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, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicab
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. Table of Contents Safety Labels..........................................Page 3 Safe Operation Practices.......................Page 4 Setting Up Your Log Splitter..................Page 6 Operating Your Log Splitter...................Page 8 Maintaining Your Log Splitter .............Page 12 Troubleshooting..............
Safety Labels Found On Your Log Splitter 7!2.).' Safety Labels #/.42/, 6!,6% 0%23/. 34!"),):).' ,/' /. 30,)44%2 -534 "% 3!-% 0%23/. 7(/ /0%2!4%3 #/.42/, 6!,6% 2%6%23% +%%0 (!.$3 !7!9 &2/- 7%$'% !.$ -/6).' 0!243 1 .%542!, &/27!2$ ,/' $)3,/$'%2 2ETRACT WEDGE LODGED WOOD WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REMOVED 6%24)#!, 6ERTICAL 0OSITION ,OCK (/2):/.4!, $!.'%2 /0%2!4/2g3 ).3425#4)/.
2 Safe Operation Practices WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
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. move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine. i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. j.
3 WARNING: Use extreme caution unpacking this machine. Some components are very heavy and will require additional people or mechanical handling equipment. Setting Up Your Log Splitter NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side of the log splitter is from the operating position only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified. Assembling the Tongue Attaching the Jack Stand The jack stand is shipped in the transport position. 1.
3 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. Setting Up Your Log Splitter NOTE: Once the six hex screws are tightened, there may be a slight gap between the dislodger and the weld brackets. This gap is normal. 6.
4 Know Your Log Splitter Cylinder Operating Your Log Splitter Control Handle Log Dislodger Wedge Beam Assembly Tongue WARNING Jack Stand Vertical Log Cradle Beam Lock Tail Light (If Equipped) IMPORTANT Your log splitter may be shipped with motor oil in the engine. You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to overfill.
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) To return wedge • NEUTRAL: Release the control handle or move the lever to neutral position to stop the wedge movement. Neutral To stop wedge • REVERSE: Move control handle BACK or UP to return the wedge toward the cylinder.
4 Control Handle 1. Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to split wood. 2. Release the control handle to stop the wedge movement. 3. Move control handle BACK or UP to return the wedge. Operating Your Log Splitter Log Dislodger The log dislodger is designed to remove any partially split wood from the wedge. This may occur while splitting large diameter wood or freshly cut wood. WARNING: Never remove partially split wood from the wedge with your hands. Fingers may become trapped between split wood. 1.
4 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. Operating Your Log Splitter 10. Use “pipe dope” on all hydraulic fittings. 11. Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood. 12. Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning over the engine with spark plug disconnected (if not already done at factory). 13.
5 Maintaining Your Log Splitter Gib Adjustment Periodically remove and replace the “gibs” (spacers) between the wedge assembly and the back plate. NOTE: The gibs may be rotated and/or turned over for even wear. Adjustment Bolt 1. Loosen the lock nuts under each back plate and slide the gibs out. See Figure 5-1. 2. Turn or replace the gibs. 3. Reassemble the back plate and secure with the lock nuts. 4. Readjust the bolts on the side of the wedge assembly.
5 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. Follow the steps below: 1. Disconnect the suction hose from the bottom of the reservoir tank. Maintaining Your Log Splitter 2. Carefully unthread the inlet filter and clean it with penetrating oil. See Figure 5-2. 3.
5 6. Install pump coupling half and key on pump shaft. Rotate coupling half until set screw faces opening in shield. Do not tighten set screw. 7. Install nylon “spider” onto engine coupling half. 8. Align pump coupling half with nylon “spider” by rotating engine using starter handle. Slide coupling half into place while guiding three mounting bolts through holes in pump support bracket. Maintaining Your Log Splitter Set Screw 9. Secure with nuts removed earlier. 10. Set.010” to.
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 heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc. 1. Clean the log splitter thoroughly.
6 Problem Engine fails to start Trouble Shooting Cause 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 1. Connect wire to spark plug. 2. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 3. Choke, if equipped, not in CHOKE position. 3. Move choke to CHOKE position. 4. Faulty spark plug. 4. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 5. Blocked fuel line. 5. Clean fuel line. 6. Engine (if equipped with a primer) not primed properly. 6. Prime engine. 7.
Problem Slow cylinder shaft speed while extending and retracting. Cause 1. Gear sections damaged. 1.See authorized service dealer. 2. Excessive pump inlet vacuum. 2. Make certain pump inlet hoses are clear and unblocked-use short, large diameter inlet hoses. 3.See authorized service dealer. 3. Slow engine speed. 4. Damaged relief valve. 5. Incorrect oil level. 7. Directional valve leaking internally. 8. Internally damaged cylinder.
Model Series 550 Thru 570 6 2 80 3 5 4 1 79 68 63 7 81 8 15 23 19 18 32 9 11 22 12 23 31 24 25 65 41 42 40 41 64 69 13 44 41 67 61 58 57 44 16 20 10 62 56 34 55 65 36 41 71 70 39 41 44 17 61 33 72 59 43 66 18 59 14 76 A 51 48 27 26 45 49 48 A 18 52 21 77 To secure ground wire 53 23 23 28 78 48 47 73 74 54 46 82 50 30 75 35 72 29 37 38 60
Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 1. 718-0769A Hydraulic Cylinder 43. 681-04040A Frame Assembly 2. 727-04166 Hydraulic Tube 44. 710-0521 Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 3” 3. 710-1018 Hex Cap Screw 1/2-20 x 2.75 45. 719-0353 Coupling Shield 4. 737-0192 90 Degree Solid Adapter 46. 714-0122 Square Key 3/16” x.75 5. 718-0481A Control Valve 47. 718-04145 Flexible Coupling 6. 737-0153 Return Elbow 48. 712-04063 Flange Lock Nut, 5/16-18 7.
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 workmanship 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.