MTD 500, 510 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Log Splitter

Model Series

500 & 510

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

770-10509E.fm

(5/2004)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Content Page

Maintaining Your Log Splitter 10 Storing Your Log Splitter 12 Trouble Shooting 12 Illustrated Parts List 14 Warranty 16

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

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. A sample model plate is also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing behind the unit and looking down at the hydraulic tank. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

www.mtdproducts.com

MTD LLC P. O. BOX CLEVELAND,OH 330-220-4683 800-800-7310

361131

44136

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.

The answer you are looking for could be just a mouse click away!

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.

The answer you are looking for could be just a mouse click away!

Engine Manual

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.

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

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, 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.

General Practices

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. 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.

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 fire fighting 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. 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. 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 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 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.

Maintenance and 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 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!”

9. Do not alter this machine in any manner, alterations such as attaching a rope or extension to the control lever, or adding to the width or height of the wedge may result in personal injury.

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. Some of the safety labels are reproduced here. Always follow directions on safety labels found on your equipment.

tis ps

DNAH YB RETTILPS

noitisop latnoziroh ni maeb kcoL •

noi

til

IVOM

NINRAW

GOL GN

aj kcoL •

•

n oD

ts kc

22423S

od ni dna

p nw

ols a nwod ro

o gol evom o

dnah yb e

OVA OT

da relpuoc f

I •

siaR •

A Y

UJNI D

:RETTILPS GOL GNIW

.no

itisop latnoziroh ni maeb kcoL •

rehgih ro I ssalC ot relpuoc hcattA •

llab "2 ht

hctaL

i tnemt

n s

.launam s'renwo ot refer

,dedee

yleruces hctal dna dnats kcaj

EPORP RO/D

col

kcehC •

.noitisop pu lluf n

ac yam de

.daor cilbup

EGAMAD YT

.elc

ihev wot ot sniahc ytefas hcattA •

pm 54 naht retsaf wot ton oD •

lor

tnoc fo ssol

esu

laredef dna etats ,l

yna no gniwot erofeb stnemeriuqe

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR LOG SPLITTER

Unpacking from Crate

• 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

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

Loose Parts In Carton

• Tongue assembly

• Tail light kit (optional)

Before Assembly

• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the log splitter is observed from the operating position.

Attaching the Tongue

• 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 on the log splitter.

Connecting Cylinder to Beam

• 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.

Ver tical Lock Beam

Beam

Assembling the Tongue

Attaching the Jack Stand

• 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.

Spring Clip

Bracket

Lock

Clevis

Tongue

Jack Stand

Hex Bolt

Washer

Hex Nut

Lock Washer

Figure 2

• Disconnect the dislodger from the beam weld bracket by removing the six hex screws and flat washers. See Figure 3.

Flat Washer

Hex Screw

Flat Washer

Dislodger

Beam Weld Bracket

Figure 1

Figure 3

+ 11 hidden pages