Swisher LSEK14534, LSEK14534-CA Owner's Manual

swisherinc.com

OWNER’S

M

ANUAL

MODEL NO.

LSEK14534

L

SEK14534-CA

STARTING SERIAL #:

L114-196001

LOG

S

Safety

IMPORTANT

Read and follow all Safety
Precautions and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.

REV 14-196

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, WARRENSBURG MISSOURI 64093

HONE 660-747-8183 TOLL FREE 800-222-8183 FAX [phone]

P

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

19199

A
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts

PLITTER

ssembly

Made In The

USA

LIMITED WARRANTY

The manufacturer’s warranty to the original consumer purchaser is: This product is free from defects in
materials and workmanship for the period's shown below beginning from the date of purchase by the original
consumer purchaser.

As required by CFR § 1060.120, the fuel system related components, which have been certified to this
equipment by SAI are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the
date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser.

We will repair or replace, at our discretion, parts found to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This
warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions:

Engine Warranty All engines utilized on our products have a separate warranty extended

to them by the individual engine manufacturer. Any engine service
difficulty is the responsibility of the engine manufacturer and in no
way is Swisher, or its agents responsible for the engine warranty. Engine

warranty and contact information is as shown in the engine owners manual.
Hydraulic System 1 Year
Materials and Workmanship 3 Years

Limitation This warranty applies only to products which have been properly

assembled, adjusted, and operated in accordance with the instructions

contained within this manual. This warranty does not apply to any

product of Swisher that has been subject to alteration, misuse, abuse,

improper assembly or installation, shipping damage or to normal wear of

product.
Exclusions Excluded from this warranty are normal wear items, normal or routine

adjustments, and normal or routine maintenance.

In the event you have a claim under this warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer.
All transportation charges, damage, or loss incurred during transportation of parts submitted for replacement or
repair under this warranty shall be borne by the purchaser. Should you have any questions concerning this
warranty, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-222-8183. The model number, serial number, date of purchase,
and the name of the authorized Swisher dealer from whom you purchased the splitter will be needed before any
warranty claim can be processed.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS
STATED HEREIN FOR ALL EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some states do not allow the limitation of

consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty may last, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights,
which vary from state-to-state. This is a limited warranty as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

TA

BLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY………………....….2

AFETY..……………………….3-4

S
TOWING..….……..……………..5
OPERATION……………………6-8
MAINTENANCE.……………….8

DECALS…..………….……………….9
PARTS BREAKDOWN…………….10-15
WIRING……………………………...15
TROUBLESHOOTING……………...16
SPECIFICATIONS..…………………18

2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

the rules for safe operation in this manual.

Your splitter is a precision piece of power equipment, not a toy. Therefore, exercise extreme caution

This Safety Alert Symbol indicates important messages in this manual.
When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and be
alert to the possibility of personal injury.

Read this manual completely. This machine can amputate hands, feet, and throw objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemica

cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your log splitter was built to be operated according to

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.

• Read and understand the manual. Learn to operate this equipment in a safe manner. Familiarize

yourself with all of the controls in a safe environment before starting to work with this machine.

• DO NOT under any circumstances alter this log splitter. This equipment was designed and

engineered in accordance with operating instructions. Altering this equipment, or using this
equipment in such a way as to circumvent its design capabilities and capacities, could result in
serious injury or fatality and WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

• Allow ONLY responsible adults who have read this manual to operate this machine. NEVER allow

children to operate this machine.

• NEVER operate or allow someone to operate this equipment while under the influence of alcohol,

drugs or medication. Being coherent is essential for safety.

• ALWAYS use outdoors with adequate ventilation. DON’T run the engine in an enclosed area.

Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can be deadly when inhaled.

• NEVER use splitter for any other purpose than splitting wood. Any other use can result in injury.

ls known to the state of California to

at all times.

• ONLY a single operator is to load and operate the log splitter. KEEP all others, including pets and

children, a minimum of 20 feet away from your work area. More accidents occur when more than
one person operates the log splitter than any other time.

• ALWAYS wear protective gear such as safety goggles, protective hearing device, steel-toed shoes,

and tight-fitting gloves without drawstrings or loose cuffs.

• NEVER wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught by moving parts of the splitter and pull

you into it. Keep hair away from moving parts.

• NEVER operate your splitter on wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. KEEP work area clean of split wood.

Safe footing is essential in preventing accidents.

• ONLY operate splitter on level ground with wheels blo

rolling logs, poor footing, etc. could cause an accident.

cked, not on the side of a hill. It could tip, or

3

•

NEVER operate your splitter near a flame or spark. Hydraulic oil and gasoline are flammable and can

al lands. A spark arrester muffler (optional by

NEVER attempt to load splitter while splitting wedge is in motion. When loading log splitter, place hands

ould be cut as squarely as possible to prevent the log from sliding out of the splitter

explode.

• NEVER fill gas tank while the engine is hot or running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

• This unit is equipped 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.

-NOTE-

n the state of California, the above is required by law (Section 442 of the California Public Resources Code).

I
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on feder
manufacturer) is available at your nearest engine dealer. Check legal requirements in your area.

• ONLY use your hands to operate the control lever. NEVER use foot, knee, rope or any extension device.

• Split ONLY one log at a time. NEVER attempt to split two logs on top of each other.

• NEVER place hands or feet between log and splitting wedge or between log and buttplate during forward

or reverse stroke. ALWAYS keep fingers clear of splits that open in log during splitting operation.

• DO NOT straddle or reach across the splitting area while operating the splitter.

• DO NOT step over splitter when the engine is running. You may trip or accidentally activate the splitting

wedge. Walk around to get to the other side.

•

on the sides of the log, not the ends.

• NEVER attempt to split woods across the grain. Wood may burst or fly out of your splitter and result in

serious injury.

• NEVER leave your splitter unattended with the engine running. Shut off the engine if you are leaving

your splitter, even for a short period of time. Someone could accidentally activate the ram and be injured.

• Both ends of the log sh

during operation. Log length should be kept to 24” or less.

• NEVER operate your splitter while it is attached to the tow vehicle.

• BEFORE towing, be certain that the splitter is securely attached to the towing vehicle and that the support

leg, beam, 4-way wedge and cylinder are secured in there respective towing positions.

• DO NOT loosen or remove any hydraulic fitting, line or reservoir cap while your splitter or engine is

running.

• Fluid escaping from a very small hole can almost be invisible. DO NOT check for leaks with your hand.

See maintenance section for instructions. IF injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once. Serious
infection or reaction can develop if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.

• DO NOT operate your splitter in poor mechanical condition or when it is need of repair.

• ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact the spark plug, to

prevent accidental starting the engine when setting up, transporting, adjusting or repairing.

4

TOWING SAFETY

• Do not allow persons to ride on splitter. Do not carry any cargo or wood on your

splitter. It may fall off and endanger vehicles that are following you.

• Be sure support leg is in the travel position and coupling secure. This must also be

retracted so as not to interfere while towing. Retract support leg by removing pin,
pivoting up, and replacing pin.

ever exceed 45 MPH while towing your splitter. Be extra cautious when traveling

• N

over rough terrain, especially over railroad tracks.

• Always be careful while backing your splitter. You could jackknife your log splitter

if not careful.

• Before using splitter, disconnect it from tow vehicle. A log could easily be pushed

forward into the vehicle.

• See proper inflation instructions on side of tires.

• Be aware of the extra length of splitter while turning, parking, crossing intersections,

and in all driving situations.

ADJUST COUPLER LOCKING PRESSURE ON BALL BEFORE USE. PLACE HANDLE IN LOCKED
POSITION WITH BALL IN COUPLER. TIGHTEN LOCKNUT AGAINST TENSION SPRING SO THAT
COUPLER IS NOT LOOSE ON BALL. CORRECT ADJUSTMENT WILL ALLOW HANDLE TO BE
RELEASED WITH MODERATE PRESSURE APPLIED TO HANDLE.

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

POSI-LOCK COUPLER

TO OPEN, PULL UP ON COUPLER HANDLE AND ROTATE FORWARD. PLACE COUPLER ON BALL
WHEN BALL IS COMPLETELY NESTED IN BALL SOCKET, ROTATE COUPLER HANDLE
BACKWARD UNTIL HANDLE IS IN LOCKED POSITION.

AFTER TOWING FOR 50 MILES, CHECK COUPLER FOR TIGHTNESS ON BALL. ALWAYS CHECK
TIGHTNESS BEFORE TOWING. BE SURE COUPLER HANDLE IS IN LOCKED POSITION.

NEVER EXCEED WEIGHT CAPACITY AND ALWAYS USE SAFETY CHAINS. ALWAYS USE
CORRECT BALL SIZE, MAKING SURE BALL IS COMPLETELY INSERTED INTO COUPLER. LOCK
COUPLER HANDLE SECURELY BEFORE TOWING. ALWAYS CHECK FOR DAMAGES AND
REPLACE IF DAMAGED. AVOID SHARP TURNS AND STEEP VERTICAL ANGLES WHEN TOWING.

WARNING:

5

ASSEMBLY

inder is fully extended, retract it.

This log splitter has been partially assembled at the factory. Refer to the drawings and part lists should it become
necessary to disassemble the unit for repair or replacement of parts.

Inspect all components for damage. If you believe you have a damaged part please contact customer service
immediately at 1-800-222-8183.

WARNING: Exercise extreme caution, as parts are very heavy. Sufficient persons or mechanical handling

equipment should be used.

Refer to uncrating and assembly instructions for assembly procedures.

OPERATION

INTENDED USE:

purposes. Doing so can cause injury or VOID THE WARRANTY.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped with oil but without gasoline in the engine. After assembly, see separate

Engine Manual for proper fuel and oil recommendations.

WARNING: DO NOT START OR RUN THE LOG SPLITTER WITHOUT OIL IN THE ENGINE AND
HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR.

FILLING THE HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR

Fill the hydraulic reservoir to the top mark on the dipstick or, depending on your Log Splitter model, to the lower fill
line of the reservoir with Dexron III / Mercon automatic transmission fluid, 10W AW hydraulic fluid or Pro-Mix
AW-32 Hydraulic oil. After the hydraulic reservoir and the engine crankcase are filled correctly with their respective
oils, set the throttle and turn on the fuel shut-off valve. Disengage pump via cold weather clutch (pull clutch handle
outward until secured in slot). Once engine is started then engage the pump system by pushing in the cold weather
clutch handle. The hydraulic pump should prime itself. With the engine running, move the hydraulic valve lever
toward the wedge. This will cause the cylinder to extend and expel air. When the cyl
Repeat this procedure several times. (An erratic movement of the cylinder and wedge indicates that there is air in the
system). Once the cylinder has a smooth and constant speed indicating that all air has been expelled, shut the system
off and refill the reservoir until the fluid is in the safe operating range as specified by the marks on the dipstick.

START UP
WARNING: DO NOT START OR RUN THE LOG SPLITTER WITHOUT OIL IN THE ENGINE

AND HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR.

See separate Engine Manual for fuel and oil recommendations. Your log splitter has come equipped with a fuel shut­off valve for towing purposes.
Before starting engine make sure crankcase is filled correctly with oil and the proper fuel has been used. The engine
will only start when the throttle lever and fuel shut-off valve are turned to their ON positions.

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Note: The engine may be equipped with an integrated automatic choking system.

1. Move throttle control to “FAST.”

2. Turn ignition key to the “ON” position to start engine.

3. If Engine is equipped with manual choke lever, pull choke lever out. (Depending on current conditions unit

may not need to be choked).

4. When engine starts, leave throttle control at “FAST.” The throttle must be set in the fast position for

maximum performance.

5. To stop engine, move throttle lever to “SLOW” for a few seconds then turn the ignition key to the “OFF”

position.

IMPORTANT: This engine is not equipped with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of
California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

This log splitter is intended and designed to only split wood. NEVER use for any other

6