Maintenance - MTD YARD MACHINES 500 Operator's Manual

GIB PLATE ADJUSTMENT
Periodically remove and replace the "gibs" (spacers)
between the wedge plate and the back plate as fol-
lows. See Figure 12.
NOTE:
If desired, the gibs may be rotated and/or
turned over for even wear.
Adjust Gib Plate as follows:
1. Remove the center bolt on top of the wedge
plate. Slide the gib plate out.
2. Remove and replace the gibs. Reassemble the
gib plate, making certain flat washers are in
place under the gib plate.
3. Readjust the bolts on the side of the wedge
plate as instructed above.
SECTION 8: MAINTENANCE
_ WARNING: Always stop the engine
and disconnect the spark plug wire
before performing any maintenance or
repairs.
RESERVOIR FLUID
Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter res-
ervoir tank before each use. Maintain fluid level
within 3" to 3 1/2" from top at all times. Change
the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100 hours of
operation. Disconnect the suction hose from the bot-
tom of the reservoir tank, and drain the fluid into a
suitable container. Refill using only Dexron III auto-
matic transmission fluid or 10W AW hydraulic fluid.
Be aware of the environment when disposing of
used petroleum products. Please dispose of
used hydraulic fluid, engine oil and any by prod-
ucts from the maintenance of you log splitter at
approved recycling centers.
NOTE:
Drain the fluid and flush the reservoir tank
and hoses with kerosene whenever any repair work
is performed on the tank, hydraulic pump or valve.
Contaminants in the fluid will damage the hydraulic
components. (Should be performed by an autho-
rized service dealer.)
WARNING:
Use extreme caution when
working with kerosene, as it is an
extremely flammable fluid.
HYDRAULIC FILTER
Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of opera-
tion. Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter. Order part
number 723-0405.
BEAM AND SPLITTING WEDGE
Lubricate both sides of the beam (where it comes into
contact with the splitting wedge) before each use with
engine oil. The wedge plate on the log splitter is
designed so the gibs on the side of the wedge plate
can be removed and rotated and/or turned over for
even wear. Make certain to readjust the adjustment
bolts so wedge moves freely, but no excess space
exists between the wedge plate and beam.
HOSE CLAMPS
Check the hose clamps on the suction hose
(attached to side of the pump) for proper tightness
before each use. Check the hose clamps on the
return hose at least once a season.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
FLEXIBLE PUMP COUPLER
The flexible pump coupler is a nylon "spider" insert,
located between the pump and engine shaft. Over a
period of time, the coupler will harden and deterio-
rate.
Replacement is needed if you detect vibration or
noise coming from the area between the engine and
the pump. If the coupler fails completely, you will
experience a loss of power.
IMPORTANT:
Never hit the engine shaft in any
manner, as a blow will cause permanent damage to
the engine.
When replacing the flexible pump coupler, proceed
as follows. Follow the instructions carefully as the
alignment is critical.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug, and secure it away from the spark plug.
2. Remove three nuts and lock washers which
secure the pump to the coupling shield. Two
nuts are at the bottom corners and one is in the
top center.
3. Remove the pump.
4. Rotate the engine by pulling starter handle until
engine coupling half set screw is at bottom.
Loosen set screw using allen wrench. Slide cou-
pling half off of engine shaft.
11