear and unblocked.
8. Bleed air out of hoses before operating.
9. Flush and clean hydraulic system before restarting
after servicing.
10. Use "pipe dope" on all hydraulic fittings.
11. Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood.
12. Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning
over the engine with spark plug disconnected.
13. Split wood along the grain (lengthwise) only.
Never:
1. Use when fluid is below 20°F or above 150°F.
2. Use a solid engine /pump coupling.
3. Operate through relief valve for long.
4. Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve settings
without pressure gauges.
5. Operate with air in hydraulic system.
6. Use teflon tape on 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 wedge to
dislodge wood with log dislodger.
B
Raising and Lowering Beam
• Use control handle to run wedge up and down
beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid,
which will warm and thin the fluid.
• Place log splitter on a firm, level surface.
• To raise the beam for vertical operation: Pull out
the vertical beam lock on the tongue.
• Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.
• Move the beam to the vertical position. Secure it
with the beam lock on the reservoir tank assembly.
WARNING:
vertical position when splitting heavy logs.
• To lower the beam: Pull out the horizontal beam
lock on the reservoir tank.
• Pivot beam lock down to release the beam.
Carefully pull back on beam and lower it to the
horizontal position.The horizontal beam lock will
lock automatically. See Figure 7.
Transporting the Log Splitter
Always turn fuel valve to OFF position
IMPORTANT:
before transporting the log splitter.
• Lower the beam to its horizontal position. Make
certain the beam is locked securely with the
horizontal beam lock.
• Remove spring clip and clevis pin from jack stand.
• Support the tongue and pivot the jack stand up
against the tongue. See Figure 9.
Tongue
Assembly
Jack Stand
• Secure with the spring clip and clevis pin previously
removed. See Figure 9.
• Attach coupler hitch to a class I or higher 2" ball on
a towing vehicle; latch securely.
a. If coupler hitch does not fit on ball: Turn
adjustment nut one turn counter-clockwise.
b. If coupler hitch is too loose on ball: Turn
adjustment nut one turn clockwise.
• Connect the safety chains to the towing vehicle.
• Plug in the tail lights, if so equipped, to the tail light
connector on the tow vehicle.
9
Always use the log splitter in the
Clevis Pin
Spring
Clip
Figure 9