MTD 24BF550M006 Owner’s Manual

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

L

Log Splitter m Model Series 550

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-04973A

(June9,2010)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing an MTD Log Splitter. 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. We reserve

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 ................................................ 11

Operation ................................................................ 12

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD'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

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

machine, for more information.

Maintenance & Adjustment. ................................. 16

Troubleshooting .................................................... 20

Illustrated Parts List .............................................. 22

Warranty ................................................... Back Page

RecordProductInformation

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 behind the unit and looking down at

the hydraulic tank. This information will be necessary, should
you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support
Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

DIqFllqFllqFllqNIqD

SERIALNUMBER

DIqFIIqFIIqFIIqFIIqD

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

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:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
0 Write us at MTD LLC • RO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

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!

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 9.

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 of age to operate this
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.

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

5.

Many accidents occur when more than one person
operates the machine. Ira helper is assisting in stacking

logs, never activate the control until the helper is a
minimum of 10 feet from the machine.

6. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 10 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.

10.

11. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor immediately.

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

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, fittings, or tubing.

c. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system

pressure by cycling the valve control lever from
forward to reverse several times while engine is
not running; returning to neutral before repairing
or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system
components.

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

va Ive.

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.

Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper medical
treatment is not administered immediately.

secure footing.

13. Ifyourmachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustion
engineandisintendedforusenearanyunimprovedforest,
brush,orgrasscoveredland,theengineexhaustshouldbe
equippedwithasparkarrester.Makesureyoucomplywith

applicablelocal,state,andfederalcodes.Takeappropriate
firefightingequipmentwithyou.

14. Thismachineshouldbeusedforsplittingwoodonly,do
notuseitforanyotherpurpose.

15. Followtheinstructionsinthemanual(s)providedwithany
attachment(s)forthismachine.

Preparation

1. Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.

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

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

4. Make sure machine is on a flat, dry, solid ground before
operating.

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

6. Always operate this machine from the operator zone(s)
specified in the manual. See Fig. 2-1.

Figure 2-1

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

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

SafeHandlingof6as01ine

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.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

C.

Never fuel 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.

fl 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 and move machine to another area. Wait
five (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 five (5) minutes

before storing.

Operation

1. Before starting this machine, review the "Safe Operation
Practices". 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 operating

properly for safe operation.

6. Operator Zone

a. Horizontal Operating Position: Stand on the control

lever side of the log splitter and stabilize log as
shown, if needed. See Fig. 2-1.

b. Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the log

splitter and stabilize log as shown, if needed. See
Fig. 2-1.

WARNING! When stabilizing log with left hand,

remove your hand when the wedge just contacts

the log or serious injury may occur.

7. When loading a log, always place your hands on the side
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 right hand to operate the controls.

9. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time.

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

4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

11. When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the log
before moving the control handle. 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
placed between the log and 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 you do not stumble over it.

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

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

16. 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. Ira "Statement of
Origin" is required in your state, see your local dealer.

17. Do not tow machine over 45 mph.

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

9.

Do not alter this machine in any manner, alterations such
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.

10.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(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.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an

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 attester for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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

Maintenanceand Storage

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 by
cycling the valve control lever from forward to reverse

several times while engine is not running; returning to
neutral 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. For your safety, replace all damaged or worn parts
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!

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 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.

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, partially split wood and moving parts.

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

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

log must be the person 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.

EYEPROTECTION

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 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly&Set-Up

Contents of Carton

3

One Log Splitter
One Engine Operator's Manual

WARNING! Use extreme caution unpacking this

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

equipment.

NOTE:All references in this manual to the left or right side and
front or back of the log splitter are from the operating position

only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified.

One Tongue Assembly One Operator's Manual

Unpacking&Assemblingthe LogSplitter

TOOLS NEEDED: Safety glasses, leather gloves, wire cutters, pry bar
and/or claw hammer.

1. Usea pry bar or claw hammer to loosen and remove the
top of the crate.

2. Use a pry bar or claw ha mmer to remove the sides of the
crate, beginning with the short sides (or left and right side
of the log splitter). Set the sides of the crate aside to avoid
injury.

3. On the front side of the crate the tongue assembly is
attached on the inside of the crate with a ca hie tie. Cut the

cable tie to remove the tongue.

4. Remove the large plastic cover and discard.

WARNING! Do NOT remove any wood or cut any

straps securing the log splitter or its components to

the log splitter or the crate at this time. Only remove

straps and/or wood when instructed to do so.

5. Inspect the bottom of the crate for any protruding staples
or wood splinters and remove.

6. Remove any loose parts included with the log splitter (i.e.
operator's manual, etc.).

7.

Remove the spring clip and clevis pin from the jack stand
on the tongue and then pivot the jack stand towards the

ground into the operating position. See Fig. 3-1.

Figure 3-1

8. Secure the jack stand in position with the clevis pin and
spring clip. See Fig. 3-1.

9. With the log splitter still secured to the bottom of the crate,
remove two hex bolts and hex nuts from the tank bracket and

remove the piece of wood inside the tank brackets. See Fig. 3-2.

t_ Tongue He× Nuts "_

Tank Bracket "".....

Figure 3=2

j

10. Align the holes in the tongue with the holes in the tank
bracket and secure with the hardware just removed. See
Fig.3-2.

NOTE:The high pressure hose, which runs from the gear
pump to the bottom of the control valve, must be above
the tongue assembly.

11. The log splitter isshipped with the beam in a vertical
position. Remove any bolts or straps securing the end plate

to the bottom of the crate.

12,

Pull out the vertical beam lock, rotate it back, and pivot the
beam to the horizontal position until it locks being sure to
avoid any possible pinch points. See Fig. 3-3.

14,

Disconnect the dislodger from the beam weld bracket by
removing the six hex screws. See Fig. 3-4.

F

He× Screws

get

Figure 3-3

_lk WARNING! Take extra care when raising and

-- beam is recommended. Be sure to keep hands away

13. Remove the wood between the wedge and the end plate

lowering the beam as it is fairly heavy. Having a
second person assist with raising or lowering the

from any possible pinch points.

by cutting the cable tie that secures it. Cut the strap near
the hose on the front of the cylinder that secures it to the

beam weld bracket. Be careful not to damage the hose.

\

Figure 3-4

15,

Disconnect the log tray from the beam on the side of the
control valve by removing the two hex washer screws that

secure it to the beam and the two hex washer screws in the
beam. See Fig. 3-5.

Log Tray

J

8 [ SECTION2-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

Figure 3-5