MTD 556 User Manual

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• ASSEMBLY • OPERATION • MAINTENANCE •

VERTICAL

LOG SPLITTERS

Models

523, 552 and 556

Model 523 Shown

Important: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and shouid 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

Made

Made in AMERICA

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.

IMPORTANT!

Record the exact Model No. and Serial No. 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.

FORM NO. 770-0363M

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS

ALWAYS:

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

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 13vel 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 Flush and clean hydraulic system before start jp 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

NEVER:

Use fluid below 0° R, or above 150° F. 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

CONDITIONS WHICH WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY

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. FI jid will become foamy. Refer to “Initial Preparation” in the Operation section of this manual.

2. Changing the relief valve setting or pressi re 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 will withstand. Higher pressure could cause the hoses o 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

ranty. Deterioration of spider insert and prolonged use after deterioration will destroy pump bearings and engine bearings, along with total destructon of coupler hubs.

6. Improper beam lubrication will cause pr« mature 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 a id wedge wear will result. Allowing the wedge to loosen and be used

under operating stress will cause dam age 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 re cords on file may result In delay.

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

and excessive friction.

10. Do not attempt to start in temperatures ur der 20° F. 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 in mediately. Unattended leaks will cause air to enter system and/or decrease fluid level in reservoir, causirg damage to the hydraulic system which will not be covered by warranty.

IMPORTANT

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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 YOUR LOG SPLITTER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL

INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-^ HEED ITS WARNING.

Your log splitter 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.

TRAINING

1. Before operating this splitter, read and understand this manual

completely. Become familiar with it for your own safety. To fail to do so may cause serious injury. Do not allow anyone to oper ate your splitter who has not read this manual. Keep this man ual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Never use your splitter for any other purpose than splitting wood. It is designed for this use and any other use may cause an injury. Your log splitter is a precision piece of power equip

ment, not a toy. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.

3. Never allow children to operate your log splitter. Do not allow adults to operate it without proper instruction. Oniy persons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your log splitter.

4. Only the operator is to be near your log splitter during use. Keep all others, including pets and children, a minimum of 20 feet away from your work zone. Flying wood can be hazardous. If a helper is assisting in loading logs, never activate the control

until the helper is clear of the area. More accidents occur when more than one person operates the log splitter than at any other time.

5. No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions. A clear mind is essential for safety. Never allow a person who is tired or other wise not alert to use your splitter.

DANGER

8. Only operate your splitter on level ground and not on the side of a hill. It could tip, or rolling logs or poor footing could cause an accident. Operating the splitter on level ground also prevents the spillage of gasoline from the fuel tank.

9. Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate help.

10. Always block the wheels to prevent movement of log splitter while in operation.

11. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is running, or while the engine is still hot. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

12. Both ends of each log must be cut as square as possible to help prevent the log from riding out of the splitter during operation.

OPERATION

^ 1. Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the log splitter.

Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind the reservoir tank. See illustrations.

’REPARATION

1. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught by moving parts of your log splitter and pull you into it. Keep cloth ing away from all moving parts of your log splitter.

2. Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from moving parts. Always wear protective hearing devices as needed.

3. Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can seriously injure your foot.

4. Always wear safety glasses or goggles while operating your splitter. A piece of splitting log could fly off and hit your eyes.

5. Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings.

6. Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good artificial light.

7. Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet, muddy or icy sur faces. Safe footing is essential in preventing accidents. Never operate your splitter while attached to a towing vehicle.

2. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the contro s.

3. Never place hands or feet between log and splittinc wedge or between log and end plate during forward or reversf stroke. To do so may result In crushed or amputated fingers 3r toes, or worse, you may lose an arm or foot.

4. Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in a ly position could result in a serious injury.

5. Do not step over your log splitter when the engine s running. You may trip or accidentally activate the splitting w idge if you step over. If you need to get to the other side, walk a ound.

6. Never try to split two logs on top of each other. One nay fly out and injure you.

7. When loading the log splitter, place your hands on the side of

the log, not at the ends. Never attempt to load your si ilitter while the splitting wedge is in motion. You may get caight by the wedge and injured.

8. Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge or control

lever. Never use your foot or a rope or any othe extension device. This could result in your inability to stop yDur splitter quickly enough to avoid injury.

9. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that ope i in the log

during splitting operation. They can quickly close and pinch or amputate your fingers.

10. Never attempt to split woods across the grain. Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.

11. For logs that are not cut square, the longest portion of the log should be rotated down and the most square end placed against the splitting wedge.

12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood around your splitter so that you do not stumble over it. Clean chips and dirt off end plate (wood platform) after aach log is split, or whenever necessary to maintain flat contfct between wood and end plate (platform).

13. Never move the log splitter while the engine is runnhg.

14. Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine

running. Shut off the engine if you are leaving your s slitter, even for a short period of time. Someone could accident illy activate the splitting wedge and be injured.

15. Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can be di adly when

inhaled.

16. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engire has been

running. It will be HOT!

17. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormal y, stop the

engine and check immediately for the cause, ''ibration is

generally a warning of trouble.

18. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain all moving

parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wi e and keep

the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental st irting.

3. Replace all damaged or worn parts such as hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with manufacturer approved replacement parts.

4. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. This increases the hazard of personal injury. The maximum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer and is within safety limits.

5. Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as attaching a rope or extension to the control lever or adding to the width or height of the wedge. Such alterations may cause your splitter to be

unsafe.

6. Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before you

use your splitter.

7. Do not service or repair your log splitter without disconnecting the spark plug wire and moving it away from the spark plug.

8. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a

building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers and the like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

9. Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container. Store the container in a cool, dry place. Do not store in a building where ignition sources are present.

10. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, wood chips, and excessive grease and oil.

11. The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires careful

inspection, along with the mechanical parts. Be sure to replace

frayed, kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.

12. Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be almost invisible.

Do not check for leaks with your hand. Escaping fluid under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing

serious personal injury. Leaks can be located by passing a piece

of cardboard or wood over the suspected leak and looking for discoloration.

13. Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to relieve all pressure by shutting off the

engine and moving the control handle back and forth several

times.

14. Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while your log splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could cause injury.

15. The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset at the factory.

Do not adjust the valve. Only a qualified service technician

should perform this adjustment.

16. Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This guards against accumulation of fuel fumes which could result in a fire hazard.

17. Never store log splitter outside without a waterproof cover. Rain

will cause rust on the inside of the cylinder.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

> 1. Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical l ondition or

when in need of repair.

2. Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is ii i safe work ing condition. Where appropriate, check all safety guards and shields to be sure they are in the proper position. N iver operate your splitter with safety guards, shields or other pr jtective fea tures removed. These safety devices are for your pr )tection.

TOWING

k 1. This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public

road without checking the existing federal, local or state vehicle requirements. Any licensing or modifications such as taillights, etc., needed to comply with the existing federal, local or state vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

2. Before towing, be certain the log splitter is correctly and securely attached to the towing vehicle, and the safety chains are in place. Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.

3. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter. They can easily fall off and be seriously injured.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Tools Required for Assembly

(1) Soft Hammer or Mallet (2) 9/16" Wrenches* (2) 1/2" Wrenches* (1) 7/16" Wrench* (1) Adjustable Wrench (1) Screwdriver (1) Pliers (1) Knife (1) Cutters *Adjustable Wrenches may be used.

Other Materials Required for Assembly:

Engine Oil Unleaded Gasoline Approximately 7.6 Gallons of Dexron II Automatic

Transmission Fluid or 10W Non-Foaming Hydrauiic

Fluid

Reservoir Beam Support/

Engine and imp Assembly

Assembly

Cradle Support Brackets

Model 523 Only

Log Cradle —

Model 523 Only

=IGURE1.

Tank Assembly Latch Bracket

Hitch Tongue Assembly

Light Kit

Model 523 Only

IMPORTANT: This unit has been shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service

engine with gasoline and oil before operating your log splitter. Refer to the separate engine manual.

UNPACKING

WARNING: Exercise extreme caution as parts are very heavy. Mechanical handling

Remove the log splitter from shipping crate as follows:

1. Using a pry bar or claw hammer, pry the top, sides

2. To avoid personal injury or tire punctures, move

3. Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

4. Referring to figure 1, confirm that all of the follow

5. Remove all loose parts, unbolt the engine assem

6. Most of the hardware for assembly of the log

equipment should be used, or sufficient people to prevent injury.

and ends of crate off the shipping pallet. Use care to avoid injury from protruding nails or staples.

panels away from work area and check shipping pallet for protruding nails or staples.

ing parts are present:

• Reservoir Tank Assembly (Banded to shipping pallet).

• Engine and Pump Assembly (Bolted to pal let)—Connected to Wedge, Beam and Cylinder Assembly by the Pressure Hose.

• Wedge, Beam and Cylinder Assembly (Banded to pallet).

• Tongue Assembly (Inside Beam Assembly).

• Wheels.

• Fenders (Not Shown).

• Carboard Carton Containing:

-|-Hitch Assembly A

-t-Beam Support/Latch Bracket

—Cradle Support Brackets (Model 523 Only) —Log Cradles (Model 523 Only) —Small Box containing Taillight Kit (Model 523

Only)

—Plastic Hardware Bag containing: 4 bolts,

washers and nuts for mounting engine; 2 hub caps; and 16 carriage bolts and flange lock nuts for mounting log cradles (Model 523 Only).

bly, and cut the bands securing the reservoir tank assembly and the beam assembly.

splitter has been placed in position on the various parts.

INSTALLATION OF WHEELS

Attach the wheels to the reservoir tank assembly as

follows. See figure 2.

1. Block up the reservoir tank assembly about 8 inches.

2. Remove the cotter pin, hex slotted nut and flat washer from each axle, and pull the plastic protec tive cap from the hub of each wheel assembly.

3. With the grease seal facing inward and valve stem outward, slide one wheel onto each axle. Use care to avoid dislodging the outer tapered roller bearing from wheel hub.

4. Place one flat washer just removed on each axle. Secure with hex slotted nut. Tighten slotted nut until snug, then back off approximately 1/3 turn or until one of the slots on the slotted nut lines up with the hole in the axle.

5. Insert cotter pins through slots in nuts and holes in axle. Secure by bending the ends of the cotter pins in opposite directions, using pliers and a screwdriver.

6. Check the assembly of the wheels. There should be no side to side play, and the wheels should spin freely.

7. Place hub caps in position on wheels, and tap on with a soft hammer or mallet. (It may be neces sary to use a screwdriver to tap on the raised rib of the hub cap.)

8. Check tires for correct air pressure.

FIGURE 4.

Hex Nuts

ATTACHING TONGUE TO RESERVOIR TANK

1. The tongue is shipped with the jack stand already attached to the tongue. The jack stand is in the transport position. Remove the spring pin and cle vis pin. Pivot the jack stand to the operating posi tion (90°), and secure with the clevis pin and spring pin. See figure 3.

2. Remove the two hex bolts, lock washers and hex nuts on the front of the reservoir tank. Two 9/16" wrenches are required. Place the tongue in posi tion with jack stand facing down, and secure with hardware just removed. Remove the assembly from the blocks. See figure 4.

ATTACHING THE BEAM SUPPORT/

LATCH BRACKET

1. Remove the two hex bolts, lock washers and hex nuts from the tongue, using two 9/16" wrenches.

2. Place the beam support/latch bracket on the tongue as shown in figure 5. Secure with hex bolts, lock washers and hex nuts just removed. Tighten securely.

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