MTD 5DM - Manual (Page 10)

10
4
Operating
Your Log
Splitter
Figure 4-5
Forward
Neutral
Reverse
Stopping Log Splitter
1. Turn off the engine switch.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Remove locking pin.
4. Return cylinder back to original position.
5. Place locking pin back into cylinder base to lock unit.
Before Each Use
1. Remove the oil plug and check hydraulic fluid level on
level ground. Maintain fluid level to just below oil plug.
Refill if necessary. Approved fluids include Dexron®
III, or 10 weight AW hydraulic oil.
2. Check engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
3. Fill up gasoline if necessary.
4. Lubricate the beam area where cylinder will slide with
engine oil. Do not use grease to lubricate. Make sure
to lubricate both the top and bottom of the beam face.
5. Attach spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Using the Log Splitter
IMPORTANT: Always operate on level ground, otherwise
fluid may be forced out through the air vent hole.
1. Block the front and back of both wheels.
2. Place the log against the splitting wedge. Only split
wood in the direction of the grain.
3. Stabilize log, if needed, with your left hand on the
side of the log only. Never place hand on the end
between the log and the ram.
IMPORTANT: Only one adult should stabilize the log and
operate the hydraulic valve control, so the operator has
full control over the log and the ram.
4. Move hydraulic valve control FORWARD until ram
touches log. Release the hydraulic valve control to
NEUTRAL position to stop the ram movement. See
Figure 4-5.
5. Remove your left hand from log. Move hydraulic valve
control FORWARD to split log.
6. Move hydraulic valve control BACK to fully retract the
ram to the locked position.
WARNING: Never remove partially split
wood from the wedge with your hands.
Fingers may become trapped between
split wood.
WARNING
Never remove partially
split wood from the
wedge with your
hands. Fingers may be-
come trapped between
split wood.