North Star M11954H, 11954 Owner's Manual
1
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 or 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, and logs 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 hold opening can puncture skin and cause severe blood poisoning. Inspect hydraulic 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 any 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 Product Support for ordering
information.
Keep a fire extinguisher with you that is rated for ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids
STOP!
ADD OIL TO ENGINE BEFORE USING: Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first
adding oil. See instructions on p.7.
VERIFY HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL: Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil. Verify oil level is 1” from top before
using. See instructions on p.8.
M11954H
ITEM NUMBER: 11954
SERIAL NUMBER:
Owner’s Manual
Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, & Storage
Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic machine that splits wood logs.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
Hazard Signal Word Definitions
2
3
Table of Contents
About your Log Splitter ................................................................................................................... 4
Safety Label Locations ..................................................................................................................... 5
Machine Component Identification .................................................................................................. 7
Initial Unpacking & Set-Up ............................................................................................................. 8
Moving and Towing to the Job Site ............................................................................................... 10
Before Each Use:
Step One: Inspection / Maintenance .............................................................................................. 13
Step Two: Refueling ...................................................................................................................... 16
Step Three: Work Site Selection & Set – Up ................................................................................. 17
Splitter Operation ........................................................................................................................... 19
Storage ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Periodic Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 25
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 26
Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 27
Parts Breakdown – Exploded View ............................................................................................... 28
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation ............................................................. 30
Limited Warranty ........................................................................................................................... 35
About Your Log Splitter
4
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.
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 ram that
pushes the log against a splitting wedge. The log splitter’s gasoline engine is used to pressurize the hydraulic
system.
This log splitter is designed to split logs up to 30” long and 24” in diameter, lengthwise with the grain only.
A power log lift is available as an optional accessory to assist in loading logs onto the beam for splitting. (Call
NorthStar at 1-800-270-0810 for ordering information.)
The technical specifications for your log splitter are provided on p. 26of this manual.
Follow all safety precautions presented throughout this manual. A summary of important safety information can be
found at the end of the manual.
Contact NorthStar Product Support 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 also provide personal instruction on how to safely operate the splitter and remain available to
answer any questions a renter/borrower might have.
Safety Label Locations
5
1
3
2
7
5
Reference
number
Part Number
Description
1
39257
Valve Plate Decal
2
39259
Waning Decal
3
777890
Fire Hazard Warning Decal
4
777891
Hydraulic Fluid Warning Decal
5
777892
Moving/Towing Decal
6
777896
Splitter Safety Rules
7
39260
Hot Muffler Decal
8
777888
Stuck Log Warning Decal
Call 1-800-270-0810 to order new safety labels.
WARNING:
Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or
not legible, order new labels because unsafe operation can result.
Safety Label Locations
6
Machine Component Identification
7
Ref
Description
Ref
Description
1
2” Ball Coupler
9
Engine
2
Wedge
10
Pump
3
Beam
11
Suction Strainer
4
Log Cradle
12
Hydraulic Tank
5
Ram 13
Return Filter
6
Control Valve
14
Hydraulic Tank
7
Split Control Lever
15
Tow bar Leg
8
Cylinder
16
Safety Chains
8
IMPORTANT!
Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil.
1. Step One: Add
engine oil
Add oil to the engine.
Using a funnel, add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark on the dip stick.
(See engine Owner’s Manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.)
2. Step two: Secure
Split Control
Lever
Secure the Split Control Lever in the operating position. Use following
procedures:
1. The Split Control Lever is shipped taped to the hydraulic cylinder. Untape to
release.
2. Raise lever until hole in lever aligns with the 2 holes on the control valve
bracket. Insert the clevis pin through the aligned holes.
3. Insert the cotter pin into the protruding end of the clevis pin. Spread the ends of
the cotter pin to lock the cotter pin in the clevis pin.
3. Step Three:
Inspect log
splitter
components
Closely inspect all splitter components. (See Machine Components section of
this manual on p. 6 for diagram of components.)
● If you have any missing components, contact Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
● If you have damaged components, contact the freight company that delivered the unit
and file a claim.
Clevis Pin
Cotter Pin
Initial Unpacking & Set-Up
9
4. Step Four: Verify
Hydraulic oil level
Verify hydraulic oil level.
Note: Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil.
1. Check hydraulic oil level:
a) Make sure engine is off and the cylinder is fully retracted.
b) Relieve all hydraulic system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth
several times.
c) Remove hydraulic oil fill cap. Verify that oil level is 1” from top of hydraulic
reservoir (not including fill neck)
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.
2. If hydraulic oil level is low:
Add 10 wt. AW32, ASLE H-150, or ISO 32 oil to 1” from top.
Note: The log splitter comes filled with LIGHT 150-ISO 32 hydraulic oil. If the
log splitter will be run for long periods of time in outdoor temperatures above
70oF, we recommend changing the hydraulic oil to DEXTRON III.
3. Replace fill cap.
5, Step Five:
Lubricate slide
rail beam.
Lubricate the surface of the slide rail beam with engine oil. This will help
prevent wear between the slide plates and beam.
Initial Unpacking & Set-Up
10
WARNING
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.
1. Engine off
IMPORTANT: Ensure log splitter engine is off.
Never move the log splitter with its engine running.
2. Fuel valve off
Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel
leakage.
3. Tow bar leg
DOWN
Lock the tow bar leg in the “DOWN” position before you move the log splitter
anywhere by hand.
4. 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 instructions on p. 17 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 Log Splitter by Hand
Moving the log splitter:
Moving & Towing to the Job Site
11
1. Read Instructions
Review towing safety instructions in your vehicle manual..
2. Check tires
Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair.
See tire sidewall for recommended tire pressure.
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.
Towing
Moving & Towing to the Job Site
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