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Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, & Storage
Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic machine that splits wood logs.
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using log splitter.
All operators of this equipment must read and completely understand all safety information, operating instructions,
maintenance and storage instructions. Failure to properly operate and maintain the log splitter could result in serious injury
to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, flying objects, burns, fire or explosion, escaping high
pressure hydraulic fluid, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In particular, be aware of the following hazards:
Crush and Cut Hazards
Moving parts can crush and cut hands and fingers. Keep hands clear of endplate, wedge, and logs while splitting.
High Pressure Hydraulic Fluid Hazards
High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through even a
pin-size hole opening can puncture skin and cause severe blood poisoning. Inspect hydraulic system regularly for
possible leaks. Never check for leaks with your hand while the system is pressurized. Seek medical attention
immediately if injured by escaping fluid.
Fire Hazards
If your log splitter is intended for use near any ignitable forest, brush, or grassy covered land, the engine exhaust
should be equipped with a spark arrestor. See the "Specifications" section of this manual to determine if your splitter
already has a spark arrestor. If not equipped, call NorthStar Product Support for ordering information.
Keep a fire extinguisher with you that is rated for ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids.
ADD OIL TO ENGINE BEFORE USING: The engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first
adding oil. See instructions on p. 8.
VERIFY HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL: Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil. Verify oil level is filled to "High" mark on
hydraulic tank gauge before using. See instructions on pg. 8.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Owner's Manual
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
M11960U.1
ITEM NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:_______________
WARNING
STOP!
1
11960

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Summary of Contents for North Star M11960U.1

  • Page 1 M11960U.1 11960 ITEM NUMBER: SERIAL NUMBER:_______________ Owner's Manual Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, & Storage Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic machine that splits wood logs. WARNING READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using log splitter. All operators of this equipment must read and completely understand all safety information, operating instructions, maintenance and storage instructions.
  • Page 2 Hazard Signal Word Definitions...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents About Your Log Splitter........................4 Attention: All Rental Companies and Private Owners who loan this equipment to others! .... 4 Safety Label Locations ........................5 Machine Component Identification ....................7 Initial Unpacking & Set-Up ......................8 Connecting Battery to Engine ......................9 Moving &...
  • Page 4: About Your Log Splitter

    About Your Log Splitter Thank you for purchasing your NorthStar log splitter! About Your Log Splitter: This log splitter is a machine designed to split wood logs using a hydraulically powered moving ram which pushes the log against a splitting wedge. The log splitter's gasoline engine is used to pressurize the hydraulic system. This log splitter is designed to split logs up to 30"...
  • Page 5: Safety Label Locations

    Safety Label Locations                                      ...
  • Page 6 Safety Label Locations WARNING WARNING Moving parts can crush and cut. Pieces can fly out while FIRE HAZARD splitting. Follow safety rules for operating the log splitter or Hot exhaust can ignite dry brush, trees, or grass.  serious injury could result. Equip engine with a spark arrestor if you will be using ...
  • Page 7: Machine Component Identification

    Machine Component Identification Description Description 2" Ball Coupler Hydraulic Tank Fill Cap Jack Hydraulic Temp Gauge/Oil Level Indicator 4-Way Wedge Hydraulic Tank Lift & Split Control Engine Fuel Tank Beam Light Kit Log Lifter Engine Kill Switch Wedge Control Return Filter Control Valve Cylinder Log Cradle...
  • Page 8: Initial Unpacking & Set-Up

    Initial Unpacking & Set-Up IMPORTANT! Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil. Step one: Add oil to Add oil to the engine. engine Using a funnel, add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick. (See engine owner's manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.) Step two: Inspect log Closely inspect all log splitter components.
  • Page 9: Connecting Battery To Engine

    Connecting Battery to Engine Your log splitter's engine is equipped with an electric starter, which requires the installation of a 12-volt lawn tractor size battery (Group U1-7). The battery should have a minimum rating of 18 amp-hour. The battery is to be supplied by the customer and should be installed in the protective battery box located near the engine.
  • Page 10: Moving & Towing To The Job Site

    Moving and Towing to the Job Site WARNING The log splitter is heavy. It can crush and cause serious injury if it rolls out of control or tips over. Follow the instructions below for safely moving and towing the log splitter. Moving the log splitter 1.
  • Page 11: Moving And Towing To The Job Site

    Moving and Towing to the Job Site 5. Move log splitter Roll the splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch for to work site or towing. (See instructions on p. 19 on selecting a work site.) tow hitch Important Safety Instructions: ...
  • Page 12 Moving and Towing to the Job Site Secure log lift into the UP (vertical) position using the travel pin. 4. Lock log lift in UP Locate the travel pin stored behind the crank jack and use it to secure the log lift in the position vertical position.
  • Page 13 Moving and Towing to the Job Site 9. Put jack and tow To provide adequate ground clearance while towing, secure both the jack and tow bar bar leg UP. leg in the "UP" position. Crank jack to up position Lock tow bar leg in up position 10.
  • Page 14: Step One: Inspection / Maintenance

    Before Each Use – Step One Inspection / Maintenance Step One: Inspect and maintain log splitter before each use. If the log splitter has been used previously, it must be inspected and maintained BEFORE EACH SUBSEQUENT USE. WARNING ALWAYS shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and relieve system pressure before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or repairing the splitter.
  • Page 15 Before Each Use – Step One Inspection / Maintenance ● Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses, tubing, fitting or other components.
  • Page 16: Step Two: Fueling

    Before Each Use – Step Three Work Site Selection & Set-Up Step Two: Fueling WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. 1. Engine off / cool The engine must be off and allowed to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel.
  • Page 17: Step Three: Work Site Selection

    Before Each Use – Step Three Work Site Selection & Set-Up Step Three: Work site selection and log splitter set-up. WARNING It is important to select an appropriate work site and properly set up the log splitter in order to minimize the risk of slips and falls, equipment rolling or tipping over, carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidental fires.
  • Page 18: Splitting Operation

    Splitting Operation WARNING Before starting the log splitter, review the following instructions and safety information for safe operation. Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that crush, cut, or entangle; from flying objects, burns, fire, falling or tripping; or from carbon monoxide poisoning. General safety information: ...
  • Page 19 Splitting Operation 1. Put on protective Wear the following protective clothing and safety gear. clothing / gear 1) Eye protection. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating the machine. Pieces of log may fly out and serious eye injury can occur. 2) Boots.
  • Page 20 Splitting Operation Instructions for operating the power log lift: WARNING: Crush hazard  Operator position. Stay in the designated OPERATOR position while operating log lift control.  Second person. If a helper is assisting in loading logs to be split, do not actuate log lift control until the helper is at least 10 feet away.
  • Page 21 Splitting Operation FIG02218 Correct Log Orientation Incorrect Log Orientation WARNING: ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from the ram, wedge, and partially split logs while loading, operating and unloading the log splitter. Important safety instructions:  Hold bark side. Hold the bark side of logs when loading or positioning, never the ends.
  • Page 22 Splitting Operation 7. Extend ram Move Split Control Lever toward wedge to extend ram and split log. Important safety instructions:  Operator position. ALWAYS operate the log splitter from the manufacturer's indicated OPERATOR POSITION. (See diagram above.) Other positions are unsafe because they can increase the risk of injury from crushing, cutting, flying objects, or burns.
  • Page 23 Splitting Operation 1) Retract ram fully. 2) Turn engine OFF. 3) Remove stuck log from the wedge manually with a pry bar or a sledgehammer.  Important: Be extremely careful as log pieces may fly off as they separate from the wedge.
  • Page 24: Storage

    Storage WARNING Gasoline vapors can ignite and cause a fire. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from sources of heat, flame, or sparks. Follow the instructions below for storing your log splitter between uses. 1. Retract wedge Retract the wedge completely to keep the rod protected from corrosion. 2.
  • Page 25: Periodic Maintenance

    Periodic Maintenance In addition to the maintenance performed with each use, periodic maintenance should also be performed according to the following schedule. WARNING ALWAYS shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and relieve system pressure before cleaning, adjusting, or repairing the splitter. Relieve system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times.
  • Page 26: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting WARNING Before troubleshooting or attempting to service, read the following safety instructions to avoid serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, burns, fire or explosion, or escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid. Important Safety Instructions: 1.
  • Page 27: Specifications

    Specifications Maximum Pressure ....3000 PSI Maximum Flow ......28 gpm Hydraulic Fluid Capacity... 28 gallons Hydraulic Fluid Type………… 10 wt AW32, ASLE H-150, or ISO32 Coupler Size…………………… 2" Ball Maximum Towing Speed……… 45 MPH Maximum Log Length ....30 in Maximum Log Diameter………...
  • Page 28: Parts Breakdown - Exploded View

    Parts Breakdown – Exploded View 11960 Rev U.1...
  • Page 29 Parts Breakdown – Exploded View 11960 Rev U.1 ITEM PART# DESCRIPTION ITEM PART# DESCRIPTION 39164 3/4" NPT x JIC #12 Elbow 38613 Protective Sleeve 2.5 ft. 82140 1/8"x 2" Cotter Pin 790391 Hydraulic Tank 38981 1-1/2 " x 7-3/4" Pin 39188 Suction Strainer 82240...
  • Page 30: Summary Of Important Safety Information For Operation

    Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation WARNING Carefully read and make sure you understand the following safety information before using the log splitter. Improper use or maintenance of the log splitter can result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, flying objects, escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Page 31 Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation Safety During Towing  Read instructions. Review towing safety instructions in your towing vehicle manual.  Securely attached. Be sure the log splitter is securely attached to the towing vehicle before towing.  Tires.
  • Page 32 Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation  Engine debris. Debris on a hot engine can be a fire hazard. With the engine off, clean debris and chaff from engine cylinder head, cylinder head fins, blower housing rotating screen, and muffler areas. Avoid contact with hot muffler.
  • Page 33 Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation  On skin / clothes. If gasoline is spilled on your skin or clothes, change clothes and wash skin immediately.  Gasoline storage. Store gasoline in a cool, dry place in an UL approved, tightly sealed container. Safety in Work Site Selection / Set-up ...
  • Page 34: Way Wedge

    Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation Safety in Loading, Operating, and Unloading  Square log ends. Logs that are not cut square can slide out while splitting and become a safety hazard or cause excessive force to log splitter components. Use a chainsaw to cut logs square on each end before attempting to split them.
  • Page 35 Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation  Log stuck on wedge. A log can become stuck to the wedge if the wedge becomes embedded in the log and the log doesn't split and separate. This can happen if the log is too stringy or tough to split completely. If this happens, follow the directions below to manually remove the log: IMPORTANT: NEVER attempt to remove a stuck log by using the hydraulic force of the splitter, or by modifying or adding attachments to splitter.
  • Page 36 This page has intentionally been left blank.
  • Page 37: Warranty Registration

    Limited Warranty Dear Valued Customer: The NorthStar Product you just purchased is built with the finest material and craftsmanship. Use this product properly and enjoy the benefits from its high performance. By purchasing a NorthStar product, you show a desire for quality and durability.
  • Page 38 Manufactured by Northern Tool + Equipment Co. 2800 Southcross Drive West P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499 Made in the USA...

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