MTD 249-610-000 User Manual

OWNEirS GUIDE

ASSEMBLY • OPERATION • MAINTENANCE • PARTS

$1.00

13 TON Model Number

HORIZONTAL 249-610-000

LOG SPLITTER

ImpOltant: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-6744D

IMPORTANT

RULES FOFi SAFE OPERATION

THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INS' RUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL
SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHI RS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE AT
TEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LOG SPLinER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL IN

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JURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-^HEED ITS WARNING.

DANGER

AX

Your log splitter was built to be operated i ccording to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
with any type of power equipment, carelessi less or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. If you violate any of these rules, yiiu may cause serious injury to yourself or others.

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TRAINING

1. Before operating this splitter, read and understand this r lanual
completely. Become familiar with it for your own safety. To fail
to do so may cause serious injury. Do not allow anyone to c perate
your splitter who has not read this manual. Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for oi dering
replacement parts.

2. Never use your splitter for any other purpose 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, i not a
playtoy. Therefore, excercise extreme caution at all time».

3. Never allow children to operate your log splitter. Do not allow iadults
to operate it without proper instruction. Only persons will ac
quainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your log splitter.

4. Oniy the operator is to be near your log splitter during use Keep
all others, including pets and children, a minimum of 20 fee 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 thi n one
person operates the log splitter than at any other time.

5. No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking
medication that impairs the senses or reactions. A clear r lind is
essential for safety. Never allow a person who is tired or other
wise not alert to use your splitter.

PREPARATION

1. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught b:' mov
ing parts of your log splitter and pull you into it. Keep c othing

away from all moving parts of your log splitter.

2. Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from moving parts.
Always wear protective hearing devices as needed.

3. Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can seriously inju e your

foot.

4. Always wear safety glasses or goggles while operating yoi r split

ter. A piece of splitting log could fly off and hit your ey3s.

5. If you wear gloves, be sure they are tight fitting without loos 3 cuffs

or draw strings.

6. Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good artificial light.

7. Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet, muddy or ii ;y sur
faces. Safe footing is essential in preventing accidents. Never

operate your splitter while attached to a towing vehicle.

8. 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.

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

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

11. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extreme
ly flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the
engine is running, or while the engine is still hot. Replace gasoline
cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

12. 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.

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OPERATION

1. Stand behind the ram when operating. See illustration.

2. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controis.

3. Never place hands or feet between iog and splitting wedge or be-

k, tween iog and ram during forward or reverse stroke. To do so

may resuit in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or worse, you
may lose an arm or foot.

4. Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in any position
could result in a serious injury.

5. Do not step over your log splitter when the engine is running. You
may trip or accidentally activate the ram if you step over, if you
need to get to the other side, walk around.

6. Never try to split two logs on top of each other. One may fly out
and injure you.

7. When loading the log splitter, place your hands on the side of the
log, not at the ends. Never attempt to load your splitter while the
ram is in motion. You may get caught by the ram and injured.

8. Only use your hand to operate the ram or control lever. Never
use your foot or a rope or any other extension device. This could
result in your ability to stop your splitter quickly enough and cause
injury.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 ram.

12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood around
your splitter so that you do not stumble over it.

13. Never move the log splitter while the engine is running.

^ 14. 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 ram and
be injured.

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

16. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine has been run
ning as it is HOT.

17. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn
ing of trouble.

18. 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.

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

4. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. This increases the hazard of personcl injury. The max
imum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer and is within
safety limits.

5. Do not alter your 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.

6. Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before you use
your splitter.

7. Do not service or repair your log splitter without disconnecting
the spark plug wire.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, wood
chips, and excessive grease and oil.

11. The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires careful inspec
tion, along with the mechanical parts. Be sure to replace frayed,
kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.

12. 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 per
sonal injury. Leaks can be located by passing a piece of card
board or wood over the suspected leak and looking for
discoloration.

13. 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.

14. Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while
your log splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could cause
injury.

15. 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.

16. Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This guards against
accumulation of fuel fumes which could result in a fire hazard.

17. Never store log splitter outside without a waterproof cover. Rain
will cause rust on the inside of the cylinder.

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MAINTENANCE

1. Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical condition or when
in need of repair.

2. 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 split
ter with safety guards, shields or other protective features removed.
These safety devices are for your protection.

NOTE: This unit 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.

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TOWING

1. This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public
road. Any licensing needed to comply with the existing federal,
local or state vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of the
purchaser.

2. Before towing, be certain the log splitter is correctly and securely
attached to the towing vehicle, and the safety chains are in place.

Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.

3. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter. They can easily
fall off and be seriously injured.

This unit has been shipped without
gasoline or oil in the engine. After
assembly, refer to separate engine

manual for proper fuel and engine oil

information.

FIGURE 1.

IMPORTANT

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j—If

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

Remove the log splitter and loose parts from the car
ton by cutting the corners of the carton. Make certain
all parts and literature have been removed from the car

ton before the carton is discarded.

Loose Parts In Carton:

(1) Axle Assembly
(1) Tow Hitch Assembly
(1) Beam Stand
(1) Tow Hitch Chain
(1) Hardware Pack

-Contents of Hardware Pack (See Figure 1):

A (4) Hex Bolts 3/8-24 x 1" Long (Fine Thread)
B (7) Lock Washers 3/8" I.D.
C (4) Hex Nuts 3/8-24 (Fine) Thread
D (2) Spacers 3/4" I.D. x 1-1/2" Long
E (2) Castle Nuts 3/4-16 Thread
F (2) Cotter Pins
G (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/2" Long (Coarse Thread)
H (1) Flat Washers 3/8" I.D.
I (1) Spacer 3/8" I.D. x 1/4" Long

J (3) Hex Nuts 3/8-16 (Coarse) Thread

K (2) Hex Bolts 3/8-16 X 3-1/4" Long (Coarse Thread)
L (2) Spacers 3/8" I.D. x 2" Long

(1) Automotive Grease (not shown)

FIGURE 2.

Tools Required for Assembly

(2) 9/16" Wrenches*
(1) Flat Blade Screwdriver
(2) Adjustable Wrenches
(1) Pair of Pliers
(1) Soft Hammer or Mallet

*Adjustable Wrenches may be used.

Other Materials Required for Assembly

Engine Oil
Unleaded Gasoline

Approximately 3 Gallons of Dexron II Automatic

Transmission Fluid

ATTACHING THE AXLE

1. Block up the engine frame assembly.

—2. Place the axle assembly in position inside the

engine frame assembly as shown in figure 2.

3.

Secure with 1" long fine thread hex bolts (A), four
lock washers (B) and fine thread hex nuts (C), us
ing two 9/16" wrenches. Tighten securely.

4.

Remove the protective plastic covers from the ends
of the axles.

FIGURE 3.

Lock

INSTALLATION OF WHEELS

1. Using a flat blade screwdriver, pry off the hub caps
which are attached to the wheels. Remove one
tapered roller bearing from inside each wheel.

2. Pack the roller bearings with the automotive grease

provided. (Do not grease inside the hub cap.)

3.-Place one spacer (D) on each axle, then one wheel

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and a tapered roller bearing. See figure 3.

4. Thread hex castle nuts (E) on axle. Using an ad
justable wrench, tighten castle nuts until snug, then

back off approximately 1/3 turn, or until one of the
slots on the castle nut lines up with hole in axle.

5. Insert cotter pins (F) through slot in castle nuts and

holes in axle. Secure by bending the ends of the
cotter pins in opposite directions, using a pair of
pliers.

■I^NOTE

Make certain tapered roller bearings
were packed with grease. Save any
extra grease for greasing the beam

under “Initial Preparation” on page 6.

6. Place hub cap in position on wheel, and tap on with
a soft hammer or mallet.

ASSEMBLING THE BEAM STAND

The wedge is already assembled to the log splitter, and

is held in place with four 3-1/2" long hex bolts, lock
washers and hex nuts. The top two bolts and nuts are
tightened securely. The bottom two bolts and nuts have

been assembled loosely.

—1. Remove the two bottom bolts, lock washers and

hex nuts from the beam and wedge.

2. Place the beam stand in position as shown in figure

4. Secure to beam and wedge with hardware just
removed, using the larger holes in beam stand.
Tighten securely.

INSTALLING THE TOW HITCH

1. Attach the chain to the tow hitch as follows.
a. Place flat washer (H) on hex bolt (G).

b. Find the center link of the tow hitch chain. Place

hex bolt through the center link on the chain.
c. Place spacer (I) on hex bolt.
d. Insert hex bolt through hole in the top of tow

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hitch as shown in figure 5.
e. Secure with one lock washer (B) and hex nut

(J). Tighten using two 9/16" wrenches.