Section 10: Operation - Yard Machines 550 Operator's Manual

BEAM LOCKS
There are two beam locks one for each operating
position. See Figure 5 for the locations.
Vertical:
The vertical beam lock is located next to
the oil filter.

SECTION 10: OPERATION

BEFORE EACH USE
1. Remove the vent plug and check the fluid level.
Fluid level should be 1-1/2" to 2" from the top of
the tank.
2. Check the engine oil level as instructed in the
separate engine owners manual shipped with
you log splitter.
IMPORTANT:
Reservoir tank must be full as
instructed. Low fluid level will damage the pump and
void your warranty.
3. Lubricate the beam area where splitting wedge
will slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE
GREASE). Make certain to oil both front and
back of the beam face.
4. Fill gasoline tank as instructed in separate
engine owners manual shipped with your log
splitter.
5. Make sure fuel shut-off located under gasoline
tank is open (if so equipped).
6. Make sure spark plug wire is attached to spark
plug.
USING THE LOG SPLITTER
Never attempt to cut a log in half sideways. Always
split the log lengthwise. Maximum length of log to
be split is 24".
WARNING:
logs, always use the log splitter in the
vertical position.
WARNING:
safety shoes and safety glasses when
operating log splitter. Ensure safe
footing.
1. Place the log splitter on level, dry and solid
ground.
2. Place the beam in either the horizontal or
vertical position and lock in place with the
appropriate locking rod.
3. Place a chock (block) in front and back of both
wheels.
4. Set the engine throttle at maximum speed.
When splitting heavy
Wear leather work gloves,
Horizontal:
The horizontal beam lock is part of
the beam support latch bracket. Refer to Figure 2
for location.
5. Place the log against the end plate. Only split
wood in the direction of the grain.
6. When necessary to stabilize the log, place your
hand only on sides of log, NEVER on the end
between the log and splitting wedge.
7. ONLY ONE ADULT SHOULD STABILIZE THE
LOG AND OPERATE THE CONTROL HANDLE
so the operator has full control over stabilizing
the log and movement of the splitting wedge.
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT:
Refer to the separate engine
manual for detailed starting instructions for your
model.
1. Place the engine shut-off switch in ON position
or move throttle control lever to FAST position.
Engines with choke lever:
lever in CHOKE position (a warm engine may not
require choking).
Engines with primer:
instructed in separate engine manual.
2. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly
until engine reaches start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let
the rope rewind slowly.
WARNING:
engine, keep away from muffler and
other heated surfaces on the engine.
3. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm
stroke. Keep a firm grip on the starter handle.
Let the rope rewind slowly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter.
4. Repeat preceding instructions until engine fires.
When engine starts, move choke lever halfway
between CHOKE and RUN.
5. Gradually move choke lever to RUN position as
engine warms up.
6. If weather is cold, run wedge up and down
beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid.
12
Place choke
Prime engine
When restarting a warm
as