MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual page 9

Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or
10W AW hydraulic fluid.
Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)
Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir.
Make certain pump is mounted and aligned
propedy.
Use a flexible "spider" type coupling between
engine and pump drive shafts.
Keep hoses clear and unblocked.
Bleed air out of hoses before operating.
Flush and clean hydraulic system before starting
after any malfunction or servicing.
Use "pipe dope" on all hydraulic fittings.
Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood.
Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning
over the engine with spark plug disconnected.
Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only.
Never:
Use when fluid is below 20 ° F or above 150 ° F.
Use a solid engine !pump coupling.
Operate through relief valve for more than several
seconds.
Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve settings
without pressure gauges.
Operate with air in hydraulic system.
Use teflon tape on hydraulic fittings.
Attempt to cut wood across the grain.
Using TheLogSplitter
Place the log splitter on level, dry, and solid ground.
Place the beam in either the horizontal or vertical
position and lock in place with the appropdate
locking rod.
Block the front and back of both wheels.
Place the log against the end plate and only split
wood in the direction of the grain.
When necessary to stabilize the log, place your
hand only on sides of log. NEVER place hand on
the end between the log and splitting wedge.
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.
Control Handle Positions
Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to split
wood.
Release the control handle to stop the wedge
movement.
Move control handle BACK or UP to return the
wedge.
Vertical Position
Pull the horizontal beam lock out to release the
beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.
To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out on
the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the
beam. See Figure 8 or refer to illustrated parts p16.
Stand in front of the log splitter to operate the
control handle and to stabilize the log.
Figure 8
Horizontal Position
Pull the vertical beam lock out and rotate it down.
Pivot the beam to the horizontal position.
The beam wilt lock automatically in horizontal
position. See Figure 9.
Stand behind the reservoir tank to operate the
control handle and to stabilize the log.
Beam Lock
Figure 9