MTD 550 THRU 570, 24BF560D062 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
Log Splitter
Model Series
550 through 570
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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 LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10529C
(7/2003)
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
Storing Your Log Splitter .................................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 12
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 itinthe space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important ifyou 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) (Serial Number)
I B_Jlh'_ _ MTD LLC
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
BIm B B.XlIR! P.o. BOX 361131
lllo 4,138
www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731 0
eIiB® 330-220-4683
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 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
_ ARNING: 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 the State of California to cause cancer, 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.
GeneralPractices
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 proper operation. Know
how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years to operate this
machine. Children, 16 years and over, should read and
understand 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. Ifa 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.
5. 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.
6. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor immediately.
Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper
medical treatment is not administered immediately.
7. Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for safe,
secure footing.
8. 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.
9. This machine should be used for splitting wood only, do
not use it for any other purpose.
10. 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 in moving or rotating parts of the machine.
4. Make sure machine is on level surface before operating.
5. Always block machine to prevent unintended movement,
and lock in either 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 log splitter in daylight or under good artificial light.
9. 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,movemachinetoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
i. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflame,sparkorpilotlight
asonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
j. Allowmachinetocool5minutesbeforestoring.
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 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. 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. If a "Statement of
Origin" 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. 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 safetyP
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.
YourResponsibility
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. Some of the safety labels are
reproduced here. Always follow directions on safety labels
found on your equipment.
X XXX
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURLOGSPLITTER
UnpackingfromCrate
• Pry top, sides, and ends off the crate. Set panels
aside to avoid tire puncture 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.
WARNING: Use extreme caution unpacking
_lk, this machine. Some components are
heavy and will require additional people or
mechanical handling equipment.
very
LoosePartsInCarton
• Tongue assembly
• Bottle of engine oil
• Tail light kit (optional)
BeforeAssembly
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine to prevent unintended starting.
AttachingtheTongue
• With the log splitter still standing upright, remove
two hex bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts from the
end of the tongue. See Figure 1.
• Align the holes in the tongue with the holes in the
tank bracket and secure with hardware just
removed. See Figure 1.
NOTE: High pressure hose must be above the tongue
assembly.
ConnectingCylinderto Beam
• The log splitter is shipped with the beam in the
vertical position. Pull out the vertical lock beam,
rotate it back, and pivot the beam to the horizontal
position until it locks. See Figure 2.
Vertical
Lock Beam
3m
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the log
splitter is observed from the operating position.
AssemblingtheTongue
AttachingtheJackStand
• The jack stand is shipped in the transport position.
Remove the spring clip and clevis pin and pivot the
jack stand towards the ground to the operating
position.
• Secure the jack stand in position with the clevis pin
and spring clip. See Figure 1.
Clip
Bracket
Lock
Clevis Washer
Pin Hex Nut
Jack
Stand
Washer
Hex Bolt
Figure 2
Disconnect the dislodger from the beam weld
bracket by removing the six hex screws and flat
washers. See Figure 3.
Flat Washe
Hex Screw
_'_Dislodger
Bracket
Figure 1
Figure 3
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