STEP 8: Add Gasoline to the Engine
8.1 Use only clean, fresh, regular unleaded fuel with a minimum 87 octane rating.
8.2 DO NOT mix oil with fuel.
8.3 Remove the fuel cap and slowly add fuel to the tank. DO NOT overfill and allow for
approximately a ¼ inch of space for fuel expansion.
8.4 Tightly screw on the fuel cap and clean/wipe away any spilled fuel.
Log splitter engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide may cause nausea, dizziness, fainting or death. If you start
to feel dizzy or weak, immediately cease operation and get to fresh air and seek medical
attention.
Log splitters should be operated only outdoors and in well-ventilated areas.
DO NOT operate the log splitter inside any building, enclosure or compartment.
DO NOT allow exhaust fumes to enter a confined area through windows, doors, vents or
other openings.
DANGER CARBON MONOXIDE, using a log splitter indoors CAN KILL YOU IN
MINUTES.
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable and extremely explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Unintentional startup can result in entanglement, traumatic amputation or laceration.
Only use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane rating.
DO NOT mix oil and gasoline together.
Fill tank approximately ¼" below the top of the tank to allow for fuel expansion.
DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when the engine is running or hot.
DO NOT light cigarettes or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
STEP 9: Add Hydraulic Oil
9.1 The log splitter needs to be on a flat level surface before adding or checking the
hydraulic oil. Remove the oil cap from the hydraulic tank.
9.2 Add approximately 3.7 gallons of hydraulic oil. AW32, AW46 and universal
hydraulic oil are acceptable types of hydraulic oil to use with the log splitter.
9.3 Start the engine and use the control lever to extend and retract the wedge several
times to remove air from the lines.
9.4 With the wedge retracted, check the hydraulic oil level again and fill if necessary.
9.5 To enhance engine start up, automatic transmission fluid can be used when
operating in temperatures below 32 degrees.
DO NOT remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is running or hot. Hot oil
can escape causing severe burns. Always allow the log splitter to cool completely
before removing the hydraulic oil cap.
High fluid pressure and temperatures are created inside hydraulic log splitters.
Hydraulic fluid can escape through a pin-size hole and can puncture skin and cause
severe blood poisoning.
Inspect hydraulic systems regularly for possible leaks. Never check for leaks with
your hand while the system is pressurized. Seek medical attention immediately if
injured by leaking fluid.
Make sure all fittings are tight and secure before applying pressure. Relieve system
pressure before servicing.
Make sure the hydraulic hoses do not touch any hot surfaces or cutting areas.
Hoses need to be positioned away from the engine and cutting wedge. To avoid
serious bodily injury always inspect the hoses before operating the log splitter.
DANGER
WARNING
WARNING
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions and safety information in this
manual and on safety decals before assembling or operating the log splitter.
Failure to understand instructions and safety information could result in serious
injury or death. Do not allow anyone to operate the log splitter who has not read
this manual. A log splitter can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly.
Do not operate this log splitter if you have any questions concerning safe
operation. Call our technical support department at 1-833-784-7333 for answers
to any questions.
CAUTION: DO NOT START/ RUN THE ENGINE BEFORE CHECKING THE OIL IN
THE HYDRAULIC TANK AND THE OIL IN THE ENGINE.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to the engine's user manual for information regarding proper oil temperature ranges
and grades to use. Engine oil capacity is 20.3 ounces.
After the hydraulic tank and the engine crankcase are filled with oil, start the engine.
The hydraulic pump should prime itself. With the engine running, move the control valve lever
toward the foot plate. This will cause the cylinder to extend and expel air. When the cylinder
is fully extended, retract it. Repeat this procedure several times. After this procedure check oil
level again. If the tank is overfilled it tends to expel oil from the breather cap when the cylinder
is retracted. Cycle the cylinder again until it maintains a constant speed which indicates all the
air has been expelled from the cylinder.
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to the Kohler engine's user manual for complete information on starting, maintenance
and specifications.
196cc Kohler Engine
a) Check that "ON"/"OFF" switch is in the "ON" position.
b) Move the throttle lever to "FAST". Always operate the engine with throttle lever in the
"FAST" position.
c) Move choke control lever to "CHOKE" position.
d) Grasp rope handle and pull slowly to the point of resistance. Once resistance is felt pull
rapidly to start the engine and to avoid engine kickback.
e) After allowing the engine to warm up, move the choke control lever slowly toward "RUN".
In cold weather give the engine extra time to warm up before slowly moving the choke
lever toward "RUN". Operate with the choke lever in the "RUN" position.
f) To stop engine, move the "ON"/"OFF" switch to the "OFF" position.
CAUTION: TURN FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE TO THE "OFF" POSITION BEFORE
TOWING.FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN FLOODING THE ENGINE AND
DESTROYING ENGINE OIL.
NOTE: The engine maximum governed speed is preset at the factory at 3600 RPM
load speed. When splitting wood, the throttle should be set at the maximum speed
in order to generate the horsepower required for the pump.
OPERATION
WARNING: Review safety information related to operation of the log splitter
on page 3 and 4 of this manual. Make sure that you have the recommended
personal protective equipment described on page 4.
1) Set up the log splitter in a clear, level area and chock the wheels.
2) For horizontal operation, place a log on the beam against the foot plate. Make sure the log
is securely on the foot plate and up against the beam. To split wood in the vertical position,
release the pin on the beam latch located near the front end of the beam. Tilt the beam up
until the foot plate is sitting squarely on the ground and the log splitter is stable. Place the
log on the foot plate up against the beam. When the beam is returned to the horizontal
position make sure the beam latch pin is secure.
3) Move control valve handle so that the cylinder will drive the wedge into the log. Extend the
cylinder until the log splits or until it reaches the end of its stroke. If the log has not
completely split after the cylinder has reached the end of its extension, retract the cylinder.
IMPORTANT: Leaving the valve in the "actuate" position at the end of the stroke can
accelerate wear on the hydraulic component. Do not split logs with unsquared ends.
NOTICE: For operation in wooded areas, obtain a spark arrestor for the exhaust system.
Consult the engine operating and maintenance manual and check with your authorized
Kohler service center. Also see Fire Prevention on page 4 of this manual.
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