Troy-Bilt TB 33 LS Deluxe User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

LS 33 TB — Log Splitter

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-09924

(May 27, 2014)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Log Splitter. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly
operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls & Features ................................................ 11

Operation ................................................................12

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................15

1

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact us directly.
Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

Service .....................................................................16

Troubleshooting .....................................................17

Replacement Parts .................................................19

Warranty ................................................................ 20

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the top of the reservoir tank behind the engine. This
information will be necessary, should you seek technical support
via our web site, Customer Support Department, or with a local
authorized service dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊ Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.troybilt.com/tutorials

◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊ Write to Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

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 this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

2

Training

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

3. Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 16 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5. Many accidents occur when more than one person
operates the machine. If a helper is assisting in stacking
logs, never activate the control until the helper is a
minimum of 10 feet from the machine.

6. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 10 feet from
the machine while it is in operation.

7. Never allow anyone to ride on this machine.

8. Never transport cargo on this machine.

9. Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid pressures during
operation. Fluid escaping through a pin hole opening can
penetrate your skin and cause blood poisoning, gangrene,
or death. Give attention to the following instructions at all
times:

a. Do not check for leaks with your hand.
b. Do not operate machine with frayed, kinked,

cracked, or damaged hoses, fittings, or tubing.

c. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system

pressure by cycling the valve control lever from
forward to reverse several times while engine is
not running; returning to neutral before repairing
or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system
components.

d. Do not adjust the pressure settings of the pump or

valve.

10. Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or wood,
while wearing protective gloves and safety glasses, over
the suspected area. Look for discoloration of cardboard or
wood.

11. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor immediately.
Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper medical
treatment is not administered immediately.

12. Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for safe,
secure footing.

3

Horizontal

Vertical

13. If your machine is equipped with an internal combustion
engine and is intended for use near any unimproved forest,
brush, or grass covered land, the engine exhaust should be
equipped with a spark arrestor. Make sure you comply with
applicable local, state, and federal codes. Take appropriate
firefighting equipment with you.

14. This machine should be used for splitting wood only, do
not use it for any other purpose.

15. Follow the instructions in the manual(s) provided with any
attachment(s) for this machine.

Preparation

1. Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.

2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when
operating this machine.

3. Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might become
entangled in moving or rotating parts of the machine.

4. Make sure machine is on a flat, dry, solid ground before
operating.

5. Always block wheels to prevent unintended movement,
and lock beam in either the horizontal or vertical position.

6. Always operate this machine from the operator zone(s)
specified in the manual. See Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1

7. Logs should be cut with square ends prior to splitting.

8. Use log splitter in daylight or under good artificial light.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is

hot or running.

e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

refueling.

f. Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than

⁄-inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space

for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment and move machine to another area. Wait

five (5) minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light

as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas appliances.
j. Allow machine to cool at least five (5) minutes before

storing.

Operation

1. Before starting this machine, review the “Safe Operation
Practices”. Failure to follow these rules may result in serious
injury to the operator or bystanders.

2. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.

3. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or medication.

4. Never allow anyone to operate this machine without
proper instruction.

5. Always operate this machine with all safety equipment in
place and working. Make sure all controls are operating
properly for safe operation.

6. Operator Zone

a. Horizontal Operating Position: Stand on the control

lever side of the log splitter and stabilize log as
shown, if needed. See Figure 2-1.

b. Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the log

splitter and stabilize log as shown, if needed. See
Figure 2-1.

WARNING! When stabilizing log with left hand,

remove your hand when the wedge just contacts
the log or serious injury may occur.

7. When loading a log, always place your hands on the side
of the log, not on the ends, and never use your foot to help
stabilize a log. Failure to do so, may result in crushed or
amputated fingers, toes, hand, or foot.

8. Use only your right hand to operate the controls.

9. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time.

10. For logs which are not cut square, the least square end of
the log should be placed toward the beam and wedge, and
the square end placed toward the end plate.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

11. When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the log
before moving the control handle. Split as follows:

a. Place log on the end plate and turn until it leans

against the beam and is stable.

b. When splitting extra large or uneven logs, the log

must be stabilized with wooden shims or split wood
placed between the log and end plate or ground.

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

13. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood
around the machine so you do not stumble over it.

14. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

15. Never move this machine while the engine is running.

16. This machine should not be towed on any street, highway
or public road without checking the existing federal,
state, or local vehicle requirements. Any licensing or
modifications such as taillights, etc., needed to comply, is
the sole responsibility of the purchaser. If a “Statement of
Origin” is required in your state, see your local dealer.

17. Do not tow machine over 45 mph.

18. See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this manual for
proper towing instructions once all federal, local, or state
requirements are met.

9. Do not alter this machine in any manner, alterations such
as attaching a rope or extension to the control handle, or
adding to the width or height of the wedge may result in
personal injury.

10. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine 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 arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Maintenance and Storage

1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground
it against the engine before cleaning, or inspecting the
machine.

2. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system pressure by
cycling the valve control lever from forward to reverse
several times while engine is not running; returning to
neutral before repairing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing,
or other system components.

3. To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from the engine
and muffler areas. If the engine is equipped with a spark
arrestor muffler, clean and inspect it regularly according to
manufacturers instructions. Replace if damaged.

4. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose clamps, and
hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is in safe
working condition.

5. Check all safety guards and shields to be sure they are in
the proper position. Never operate with safety guards,
shields, or other protective features removed.

6. The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory. Do not
adjust the valve.

7. Never attempt to move this machine over hilly or uneven
terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate help.

8. For your safety, replace all damaged or worn parts
immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!

5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING — CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep hands away from wedge, end plate, partially split wood and moving parts.

BYSTANDER S
Keep bystanders, helpers and children at least 10 feet away.

SINGLE OPERATOR
Only one person should operate the machine at a time. The adult who loads and stabilizes the
log must be the person who operates control handle.

WARNING — PRESSURIZED FLUID
Never check for hose leaks with your hands. High pressure fluid can escape through a pin hole
leak and cause serious injury by puncturing the skin and causing blood poisoning.

EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.

WARNING — MOVING WEDGE
Keep hands away from wedge and moving parts.

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING! Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

• One Log Splitter • One Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual

3

WARNING! Do not remove the beam support or

attempt to remove the machine from the crate until
after you have completed all assembly steps.
See Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1

WARNING! Use extreme caution when unpacking

this machine. It is very heavy and may require
additional people to assist in removing the log
splitter from the crate.

Crate Disassembly

1. Use a pry bar or claw hammer to loosen and remove the
top of the crate.

2. Use a pry bar or claw hammer to remove the four sides of
the crate, beginning with the short sides (or left and right
side of the log splitter). Set the sides of the crate aside to
avoid injury.

3. Remove the large plastic cover, if present, and discard.

WARNING! Do NOT remove any supports or cut

any straps securing the log splitter to the crate at
this time. Only remove straps and/or supports when
instructed to do so.

4. Inspect the bottom of the crate for any protruding staples
or wood splinters and remove.

5. Remove any loose parts included with the log splitter
(e.g. operator’s manual, etc.).

Repositioning the Tongue Tube

For shipping purposes, the tongue tube is secured to the log
splitter frame near its center. To reposition it, refer to Figure 3-2
and Figure 3-3 and proceed as follows:

NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side of the
log splitter are from the operating position only.

Unpacking & Assembling the Log Splitter

Recommended Tools

• Safety glasses

• Two /-inch wrenches (or adjustable wrenches)

• Leather gloves

• Wire cutters, tin snips or utility knife

• Pry bar and/or claw hammer.

Figure 3-2

1. Remove the two three-inch hex screws and flange nuts
securing the tongue tube to the log splitter frame.

2. Carefully slide the tongue tube toward the front of the
machine.

7

3. Pull the beam lock outward, line it up with the hole in the

Clevis Pin

Spring Clip

beam bracket and release the beam lock. See Figure 3-3.

3. Carefully pry the small block of wood from the base of the
crate and position it beneath the jack stand. See Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-3

4. Fasten the tongue tube to the frame by reinstalling the two
three-inch hex screws removed earlier and tightly securing
with the two flange lock nuts. See Figure 3-3.

Positioning the Jack Stand

CAUTION: Do not attempt to move the log splitter

off of the crate base until after the jack stand has
been positioned downward.

The jack stand is shipped in the transport position. It must be
repositioned prior to fully removing the log splitter from the crate.

1. Remove the spring clip and clevis pin and pivot the jack
stand toward the ground, into the operating position.

2. Secure the jack stand in position with the clevis pin and the
spring clip. See. Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-5

Removing the Supports

CAUTION: Do not attempt to move the log splitter

off of the crate base until after the crate supports
and plastic tie-straps have been removed.

There are three tie-straps securing the log splitter to the crate,
one on the beam support and one on each side of the reservoir
tank, near each fender. There are also two supports found on the
log splitter crate, one beneath the engine and one beneath the
beam. Carefully cut and discard each tie-strap and remove and
discard each support. See Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6

NOTE: The jack stand, repositioned in the previous step, will
support the weight of the log splitter with the supports removed.

Figure 3-4

8 Section 3— ASSembly & Set-Up

4. Carefully reposition the log splitter off of the crate by lifting

Bow-Tie

Cotter

Pin

Control Handle

Clevis

Pin

up on the tongue tube, near the hitch coupling, and slowly
rotating the machine clockwise. See Figure 3-7.

Figure 3-7

Repositioning the Control Handle

The control handle is shipped hanging from the valve on the
handle link.

1. Remove the clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin from the
control handle. See Figure 3-8.

Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the engine manual packed with your log splitter. Read the
instructions carefully.

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

NOTE: Your log splitter is shipped with motor oil in the engine.
You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not
to overfill. Gasoline can be added to the engine when the log
splitter is in either the horizontal or vertical position. However,
it may be easier when the splitter is in the vertical position.

Preparing the Log Splitter

1. Lubricate the beam area (where the splitting wedge will
slide) with engine oil. Do not use grease.

2. Remove the vented reservoir dipstick, which is located in front
of the engine on top of the reservoir tank. See Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-8

2. Rotate the control handle into the operating position and
secure with the clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin removed
in step 1. See Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-9

NOTE: The log splitter is filled to the proper operating level
from the manufacturer with Shell Tellus® S2 M 32 Hydraulic
Fluid. However, you MUST check the fluid level before
operating. If not filled, proceed with the following steps:

CAUTION: Much of the original fluid has been

drawn into the cylinder and hoses. Make certain to
refill the reservoir to prevent damage to the
hydraulic pump.

3. Check the fluid level using the dipstick. See Figure 3-9. Do
not overfill.

NOTE: Approved fluids include Shell Tellus® S2 M
32 Hydraulic Fluid, Dexron® III/Mercon® automatic
transmission fluid, Pro-Select™ AW-32 Hydraulic Oil or
10WAW-ISO viscosity grade 32 hydraulic oil. It is not
recommended that fluids be mixed, to top off the reservoir
tank during initial set-up use Shell Tellus® S2 M 32 Hydraulic
Fluid only.

9Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

4. Replace the vented dipstick securely, tightening it until the
top of the threads are flush with top of the pipe.

5. Disconnect the spark plug and prime the pump by pulling the
recoil starter as far as it will go. Repeat approximately 10 times.

6. Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the engine
following instructions in the Engine Operator’s manual.

7. Use the control handle to engage the wedge to the farthest
extended position. Then retract the wedge.

8. Refill the tank as specified on the dipstick if necessary
NOTE: Failure to refill the tank will void the splitter’s

warranty.

9. Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete cycles to
remove any trapped air in the system (the system is “self­bleeding”).

10. Refill the reservoir within the range marked on the dipstick
if necessary.

NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the vent plug as
the system builds heat and the fluid expands and seeks a
balanced level.

Tire Pressure

The max recommended operating pressure is 30 psi. Do
not under any circumstances exceed the manufacturer’s
recommended psi. Maintain equal pressure in both tires.

WARNING! Excessive pressure when seating beads

may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force
sufficient to cause serious injury.

10 Section 3— ASSembly & Set-Up

Controls & Features

Log Dislodger

Control Handle

Log Tray

Vertical

Beam Lock

Dipstick

Horizontal
Beam Lock

Jack Stand

Hitch Coupling

4

See the Engine Operator’s Manual for the location and function
of the controls on the engine.

Beam Locks

Engine Controls

The beam locks are used to secure the beam in either the
horizontal position or the vertical position. The vertical beam
lock is located next to the engine. The horizontal beam lock is
located on the beam support latch bracket.

Control Handle

Use the control handle to move the log splitter wedge forward
and backward along the beam. It has three positions; Forward,
Neutral and Reverse. See the Operation section for instructions.

Dipstick

Use the dipstick to check the hydraulic fluid level.

Log Dislodger

The log dislodger is designed to remove any partially split wood
from the wedge while it is retracting. This may occur while
splitting large diameter wood or freshly cut wood.

Log Tray

The log tray is designed to catch the log after it is split.

Hitch Coupling

Use the hitch coupling to attach the log splitter to a towing
vehicle for transportation.

Jack Stand

The jack stand supports the log splitter while in the operating
position.

11

Operation

Horizontal

Vertical

Vertical Beam Lock

1

2

5

Pre-Start Checklist

1. Remove the dipstick and check hydraulic fluid level.
Refill if necessary. Approved fluids include Shell Tellus®
S2 M 32 Hydraulic Fluid, Dexron® III / Mercon® automatic
transmission fluid, Pro-Select™ AW-32 Hydraulic Oil or
10WAW-ISO viscosity grade 32 hydraulic oil. Check the
engine oil level. Refill if necessary.

2. Check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary.

3. Fill up with gasoline if necessary.

4. Lubricate the beam area where the splitting wedge will
slide with engine oil. Do not use grease to lubricate. Make
sure to lubricate both the front and the back of the beam
face.

5. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Starting the Engine

Please refer to the separately included engine operator’s manual
for detailed starting instructions.

WARNING! Read, understand and follow all the

instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this and the included Engine Operator’s Manual
before operating.

Using the Log Splitter

3. Place the beam in either the horizontal or vertical position
and lock into place.

WARNING! Take extra care when raising and

lowering the beam as it is fairly heavy. Having a
second person assist with raising or lowering the
beam is recommended. Be sure to keep hands away
from any possible pinch points.

4. To place the beam in the Vertical Position proceed as
follows:

WARNING! Always use the log splitter in the

vertical position when splitting heavy logs.

a. Pull the horizontal beam lock out to release the

beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.

b. To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out

on the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the
beam. See Figure 5-2.

WARNING! Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes,

ear protection and safety glasses when operating
the log splitter. Ensure safe footing.

Operating Positions

1. Place the log splitter on flat, dry, solid ground.

2. Block the front and back of both wheels. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-2

12

Figure 5-1