Clarke LOGBUSTER H4 Operation & Maintenance Instructions Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

LS0219 - ISS 2

4 TON LOG SPLITTER

MODEL NO: LOGBUSTER H4

PART NO: 3402152

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE 4 Ton 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY

Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE.

In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal facility.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS

The following symbols represent important information about the product or
instructions on its use.

Read these
instructions in full
before using the
machine.

Dispose of any used oil
in an environment­friendly way.

Wear safety footwear! Do not use in the rain.

Wear protective
gloves!

Danger! Keep clear of
moving parts!

Wear eye protection!

Do not remove
jammed logs with your
hands.

Wear hearing
protection!

Before starting any
repair maintenance or
cleaning, always
disconnect the power.

Keep your work space
tidy! Untidiness may
result in accidents.

Avoid injury from the
movement of the
splitting blade

Do not remove or
tamper with any
protection or safety
device.

Keep bystanders
away from the
working area.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES

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.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. The log splitters plug must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any
way. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric

shock.

2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

3. Do not expose log splitters to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a log
splitter will increase the risk of electric shock.

4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or

unplugging the log splitter. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric

shock.

5. When operating the log splitter outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.

6. Do not leave the log splitter unattended when plugged in to the mains

supply

.

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

WARNING: READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS LISTED BELOW MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE AND/
OR SERIOUS INJURY. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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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 non-skid safety shoes, close fitting clothing and suitable work gloves
should always be used.

3. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off position before
plugging in.

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

5. 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. Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the log splitter. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the log splitter
accidentally.

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 power tools.

5. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

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.

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LOG SPLITTERS SPECIFIC WARNINGS

UNDERSTAND YOUR LOG SPLITTER

• Read and understand the owner's manual and labels affixed to the log
splitter. Learn its limitations as well as the specific potential hazards.

DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND MEDICATION

• Do not operate the log splitter while under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication that could affect your ability to use it
properly.

AVOID DANGEROUS WORKING CONDITIONS

• Place the log splitter on a 72-85 cm high, stable, flat, and level work
bench where there is plenty of room for handling, and help the operator
stay alert. Bolt the log splitter to the work surface if it tends to slip, walk, or
slide.

NOTE: The log splitter is heavy and may require 2 people to lift into position.

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

• Do not use the log splitter in wet or damp areas or expose it to rain.

• Do not use it in areas where fumes from paint, solvents or flammable
liquids pose a potential hazard.

INSPECT YOUR LOG SPLITTER

• Check your log splitter before turning it on.

• Keep guards in place and in working order.

• Replace damaged, missing or failed parts before using it.

DRESS PROPERLY

• Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties or jewelry (rings, wrist
watches). They can be caught in moving parts.

• Protective electrically non-conductive gloves and non-skid footwear are
recommended when working.

• Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair, preventing it from
get caught in machinery.

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PROTECT YOUR EYES AND FACE

• Any log splitter may throw foreign objects into the eyes. This can cause
permanent eye damage. Always wear safety goggles. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are not safety glasses.

• Do not put the log splitter on the ground for operations. This is awkward
operating position that the operator has to bring his face close to the
machine, and thus risks being struck by wood chips or debris.

EXTENSION CABLES

• Improper use of extension cables may cause inefficient operation of the
log splitter which can result in overheating.

• Make sure that the extension cable is no longer than 10m and its cross
section is no less than 2.5mm

2

to allow sufficient current flow to the

motor.

AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK

• Check that the electric circuit is adequately protected and that it
corresponds with the power, voltage and frequency of the motor.

• Check that there is a ground connection, and a regulation differential
switch upstream.

• Ground the log splitter. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces:
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.

• Never open the push button box on the motor. Should this be necessary,
contact a qualified electrician.

• Make sure your fingers do not touch the plug’s metal prongs when
plugging or unplugging the log splitter.

PREVENT FIRES

• Do not smoke or have open flames when operating or refilling the log
splitter with oil.

• Never operate the log splitter near a flame or spark. Oil is flammable.

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KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

• The log splitter must be always operated by one person only. Other
people should keep a safe distance from the work area, especially
when the log splitter is under operation.

• Never let another person help you free a jammed log.

INSPECT YOUR LOG

• Make sure there are no nails or foreign objects in logs to be split. The
ends of the logs must be cut square. Branches must be cut off flush with
the trunk.

DON'T OVERREACH

• Floor must not be slippery.

• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• Never stand on log splitter. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped
or if the cutting tools is unintentionally contacted.

• Do not store anything above or near the log splitter where anyone might
stand on the tool to reach them.

AVOID INJURY FROM UNEXPECTED ACCIDENT

• Always pay full attention to the movement of the log pusher.

• Do not attempt to load the log on until the log pusher has stopped.

• Keep hands out of the way of all moving parts

PROTECT YOUR HANDS

• Keep you hands away from splits and cracks which open in the log; They
may close suddenly and crush or amputate your hands.

• Do not remove jammed logs with your hands

DON'T FORCE THE TOOL

• It will do a better and safer job at its intended rate.

• Never try to split logs larger than those indicated in the specifications
table. This could be dangerous and may damage the machine.

• Don't use log splitter for a purpose for which it was not intended.

NEVER LEAVE LOG SPLITTER RUNNING UNATTENDED

• Don't leave log splitter until it has come to a complete stop

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DISCONNECT POWER

• Unplug when not in use, before making adjustments, cleaning, or
working on the log splitter.

MAINTAIN YOUR LOG SPLITTER WITH CARE

• Keep the log splitter clean and free from debris for best and safest
performance.

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

• Take any used oil to an authorized collection point.

• Do not discharge into drains, soil or water.

MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF

• Lock the workshop. Store the log splitter away from children and others
not qualified to use it.

SPECIAL WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS

• The splitting operation of the machine is designed to be activated by
one person. While there is the possibility that additional operators could
be working with the machine (e.g. for loading and unloading), only one
operator should activate splitting operations;

• The machine shall not be used by children;

• Do not remove jammed logs with your hands. Never let another person
help you free a jammed log.

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SPECIFICATIONS

*This product is designed so that the motor may be run under load for an accumulated period of 4
minutes only and off load for an accumulated period of 6 minutes in any 10 minute period.

Motor 230V @ 50Hz / 1 Ph

Input Wattage 1500W

Duty Cycle S6 40%*

Log Size Capacity Diameter 5 - 25 cm

Length 13 - 37 cm

Maximum Force 4000 kg

Hydraulic Pressure 16.5 Mpa

Hydraulic Oil Capacity 2.4 L

Ram Travel 29 cm

Speed Forward 3.86 cm/sec

Retract 6.44 cm/sec

Noise Pressure Level (LpA) under no load; 78.8 dbA

under full load 89.8 dbA

Vibration <2.5 m/s²

Dimensions Length 99.5 cm

Width 42.5 cm

Height 61 cm

Weight 45 kg

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Connect the mains lead to a standard, 230 Volt (50Hz) electrical supply
through an approved 13 amp BS 1363 plug, or a suitably fused isolator switch.

IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:

Green & Yellow - Earth

Blue - Neutral

Brown - Live

As the colours of the flexible lead of this appliance may not correspond with
the coloured markings identifying terminals in your plug proceed as follows:

• Connect GREEN & YELLOW cord to terminal marked with a letter “E” or

Earth symbol “ ”.

• Connect BROWN cord to terminal marked with a letter “L”.

• Connect BLUE cord to terminal marked with a letter “N”.

If this appliance is fitted with a plug which is moulded onto the electric cable
(i.e. non-rewireable) please note:

1. The plug must be thrown away if it is cut from the electric cable. There is a
danger of electric shock if it is subsequently inserted into a socket outlet.

2. Never use the plug without the fuse cover fitted.

3. When replacing a detachable fuse carrier, ensure the correct replacement
is used (as indicated by marking or colour code).

4. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local dealer or most
electrical stockists.

FUSE RATING

The fuse in the plug must be replaced with one of the same rating and this
replacement must also be ASTA approved to BS1362.

We strongly recommend that this machine is connected to the mains supply
via a Residual Current Device (RCD)

If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any repairs
yourself.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED

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CONTENTS

1 Log Splitter Frame 9 Top Guard Plate 1

2 Transport Handle 10 Top Guard Plate 2

3 2 x Support Strut 1 11 Rear Guard Plate 1

4 Support Strut 2 12 Rear Guard Plate 2

5 Guard Bottom Plate 13 Front Guard Plate

6 Log Tray 1 14 Left Guard Plate

7 Log Tray 2 15 Instruction Manual

8 Saddle Plates 16 Fixings kit

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ASSEMBLY

LIFTING HANDLE

1. Mount the transport handle to the
U bracket with two M6×16 bolts.

LOG TRAY

1. Mount the guard bottom plate to
rear guiding plate and secure
with two M6×12 socket head cap
screws and locknuts.

2. Loosen the socket head cap
screw and big washer on the
wheel bracket.

3. Insert the open end of support
strut 2 between the big washer
and wheel bracket and tighten
screw.

WARNING: WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU GET ASSISTANCE WHEN
ASSEMBLING THIS PRODUCT DUE TO THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE
COMPONENT PARTS.

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4. Align the two mounting holes of
the log tray 1 to the holes on rear
side of the splitter.

• Insert one socket head cap

screw M6×12 and spring
washer 6 into the mounting
hole on left side

• Insert the other socket head

cap screw M6×12 and locknut
M6 on right side and securely
tighten both.

5. Loosen the cap head bolt and
nut on left side of the front leg,
insert the open end of support
strut 1 onto the bolt and then
tighten the nut.

6. Connect the upper end of
support strut 1 to the log tray 1
with cross recessed pan head
screw M6×12 and locknut M6 and
then tighten it.

7. Repeat steps 4-6 with the second
tray on the opposite side of the
log splitter.

8. Connect both log trays together
with two M6×12 screws and
locknuts.

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FITTING THE WIRE FRAME GUARD

1. Attach the front guard plate, left
guard plate and two rear guard
plates to the log tray and bottom
plate with M6×16 bolts and nuts.

2. Mount the two top guard plates
to the vertical plates with M5x16
bolts and nuts.

3. Connect two top guard plates /
rear guard plates with the plate
connectors and M5x16 bolts and
nuts.

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TRANSPORT

MOVING BY HAND

The log splitter is equipped with 2
wheels.

1. Grip the handle and tilt the log
splitter on to its wheels.

• Make sure that the Bleed Screw

is tightened securely before
moving.

LIFTING WITH A CRANE

WARNING: IF USING A CRANE,
ATTACH A HOIST SLING AS
SHOWN.

WARNING: FOR LONG
DISTANCE TRANSPORT,
SECURE THE LOG SPLITTER TO
PREVENT MOVEMENT.

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KNOW YOUR MACHINE

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BEFORE USE

POSITIONING

1. Place the log splitter on to a 72-85
cm high, stable, flat, and level
work bench where there is plenty
of room for handling.

2. Bolt the log splitter to the work
surface using two bolts (M8×35).

.

BLEEDING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

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 may 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.

WARNING: THE LOG SPLITTER IS
HEAVY AND MAY REQUIRE 2
PEOPLE TO LIFT INTO POSITION.

WARNING: FAILURE TO LOOSEN THE BLEED SCREW BEFORE USE WILL
CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE LOG SPLITTER.

Bleed Screw

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OPERATION

POSITIONING THE LOGS

• Always place the logs on the log retaining plates.

• 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 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 2 logs at the same time. One of them may fly up
and hit you.

OPERATING THE LOG SPLITTER

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

two handed operation by the user -

The left hand controls the hydraulic
control lever (2) and the right hand
controls the push button switch.

1. Push and hold the push button
switch (1).

2. Then press and hold down the
control lever (2) to start the log
splitter.

• The log splitter will stop moving

if the button is released.

• if the control lever is released,

the log pusher returns to the starting position.

NOTE: Once you start splitting the log, never reach into the splitting zone.

For extremely hard logs, rotate the log by 90° to see whether it can be split in a
different position. In any case, 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.

WARNING: NEVER FORCE THE LOG SPLITTER FOR MORE THAN 5 SECONDS
TO SPLIT EXCESSIVELY HARD WOOD. AFTER THIS TIME, THE OIL UNDER
PRESSURE WILL OVERHEAT AND THE MACHINE COULD BE DAMAGED.

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FREEING A JAMMED LOG

1. Release both controls.

• The log pusher moves back and completely stops at its starting position.

2. Insert a wedge of wood under the
jammed log.

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

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

WARNING: DO NOT TRY TO HIT
THE JAMMED LOG OFF OF THE
LOG SPLITTER, THIS MAY
DAMAGE THE MACHINE OR
MAY CAUSE THE LOG TO FLY UP
AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

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MAINTENANCE

REPLACING THE HYDRAULIC OIL (EVERY 150 HOURS USE)

1. Make sure that all moving parts
have stopped and the log splitter
is unplugged.

2. Remove the transport handle.

3. Unscrew and remove the Oil Drain
Bolt.

4. Lift the rear of the log splitter and
let the hydraulic oil drain into a 4
litre container

5. Tilt machine backwards and refill
with new oil, using a clean funnel,
pour in 2.4 Litres of Clarke
hydraulic oil,

IMPORTANT: Only use CLARKE
HYDRAULIC OIL, available from your
nearest dealer.

Part No: 1Ltr - 3050830

5Ltr - 3050835

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6. Clean the surface of the dipstick on the Oil Drain Bolt and put it back into
the oil tank while keeping the log splitter vertical.

7. Make sure the level of the refilled
oil is just between 2 grooves on
the dipstick.

8. Clean the Oil Drain Bolt before
refitting it. Make sure it is tightened
to avoid leakage before placing
the log splitter horizontally.

SHARPENING 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Fails to split logs Log is improperly positioned. Refer to "Log splitter Operation" section

on page 18

Wedge cutting edge is blunt. Refer to "Sharpening Wedge" section See

page 22.

Oil leaks Contact the dealer

Unauthorised adjustment was made
on Max. Pressure Limiting Screw.

Contact the dealer.

The log pusher
moves jerkily

Excessive air in the hydraulic system. Check oil level for possible oil refilling.

Contact the dealer.

Oil leaks around
cylinder ram or
from other points.

Air sealed in hydraulic system while
operating.

Loosen Bleed Screw by 3- 4 turns before
operating the log splitter.

Bleed Screw is not tightened before
moving the log splitter.

Tighten the Bleed Screw up before
moving the log splitter.

Oil Drain Bolt is not tight. Tighten the Oil Drain Bolt.

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

Contact the dealer.

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY