Maintenance & Service
Maintenance
WARNING! Do not make any
adjustments without stopping the
engine, disconnecting the spark plug
wire, grounding it against the engine
and relieving the hydraulic system
pressure. Always wear safety glasses
during operation or while
performing any adjustments or
repairs.
Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with
your log splitter for all engine maintenance.
Tire Pressure
The max recommended operating pressure is 30
psi. Do not, under any circumstances, exceed the
manufacturer's recommended psi. Maintain equal
pressure on all tires.
WARNING! Excessive pressure when
seating beads may cause the tire/rim
assembly to burst with force
sufficient to cause serious injury.
Refer to the sidewall of the tire for
recommended pressure.
Hydraulic Fluid
Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter
reservoir tank before each use. Maintain the fluid
level within the range specified on the dipstick at
all times.
Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every
100 hours of operation. The filter should also be
changed with each hydraulic fluid change. Follow
the steps below:
1.
Place a suitable oil collection container
under the tank.
2.
If your engine has a horizontal engine set-up
shown in Figure 5-1, refer to Figure 5-1 for
changing the hydraulic fluid.
Suction
Hose
Figure 5-1
3.
If your engine has a vertical set-up shown in
Figure 5-2, refer to Figure 5-2 for changing
the hydraulic fluid.
Suction
Hose
Figure 5-2
4.
Disconnect the suction hose from the
bottom of the reservoir tank. See Figure
5-1 for horizontal engines or Figure 5-2 for
vertical engines.
5.
Carefully un-thread the inlet filter and clean
it with penetrating oil. See Figure 5-3.
Inlet Filter
Figure 5-3
6.
Allow the fluid to drain into a suitable
container.
NOTE: The reservoir tank has a capacity of 3
gallons and the entire hydraulic system has a
capacity of approximately 4.7 gallons.
7.
Reinstall the cylinder, hoses, pumps, filter
and suction hose. Tighten the hose clamps
to 50-60 in-lbs.
8.
Check the fluid level using the dipstick. Do
not overfill.
Inlet
NOTE: Approved fluids include Shell Tellus®
Filter
S2 M 32 Hydraulic Fluid, Dexron® III / Mercon®
automatic transmission fluid, Pro-Select™ AW-
32 Hydraulic Oil or 10WAW-ISO viscosity grade
32 hydraulic oil. It is recommended that fluids
not be mixed.
9.
Replace the vented dipstick securely,
tightening it until the top of the threads are
flush with top of the pipe.
10.
Disconnect the spark plug and prime the
pump by pulling the recoil starter as far as it
will go. Repeat approximately 10 times.
11.
Reconnect the spark plug wire and start
the engine following the instructions in the
Engine Operator's manual.
12.
Use the control handle to engage the wedge
to the farthest extended position. Then
retract the wedge.
13.
If necessary, refill the reservoir within range
marked on the dipstick. See Figure 5-4.
Dipstick
Inlet
Filter
14.
Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete
cycles to remove trapped air in the system
(the system is "self-bleeding").
WARNING! Much of the original fluid
has been drawn into the cylinder
and hoses. Make certain to refill the
reservoir to prevent damage to the
hydraulic pump. Failure to refill the
tank will void the log splitter's
warranty.
NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the
vent plug as the system builds heat and the
fluid expands and seeks a balanced level.
Do not operate the log splitter without the
proper amount of fluid in the reservoir tank.
15.
Maintain the fluid level within the range
specified on the dipstick at all times. When
checking the fluid, always make sure to
tighten the dipstick until the top of the
threads are flush with the top of the pipe.
NOTE: Always dispose of any used hydraulic
fluid and engine oil at approved recycling
centers only.
16.
Contaminants in the fluid may damage
the hydraulic components. Flushing the
reservoir tank and hoses with kerosene
whenever service is performed on the tank,
hydraulic pump or valve is recommended.
Contact an authorized service dealer.
5
MAX
MIN
Hydraulic Fluid
Only
Figure 5-4
9