MTD 556 - Manual (Page 2)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS
ALWAYS:
Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly
Use Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid o
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 13vel
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 start jp after
any malfunction or servicing
Use “pipe dope” on all hydraulic fittings
Allow time for warmup before splitting wood
Prime the pump before initial startup by turning over
the engine with spark plug disconnected
Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only
NEVER:
Use fluid below 0° R, 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
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. FI jid will become foamy. Refer to “Initial Preparation” in the Operation
section of this manual.
2. Changing the relief valve setting or pressi re adjustment of control valve without proper knowledge and instruc­
tion 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 o 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 II 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 war­
ranty. Deterioration of spider insert and prolonged use after deterioration will destroy pump bearings and
engine bearings, along with total destructon of coupler hubs.
6. Improper beam lubrication will cause pr« mature 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.
a. If wedge is too loose, cylinder beam a id wedge wear will result. Allowing the wedge to loosen and be used
under operating stress will cause dam age which will not be covered under warranty.
b. 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 re cords 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 ur der 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 in mediately. Unattended leaks will cause air to enter system and/or
decrease fluid level in reservoir, causirg damage to the hydraulic system which will not be covered by
warranty.