Clarke Log Buster 8, 3402042 User guide

LOG SPLITTER

MODEL NO: LOGBUSTER 8

PART NO: 3402042

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

LS1017 - ISS 4

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Log Splitter.

Before attempting to use this product, please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can look forward to your purchase
giving you long and satisfactory service.

GUARANTEE

This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.

This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.

Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.

This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS LISTED BELOW MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

WORK AREA

1. Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.

2. Do not operate log splitters in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Log splitters create sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.

3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating the log splitter. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.

4. The surface must be perfectly level to prevent the machine from moving during
operation.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a log
splitter. Do not use the log splitter while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating log splitters may

result in serious personal injury.

2. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such as non­skid safety shoes, close fitting clothing and suitable work gloves eye and ear
protection should always be used.

3. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better
control of the log splitter in unexpected situations.

4. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.

USAGE AND CARE

1. Do not force the log splitter. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it
was designed.

2. Shut off the engine before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing
the log splitter.

3. Store the log splitter out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with log splitters or these instructions to operate the log splitter. Log splitters are

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

4. Maintain the log splitter. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,

breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the log splitters
operation. If damaged, have the log splitter repaired before use. Many accidents

are caused by poorly maintained equipment.

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5. Keep cutting edges sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting edges are less
likely to bind.

SERVICE

1. Have your log splitter serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the log splitter is maintained.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR LOG SPLITTERS

Extra special care is required when using this powerful tool to safeguard yourself and
that of others around you.

1. Never tamper with the log splitter or attempt to operate the machine without covers
fitted.

2. The operator must have read and understood this manual and the safe operation of
this log splitter before use.

3. Do not allow split logs to accumulate, always clean up as you work, accumulated
split logs and wood chips can create a hazardous work environment.

4. The operator must operate the machines controls with both hands without using
other makeshift systems, i.e. wedging control levers down etc.

5. The machine must always be used by one operator only. Nobody must be allowed
to use the log splitter unless they have read the instruction manual thoroughly and
have been instructed in its use. The machine must be used by adults only. Check
that the logs to be split are free from nails or wire, which may fly up. The ends of the
logs must be cut square. Branches must be cut off flush with the trunk.

6. Never attempt to split two logs at once; one may be ejected with possibly serious
damage.

7. Split wood in the direction of the grain. Do not attempt to split a piece of wood
across the grain as this could seriously damage the machine.

8. If the log moves away from the blade, retract the ram and rotate the log through

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90

9. Do not attempt to load the log whilst the log pusher is in motion.

10. Keep your hands well away from any splits and cracks which open in the log.

11. Do not force the blade by pushing the log on the upper part, as this can cause the
blade to break or damage the body of the machine. Always set the log on the
guides.

12. Never leave the machine unattended while it is running.

13. Never use the machine whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medicines, or
when you are tired. A clear mind is essential for safety.

14. Never request the assistance of another person to help you remove a jammed log.

15. Never use the log splitter if it is not in perfect order or if it needs servicing.

16. Before starting work, check correct functioning of all the safety devices and check
for soundness of welded joints, securing nuts & bolts.

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SIZE OF THE LOGS BEING SPLIT

350mm

520mm

The image on the right shows the maximum log size that
can be split.

• It is important not to attempt to split a log for

longer than 5 seconds as the pump may be
damaged by the oil overheating. This could occur
when the wood being split is excessively fibrous,
knotty or wet, green wood.

NOTE: The diameter of the log is indicative: i.e. A small

log can be difficult to split if it has knots or a particularly tough fibre.

• It is therefore better to stop and rotate the log by 90

be split in a different plane.

• Not being able to split the log within 5 seconds, indicates that its hardness

exceeds the capacity of the machine and it should therefore be discarded
so as not to cause damage/injury.

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to see whether it can

• Do not try to hit any jammed logs

off of the log splitter, this may
damage the machine or may
cause the log to fly up and cause
an accident.

MOVING THE LOG SPLITTER

CAUTION: BEFORE MOVING THE LOG SPLITTER, MAKE SURE THE BLEED
SCREW IS TIGHTENED TO AVOID OIL LEAKING.

• Lift the front of the log splitter by the handle and move the log

splitter around the working area.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS

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ASSEMBLY

FITTING THE WHEELS

1. Slide the wheel onto the end of
the axle.

• Make sure the air valve is on

the outside of the wheel
assembly.

2. Secure the wheel using the circlip
supplied.

3. Repeat with the other wheel to
the other end of the axle and
secure with the remaining circlip.

4. Slide the axle into position shown.

• The logbuster is heavy, you may

need help lifting it at this stage.

5. Secure using the wing nuts and
bolts supplied.

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FITTING THE CONTROL PANEL

1. Remove the nuts shown.

2. Rotate the control lever upwards
and make it match the hole on
the valve seat.

3. Fit the control lever into position
using the bolt supplied as shown .
The bolt should pass through the
hole on the valve seat .

4. Then tighten the nut.

5. Do the same to the other control
lever.

6. Fix the safety plate with two
screws supplied as shown.

FITTING THE WOOD SUPPORTS

1. Fix the wood supports using the 8
screws (M10X25) and 8 nuts (M10)
as shown.

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MOUNTING THE RAM

1. Remove the nut/bolt and slide the
pusher plate away from the ram.

2. Remove the nuts that are on the
metal studs.

3. Slide the ram back over the metal
studs.

4. Secure the ram by replacing the
nuts securely.

5. Replace the pusher plate and
make sure all nuts and bolts are
secure.

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BEFORE USE

WARNING: PLACE THE LOG SPLITTER ON LEVEL GROUND WITH THE ENGINE
SWITCHED OFF.

WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO TOUCH ANY HOT PARTS OF THE ENGINE
WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL.

IMPORTANT: The engine is supplied without any oil in it and must be filled to
the correct level before use, see below.

CAUTION: RUNNING THE ENGINE WITH INSUFFICIENT OIL WILL CAUSE
ENGINE DAMAGE.

ENGINE OIL

1. Turn the oil filler cap anticlockwise
and remove it from the engine,
wipe the integral dipstick with a
clean cloth.

2. Insert the oil filler cap back into
place and then remove it again.

3. If the oil reads low on the dipstick,
add oil to the reservoir (Max 0.6 L).

• We recommend the use of

SAE10W-30 oil which is
available from your Clarke
dealer.

• Do not overfill the oil reservoir.

4. Replace the oil filler cap.

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FUEL

• Refuel in a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of ignition.

• If the engine has been running, allow it to cool before refueling.

• Do not leave fuel within the reach of children.

• Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel.

1. Remove the fuel tank cap.

• Just inside the fuel tank is a fuel

strainer, which should be
checked periodically and any
contaminants which have
accumulated must be
removed.

2. Pour unleaded petrol through the
fuel strainer and into the fuel tank.

• Do not fill above the fuel

strainer shoulder.

• Use unleaded petrol with a

pump octane rating of 86 or
higher.

3. Replace the fuel filler cap
securely.

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BLEEDING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Bleed Screw

Before operating the log splitter, the
bleed screw should be loosened by
2-3 turns until air can go in and out of
the oil tank smoothly.

• Air flow through the bleed

screw hole should be
detectable when the log
splitter is in operation.

Before moving the log splitter, make
sure the bleed screw is tightened to
avoid oil leaking from this point.

CAUTION: FAILURE TO DO THIS WILL CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO
THE LOG SPLITTER.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Open the fuel supply valve (A) by
sliding it to the right.

2. Close the choke (B) by sliding it to
the left.

NOTE: If the engine is already hot, it

is not necessary to close the
choke.

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3. Open the throttle (C) by sliding it
to the left (rabbit symbol).

4. Turn the engine switch (D) to the
on (I) position.

5. Gently pull the recoil starter
handle until it engages, then pull it
all the way out in a rapid pull.

• This may take 5-6 pulls to start.

6. Once the engine starts, move the
choke to the 1/2 way position.

7. After 15 seconds, open the choke
fully by moving it all the way to
the right.

NOTE: Moving the choke too fast

can kill the engine.

8. Adjust the throttle to the required
speed.

• When idling use a lower speed to save fuel, and when in use

increase the throttle to ensure maximum power.

IMPORTANT: allow the engine to warm up with no load for at least 1 minute
after each start-up.

• The log splitter is now ready for use.

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STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Move the throttle lever to the right (idle position).

2. Set the engine switch to the off position.

3. Close the fuel valve by moving to the left.

POSITIONING THE LOGS

• Always place the logs on the log retaining frame.

• Make sure the logs do not twist, rock or slip while being split.

• Do not force the log splitter by

splitting the log on the upper
part of the wedge. This will
break the wedge or damage
the machine.

• Break the log in the direction of

its grain.

• Do not place the log across the

log splitter for splitting. It may
be dangerous and may seriously damage the machine.

• Do not attempt to split two logs at the same time. One of them may

fly up and hit you.

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OPERATION

This log splitter is designed to be operated by one person only and requires

two handed operation by the user.

1. Push the two hand control levers
forwards simultaneously (towards
the body of the ram assembly) .

• The ram extension and pressure

piece will begin to move,
applying pressure to the log
and starting the split.

NOTE: The ram will not move if only

one lever is pushed.

• Keep the levers in the forward position until the splitting operation is

complete.

2. Releasing the levers at or before the end of the split stops the motion of the
ram.

3. Pulling the levers backwards (towards the operator) reverses the motion of
the ram extension, which will return to its rest position (fully retracted). The
operator should hold both levers backwards until the rest position is
reached.

WARNING: ONCE YOU START SPLITTING THE LOG, NEVER REACH INTO THE
SPLITTING ZONE

CAUTION: NEVER FORCE THE LOG SPLITTER FOR MORE THAN 5 SECONDS.
AFTER THIS TIME, THE MACHINE COULD BE DAMAGED.

For extremely hard logs, rotate the log by 90° to see whether it can be split in a
different plane. if you are still not able to split the log, this means that the wood
exceeds the capacity of the machine and should be discarded to protect the
log splitter.

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FREEING A JAMMED LOG

1. Release both controls.

2. Pull and hold both levers back towards you

• The log splitter will move back to its starting position.

3. Insert a wedge of wood below the jammed log.

4. Start the log splitter to push the wedge under the jammed log.

Repeat above procedure with sharper sloped wedges of woods until the log is
completely free.

ADJUSTING THE RETURN STOPPING POINT

If you are splitting a pile of shorter logs you may want to prevent the pusher
plate returning all the way back to the start, this speeds up future operations.

To adjust how far the pusher plate comes back:

1. Extend the ram fully.

NOTE: Do not put any logs on the log splitter.

2. Pull and hold both levers back towards you

• The ram starts to return to the starting position

3. When the pusher plate reaches the point at which you want to stop,
release the levers to stop the ram.

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MAINTENANCE

WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE LOG SPLITTER IS SWITCHED OFF BEFORE
STARTING ANY CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.

SHARPENING THE WEDGE

After using the log splitters for some time, sharpen the wedge of the log splitter
using a fine-toothed file and smooth any burrs or crushed area along the
cutting edge.

CLEANING THE FUEL STRAINER

1. Open the fuel tank cap.

2. Remove the fuel strainer.

3. Remove any contaminants.

4. Replace the fuel strainer.

• Do not operate log splitter

without fuel strainer properly
installed.

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CLEANING THE AIR FILTER

1. Unscrew and remove the wing
nut.

2. Remove the air filter cover.

3. Remove the wing nut and remove
the air filter.

4. Remove the foam element from
around the cage and wash the
element in a solution of warm
water and mild detergent.

WARNING: DO NOT USE
FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS OR
PETROL TO CLEAN THE AIR FILTER

5. Rinse thoroughly and leave the
element to dry.

6. Use compressed air to blow any
contamination from the filter
cage.

7. Once the foam element is
completely dry, immerse it in
clean engine oil and squeeze to
remove excess oil.

• If any part of the air filter is

damaged contact Clarke spare parts department for a
replacement.

• Replace the foam element around the cage and replace the air

filter into its original position and refit the air filter cover.

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CHANGING THE SPARK PLUGS

WARNING: ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL BEFORE REMOVING THE SPARK
PLUG.

1. Remove the spark plug cap from
the spark plug.

2. Use the spark plug spanner
supplied to remove the spark
plug.

3. Remove any carbon that has
accumulated around the spark
plug electrode.

4. Check the spark plug gap (a), it
should be between 0.7 and 0.8
mm, adjust if necessary.

5. Check the overall condition of the
spark plug and replace if
necessary.

6. Reinstall the spark plug and
replace the spark plug cap.

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REPLACING THE HYDRAULIC OIL

Replace the hydraulic oil in the log splitter after every 150 hours of use. Take
following steps to replace it.

1. Make sure all moving parts stop and the log splitter is unplugged.

2. Place a 4 litre capacity container
beneath the log splitter as shown.

3. Loosen the bleed screw by 2-3
turns until air can go in and out of
the oil tank smoothly.

4. Unscrew oil drain screw located
on the bottom of the log splitter

• Allow all of the oil to drain into

the container.

5. Close the oil drain screw and using a clean funnel, refill with 4 litres of fresh
hydraulic oil through the oil bleed screw port

• Only use CLARKE HYDRAULIC OIL, available from your nearest

dealer.

Part No: 1Ltr - 3050830

5Ltr - 3050835

6. Wipe clean and replace the bleed screw.

7. Check the oil level using the dipstick which is attached to the bleed screw.

• Add more oil if required.

STORAGE

1. The petrol tank should be drained.

• Ensure that the engine is cold before draining the tank.

2. Remove the fuel tank cap and use a pump type syphon to drain the petrol
into an appropriate, clean container.

• Do not store petrol for long periods of time.

• Dispose of excess petrol in an environmentally safe way. Your local

recycling centre can advise you on the best method of disposal.

3. After the petrol tank has been drained, start the engine and allow it to use
any petrol that may remain in the engine or fuel pipe.

4. Make sure that the log splitter has been thoroughly cleaned before storing
it in a clean dry place.

5. Wipe clean the log splitter down using a dry cloth.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Fails to split logs Log is improperly

positioned.

The size or hardness of
the log exceeds the
capacity of the
machine.

Wedge cutting edge is
blunt.

Oil leaks. Contact your Clarke dealer.

Unauthorized adjustment
was made on Max.
Pressure Limiting Screw.

The ram moves
jerkily, making
unfamiliar noise
or vibrating a lot

Oil leaks around
cylinder ram or
from other
points

Lack of hydraulic oil and
excessive air in the
hydraulic system.

Air sealed in hydraulic
system while operating.

Bleed Screw is not
tightened before moving
the log splitter.

Bleed Screw is not tight. Tighten the Bleed Screw.

Hydraulic Control Valve
Assembly and/or seal(s)
worn.

Refer to “Operation” section
for perfect log loading.

Reduce the log sizes before
splitting it on the log splitter.

Refer to “Sharpening the
Wedge” section to sharpen
the cutting edge.

Contact your Clarke dealer.

Check oil level for possible oil
refilling. Contact your Clarke
dealer.

Loosen Bleed Screw before
operating the log splitter.

Tighten the Bleed Screw
before moving the log splitter.

Contact your Clarke dealer.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Part Number 3402042

Engine type Petrol (unleaded) Single Cylinder 4 stroke

Capacity/displacement: 196 cc

Oil Capacity 0.6 L

Lubrication Grade SAE10W-30

Fuel Tank Capacity 3.8 Litres

Weight 89 Kg

Dimensions (L x W x H) 1420 x 740 x 595 mm

A-weighted Sound Pressure Level 91 dB (A)

Log Capacity

Maximum Length 510 mm

Maximum Diameter 350 mm

Minimum Diameter 70 mm

ACCESSORIES

Electric Chainsaw-

CECS405B

•Powerful 2000w motor.

•Includes top quality
405mm Oregon Bar®
and chain for fast,
efficient cutting

•Part No. 3402072

Log Rack - CWR1 Log Trolley with Cover -

•Neatly stores firewood

•Easy to assemble rack

•Part No. 3402060

•Great for moving logs
from your woodpile to
your door

•Part No. 3400187

LCWC

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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