Final assembly, Operation, Initial preparation – MTD 556 User Manual
Page 9: Service engine with gasoline and oil as
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Log
Cradle
Flange
Lock Nuts
Cradle Support
Brackets
Carriage Bolts
FIGURE 12.
2. Place the square holes in one of the cradle
support brackets against the outside surface of
one of the brackets on the side of the beam. See
figure12.
3. Insert two carriage bolts through the cradle sup
port brackets and the beam brackets. Secure with
two flange lock nuts. Do not tighten at this time.
4. Attach the second cradle support bracket to the
same side of the beam in the same manner.
5. Place one log cradle over the support brackets
and align the bolt holes.
6. Insert four carriage bolts through the log tray and
mounting brackets, and secure with flange lock
nuts. Tighten all eight carriage bolts and lock nuts
securely.
7. Attach the cradle support brackets and log cradle
to the other side of the beam in the same manner.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
1. Make certain all nuts, bolts and hose connections
are tightened securely.
2. Before operating the log splitter, make certain
to follow “Initial Preparation” instructions in
Operation section.
OPERATION
INITIAL PREPARATION
1. Place the log splitter on a firm, level surface.
2. Service engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your log splitter.
3. Lubricate the beam area where splitting wedge
will slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE GREASE).
Make certain to oil both front and back of the
beam face.
4. Fill the reservoir tank as follows.
a. Remove reservoir vent plug. See figure 13.
Using Dexron II automatic transmission fluid,
or 10W non-foaming hydraulic fluid, fill reser
voir to the top. Replace vent plug securely.
NOTE: Total capacity of system is approximately 7.6
gallons.
b. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Prime the
pump by pulling the recoil starter, to turn
the engine over, approximately 10 times.
Reconnect the spark plug wire.
c. Start engine. Use the control handle to extend
the wedge to the far extended position. Leave
the wedge in this position (do not retract).
d. Refill tank to within 1-1/2" to 2" from the top of
the tank.
e. Now retract the wedge. Extend and retract the
wedge fully 10 to 12 complete cycles to
remove trapped air in the system (system is
“self-bleeding”).
f. Refill the reservoir to within 1-1/2" to 2" from
the top of the tank. Much of the original fluid
has been drawn into the cylinder and hoses.
Make certain to refill the reservoir, to prevent
extreme damage to the hydraulic pump. Failure
to refill the tank will void your warranty.
NOTE: Some fluid may overflow from the vent plug as
the system builds heat and the fluid expands and
seeks its own level.