Yard Machines 550, 560 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

LOG SPLITTER

MODELS

550 and 560

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning:

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.
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 arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-0363A

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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 YOUR LOG SPLITTER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL
HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING:

The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER:

this manual. 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.

Your log splitter was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in

1. TRAINING

• Before operating this splitter, read and understand
this operator’s manual completely. Become
familiar with it for your own safety. To fail to do so
may cause serious injury. Do not allow anyone to
operate your splitter who has not read this manual.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

• Never use your splitter for any other purpose than
splitting wood. It is designed for this use and any
other use may cause an injury. Your log splitter is
a precision piece of power equipment, not a toy.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.

• Never allow children to operate your log splitter.
Do not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your log splitter.

• Only the operator is to be near your log splitter
during use. Keep all others, including pets and
children, a minimum of 20 feet away from your
work zone. Flying wood can be hazardous. If a
helper is assisting in loading logs, never activate
the control until the helper is clear of the area.
More accidents occur when more than one person
operates the log splitter than at any other time.

• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated
or while taking medication that impairs the senses
or reactions. A clear mind is essential for safety.
Never allow a person who is tired or otherwise not
alert to use your splitter.

2. PREPARATION

• Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be
caught by moving parts of your log splitter and pull
you into it. Keep clothing away from all moving
parts of your log splitter.

• Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from
moving parts. Always wear protective hearing
devices as needed.

• Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can
seriously injure your foot.

• Always wear safety glasses or goggles while
operating your splitter. A piece of splitting log could
fly off and hit your eyes.

• Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight
fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings.

• Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good
artificial light.

• Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet, muddy
or icy surfaces. Safe footing is essential in
preventing accidents.

• Never operate your splitter while attached to a
towing vehicle.

• Only operate your splitter on level ground and not
on the side of a hill. It could tip, or rolling logs or
poor footing could cause an accident. Operating
the splitter on level ground also prevents the
spillage of gasoline from the fuel tank.

• Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly or
uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate
help.

• Always block the wheels to prevent movement of
log splitter while in operation.

• Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline
is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the
gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is running,
or while the engine is still hot. Replace gasoline
cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline
before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.

2

•

• Both ends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of
the splitter during operation.

3. OPERATION

Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the

log splitter.

Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind the

reservoir tank. See illustrations.

• Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls.

• Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between log and end plate
during forward or reverse stroke. To do so may
result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.

• Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in
any position could result in a serious injury.

• Do not step over your log splitter when the engine
is running. You may trip or accidentally activate the
splitting wedge if you step over. If you need to get
to the other side, walk around.

• Never try to split two logs on top of each other.
One may fly out and injure you.

• When loading the log splitter, place your hands on
the side of the log, not at the ends. Never attempt
to load your splitter while the splitting wedge is in
motion. You may get caught by the wedge and
injured.

• Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge
or control lever. Never use your foot or a rope or
any other extension device. This could result in
your inability to stop your splitter quickly enough to
avoid injury.

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

• Never attempt to split woods across the grain.
Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your
splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.

• For logs that are not cut square, the longest
portion of the log should be rotated down and the
most square end placed against the splitting
wedge.

• Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove
split wood around your splitter so that you do not
stumble over it. Clean chips and dirt off end plate
(wood platform) after each log is split, or whenever
necessary to maintain flat contact between wood
and end plate (platform).

• Never move the log splitter while the engine is
running.

• Never leave your log 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
splitting wedge and be injured.

• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless gas
can be deadly when inhaled.

• Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine
has been running. It will be HOT!

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from
the plug to prevent accidental starting.

4. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical
condition or when in need of repair.

• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose
clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition. Where
appropriate, check all safety guards and shields to
be sure they are in the proper position. Never
operate your splitter with safety guards, shields or
other protective features removed. These safety
devices are for your protection.

• Replace all damaged or worn parts such as
hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with
manufacturer approved replacement parts.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. This increases the hazard
of personal injury. The maximum engine speed is
preset by the manufacturer and is within safety
limits.

• Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as
attaching a rope or extension to the control lever or

3

adding to the width or height of the wedge. Such
alterations may cause your splitter to be unsafe.

• Perform all recommended maintenance
procedures before you use your splitter.

• Do not service or repair your log splitter without
disconnecting the spark plug wire and moving it
away from the spark plug.

• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside of a building where ignition sources are
present, such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers and the like. Allow the engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.

• Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly
sealed container. Store the container in a cool, dry
place. Do not store in a building where ignition
sources are present.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass,
leaves, wood chips, and excessive grease and oil.

• The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires
careful inspection, along with the mechanical
parts. Be sure to replace frayed, kinked, or
otherwise damaged hydraulic components.

• Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be
almost invisible. Do not check for leaks with your
hand. Escaping fluid under pressure can have
sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing serious
personal injury. Leaks can be located by passing a
piece of cardboard or wood over the suspected
leak and looking for discoloration.

• Should it become necessary to loosen or remove
any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to relieve all

pressure by shutting off the engine and moving the
control handle back and forth several times.

• Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or
reservoir while your log splitter is running. Hot oil
under pressure could cause injury.

• The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset
at the factory. Do not adjust the valve. Only a
qualified service technician should perform this
adjustment.

• Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This
guards against accumulation of fuel fumes which
could result in a fire hazard.

• Never store log splitter outside without a
waterproof cover. Rain will cause rust on the inside
of the cylinder.

5. TOWING

• This unit should not be towed on any street,
highway or public road without checking the
existing federal, local or state vehicle
requirements. Any licensing or modifications such
as taillights, etc., needed to comply with the
existing federal, local or state vehicle requirements
is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

• Before towing, be certain the log splitter is
correctly and securely attached to the towing
vehicle, and the safety chains are in place. Leave
slack in chains for turning allowance.

• Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter.
They can easily fall off and be seriously injured.

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.

KEEP HANDS AW A Y FROM WEDGE, END PLA TE, P ARTLY SPLIT WOOD AND MO VING P ARTS.
HOLD LOG ON IT'S SIDES NOT ON ENDS WHEN LOADING.

OPERATE THE LOG SPLITTER ON LEVEL SURFACE.
WEAR PROTECTIVE W ORK GLO VES, SAFETY SHOES AND SAFETY GLASSES, WA TCH

YOUR FOOTING.
NEVER OPERATE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.

DO NOT REFUEL A HOT OR RUNNING ENGINE.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

4

SECTION 2: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS

Always:

• Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly

• Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
or 10W non-foaming hydraulic fluid.

• Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)

• Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir

• Keep end of reservoir return tube below fluid
level

• Make certain pump is mounted and aligned
properly

• Use a flexible ‘‘spider’’ type coupling between
engine and pump driveshafts

• Keep hoses clear and unblocked

• Bleed air out of hoses before operating

• Flush and clean hydraulic system before start­up after any malfunction or servicing

• Use ‘‘pipe dope’’ on all hydraulic fittings

• Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood

• Prime the pump before initial start-up by
turning over the engine with spark plug
disconnected

• Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only

Never:

• Use when fluid is below 20 ° F.,
or above 150 ° F.

• Use a solid engine/pump coupling

• Force pump when mounting

• Operate through relief valve for more than
several seconds

• Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve
settings without pressure gauges

• Operate with air in hydraulic system

• Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings

• Warm up engine apart from pump in cold
weather

• Attempt to cut wood across the grain

SECTION 3: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operators Manual is an important part of your
new log splitter. It will help you assemble, prepare
and maintain your log splitter. Please read and
understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your log splitter for its
first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operators Manual. The
information on the model plate is very important if

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

you need help from your dealer or the MTD
customer support department.

• Every log splitter has a model plate. You can
locate it by standing behind the unit in the
operating position and looking down at the
hydraulic tank. .

Model Number

Serial Number

Figure 1

5

SECTION 4: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product
or if you have any question regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this log splitter, please

1-800-800-7310

call the Customer Support Department. You can
reach them by calling:

Before you call, make sure that you have both your
model and serial number ready. By having your model

and serial number ready, you help the Customer Sup­port Representative give you faster service.

SECTION 5: CONDITIONS WHICH WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY

1. Failure to maintain proper fluid level in reservoir
will void your warranty, causing permanent
damage to pump by allowing air to be drawn
into pump. Fluid will become foamy. Refer to
‘‘Initial Preparation’’ in the Operation section of
this manual.

2. Changing the relief valve setting or pressure
adjustment of control valve without proper
knowledge and instruction from the factory will
void your warranty. A very minor adjustment
could destroy the structural and safety limits for
which the unit was designed. The system will
produce more power than the structure will
withstand. Higher pressure could cause the
hoses to burst, cylinder to rupture and intense
fluid releases, which could result in serious
personal injury.

3. Disassembling the pump will void your
warranty. If replacement is necessary, merely
disconnect and replace. Do not attempt to
adjust pump settings, as they are adjusted by
the manufacturer at the factory.

4. Use of incorrect hydraulic fluid will void your
warranty. Use only Dexron III automatic
transmission fluid or 10W non-foaming
hydraulic fluid.

5. The flexible pump coupler must be inspected
regularly. Allowing the coupler to deteriorate will
void your warranty. Deterioration of spider insert
and prolonged use after deterioration will
destroy pump bearings and engine bearings,
along with total destruction of coupler hubs.

6. Improper beam lubrication will cause premature
wear and looseness. Lubricate the beam
regularly. Lack of lubrication will void your
warranty.

7. Improper adjustment of splitting wedge will void
your warranty. Become familiar with the proper
tolerance required for adjustment of the splitting
wedge as instructed in the Adjustment section
of this manual.
If wedge is too loose, cylinder beam and wedge
wear will result. Allowing the wedge to loosen
and be used under operating stress will cause
damage which will not be covered under
warranty.
If wedge is too tight, severe beam damage will
result which will not be covered under warranty.

8. Warranty card must be mailed or delivered
directly to factory. Proper information must be
completed and mailed as per instructions. No
warranty records on file may result in delay.

9. Do not overheat the hydraulic system.
Excessive heat will destroy the hydraulic
system with hardened O-rings and excessive
friction.

10. Do not attempt to start in temperatures under

o

20

F. without pre-heating fluid in reservoir.
Excessively cold fluid cannot circulate and draw
into pump. Warranty will be void.

11. Repair any leaks in hydraulic system
immediately. Unattended leaks will cause air to
enter system and/or decrease fluid level in
reservoir, causing damage to the hydraulic
system which will not be covered by warranty.

6