North Star 5044310 Owner's Manual page 16

Before Each Use — Inspection/Maintenance
4. Hydraulic system Check the hydraulic system carefully:
Do NOT operate the log splitter if there is any indication of damage or oily residue. Small leaks
in hydraulic lines can cause severe injuries and can also be an indication of catastrophic failure
in the near future. The life of hydraulic hoses may be from a few months to a few years,
depending on use and storage patterns.
5. Hydraulic oil level Check the hydraulic oil level. Fill as needed – check that oil level reads full. Note: Do not
thread in dipstick when checking oil level.
1. Visually inspect all hoses, tubing, clamps/fittings, pump, and cylinder for cracks, fraying,
kinks, or other damage.
2. Check all components for oily residue, which may indicate a leak.
WARNING:
High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log
splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole sized opening can burn or puncture
skin, resulting in wounds that could cause blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene,
amputation, or death. Therefore, the following instructions should be heeded at all times
when inspecting or servicing the hydraulic components of the log splitter:
• Turn off the motor, move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve pressure,
and disconnect battery before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such
as hoses, tubing, fittings, or other components.
• NEVER check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of
cardboard or wood (at least two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the
other end over the suspected area (wear eye protection). Look for discoloration of the
cardboard or wood.
• NEVER adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve.
• If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at once. A
typical injection injury may be a small puncture wound that does not look serious.
However, severe infection or reaction can result if proper medical treatment is not
administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with injection injuries.
WARNING:
NEVER remove the hydraulic oil dipstick when the motor is on. Hot oil
can escape causing severe burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing
hydraulic oil dipstick.
Oil dipstick
Hydraulic oil
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