Craftsman 247.79452 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CRAFTSMAN'

33 Ton Hydraulic

Log Splitter

Model Nos.

247.794520

CAUTION: Before

using this product,
read this manual and

follow all safety rules

and operating
instructions.

Safety
Assembly
Operation
Service

Maintenance
Español

Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Printed in U.S.A.

770-10032A

(8/99)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Warranty Information.........................................2

Safe Operation Practices

Accessories........................................................6

Assembly
Operation
Maintenance

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3

7
9
13

Content Page
Service & Adjustment

Off-Season Storage...........................................17

Trouble-Shooting...............................................18

Parts List

Espanol...............................................................27

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15

20

WARRANTY INFORMATION

ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LOG SPLITTER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman iog splitter is maintained, iubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the operator’s manual, Sears will repair, free of
charge, any defect in material or workmanship.

This warranty excludes the tires, spark plug, oil filter and air cleaner, which are expendable parts and become
worn during normal use.

If this log splitter is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date

of purchase.
Warranty service is available by contacting the nearest Sears service center in the United States. This warranty

applies only while this product is in use in the United States.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck And Co., DEPT. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Horsepower;
Engine Oil
Fuel Capacity:
Hydraulic Fluid
Tire Pressure
Spark Plug (Gap .030”)

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

....

9

....

SAE 30/26 ounces

....

Unleaded/1 gallon

....

Dexron III/7 gallons

....

30 p.s.i. max.

...

....

Champion RJ19LM

Mode! Number. .2.f.T.7.®.f.^.?.9..............................

Serial Number

Date of Purchase.......................................................

Record model number, serial number and date of
purchase of the log splitter and keep in a safe place
for future reference.

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SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, coutd endanger the per
sonal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manuai before

A

A

A

attempting to operate your log splitter. Faiiure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

Your log splitter was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

DANGER:

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the oper
ator can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious
injury to yourself or others.

Towing

• This unit should not be towed on any street,
highway or public road without checking the
existing federal, local or state requirements.
Such information may be obtained by calling your
state or local bureau of motor vehicles. Any
licensing or modifications needed to comply with

federal, local or state vehicle requirements is the
sole responsibility of the purchaser.*

• Make sure you follow the wiring diagram color

codes when installing the light kit on the log
splitter, (e.g. ground to ground, left turn to left
turn, etc.). Failure to wire unit correctly may
cause the tow vehicle wiring to overheat and/or
the log splitter lights to operate incorrectly. It may

be necessary to replace the turn signal flasher
unit in your tow vehicle if it is not capable of

operating the additional lights on the log splitter.

• Before towing the log splitter on a street, highway

or public road, verify that all lights are functioning
properly and the yellow side reflectors are in

position. Replace bulbs if they are burnt out.

• Before towing, always check to be certain the log

splitter is correctly and securely attached to the
tow vehicle, and safety chains are in place.

Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.

• Use a class I or higher hitch with a 1 -7/8" ball.
Keep ball socket and clamp face lubricated with

chassis grease.

• Be sure the coupler is secured to the hitch ball
and the lock lever is down tight and locked.

• Check vehicle hitch, ball and coupler for signs of

wear or damage. Replace any parts that are worn

or damaged before towing.

• The coupler must be secured to the log splitter

tongue tube with the original equipment bolts and

nuts. See your authorized service dealer for
replacement parts. Coupler nuts should be

tightened securely (20 foot pounds).

• Make sure beam assembly is securely latched in

the horizontal position and jack stand (if provided)
is pivoted and secured in the up position before
towing log splitter. Never tow with the beam in
vertical position.

• Do not tow the log splitter faster than 45 MPH,
Higher speeds may damage log splitter.
Excessive high speeds may cause the log splitter

to “fishtair' or otherwise become unstable.

• Check the tire pressure on the log splitter tires. It

should not exceed 30 p.s.i. for highway travel.

• When parking, storing or using your log splitter,
keep the coupler off the ground so dirt will not
build up in the ball socket.

• Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your log

splitter. They can easily fall off and be seriously

injured.

Training

• Before operating this log splitter, read and
understand this operator’s manual completely.
Become familiar with it for your own safety. To fail

to do so may cause serious injury. Do not allow

anyone to operate your log splitter who has not
read this manual. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.

• Never use your splitter for any other puqsose than
splitting wood. It is designed for this use and any
other use may cause an injury. Your log splitter is
a precision piece of power equipment, not a toy.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.

• Never allow children to operate your log splitter.

Do not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction. Only persons well acquainted with

these rules of safe operation should be allowed to

use your log splitter.

• Only the operator is to be near your log splitter

during use. Keep all others, including pets and
children, a minimum of 20 feet away from your
work zone. Flying wood can be hazardous. If a
helper is assisting in loading logs, never activate

the control until the helper is clear of the area.

More accidents occur when more than one
person operates the log splitter than at any other

time.

• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated
or while taking medication that impairs the

senses or reactions. A clear mind is essential for
safety. Never allow a person who is tired or
otherwise not alert to use your log splitter.

Preparation

• Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be

caught by moving parts of your log splitter and
pull you into it. Keep clothing away from all
moving parts of your log splitter.
Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from
moving parts. Always wear protective hearing
devices as needed.
Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can
seriously injure your foot.

Always wear safety glasses or goggles while
operating your splitter. A piece of splitting log

could fly off and hit your eyes.
Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight
fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings.

Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good

artificial light.
Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet,
muddy or icy surfaces. Safe footing is essential
in preventing accidents.

Never operate your splitter while attached to a

towing vehicle.

Only operate your splitter on level ground and
not on the side of a hill. It could tip, or rolling logs
or poor footing could cause an accident.
Operating the splitter on level ground also

prevents the spillage of gasoline from the fuel
tank.

• Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly
or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or
adequate help.

• Always block the wheels to prevent movement
of log splitter while in operation.

• Check the fuel before starting the engine.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not
fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is

running, or while the engine is still hot. Replace
gasoline cap secureiy and wipe off any spilled

gasoline before starting the engine as it may

cause a fire or explosion.

• Both ends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of

the splitter during operation.

Operation

■ Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of
the log splitter.

Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind

the reservoir tank. See iiiustrations.

Know how to stop the unit and disengage the

controls.
Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between log and end plate
during forward or reverse stroke. To do so may

result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or

worse, you may lose an arm or foot.

Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip
in any position could result in a serious injury.
Do not step over your log splitter when the
engine is running. You may trip or accidentally
activate the splitting wedge if you step over. If

you need to get to the other side, walk around.

Never try to split two logs on top of each other.

One may fly out and injure you.
When loading the log splitter, place your hands
on the side of the log, not at the ends. Never

attempt to toad your splitter while the splitting

wedge is in motion. You may get caught by the
wedge and injured.

Only use your hand to operate the splitting
wedge or control lever. Never use your foot or a
rope or any other extension device. This could
result in your inability to stop your splitter quickly
enough to avoid injury.
Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log during splitting operation. They
can quickly close and pinch or amputate your
fingers.

Never attempt to split woods across the grain.
Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your
splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.

For logs that are not cut square, the longest
portion of the log should be rotated down and

the most square end placed against the splitting
wedge.

Keep your work area clean. Immediately

remove split wood around your splitter so that
you do not stumble over it. Clean chips and dirt
off end plate (wood platform) after each tog is
split, or whenever necessary to maintain flat
contact between wood and end plate (platform).

Never move the tog splitter while the engine is

running.

Never leave your log splitter unattended with the
engine running. Shut off the engine if you are
leaving your splitter, even for a short period of
time. Someone could accidentally activate the
splitting wedge and be injured.

Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless
gas can be deadly when inhaled.

Be careful not to touch the muffler after the
engine has been running. It will be HOT!

If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check

immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally
a warning of trouble.
When cleaning, repairing or Inspecting, make
certain all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the
wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.

Customer Responsibilities

• Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical

condition or when in need of repair.

• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws,
hose clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be
sure equipment is in safe working condition.

Where appropriate, check all safety guards and

shields to be sure they are in the proper position.
Never operate your splitter with safety guards,
shields or other protective features removed.
These safety devices are for your protection.

• Replace all damaged or worn parts such as
hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with
manufacturer approved replacement parts.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. This increases the
hazard of personal injury. The maximum engine
speed is preset by the manufacturer and is
within safety limits.

• Do not alter your log splitter in any manner such
as attaching a rope or extension to the control
lever or adding to the width or height of the
wedge. Such alterations may cause your splitter
to be unsafe.

Perform all recommended maintenance
procedures before you use your splitter.
Do not service or repair your log splitter without

disconnecting the spark plug wire and moving it
away from the spark plug.

Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside of a building where ignition sources
are present, such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers and the like. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly
sealed container. Store the container in a cool,
dry place. Do not store in a building where
ignition sources are present.
To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass,

leaves, wood chips, and excessive grease and
oil.
The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires
careful inspection, along with the mechanical

parts. Be sure to replace frayed, kinked, or
othenwise damaged hydraulic components.

Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be

almost invisible. Do not check for leaks with your

hand. Escaping fluid under pressure can have

sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing

serious personal injury. Leaks can be located by

passing a piece of cardboard or wood over the

suspected leak and looking for discoloration.

Should it become necessary to loosen or

remove any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to

relieve all pressure by shutting off the engine

and moving the control handle back and forth

several times. .

Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or

reservoir while your log splitter is running. Hot oil

under pressure could cause injury.

The pressure relief valve on your splitter is

preset at the factory. Do not adjust the valve.

Only a qualified service technician should

perform this adjustment.

Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This

guards against accumulation of fuel fumes

which could result in afire hazard.

Never store log splitter outside without a

waterproof cover. Rain will cause rust on the

inside of the cylinder.

Important Information

Always:

• Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly

• Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or

10W non-foaming hydraulic fluid.

• Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)

• Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir

Make certain pump is mounted and aligned

properly

Use a flexible “spider” type coupling between

engine and pump drive shafts

Keep hoses clear and unblocked
Bleed air out of hoses before operating
Flush and clean hydraulic system before start
up after any malfunction or sen/icing
Use “pipe dope" on ail hydraulic fittings
Aliow time for warm-up before spiitting wood ■

Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning

over the engine with spark piug disconnected

ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when the log
splitter was purchased. These are also available at

most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers.
Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when

you provide the model number of your log splitter.

• Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only

Never:

Use when fluid is below 20° F, or above 150° F.
Use a solid engine/pump coupling

Force pump when mounting
Operate through relief valve for several seconds
Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve

settings without pressure gauges

Operate with air in hydraulic system
Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings
Attempt to cut wood across the grain.

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline
in the engine. After assembly, see OPERATION
section of this manual for proper fuel fill-up.

Tools and Other Items Required

Crowbar or large screwdriver
A pair of 9/16“ or adjustable wrenches*
Screwdriver
Cutters

Engine oil
Unleaded gasoline
Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or 10W non

foaming hydraulic fluid (approximately 7 gallons)

Unpacking from Crate

WARNING: Exercise extreme caution as
parts are very heavy. Mechanical handling
equipment or sufficient manpower should
be used to prevent injury.

• Pry the top. sides and ends off crate using a

crowbar or large screwdriver,

• Set panels aside to avoid tire punctures or

personal injury.

• Remove and discard plastic bag that covers

unit.

Note: Do not remove the banding from around the

tank until the log splitter is assembled.

Disconnecting Spark Plug

• Before you start the assembly procedure,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug on the log splitter engine and move the wire
away from the spark plug. This will prevent
accidental starting. See Figure 1.

Disconnect spark

Remove the two bolts, lock washers and hex
nuts that secure the tongue assembly to the
beam assembly. See Figure 2.
Unlock the two beam locks by pulling out on the
beam locks and pivoting them down. Remove
the tongue assembly.

and Hex Nuts

Figure 2

Place the end of the tongue assembly In
between the brackets on the wheel and the
reservoir tank assembly. Secure with hardware
removed earlier. See Figure 3.

Bracket

NOTE: All hardware needed for assembling your
Craftsman log splitter has been placed in position on
the equipment.

Pull spring lever outward and rotate the jack
stand counter-clockwise till it locks into the

upright position. Release spring lever. See
Figure 4,

Cut the two straps from around the reservoir
tank assembiy.

Remove the tag screw and washer which
secures the beam assembly to the bottom of the

crate.

Lower the beam assembly to its horizontal
position. Make certain the beam is locked

securely with the horizontal beam lock. See

Figure 5.

Pull the log splitter off the pallet.

Final Assembly

Tire Pressure

The tires may have been over-inflated for shipping
purposes.

• Check tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure

should not exceed 30 p.s.i.

Preparing Log Splitter

• Place the log splitter on a firm, level surface.

• Lubricate the beam area where the splitting

wedge will slide with engine oil (do not use

grease). Make certain to oil both front and back

of the beam face.

■ Fill the reservoir with hydraulic fluid following

instructions on page 10.

• Check engine oil level and refill, if necessary.

. Follow instructions for oil fill-up on page 10.

Know Your Log Splitter

Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your log splitter. Compare the

illustrations on this page with your equipment to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any log splitter can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses, for operating your
log splitter, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

OPERATIONS

Splitting
Wedge

Jack Stand

ОИ Fill -^park Plug

Figure 6

Fuel Cap

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears log splitters conform to the safety standards B71.7-1985 of the American National Standards Institute.