MTD 24AF560D062 Owner’s Manual
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Log Splitter
Model Series
550 thru 570
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: 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 or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10529A
(7/01)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Log Splitter ............................................................................. 5
Know Your Log Splitter ...................................................................................... 7
Operating Your Log Splitter ................................................................................ 8
Adjusting Your Log Splitter ................................................................................. 10
Maintaining Your Log Splitter ............................................................................. 10
Conditions That Will Void Warranty ................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 14
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new log splitter. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit and looking down at the hydraulic tank.
A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and
the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
(Sedal Number)
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-
rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's
Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you
call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial
number in order to process your call.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
,_ 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 rules for safe operation 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 objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
TRAINING
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
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.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate
this machine. Children 16 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Many accidents occur when more than one person
operates the machine. If a helper is assisting in
loading logs, never activate the control until the
helper is a minimum of 10 feet from the machine.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at
least 20 feet from the machine while it is in
operation.
7. Never allow anyone to ride on this machine.
8. Never transport cargo on this machine.
9. Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid pressures
during 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:
a. Do not check for leaks with your hand.
b. Do not operate machine with frayed, kinked,
cracked, or damaged hoses, fitting, or tubing.
c. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system
pressure before changing or adjusting
fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system
components.
d. Do not adjust the pressure settings of the
pump or valve.
10. Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or
wood, while wearing protective gloves and safety
glasses, over the suspected area. Look for
discoloration of cardboard or wood.
11. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor
immediately. Serious infection or reaction can
develop if proper medical treatment is not
administered immediately.
12. Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for
safe, secure footing.
13. If your machine is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and it 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.
14. This machine should be used for splitting wood
only, do not use itfor any other purpose.
15. Follow the instructions in the manual(s) provided
with any attachment(s) for this machine.
PREPARATION
1. Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.
2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operating this machine.
3. Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might
become entangled inmoving or rotating parts of the
machine.
4. Make sure this machine is on level surface before
operating.
5. Always block the machine as required to prevent
unintended movement, and lock in either the
horizontal or vertical position.
6. Always operate this machine from the operator
zone(s) specified in the manual.
7. Logs should be cut with square ends prior to
splitting.
8. Use your log splitter in daylight or under good
artificial light.
g.
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 immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
c. Neverfuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
f. Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no
more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck
to provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment, move machine to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
OPERATION
1. Before starting this machine, review the "Safety
Instructions". Failure to follow these rules may
result in serious injury to the operator or
bystanders.
2. Never leave this machine unattended with the
engine running.
3. Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
4. Never allow anyone to operate this machine
without proper instruction.
5. Always operate this machine with all safety
equipment in place and working. Make sure all
controls are properly adjusted for safe operation.
6. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
7. When loading a log, always place your hands on
the sides 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.
8. Use only your hand to operate the controls.
9. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time
unless the ram has fully extended and a second log
is needed to complete the separation of the first log.
10. For logs which are not cut square, the least square
end and the longest portion of the log should be
placed toward the beam and wedge, and the
square end placed toward the end plate.
11. When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the
log before moving the control. Split as follows:
a. Place log on the end plate and turn until it
leans against the beam and is stable.
b. When splitting extra large or uneven logs, the
log must be stabilized with wooden shims or
split wood between the log and the end plate
or ground.
12. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log while splitting. They can quickly
close and pinch or amputate your fingers.
13. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove
split wood around the machine so that you do not
stumble over it.
14. Never move this machine while the engine is
running.
15. This machine should not be towed on any street,
highway 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. Ifa "Statement of
Odgin" is required in your state, see your local
dealer.
16. Do not tow machine faster than 45mph.
17. See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this
manual for proper towing instructions once all
federal, local, or state requirements are met.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and
ground it against the engine before cleaning, or
inspecting the machine.
2. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system
pressure before repairing or adjusting fittings,
hoses, tubing, or other system components.
3. To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from the
engine 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.
4. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose
clamps, and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Check all safety guards and shields to be sure they
are in the proper position. Never operate with
safety guards, shields, or other protective features
removed.
6. The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory. Do
not adjust the valve.
7. Never attempt to move this machine over hilly or
uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate
help.
8. Foryoursafety,replacealldamagedorwornparts
immediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly."Useofparts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadtoimproperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
9. Donotalterthismachineinanymanner,alterations
suchasattachingaropeorextensiontothecontrol
lever,oraddingtothewidthorheightofthewedge
mayresultinpersonalinjury.
WARNING: 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.
NOTE: Not all safety labels may apply to your log
spfitters.
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURLOGSPLITTER
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil _.
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the log
spfitter is observed from the operating position.
RemovingUnitFromCarton
Pry the top, sides, and ends off crate.
Set panels aside to avoid tire punctures or personal
injury.
Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
Remove any loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.)
Cut and remove straps which secure parts to
bottom of crate. Unbolt any remaining parts which
may be bolted to the bottom of the crate.
LoosePartsInCarton
AssemblingTheTongue
AttachingTheJackStand(SeeFigure1)
WARNING: Use extreme caution unpack-
ing this machine. Some components are
very heavy and will require additional peo-
ple or mechanical handling equipment.
Tongue Assembly
and ground against the engine to prevent
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
unintended starting.
The jack stand is shipped in the transport position.
Remove the spring clip and clevis pin and pivot the
jack stand to the operating position.
Secure the jack stand in position with the clevis pin
and spring clip.
(Operating
Vertical Lock
Clevis
Remove
Log
Figure 1
AttachingTheTongue(SeeFigure2)
With the log splitter still standing upright, remove
two hex bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts from the
end of the tongue.
Align the holes in the tongue with the holes in the
tank bracket and secure with hardware just
removed.
NOTE: High pressure hose must be above the tongue
assembly.
]Vertical Lock
Align With
Holes
Pressure
Horizontal
Lock
Figure 3
Attach the dislodger over the wedge assembly and
secure with the hardware previously removed to the
weld brackets. See Figure 4.
Once the six hex screws are tighten, there may be
a slight gap between the dislodger and the weld
brackets. This gap is allowable.
Reattach the log cradle to the side of the beam with
the controlvalve, aligning the ends ofthe cradle
with the beam flanges.
Roll log splitter offthe bottom crate.
Wedge Assembly
Figure 2
ConnectingtheCylindertoBeam
The log splitter is shipped with the beam in the
vertical position. Pull out the vertical lock rod, rotate
it back, and pivot the beam to the horizontal
position until it locks. See Figure 2 & Figure 3.
Disconnect the disiodger from the beam weld
bracket by removing the six hex screws and flat
washers. See Figure 3.
Disconnect the log cradle from the beam on the
side of the control valve.
Lift and slide the cylinder up to the top of beam and
into the weld brackets.
Weld ket Slot
Figure 4
NOTE: Not all log splitters come equipped with
taillights.
PreparingTheLogSplitter
Lubricate the beam area where the splitting wedge
will slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE GREASE).
Remove vented reservoir dipstick, which is located
infront of the engine on top of the reservoir tank.
See Figure 5.
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