MTD 560, 530, 510, 24AB541E062 Owner’s Manual

YARDMACHINES

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

LOG SPLITTER

VERTICAL

SHAFT

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit isequipped 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 PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10055A

(5/99)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new log splitter. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your log splitter. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your log splitter for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operator's Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need

help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every log splitter has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating
position and looking down at the hydraulic tank. See Figure 1.

I

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136 •

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

This is where your model number will be.

This is where your serial number will be.

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER m Record this information in the space

provided. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,

operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your
call can be processed.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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 YOUR LOG SPLITTER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH

THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL
HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: 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.

2

1. TRAINING

• Before operating this splitter, read and understand
this operator's manual completely. Become famil-

iar 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 manual in a safe place for future and reg-
ular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• 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 equipment, not a toy.

Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.

• Never allow children to operate your log splitter. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper instruc-

tion. Only persons well acquainted with these rules
of safe operation should be allowed to use your log

splitter.

• Only the operator is to be near your log splitter dur-

ing use. Keep all others, including pets and chil-
dren, 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.

• 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 otherwise not
alert to use your splitter.

=

PREPARATION

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

• Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from
moving parts. Always wear protective hearing

devices as needed.

• Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can seri-

ously injure your foot.

• Always wear safety glasses or goggles while oper-

ating your splitter. A piece of splitting log could fly

off and hit your eyes.

• Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight fit-

ting without loose cuffs or draw strings.

• Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good arti-

ficial light.

• Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet, muddy
or icy surfaces. Safe footing is essential in prevent-
ing accidents.

• Never operate your splitter while it's still attached to
a towing vehicle.

• 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 spill-
age of gasoline from the fuel tank.

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

help.
Always block the wheels to prevent movement of

log splitter while in operation.

Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline

is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gaso-
line 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 explo-

sion.

• 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.

3. OPERATION

Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the
log splitter.
Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind the

reservoir tank. See illustrations.

Know how to stop the unit and disengage the con-
trols.

• Never place hands or feet between log and split-
ting wedge or between log and end plate during for-
ward or reverse stroke. To do so may result in
crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or worse,
you may lose an arm or foot.

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

• Do not step over your log splitter when the engine

is running. You may trip or accidentally activate the

3

splitting wedge if you step over. If you need to get
to the other side, walk around.

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

• When loading the log splitter, place your hands on
the side of the log, not at the ends. Never attempt

to load your splitter while the splitting wedge is in
motion. You may get caught by the wedge and

injured.

• Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge
or control lever. Never use your foot or a rope or
any other extension device. This could result in
your inability to stop your splitter quickly enough to

avoid injury.

• Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log during splitting operation. They can
quickly close and pinch or amputate your fingers.

• 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.

• For logs that are not cut square, the longest por-

tion of the log should be rotated down and the most

square end placed against the splitting wedge.

• 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 each log is split, or whenever
necessary to maintain flat contact between wood

and end plate (platform).

• Never move the log splitter while the engine is run-
ning.

• Never leave your log splitter unattended with the

engine running. Shut off the engine if you are leav-
ing your splitter, even for a short period of time.

Someone could accidentally activate the splitting
wedge and be injured.

• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless gas
can be deadly when inhaled.

• Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine
has been running. It will be HOT!

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make cer-

tain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the

spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting.

4. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical

condition or when in need of repair.

Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose

clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition. Where
appropriate, check all safety guards and shields to
be sure they are in the proper position. Never oper-
ate your splitter with safety guards, shields or other

protective features removed. These safety devices
are for your protection.

• Replace all damaged or worn parts such as
hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with manu-

facturer approved replacement parts.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or

overspeed the engine. This increases the hazard of
personal injury. The maximum engine speed is pre-
set by the manufacturer and is within safety limits.

• 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.

• Perform all recommended maintenance proce-

dures before you use your splitter.

• Do not service or repair your log splitter without dis-

connecting the spark plug wire and moving it away
from the spark plug.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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 suffi-

cient force to penetrate skin, causing serious per-
sonal injury. Leaks can be located by passing a
piece of cardboard or wood over the suspected

leak and looking for discoloration.

• 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.

• Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or

reservoir while your log splitter is running. Hot oil
under pressure could cause injury.

• The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset
at the factory. Do not adjust the valve. Only a quali-

fied service technician should perform this adjust-
ment.

Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This
guards against accumulation of fuel fumes which

could result in a fire hazard.
Never store log splitter outside without a water-

proof cover. Rain will cause rust on the inside of
the cylinder.

4

5. TOWING

This unit should not be towed on any street, high-
way 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.

*If a "Statement of Origin" is required in your state,
see your local dealer to receive one.

• Before towing, be certain the log splitter is cor-
rectly and securely attached to the towing vehicle,

and the safety chains are in place. Leave slack in
chains for turning allowance.

• Use a class I or higher hitch ball with a 1-7/8" ball.
Keep ball socket and clamp face lubricated with
chassis grease.

• Be sure the coupler is secured to the hitch ball and
the lock lever is down tight and locked.

• Check vehicle hitch, ball and coupler for signs of
wear or damage. Replace any parts that are worn
or damaged before towing.

• The coupler must be secured to the log splitter
tongue tube with the original equipment bolts and

nuts. See your local dealer for replacement parts.
Coupler nuts should be tightened securely (23 foot

pounds).

• Make sure beam assembly is securely latched in

the horizontal position and jack stand (if provided)
is pivoted and secured in the UP position before
towing the log splitter. Never tow with the beam in
the vertical position.

• Do NOT tow the log splitter faster than 45 MPH.

Higher speeds may damage the log splitter. Exces-
sive speeds may cause the log splitter to "fishtail"

or otherwise become unstable.

• Check the tire pressure on log splitter tires. 30 PSI

is the maximum for highway travel.

• When parking, storing or operating your log split-
ter, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt will not

build up in the ball socket.

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

,_ WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who

i $30230

I _ OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS

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read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

MOVING LOG SPLITTER BY HAND:

Lock beam in horizontal position.
Lock jack stand in down position.
Do not attempt to move log splitter

up or down a slope by hand

3.S_thee_lneI[l_lZieatms,humspeed. _"._ . •

Lock beam in horizontal position.
Attach coupler to Class I or higher hitch with 1-7/8" ball. Latch securely.
Raise jack stand and latch securely in full up position.
Attach safety chains to tow vehicle.

I TOWING LOG SPLITTER:

Do not tow faster than 45 mph. High speed may cause loss of control.
Check local Tstate and federal requirements before towin,_ on any public road.

READ OPERATOR S MANUAL

L _ 1' 9.Movear_er'eebotha_e °PPOSPO_ spl_ngdize_l°_t° '_'_z'd_ew4ge. HORIZONTAL

Figure 2 Safety labels found on unit

5

SECTION 4: UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

• Crowbar or Large Screwdriver

• Adjustable Wrenches

• Screwdriver

• Cutters

• Engine Oil

• Unleaded Gasoline

• Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or
10W AW hydraulic fluid (approximately 7 gal-

lons)

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

handling equipment should be used, or

sufficient people to prevent injury.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT

GASOLINE or OIL in the engine. After assem-
bly, see separate engine operator's manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

1. Pry the top, sides and ends off crate using a
crowbar or large screwdriver.

2. Set panels aside to avoid tire punctures or per-
sonal injury.

3. Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

Note: Do Not remove the banding from around the

tank until the log splitter is assembled.

4. Remove the two bolts, lock washers and hex
nuts that secure the tongue assembly to the

beam assembly. Unlock the two beam locks by
pulling out on the beam locks and pivoting them

down. Remove the tongue assembly.
See Figure 3.

Bracket Tongue

Assembly

Horizontal

5. Place the end of the tongue assembly in
between the brackets on the wheel and reser-

voir tank assembly. Secure with hardware just

removed and tighten to 23 ft-lbs. See Figure 3.

6. Remove the spring clip and clevis pin from the

jack stand. Pivot the jack stand to the operating
position (90°), and secure with spring pin and
clevis pin. See Figure 4.

Tongue
Assembly

Jack Stand

Clevis Pin

Cli

Spring

Figure 4

.

Cut the two straps from around the reservoir

tank assembly.

8.

Remove the lag screw and washer which

secures the beam assembly to the bottom of the
crate.

9. Lower the beam assembly to its horizontal posi-
tion. Make certain the beam is locked securely
with the horizontal beam lock. See Figure 5.

10. Pull the log splitter off the pallet.

Vertical

Hex
Nuts

Lock

Washers

Figure 3

Hex
Bolts

Horizontal
Beam Lock

Figure 5

6