North Star M11960U.1, 11960 Owner's Manual

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 hole 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: The engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first

adding oil. See instructions on p. 8.

VERIFY HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL: Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil. Verify oil level is filled to “High” mark on hydraulic tank gauge before using. See instructions on pg. 8.

ITEM NUMBER: 11960 SERIAL NUMBER:_______________

M11960U.1

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

Table of Contents

About Your Log Splitter................................................................................................................... 4

Attention: All Rental Companies and Private Owners who loan this equipment to others! ............ 4

Safety Label Locations ..................................................................................................................... 5

Machine Component Identification .................................................................................................. 7

Initial Unpacking & Set-Up ............................................................................................................. 8

Connecting Battery to Engine .......................................................................................................... 9

Moving & Towing to the Job Site .................................................................................................. 10

Before Each Use:

Step One: Inspection / Maintenance .................................................................................. 14

Step Two: Fueling ............................................................................................................. 16

Step Three: Work Site Selection ....................................................................................... 17

Splitting Operation ......................................................................................................................... 18

Storage ........................................................................................................................................... 24

Periodic Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 25

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 26

Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 27

Parts Breakdown – Exploded View ................................................................................................ 28

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation.............................................................. 30

Warranty Registration .................................................................................................................... 37

About Your Log Splitter

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 which 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. The splitter features 1) a power log lift that assists in loading logs onto the beam for splitting, and 2) a splitting wedge that can be adjusted to split logs into either halves, or for larger logs, quarters.

The technical specifications for your log splitter are provided on p. 27 of 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 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

Reference #

Part Number

Description

777335

Warning Decal

777890

Fire Hazard Warning Decal

777335

Kill switch/ Wedge Control Decal

777891

Hydraulic Fluid Warning Decal

777892

Moving/Towing Decal

305546

Hot Muffler Decal

777335

Lift and Split Control Decal

777888

Stuck Log Warning Decal

777887

Splitter Operating Instruction Decal

39259

CO Warning Decal

777335

Pinch Point Warning Decal

777898

Log Lift Crush Hazard Decal

        

 

                            



Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels or unsafe operation could result. To order replacement safety labels, call NorthStar Product Support at 1-800-270-0810. See table for title and part number.

Safety Label Locations

PN 777335

PN 777891

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

PINCH POINT Keep hands and

feet clear of wedge

mechanism.

PN 777335

WARNING

RUN

OFF

PN 777890

WARNING

FIRE HAZARD

Hot exhaust can ignite dry brush, trees, or grass.

Equip engine with a spark arrestor if you will be using

near ignitable forest, brush or grassy covered land.

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand that is rated for

ordinary combustibles & flammable liquids.

Towing log splitter:

Latch coupler securely to class 2 or higher hitch with 2" ball. Lock tow bar leg & jack both in the UP position. Attach safety chains to tow vehicle. Close fuel shut-off valve on engine (if equipped) Fully raise 4-way wedge and secure with travel pin. Secure log lift in upright position with travel pin. Do not tow faster than 45 mph. Higher speeds can cause loss of control. Check local, state, and federal requirements before towing on public roads.

PN 777902

MOVING/TOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Moving log splitter by hand:

Lock log lift in UPRIGHT position. Crank jack down so it's wheel

can be used to roll the splitter.

Lock support leg in UP position. Do not attempt to move log

splitter up or down slope by hand.

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.

WARNING

PN 39259

WARNING

PN 305546

BURN HAZARD

Do not touch hot muffler.

PN 777335

WARNING

Split Log

Loglift Up

Moving parts can crush and cut. Pieces can fly out while splitting. Follow safety rules for operating the log splitter or serious injury could result.

READ the Owner's Manual completely before operating. Only one person should operate the log splitter. If an

assistant is helping to load logs, the operator should not actuate controls until the assistant is at least 10 ft away.

Stay in the designated OPERATOR POSITION while

actuating the controls.

Split wood in direction of the grain only. Hold bark side of logs when loading. Keep hands away from wedge, endplate/ram, and partly

split logs.

Never leave log splitter unattended during operation. Stay off slopes and slippery surfaces.

See additional safety rules in the Owner's Manual.

LIFT AND SPLIT

CONTROL

Return

Loglift Down

Machine Component Identification

Ref

Description

Ref

Description

2" Ball Coupler

Hydraulic Tank Fill Cap

Jack 14

Hydraulic Temp Gauge/Oil Level Indicator

4-Way Wedge

Hydraulic Tank

Lift & Split Control

Engine Fuel Tank

Beam 17

Light Kit

Log Lifter

Engine Kill Switch

Ram 19

Wedge Control

Return Filter

Control Valve

Cylinder

Log Cradle

Pump 22

Tow bar Leg

Battery Box (next to engine)

Safety Chains

Engine

Carbon Canister

Initial Unpacking & Set-Up

IMPORTANT!

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

Step one: Add oil to engine

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.)

Step two: Inspect log splitter components

Closely inspect all log splitter components.

(See Machine Components section of this manual on p. 6 for diagram of components.)

● If you have 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.

Step three: Verify hydraulic oil level

Verify hydraulic oil level. Use following procedures:

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) Verify hydraulic fluid level is filled to “High” mark on hydraulic tank gauge.

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 the “High” mark on tank gauge.

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 700F, we recommend changing the hydraulic oil to DEXTRON III.

Step four: 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.

Connecting Battery to Engine

WARNING

Batteries are hazardous because they contain caustic acid, can emit explosive gases, and can cause electric shock.

Caution must be exercised when making connections to a battery to avoid shock and contact with the acid, and to prevent any sparking that could lead to an explosion.

ALWAYS follow the general safety rules, plus the instructions listed below in exact sequence, when connecting/disconnecting the battery.

Your log splitter's engine is equipped with an electric starter, which requires the installation of a 12-volt lawn tractor size battery (Group U1-7). The battery should have a minimum rating of 18 amp-hour. The battery is to be supplied by the customer and should be installed in the protective battery box located near the engine. Follow the instructions below for connecting and disconnecting the battery.

General battery safety rules

 ALWAYS use eye protection  NEVER smoke or work near sparks or other sources of ignition.  NEVER touch both battery terminals at the same time with your hand or any non-insulated tools.  If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, flush immediately with water and neutralize with baking soda.

Instructions for connecting the battery:

WARNING: Always connect the cables in the following sequence to avoid possible shock.

1. Find the battery cables located inside the battery box.

2. Connect the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

3. Then connect the black cable to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

Instructions for disconnecting the battery:

WARNING: Always disconnect the cables in the following sequence to avoid possible shock.

1. First, disconnect the black cable from the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

2. Next, disconnect the red cable from the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

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. Lock log lift in UP position

Raise the log lift to the full upright (vertical) position.

Never move log splitter when the log lift is down because the log splitter will be unbalanced and difficult to move, and the lifter is more likely to be damaged.

2. Engine off

IMPORTANT: Make sure log splitter engine is off.

Never move the log splitter with its engine running.

3. Fuel valve off

Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel

leakage.

4. Lock leg/crank

down

Crank the jack all the way down so that it is bearing the tongue weight of the trailer and the jack's wheel can be used to roll the splitter. (After the weight of the splitter is

shifted from the leg to the jack, the leg can either be locked in the up position or left down.)

Lock log lift in up position

Raise log lift cylinder to

up position

Crank jack to down position

Lock tow bar leg

Moving the log splitter

Moving and Towing to the Job Site

in down position

5. Move log splitter to work site or tow hitch

Roll the splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch for towing.

(See instructions on p. 19 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.

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.

3. Raise 4-way wedge and lock.

Fully raise up the 4-way wedge and secure it in position with travel pin.

1. Turn on the splitter and use the wedge control to raise the wedge to its highest

position.

2. Locate the travel pin behind the crank jack and use the pin to secure the wedge's

position.

4-way wedge

travel pin

storage

location

Insert travel pin for 4-way wedge here

4-way wedge

Towing:

Moving and Towing to the Job Site

4. Lock log lift in UP position

Secure log lift into the UP (vertical) position using the travel pin.

Locate the travel pin stored behind the crank jack and use it to secure the log lift in the vertical position.

5. Turn engine off

Turn engine off.

Never move the log splitter with its engine running.

6. Turn fuel valve off

Turn fuel valve off.

This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage.

7. 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.

4. Lock lever closed to secure the attachment. An optional locking pin or padlock may

be inserted in the locking lever hole for extra security.

8. Attach chains safety

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.

Locking lever (locked position)

Unlocked position

Housing

Lock nut

Insert travel pin for log lift here

Log lift

Log lift travel

pin storage

location

+ 26 hidden pages

North Star M11960U.1, 11960 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual