READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester
for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland,
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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty OPERATOR’S MANUAL * Model 24BF572B729 Shown Log Splitter — Model Series 550 Thru 570 IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush- covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new log splitter. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says. Safety Labels ...Page 3 Safe Operation Practices ...Page 4 Setting Up Your Log Splitter ...Page 6 Operating Your Log Splitter ...Page 8 Finding and Recording Model Number...
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this Safe manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Operation Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
f. Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion. g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.
Setting Up Your Log Splitter WARNING Use extreme cau- tion unpacking this machine. Some components are very heavy and will require additional people or mechanical handling equipment. NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in...
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3. Disconnect the log cradle from the beam on the side of the control valve. See Figure 3-5. 4. Lift and slide the cylinder up to the top of beam and into the weld brackets. See Figure 3-6. 5. Attach the dislodger over the wedge assembly and secure with hardware, previously removed, to the weld brackets.
Operating Your Log Splitter WARNING Jack Stand IMPORTANT Your log splitter may be shipped with motor oil in the engine. You MUST check the oil level before operat- ing. Be careful not to overfill. Beam Locks These two locks, as their name suggests, are used to secure the beam in the horizontal or the vertical position.
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Control Handle The control handle has three positions. See Figure 4-2. • FORWARD: Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to move wedge to split wood. NOTE: Control handle will return to neutral position as soon as handle is released.(Forward Position only) •...
Operating Your Log Splitter WARNING Never remove partially split wood from the Before Each Use wedge with your 1. Remove the dipstick and check hydraulic fluid level. hands. Fingers may be- Refill if necessary. Approved fluids include Dexron® III / Mercon® III automatic transmission fluid, a come trapped between 10 Weight AW hydraulic oil or Pro-Mix™...
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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.
Adjustment Maintaining Bolt Your Log Splitter WARNING Do not at any time make any adjustments without first stopping engine, disconnecting spark plug wire, and grounding it against Wedge Assembly Adjustment the engine. Always As normal wear occurs and there is excessive “play” wear safety glasses between the wedge and beam, adjust the bolts on the during operation or...
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Hydraulic Fluid and Inlet Filter • 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.
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Maintaining Your Log Splitter IMPORTANT: Never hit the engine shaft in any manner, as a blow will cause permanent damage to the engine. WARNING 1. Remove three nuts that secure the pump to the coupling shield. Two nuts are at the bottom corners and one is in the top center.
Storing Your Log Splitter Prepare your log splitter for storage at the end of the season or if the log splitter will not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: Never store machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside of building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space...
Problem Engine fails to start Trouble Shooting Engine runs erratic For repairs beyond the minor adjust- ments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer. Engine Overheats Hydraulic Problem Cylinder rod will not Trouble Shooting Cause 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “MTD” warrants this product against defects in material and workman- ship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.