MTD 556 - Manual (Page 12)

SPLITTING WEDGE
As normal wear occurs, periodically adjust the bolts on
the side of the wedge plate as follows to elimir ate the
excess space between the wedge plate and th(i beam.
See figure 17.
1. Loosen the three hex bolts on top of the wedge
plate (beneath the splitting wedge).
2. Loosen the jam nuts on the two adjustment bolts
on the side of the gib plate, located benr ath the
splitting wedge. Turn the adjustment bolts in until
snug, then back them off slowly until the wedge
assembly will slide on the beam.
3. Tighten the jam nuts securely against the c ib plate
to hold the adjustment bolts in this positior.
4. Retighten the three hex bolts on top of the wedge
plate.
Hex Bolts
Periodically remove and replace the “gibs” (spacers)
between the wedge plate and the back plate as
follows.
NOTE: If desired, the gibs may be rotated and/or
turned over for even wear.
1. Remove the center bolt on top of the wed ^e plate.
Slide the gib plate out. See figure 17.
2. Remove and replace the gibs. Reassemble the
gib plate, making certain flat washers are in place
under the gib plate.
3. Readjust the bolts on the side of the wee ge plate
as instructed above.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
A WARNING: If any adjustments are made to
the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of al moving
parts. Be carefui of heated surfaces and
muffler.
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to com­
pensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or
load. Improper adjustment will cause stalling when
splitter is under load, hard starting and higher fuel con­
sumption.
Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your
log splitter for carburetor adjustment information.
NOTE: A dirty air cieaner wiii cause engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is dean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor. Do not
make unnecessary adjustments. Factory settings are
satisfactory for most applications and conditions.
MAINTENANCE
A WARNING: Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark piug wire before
performing any maintenance or repairs.
RESERVOIR FLUID
Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter reser­
voir tank before each use. Fluid level should be 1-1/2"
to 2" from the top of the tank.
Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100
hours of operation. Disconnect the suction hose from
the bottom of the reservoir tank, and drain the fluid into
a suitable container. Refill using only Dexron II auto­
matic transmission fluid or 10W non-foaming hydraulic
fluid, as instructed in the “Initial Preparation” section of
this manual, page 9. Also, make certain to change the
hydraulic filter.
NOTE: Drain the fluid and flush the reservoir tank and
hoses with kerosene whenever any repair work is per­
formed on the tank, hydrauiic pump or valve. Contami­
nants in the fiuid wili damage the hydraulic
components. (Shouid be performed by an authorized
service dealer.)
WARNING: Use extreme caution when
working with kerosene, as it is an
extremely flammable fluid. A
HYDRAULIC FILTER
Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of opera­
tion. Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter. Order part
number 723-0405.
BEAM AND SPLITTING WEDGE
Lubricate both sides of the beam where it contacts the
splitting wedge with engine oil before each use to
obtain years of service. However, normal wear will
occur. The wedge plate on the log splitter is designed
so the gibs on the side of the wedge plate can be eas­
ily removed and rotated and/or turned over for even
wear. Make certain to readjust the adjustment bolts so
wedge moves freely, but no excess space exists
between the wedge plate and beam.
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