WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions in this manual and on safety decals
before assembling or operating this log splitter. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or
death. Do not allow anyone to operate this log splitter who has not read this manual. As with all
power equipment, a log splitter can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly. Do not
operate this log splitter if you have any questions concerning safe operation. To get answers to
any questions, call our technical support department at 1-800-525-8322.
IMPORTANT: This log splitter comes complete with hydraulic oil and engine oil. Please follow the instructions below for
filling the hydraulic tank. Refer to the engine owner's manual for information on adding oil.
CAUTION: Do not start or run the engine before adding oil in the hydraulic
reservoir and oil in the engine.
STEP 1:
The hydraulic reservoir must be filled with oil before operation. AW46 hydraulic oil is recommended when
oil is needed. Automatic transmission fluid can be substituted and should be used instead of hydraulic oil
when temperatures are below 32 degrees F. Use only clean oil and take care to prevent dirt from entering
the hydraulic reservoir. Fill the hydraulic tank with approximately 3.5 to 4.0 gallons of hydraulic fluid.
STEP 2:
After the hydraulic reservoir and the engine crankcase are filled with oil, start the engine. The hydraulic
pump should prime itself. With the engine running, move the hydraulic valve lever toward the foot plate.
This will cause the cylinder to extend and expel air. When the cylinder is fully extended, retract it. Repeat
this procedure several times. An erratic movement of the cylinder indicates that there is still air in the sys-
tem. Add about 1.0 to 1.5 gallons more. The total capacity of the entire hydraulic system is 6.5 gallons for
5 gallon tanks. For 6 gallon tanks, the entire system capacity is 8 gallons. NOTE: If the tank is overfilled, it
will tend to expel oil from the breather cap when the cylinder is retracted. Cycle the cylinder again until it
has a constant speed indicating that all air has been expelled.
CAUTION: When tightening the breather cap on the tank, point the hole away
from the engine and the operator zone.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS (Kohler SH265 & CH395)
We recommend use of Kohler oils for best performance. Other high quality detergent oils of API service class of SJ or
higher are acceptable. For temperatures above 32 degrees F, use an SAE 10W-30 oil. For temperatures below 32
degrees F, use an SAE 5W-30 oil. Using SAE 30 oil below 40 degrees F will result in hard starting and possible engine
bore damage. For temperatures above 50 degrees F, use an SAE 30 oil. Oil capacity for SH265 is .63 quart. (0.60
liter).
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS (Kohler SH265 & CH395)
NOTE: Refer to the engine owner's manual for complete information on starting,
maintenance and trouble-shooting.
1. Move the fuel lever to the "ON" position.
2. Turn the engine on/off switch to the "ON" position.
3. For a cold engine, put the throttle control midway between "SLOW" and "FAST". Place the choke control into the "ON" position.
4. Turn engine on/off switch to "ON". Slowly pull the starter handle to just pass compression. STOP!
Return starter handle. Pull firmly with a smooth, steady motion until engine starts.
5. Gradually return the choke control to the "OFF" position after the engine starts and warms up.
6. For a warm engine, put the throttle control between "SLOW" and "FAST". A warm engine usually does not require the choke on.
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