Setting up your log splitter warning – MTD 510 User Manual
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3. Disconnect the log cradle from the beam on the side
of the control valve. See Figure 3-5.
4. Lift and slide the cylinder up to the top of beam and
into the weld brackets. See Figure 3-6.
5. Attach the dislodger over the wedge assembly and
secure with hardware, previously removed, to the weld 
brackets.
NOTE: Once the six hex screws are tightened, there 
may be a slight gap between the dislodger and the weld 
brackets. This gap is normal.
6. Reattach the log cradle to the side of the beam with 
the control valve, aligning the ends of the cradle with 
the beam flanges.
7. Roll log splitter off the bottom crate.
Preparing the Log Splitter
1. Lubricate the beam area (where the splitting wedge
will slide) with engine oil; do not use grease.
2. Remove vented reservoir dipstick, which is located in
front of the engine on top of the reservoir tank. See 
Figure 3-7.
IMPORTANT: The log splitter may have been shipped 
and primed with hydraulic fluid in the reservoir tank. If not, 
proceed with the following steps:
3. Fill the reservoir tank with hydraulic fluid included with
this unit (if equipped) or approved fluids which include 
Dexron® III / Mercon® III automatic transmission fluid, 
a 10 Weight AW hydraulic oil or Pro-Mix™ AW-32 
Hydraulic Oil.
4. Check fluid level using the dipstick. See Figure 3-7. Do
not overfill.
5. Replace vented dipstick securely, tightening it until the
top of the threads are flush with top of the pipe.
6. Disconnect the spark plug and prime the pump by
pulling the recoil starter as far as it will go. Repeat 
approximately 10 times.
7. Reconnect the spark plug wire and start engine
following instructions in the OPERATION section.
8. Use control handle to engage the wedge to the
farthest extended position. Then retract the wedge.
9. Refill tank as specified on the dipstick.
NOTE: Failure to refill the tank will void unit’s warranty.
10. Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete cycles 
to remove trapped air in the system (the system is 
“self-bleeding”).
11. Refill reservoir within range marked on the dipstick.
WARNING: 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
Setting Up
Your Log
Splitter
WARNING
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.
NOTE: Some fluid may 
overflow from the vent 
plug as the system 
builds heat and the 
fluid expands and 
seeks a balanced level.
Figure 3-7
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-5
NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the vent plug as 
the system builds heat and the fluid expands and seeks 
a balanced level.
 IMPORTANT:
The log splitter may 
have been shipped and 
primed with hydraulic 
fluid in the reservoir 
tank. If not, proceed 
with the following 
steps:
