DR Hydraulic 20-Ton User Manual
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER
Safety & Operating Instructions
Please read instructions before operating machine
And congratulations on your purchase of a new DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER!
We have done our utmost to ensure that your DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER will be
one of the most trouble-free and satisfying pieces of equipment you have ever owned.
Please let us know of any questions or problems you may have. We want to answer or
correct them as quickly as possible. (When you do call or write, please have your serial
number and/or order number handy—it will speed things up!) We also hope to hear
from you on how much you like your new helper.
And, please tell your friends about your new DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER! Having
DR Owners spread the word about our products and our way of doing business is the
best advertising we can have, and the best way to help us provide even better service in
the years to come.
Thanks once again!
for all of us at
Country Home Products, Inc
.
S
ALES MANAGER
COPYRIGHT
2004 Country Home Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
Country Home Products, Inc.
Meigs Road
P.O. Box 25
Vergennes, VT 05491
Toll-free phone: 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637)
Fax: 1-802-877-1213
Web site: www.dr-owner.com
E-mail: info@chp.com
ii DR
20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introducing the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER.................................... 1
Conventions used in this manual.................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2: Safety Considerations.......................................................................... 3
Preparing to Use the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER ..................................................................... 3
Safety Information Labels............................................................................................................... 3
Protecting Yourself ......................................................................................................................... 5
Operating the Machine Safely ........................................................................................................ 5
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines ....................................................................................... 6
Hydraulic Safety ............................................................................................................................. 7
A Note to All Users ......................................................................................................................... 8
Additional Information and Potential Changes................................................................................ 8
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER................................... 9
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Controls and Features................................................................... 9
Unpacking the Splitter and Installing the Wheels ..........................................................................10
Check the Tire Pressure................................................................................................................11
Log Cradle Installation (Optional) ..................................................................................................12
Manual Log Lift Installation (Optional) ...........................................................................................12
Table Grate Installation (Optional).................................................................................................14
Four-way, Reversible, Slip-on Wedge Installation (Optional) ........................................................15
Transporting the Splitter ................................................................................................................16
Towing Safety................................................................................................................................16
Checking the Engine Oil and Adding Gasoline..............................................................................17
Chapter 4: Operating Your DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER.................................. 19
Before Starting the Engine ............................................................................................................19
Starting..........................................................................................................................................19
Splitting Safety ..............................................................................................................................20
Loading and Wedge Positioning....................................................................................................20
Operating the Wood Splitter ..........................................................................................................21
Chapter 5: Maintaining the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER .................................23
Regular Maintenance Checklist.....................................................................................................23
Lubrication.....................................................................................................................................24
Removing and Replacing the Engine Oil .......................................................................................25
Removing and Replacing the Hydraulic Fluid and Filter ................................................................26
Removing and Replacing the Hydraulic Hoses .............................................................................28
Adjusting the Hydraulic Control Valve ...........................................................................................29
End of Season & Storage ..............................................................................................................30
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Warranty .........................................................31
Troubleshooting Table...................................................................................................................31
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions iii
iv DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
r
Chapter 1: Introducing the DR 20-Ton WOOD
SPLITTER
This manual will help you set up and safely operate your new DR 20-Ton WOOD
SPLITTER. Careful adherence to the safety and operating instructions in this manual will
ensure many years of productive use.
Please let us know if you have any questions or problems by contacting Technical Support
via our toll-free phone number. Our contact information is listed inside the front cover of
this manual. When you call or write, please have your serial number or order number
available so we can help you quickly.
Conventions used in this manual
WARNING! The exclamation point within a triangle alerts you to
essential operating, safety, maintenance and servicing instructions.
Important! This information is important in the proper use of you
machine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in injury to you and
others or damage to your splitter.
Tip: This is a helpful hint to guide you in getting the most out of your splitter.
Tools Needed: This indicates you will need a special tool to perform a maintenance
function on your machine.
Note: This information may be helpful to you.
If you are ever unsure about an action you are about to take, don’t do it. Contact Country
Home Products’ toll-free support at 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) for help or
information.
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions 1
2 DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
Chapter 2: Safety Considerations
Taking the time to read and observe all safety instructions will ensure many years of
productive use from your DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER and help you avoid injury.
Please take a few moments to read the following guidelines for safely operating your new
machine.
Preparing to Use the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER
Read these Safety & Operating Instructions and the engine owner manual before you use
the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER. Become familiar with the controls, engine and
service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine.
Inspect the area in which you will be working. Locate the wood splitter only on firm,
level ground. The site must be free of slippery surfaces and potentially hazardous
obstacles.
Safety Information Labels
Take some time to become familiar with the following standard safety cautions applicable
to your splitter. Replace damaged or missing safety labels immediately.
Keep combustible substances away from
the engine when it is hot. (#136831)
Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing
away from moving parts. (#199240)
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions 3
T
u
f
g
g
f
e
his label reminds yo
about the importance o
reading and understandin
the Safety & Operatin
Instructions manual and o
paying attention to th
safety warnings. (#199250)
This label cautions to use only
hydraulic fluid. (#199230)
This label indicates a
lubrication point. (#199200)
4 DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
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p
Protecting Yourself
Always wear protective goggles while splitting wood to protect your eyes from possible
thrown bits of wood.
Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER. If
you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the machine while
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear long pants while splitting wood.
Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, which might be caught on the splitter’s
moving parts.
Use hearing protection or earplugs to protect your hearing.
We recommend wearing snug-fitting work gloves while splitting wood.
Operating the Machine Safely
To be safe, do not operate the machine near children or pets, and never allow children
Keep your hands and feet clear of the splitting area while the push block is in motion.
ALWAYS shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire before adjusting the
The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot with use. Allow the engine to cool
Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.
Use the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not use in wet or slippery conditions.
ALWAYS OPERATE THE SPLITTER FROM THE OPERATOR ZONE. (Figure
Use only your hands to operate the splitter controls.
Do not place your hands at pinch points where they can get caught between a log and
Do not put any part of yourself, your clothing, or your personal protective equipment
WARNING! The items listed in this section will help you keep you
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER running smoothly and, most importantly,
revent injury to yourself or others. Please review them carefully before
starting your machine.
to operate the splitter.
machine. If you have to stop to remove any debris from the machine, ALWAYS retract
the ram and disconnect the spark plug wire first.
before doing maintenance or making adjustments.
19) Never straddle or climb over the wood splitter at any time.
the wedge, push block, or log cradle.
into a crack in a log that is being split; it might close suddenly with great force.
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions 5
Never split anything other than logs.
Always cut the ends of the log to be split, as
squarely as possible.
Never split more than one log at a time unless
the ram has been fully extended and a second log
is needed to complete the split of the first log.
Do not handle logs by their ends when you
position them on the splitter.
Do not put anything between the log cradle and the side of a log; logs spread as they
are forced against the wedge.
Do not move or reposition the wood splitter with the motor running.
Do not, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, fit, weld, or otherwise alter standard
parts on the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER. Modifications to your machine could
cause personal injuries and will void your warranty.
While using the DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER, don't hurry or take things for
granted.
Never team up with another person to operate the wood splitter controls – this is a one
person job.
Never allow people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the DR 20-Ton
WOOD SPLITTER.
Never leave the wood splitter unattended with its motor running.
Do not operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol or medication.
Always make certain nuts & bolts are tight to assure a safe working condition.
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area or without proper ventilation.
Store all fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Fill the gasoline tank outdoors with the engine off. Don't handle gasoline if you or
If you spill gasoline, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from
Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store the
Do not change the engine governor settings or modify the engine speed.
WARNING! The items listed in this section will help you keep your
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER running smoothly and, most importantly,
prevent injury to yourself or others. Please review them carefully before
starting your machine.
anyone nearby is smoking, or if you are near anything that could cause the gasoline to
ignite or explode.
the area of the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until the gas vapors have
dissipated. Wipe up any spilled fuel to prevent a fire hazard and properly dispose of the
waste.
machine near an open flame or spark with gasoline in the tank.
6 DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
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Hydraulic Safety
Inspect hydraulic hoses every day – check for worn, frayed, kinked, and cracked areas.
Replace any damaged or worn hoses.
Periodically check for hydraulic leaks by placing a sheet of cardboard under the splitter
Please follow these steps to depressurize system and release residual hydraulic energy
Do not make any adjustments to the pressure relief valve.
Never remove cap from the hydraulic tank while motor is running or while tank is still
WARNING! The items listed in this section will help you keep your D
20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER running smoothly and, most importantly, prevent
injury to yourself or others. Please review them carefully before starting you
machine.
WARNING! Escaping pressurized fluid from hydraulic system leaks can
have enough force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury or death.
Hydraulic fluid can remain highly pressurized while the splitter motor is off.
- Never use your hand or any part of your body to check for hydraulic system
leaks while the system is pressurized.
- Get professional medical help at once if hydraulic oil penetrates anyone's skin.
- Always release residual energy from pressurized hydraulic fluid and allow the
fluid to cool before doing any maintenance or repair work on the log splitter.
while the system is running.
before starting any repairs.
1. Shut off splitter motor and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Move control valve handle back and forth, from one limit of travel to the other, at
least four times and holding the valve for three seconds at each limit of travel. The
ram should not move during the 4th cycle.
3. Call 1(800) DR-OWNER (376-9637), or a qualified hydraulic mechanic, to replace
worn components or for assistance.
warm after motor is shut off. Hot pressurized fluid can cause serious injury, so wait for
hydraulic tank to cool before removing cap.
Important! Use only DR replacement connectors, valves, or fittings on your
machine. They have been thoroughly tested and proven for many hours of use.
DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions 7
A Note to All Users
Under California law, and the laws of some other states, you are not permitted to operate
an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels without an engine spark arrester.
All DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTERS shipped to California and Washington State are
provided with spark arresters. Failure of the owner / operator to maintain this equipment
in compliance with state regulations is a misdemeanor under California law and may be in
violation of other state and/or federal regulations. Contact your local fire marshal or forest
service for specific information in your area.
Additional Information and Potential Changes
Country Home Products, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its
products at any time without notice or obligation to the purchaser. The descriptions and
specifications contained in this manual were in effect at printing. Equipment described
within this manual may be optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your
machine.
8 DR 20-Ton WOOD SPLITTER Safety & Operating Instructions
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