MTD 501A, 500A Owner’s Manual

• ASSEMBLY • OPERATION • MAINTENANCE •

VERTICAL

LOG SPLITTERS

Model Series

500 and 501

IMPORTANT!

Record the exact Model No. and Serial No.

Important:

Read Safety Rules

and Instructions Carefully

which appear on the frame of your unit in the
space below. You must have these numbers,
along with the date of purchase, in order to
receive warranty or service.

MEETS ANSI SAFETY STANDARDS

MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.

24,-A 0DA[

Wade

In
AMERICA

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 attester 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.

III

FORM NO. 770-0364M

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS

ALWAYS: NEVER:

t

Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly
Use Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid or

10W non-foaming hydraulic fluid.

Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)
Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir

Keep end of reservoir return tube below fluid level
Make certain pump is mounted and aligned properly
Use a flexible "spider" type coupling between engine

and pump driveshafts

Keep hoses clear and unblocked

Bleed air out of hoses before operating

Use fluid below 0° R, or above 150° R

Use a solid engine/pump coupling
Force pump when mounting

Operate through relief valve for more than several

seconds

Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve settings

without pressure gauges

Operate with air in hydraulic system

Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings

Warm up engine apart from pump in cold weather

Attempt to cut wood across the grain

Flush and clean hydraulic system before startup after

any malfunction or servicing

Use "pipe dope" on all hydraulic fittings

Allow time for warmup before splitting wood

Prime the pump before initial startup by turning over

the engine with spark plug disconnected

Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only

CONDITIONS WHICH WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY

III I J 11 II

1. Failure to maintain proper fluid level in reservoir will void your warranty, causing permanent damage to pump
by allowing air to be drawn into pump. Fluid will become foamy. Refer to "Initial Preparation" in the Operation

section of this manual.

2. Changing the relief valve setting or pressure adjustment of control valve without proper knowledge and instruc-
tion from the factory will void your warranty. A very minor adjustment could destroy the structural and safety

limits for which the unit was designed. The system will produce more power than the structure wil! withstand.
Higher pressure could cause the hoses to burst, cylinder to rupture and intense fluid releases, which could
result in serious personal injury.

3. Disassembling the pump will void your warranty. If replacement is necessary, merely disconnect and replace.
Do not attempt to adjust pump settings, as they are adjusted by the manufacturer at the factory.

4. Use of incorrect hydraulic fluid will void your warranty. Use only Dexron II automatic transmission fluid or 10W

non-foaming hydraulic fluid.

5. The flexible pump coupler must be inspected regularly. Allowing the coupler to deteriorate will void your war-
rarity. Deterioration of spider insert and prolonged use after deterioration will destroy pump bearings and

engine bearings, along with total destruction of coupler hubs.

6. Improper beam lubrication will cause premature wear and looseness. Lubricate the beam regularly. Lack of

lubrication will void your warranty.

7. Improper adjustment of splitting wedge will void your warranty. Become familiar with the proper tolerance

required for adjustment of the splitting wedge as instructed in the Adjustment section of this manual.
a. If wedge is too loose, cylinder beam and wedge wear will result. Allowing the wedge to loosen and be used

under operating stress will cause damage which will not be covered under warranty.

b. If wedge is too tight, severe beam damage will result which will not be covered under warranty.

8. Warranty card must be mailed or delivered directly to factory. Proper information must be completed and
mailed as per instructions. No warranty records on file may result in delay.

9. Do not overheat the hydraulic system. Excessive heat wilt destroy the hydraulic system with hardened O-rings

and excessive friction.

10. Do not attempt to start in temperatures under 20 ° R without pre-heating fluid in reservoir. Excessively cold fluid
cannot circulate and draw into pump. Warranty will be void.

11. Repair any leaks in hydraulic system immediately. Unattended leaks will cause air to enter system and!or
decrease fluid level in reservoir, causing damage to the hydraulic system which will not be covered by

warranty.

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