Cub cadet LS 33 CC User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

Op e r a t O r ’s Ma n u a l

LS 33 CC — Log Splitter

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-03970A

(May 1, 2008)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Log Splitter manufactured by Cub
Cadet LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and

maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other

persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,

its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Cub Cadet
LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs
and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls & Features ................................................14

Operation ................................................................15

1

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directly. Cub

Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website address

and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to
ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.

Maintenance & Adjustments .................................18

Service .................................................................... 20

Troubleshooting .....................................................21

Replacement Parts ................................................ 23

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please

locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the

model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking

down at the top of the reservoir tank to the right side of the
vented dipstick. This information will be necessary, should you
seek technical support via our web site or with your local Cub
Cadet dealer.

MO d e l nu M b e r

se r i a l nu M b e r

Customer Support

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com◊

Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at [phone]◊

Write us at Cub Cadet LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019◊

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

2

Training

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the 1.
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. 2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this 3.
machine. Children 16 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 4.
instruction.

Many accidents occur when more than one person 5.
operates the machine. If a helper is assisting in stacking
logs, never activate the control until the helper is a

minimum of 10 feet from the machine.

Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 20 feet from 6.

the machine while it is in operation.

Never allow anyone to ride on this machine.7.

Never transport cargo on this machine.8.

Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid pressures during 9.

operation. Fluid escaping through a pin hole opening can
penetrate your skin and cause blood poisoning, gangrene,
or death. Give attention to the following instructions at all
times:

Do not check for leaks with your hand.a.

Do not operate machine with frayed, kinked, b.
cracked, or damaged hoses, fittings, or tubing.

Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system c.
pressure before changing or adjusting fittings,
hoses, tubing, or other system components.

Do not adjust the pressure settings of the pump or d.
valve.

Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or wood, 10.
while wearing protective gloves and safety glasses, over
the suspected area. Look for discoloration of cardboard or
wood.

If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor immediately. 11.
Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper medical
treatment is not administered immediately.

Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for safe, 12.
secure footing.

If your machine is equipped with an internal combustion 13.
engine and is intended for use near any unimproved forest,
brush, or grass covered land, the engine exhaust should be
equipped with a spark arrester. Make sure you comply with
applicable local, state, and federal codes. Take appropriate
firefighting equipment with you.

3

This machine should be used for splitting wood only, do 14.

Vertical

Horizontal

not use it for any other purpose.

Follow the instructions in the manual(s) provided with any 15.
attachment(s) for this machine.

Preparation

Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots. 1.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when 2.
operating this machine.

Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might become 3.
entangled in moving or rotating parts of the machine.

Make sure machine is on a level surface before operating.4.

Always block wheels to prevent unintended movement, 5.
and lock beam in either the horizontal or vertical position.

Always operate this machine from the operator zone(s) 6.
specified in the manual.

Logs should be cut with square ends prior to splitting.7.

Use log splitter in daylight or under good artificial light.8.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

Use only an approved gasoline container.a.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other b.
sources of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors.c.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is d.
hot or running.

Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before e.
refueling.

Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than f.

1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space

for fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.g.

If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and h.
equipment and move machine to another area. Wait
five (5) minutes before starting the engine.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside i.
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Allow machine to cool at least five (5) minutes j.
before storing.

Operation

Before starting this machine, review the “Safety 1.

Instructions”. Failure to follow these rules may result in
serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

Never leave this machine unattended with the engine 2.
running.

Do not operate machine while under the influence of 3.
alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Never allow anyone to operate this machine without 4.
proper instruction.

Always operate this machine with all safety equipment 5.
in place and working. Make sure all controls are properly
adjusted for safe operation.

Operator Zone6.

Horizontal Operating Position: Stand on the control a.

lever side of the log splitter in front of the wheel as

shown in Fig. 2-1.

Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the b.
beam and log as shown in Fig. 2-1.

Figure 2-1

When loading a log, always place your hands on the sides 7.
of the log, not on the ends, and never use your foot to
help stabilize a log. Failure to do so, may result in crushed
or amputated fingers, toes, hand, or foot.

Use only your hand to operate the controls.8.

Never attempt to split more than one log at a time unless 9.
the ram has fully extended and a second log is needed to
complete the separation of the first log.

For logs which are not cut square, the least square end 10.
and the longest portion of the log should be placed
toward the beam and wedge, and the square end placed
toward the end plate.

When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the log 11.
before moving the control. Split as follows:

Place log on the end plate and turn until it leans a.
against the beam and is stable.

When splitting extra large or uneven logs, the log b.
must be stabilized with wooden shims or split
wood between the log and end plate or ground.

Always keep fingers away from any cracks that open in 12.
the log while splitting. They can quickly close and pinch
or amputate your fingers.

4 se c t i O n 2 — iM p O r t a n t sa f e Op e r a t i O n pr a c t i c e s

Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood 13.
around the machine so you do not stumble over it.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed 14.
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

Never move this machine while the engine is running.15.

This machine should not be towed on any street, highway 16.
or public road without checking the existing federal,
state, or local vehicle requirements. Any licensing or
modifications such as taillights, etc., needed to comply, is

the sole responsibility of the purchaser. If a “Statement of
Origin” is required in your state, see your local dealer.

Do not tow machine over 45 mph.17.

See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this manual for 18.
proper towing instructions once all federal, local, or state
requirements are met.

Maintenance and Storage

Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground 1.
it against the engine before cleaning, or inspecting the
machine.

Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system pressure 2.
before repairing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or
other system components.

To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from the engine 3.
and muffler areas. If the engine is equipped with a spark
arrester muffler, clean and inspect it regularly according to
manufacturers instructions. Replace if damaged.

Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose clamps, and 4.
hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is in safe
working condition.

Check all safety guards and shields to be sure they are in 5.
the proper position. Never operate with safety guards,
shields, or other protective features removed.

The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory. Do not 6.
adjust the valve.

Never attempt to move this machine over hilly or uneven 7.
terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate help.

For your safety, replace all damaged or worn parts 8.

immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of parts which do not meet the

original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”

Do not alter this machine in any manner, alterations such 9.
as attaching a rope or extension to the control handle, or
adding to the width or height of the wedge may result in
personal injury.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 10.
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,

or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized

service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush

covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator. In the State of California
the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California

Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.

Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service

department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

5se c t i O n 2 — iM p O r t a n t sa f e Op e r a t i O n pr a c t i c e s

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING— CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep hands away from wedge, end plate, partly split wood and moving parts.

BYSTANDARDS
Keep bystanders, helpers and children at least 10 feet away.

SINGLE OPERATOR
Only one person should operate the machine at a time. The adult who loads and holds log

must be the one who operates control handle.

WARNING— PRESSURIZED FLUID
Never check for hose leaks with your hands. High pressure fluid can escape through a pin hole

leak and cause serious injury by puncturing the skin and causing blood poisoning.

EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.

WARNING— MOVING WEDGE
Keep hands away from wedge and moving parts.

WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 se c t i O n 2 — iM p O r t a n t sa f e Op e r a t i O n pr a c t i c e s

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Flat Washers

Hex Screws

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

One Log Splitter• One Operator’s Manual• One Engine Operator’s Manual•

3

WARNING! Use extreme caution when unpacking

this machine. Some components are very heavy and
will require additional people or mechanical
handling equipment.

NOTE: Your log splitter is shipped with motor oil in the engine.

You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to

overfill.

NOTE: Engine styles and models vary. The engine found on your
log splitter may not resemble the engine pictured on illustrations
throughout this manual. Refer to the engine manual packed
separately for all engine information and specifications.

NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side of the
log splitter is from the operating position only. Exceptions, if any,
will be specified.

Loose Parts In Carton

Reservoir Tank•

Engine-Pump Assembly•

Engine Pump Assembly Hardware•

Wedge, Beam and Cylinder Assembly•

Tongue Assembly•

Wheels•

Hitch Assembly•

Beam Support/Latch Bracket•

Log Cradle Brackets•

Fenders•

Adjustable Jack Stand Assembly and Hardware Pack•

Tail Light Kit•

2 Hub Caps•

Assembly

Attaching the Fenders

Remove the self tapping screws and flat washers from the 1.
side of the tank. See Fig. 3-1.

Figure 3-1

Line up the assembly holes in the fender with the proper 2.
holes in the tank.

Insert the hex screws through the flat washers, the holes in 3.
fenders and the tank. Tighten securely.

Install the second fender using the instructions above.4.

Recommended Tools for Opening Crate

Hammer•

Crowbar•

Tin Snips•

Recommended Tools for Assembly

Standard Screw Driver•

Standard Socket Set•

Adjustable Wrench•

Torque Wrench•

Pliers•

Side Cutters•

Rubber Mallet•

7

Attaching The Wheels To The Reservoir Tank Assembly

Slotted Nut

Flat Washer

Cotter

Pin

Hub Cap

Hex bolts

Lock Nuts

Mounting Brackets

Hex Bolts

Lock Nuts

Block up the reservoir tank assembly about eight to twelve 1.

inches.

Remove and discard the plastic shipping caps on the 2.
outside of the wheels.

Remove the cotter pin, slotted nut and flat washer from 3.

each axle. See Fig. 3-2.

Attaching the Beam Support

Remove the two hex bolts and lock nuts from the tongue.1.

Place the beam support/latch bracket on the tongue 2.

and secure it with the hex bolts and lock nuts previously

removed. Tighten Securely. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-2

NOTE: Wiping the axles with emery cloth before installing
the wheels is recommended.

Place a wheel on each axle with the valve stem facing 4.
outward.

Place a flat washer on each axle and secure with a slotted 5.
nut.

Tighten the slotted nut until snug and then back off 6.
approximately ⁄-turn or until one of the slots on the
slotted nut lines up with the hole in the axle.

Insert the cotter pins through the slots in the nuts and 7.
holes in the axle and secure the assembly by bending both
ends of the cotter pin out and then up against the end of
the axle as shown to provide clearance for the hub cap. See

inset Fig. 3-2.

NOTE: The wheels should spin freely and there should be
no side to side play.

Place the hub caps in position on the wheels and tap onto 8.
the axle with a rubber mallet. See Figure 3-2.

Jack Stand

Remove the four hex bolts and lock nuts for securing the 1.
adjustable jack stand from hardware pack.

Place the adjustable jack stand halfway between the beam 2.
support/latch bracket and the end of the tongue. See Fig.

3-4.

8 se c t i O n 2— as s e M b l y & se t -up

Figure 3-4

Insert the hex bolts through the top holes in the jack stand 3.
mounting brackets and holes in the adjustable jack stand.
Secure with lock nuts.