North Star M1108D User Manual

M1108D

ITEM NUMBER: 1108, 1109, 1114

SERIAL NUMBER: _____________________

Owner’s Manual

Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing,

& Storage

22, 30, 37-Ton Log Splitters: Outdoor hydraulic powered

machine that splits wood logs.

WARNING

READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using log splitter.

All operators of this equipment must read and completely understand all safety information, operating instructions, maintenance and storage instructions. Failure to properly operate and maintain the log splitter could result in serious injury to the operator and bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, flying objects, burns, fire or explosion, escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid, or carbon monoxide poisoning in particular, be aware of the following hazards.

Crush and Cut Hazards

Moving parts can crush and cut hands and fingers. Keep hands clear of endplate, wedge, logs, and log strippers while splitting.

High Pressure Hydraulic Fluid Hazards

High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through even a pin-size hole opening can puncture skin and cause severe blood poisoning. Inspect hydrauli c system regularly for possible leaks. Never check for leaks with your hand while the system is pressurized. Seek medical attention immediately if injured by escaping fluid.

Fire Hazards

• If your log splitter is intended for use near an ignitable forest, brush, or grassy covered land, the engine exhaust should

be equipped with a spark arrestor. See the “Specifications” section of this manual to determine if your splitter already has a spark arrestor. If not equipped, call Northstar Customer Service for orderin g information.

Keep a fire extinguisher with you that is rated for ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids.

•

STOP!

SAVE BOLTS FROM PACKAGING: Some packaging bolts are used to assemble the log splitter. ADD OIL TO ENGINE BEFORE USING: Engine is shipped without ADD HYDRAULIC OIL: Your log splitter was shipped without

manual for instructions on filling the hydraulic reservoir INSPECT COMPONENTS: Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged. See Initial Unpacking & Set-up for instructions and for whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.

oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first adding oil.

hydraulic oil. Refer to Periodic Maintenance section of this

Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders

Call NorthStar Customer Service 1-800-270-0810

Hazard Signal Word Definitions

Table of Contents

About Your Log Splitter 4

Safety Label Locations

Machine Components Identification

Initial Set-up

Optional 4-Way Wedge Wings

Moving & Towing to the Job Site

Before Each Use:

Step One: Inspection/Maintenance

Step Two: Refueling

Step Three: Work site Selection & Set-up

Splitting Operation

Storage

Periodic Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Parts Breakdown – Exploded View

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation

Assembly Instructions

About Your Log Splitter

Thank you for purchasing your Northstar log splitter!

About Your Log Splitter:

This log splitter is a machine designed to split wood logs using a hydraulically powered moving wedge. The log splitter’s gasoline engine is used to pressurize the hydraulic system.

This log splitter is designed to split logs lengthwise with the grain only.

Your splitter can be used in either a vertical or horizontal splitting position:

• When the splitter is set up to operate in the horizontal splitting position

horizontal beam and the wedge moves horizontally into the end of the log to split it.

• When the splitter is set up to operate in the vertical splitting position

endplate, upright on its end, and the wedge moves down into the top of the log to split it.

The horizontal splitting position vertical splitting position is used for heavier logs that are difficult to load onto the beam.

The technical specifications for your log splitter are provided in the Specifications section of this manual.

is used for lighter logs that can be easily loaded onto the beam. The

, a log is placed on the

, the log is placed on the

WARNING

This log splitter uses a high-pressure hydraulic system to generate a very strong splitting force.

Read the manual completely before using the machine to understand how to safely operate and maintain it.

Follow all safety precautions presented throughout this manual. A summary of important safety information can be found at the end of this manual.

Contact Northstar Customer Service at 1-800-270-0810 for any questions about the appropriate use of this log splitter and/or optional accessories.

Warranty Registration:

Please fill out and submit the warranty registration card so that we have your contact information for any future product literature or replacement parts you may need.

Attention: All Rental Companies and Private Owners who loan

this equipment to others!

All persons to whom you rent/loan the log splitter must have access to and read this manual. Keep this owner’s manual with the splitter at all times and advise all persons who will operate the machine to read it. You must provide instruction on how to safely operate the splitter and remain available to answer any questions a renter/borrower might have.

Safety Label Locations

Reference number

1 39259 Warning Decal 2 777887 Splitter Operating Instruction Decal 3 777890 Fire Hazard Warning Decal 4 777891 Hydraulic Fluid Warning De cal 5 777892 Moving/Towing Decal 6 778593 Outrigger Leg Decal 7 778597 Horizontal Lock Decal 8 778609 Control Decal

9 778610 Log Splitter Warning Decal 10 778714 Vertical Lock Decal 11 778717 Log Stripper Decal

Part Number Description

Always make sure safety labels are in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels or unsafe operation could result.

Fig 02403

WARNING

POISONOUS GAS

This product's use gives off carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can kill you.

ONLY use outdoors and away

from air intakes.

NEVER use inside homes, garages,

or sheds. EVEN IF you run a fan or open doors and windows. See product manual for more details.

Safety Label Locations

PN 39259

ESCAPING HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC FLUID HAZARD High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in the hydraulic system. Hydraulic fluid escaping through even a pin-size hole opening can puncture skin and cause blood poisoning.

Inspect hydraulic system regularly for leaks Never check for leaks with your hand while system is pressurized.

Seek medical attention immediately if injured by escaping fluid.

WARNING

PN 777891

SPLIT CONTROL LEVER OPERATION

HORIZONTAL

LOCK

PN 778597

VERTICAL

LOCK

PN 778714

Machine Component Identification

Fig 02407

Ref Description Ref Description

1 2” Ball Coupler 11 Endplate 2 Horizontal Lock 12 Outrigger Legs 3 Lifting Handle 13 Engine 4 Cylinder 14 Hydraulic Tank 5 Hydraulic Oil Dipstick 15 Suction Strainer 6 Split Control Lever 17 Safety Chains 7 Control Valve 18 Vertical Lock 8 Wedge 19 Hydraulic Oil Filter 9 Log Cradle 20 Grease Zerks

10 Beam 21 Drain Plug

Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil.

See Assembly Instructions section of this manual to assemble the log splitter before set-up.

Step One:

Inspect Log Splitter Components.

Initial Set-Up

IMPORTANT!

Closely inspect all log splitter components.

(See Machine Components section of this manual for diagram of components.)

• If you have missing components, contact Customer Service at 1-800-270-0810.

• If you have damaged components, contact the Freight Company that delivered the unit

and file a claim.

Step Two:

Add Oil to Engine

Step Three:

Add Hydraulic Oil to Reservoir

Add oil to the engine. Using a funnel. Add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark

on the dipstick. (See engine Owner’s Manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.)

WARNING: High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole sized opening can burn or puncture skin, resulting in wounds that could cause blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death. Therefore, the following instructions should be heeded at all times when inspecting or servicing the hydraulic components of the log splitter.

• NEVER che ck for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of

cardboard or wood (at least two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end over the suspected area (wear eye protection). Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood.

• NEVER adjust the pressure of the pump or valve.

• If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at once. A

typical injection injury may be a small wound that does not look serious. However, severe infection or reaction can result if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with injection injuries.

1. Remove hydraulic oil dipstick.

2. Refer to the Specifications section for approximate hydraulic oil capacity.

3. Fill reservoir with 10 wt AW32, ASLE H-150, or ISO 32 oil. Use a funnel

4. Replace hydraulic oil dipstick.

5. Start engine and use control valve handle to extend and retract wedge 5 (five) times to remove air from the high pressure lines.

6. With wedge retracted, check oil level again. Fill if necessary.

WARNING: NEVER remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is running or hot. Hot oil can escape causing severe burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill cap.

Note:

If the log splitter will be run for long periods of time in outdoor temperatures

above 70F, we recommend changing the hydraulic oil to DEXTRON III.

Initial Set-Up

Step Four: Lubricate Keepers

WEDGE

Pump grease into grease zerks found under each keeper. This will help prevent wear between the keepers and beam.

BEAM

Fig 02408

KEEPER

GREASE ZERK

4-Way Wedge Wings

Optional 4-Way Wedge Wings

Wing Assembly

1. Unbox and identify components

2. Insert Nylon nuts into hex cutouts in wing

3. Position wings into proper locations on the wedge and bolt into position using supplied bolts

4. Tighten the bolts with a 3/8

”

hex wrench

Assembled View Exploded View

4-Way Wings create additional pinch points when the wedge is moving forward or

•

backwards. Keep hands clear of the wedge, wedge wings, and the log while the wedge is moving. When the log is caught on the wedge do not use the auto-return feature. Retract wedge manually, paying close attention so the log does not hit the engine or control valve. Pay particular attention to stringy wood, such as elm, because it becomes lodged on the

•

wedge easily.

To order call: Northern Tool + Equipment at 1-800-556-7885 Item Number 1143

The log splitter is heavy. It can crush and cause serious injury if it rolls out of control or tips over.

Follow the instructions below for safely moving and towing the log splitter.

Moving the log splitter:

1. Place in

Horizontal position

Moving and Towing to the Job Site

WARNING

Make sure the log splitter is locked in the horizontal position with hitch pin before moving

NEVER move log splitter when it is in vertical configuration because it will be unstable and could tip.

2. Engine off.

3. Fuel valve off (if equipped)

4. Lock:

● Front outrigger

leg DOWN

● Rear outrigger leg

IMPORTANT: Make sure log splitter engine is off.

Never move the log splitter with its engine running.

Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage. Refer to Engine owner’s manual for fuel valve location.

Lock the front outrigger leg in the “DOWN” position and the rear support leg

in the “UP” position before you move the log splitter.

Lock front

Fig 02409

outrigger leg in the down position

Lock rear outrigger leg in the up position

5. Move log splitter

to work site or tow hitch

Move log splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch for towing.

(See Before Each Use: Step Three: instructions on selecting a work site)

Important Safety Instructions:

• Hills. Do not move the log splitter up or down hills by hand—use a towing vehicle.

• No riding. Never allow anyone to sit or ride on the log splitter.

• No cargo. Never transport cargo or wood on the log splitter.

Moving and Towing to the Job Site

Towing:

1. Read instructions Review towing safety instructions in your vehicle manual.

2. Check tires Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair.

WARNING:

• Do not over-inflate tires. Serious injury can occur if tire explodes.

• When seating a bead after repair, do not exceed 30 PSI. Pressures higher than

30 PSI can cause the tire and wheel to rupture and explode.

3. Attach to hitch (2” ball)

Attach log splitter to vehicle hitch

1. Attach log splitter’s coupler to a class 2 or higher hitch with 2” ball (only).

2. Adjust coupler to ball by raising locking lever and turning lock nut with fingers.

3. Proper adjustment is obtained when coupler is as tight as possible on ball and

locking lever can still be opened and closed. Lock lever closed to secure the attachment. An optional locking pin or padlock

may be inserted in the locking lever hole for extra security.

4. Attach safety chains

5. Put front outrigger leg UP

Attach safety chains.

1. Two safety chains must be used while towing.

2. Cross safety chains under the coupler allowing only enough slack for vehicle

turns.

Move the front outrigger leg to the “UP” position and lock. (Both outrigger legs must remain in the up position during towing.)

Moving and Towing to the Job Site

p p

Attach coupler to class 2 or higher hitch with 2” ball. Latch Securely.

Fig 02410

6. Tow to desired location

7. Lock front

outrigger leg down & unhitch

Hook both safety chains to the towing

vehicle

Lock front outrigger leg in the u

osition

Lock rea

outrigger leg in the

up position

Tow log splitter carefully to desired work site. (See Before Each Use section on selecting an appropriate work site)

Important safety instructions

• Added length. Be aware of the added length of the splitter.

• Speed limit. Never tow this log splitter over 45 mph. Faster speeds may

result in loss of control.

• Rough terrain. Drive slowly and take extra caution when traveling over rough terrain.

• On public roads. If towing on a public road, make sure to comply with all local, state, and federal towing requirements. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to obtain licensing, trailer lights, safety chains or signage, as needed to comply.

• Unattended. Turn off the towing vehicle before leaving the splitter unattended.

• Under the influence. Never tow or operate this splitter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Lock front outrigger leg in the DOWN position and disconnect from vehicle.

NEVER operate log splitter while it is attached to the vehicle.

Before Each Use-Inspection / Maintenance

Step One: Inspect and maintain log splitter before each use

If the log splitter has been used previously, it must be inspected and maintained BEFORE EACH SUBSEQUENT USE.

WARNING

ALWAYS shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and relieve system pressure before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or repairing the splitter. Relieve system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times.

IMPORTANT:

If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Replacement parts that do not meet specifications may result in a safety hazard or poor operation of the log splitter.

1. Engine off / relieve pressure

2. Remove debris Remove debris from engine, muffler, and moving parts.

Perform all inspections/repairs with the engine off and hydraulic system pressure relieved.

1. Make sure engine is off and cool.

Disconnect the spark plug

Relieve all hydraulic system pressure by moving the Split Control Lever back and forth

several times.

1. Engine debris

. Debris on a hot engine can be a fire hazard. Clean debris and chaff from engine cylinder head, cylinder head fins, blower housing rotating screen, and muffler areas. Avoid contact with hot muffler.

2. Other debris

. Debris on moving parts can cause excess wear. Clear debris from the slide

beam, wedge, and endplate.

3. Fuel tank / lines Check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks.

Any fuel leak is a fire hazard. Fix any fuel leaks before starting engine.

4. Mechanical parts

Check to be sure that all nuts and bolts are tight to make sure the log splitter is in safe

working condition. Apply grease to grease zerks.

WEDGE

BEAM

KEEPER

Fig 02408

GREASE ZERK

+ 31 hidden pages