Clarke Log Buster 4 Instruction Manual

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MODEL NO: Log Buster 4
PART No: 3402025
10 Ton LOG SPLITTER
10 Ton LOG SPLITTER
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE 10 ton manually operated Log Splitter.
Before attempting to use the machine, please read this manual thoroughly and follow the
instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others
around you, and you can look forward to the log buster giving you long and satisfactory
service.
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein, are correct at the time of going to print. However,
CLARKE International reserve the right to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
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When disposing of this product, do not dispose of with general waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws
governing Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment, at a recognised disposal facility.
Specifications
Model No: .................................................... Log Buster 4
Part No: ........................................................ 3402025
Ram Stroke................................................... 205mm (8-1/16”)
Weight: ......................................................... 46.6kg
Base Dimensions L x W x H: ........................ 1070 x 210 x 280 mm (without handles)
Oil Type ........................................................ Clarke Hydraulic Oil
LOG CAPACITY
Maximum Length: ....................................... 444mm
Maximum Diameter:................................... 175mm
Clarke Guarantee
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or tampered
with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can be
returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.

Safety Precautions
WARNING:
As with all machinery, there are certain hazards involved with their operation
and use. Exercising respect and caution will considerably lessen the risk of
personal injury. However, if normal safety precautions are overlooked or
ignored, personal injury to the operator or damage to property, may result.
1. ALWAYS Learn the machines applications, limitations and the
specific potential hazards peculiar to it. Read and become familiar
with the entire operating manual.
2. ALWAYS use a face or dust mask if operation is particularly dusty.
3. ALWAYS check for damage. Before using the machine, any
damaged part, should be checked to ensure that it will operate
properly, and perform its intended function. Check for alignment
of moving parts, breakage of parts, mountings, and any other
condition that may affect the machines operation. Any damage
shouldbeproperlyrepairedorthepartreplaced.Ifindoubt,DO NOT usethemachine.
Consult your local dealer.
4. ALWAYS wear safety goggles, manufactured to the latest European Safety Standards.
Everyday eyeglasses do not have impact resistant lenses,
they are not safety glasses.
5. ALWAYS keep work area clean. Cluttered areas and
benches invite accidents.
6. ALWAYS ensure that adequate lighting is available. A
minimum intensity of 300 lux should be provided. Ensure
that lighting is placed so that you will not be working in
your own shadow.
7. ALWAYS keep children away. All visitors should be kept a safe
distance from the work area, especially whilst operating the
machine.
8. ALWAYS maintain machine in top condition. Keep tools/machines
clean for the best and safest performance. Follow maintenance
instructions.
9. ALWAYS concentrate on the job in hand, no matter howtrivialit
may seem. Be aware that accidents are caused by carelessness
due to familiarity.
10. ALWAYS keepyourproperfootingandbalanceatalltimes
- don’t overreach. For best footing, always wear safety
footwear (rubber soles & steel toecaps). Keep floor
clear of oil, scrap wood, etc.
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Additional Precautions for Log Splitters
Extraspecial careisrequiredwhen using this powerfultooltosafeguard yourself and others
around you.
•Before using the log splitter, check for fluid leaks. Be sure the tool and the work area
around it is clean and free of oil spills. Hydraulic fluid can create hazards, causing you
to slip and fall, your hands to slip while using the machine, and it is also a potential fire
hazard.
•Hydraulic Systems: Never operate this tool if there is a potential hazard due to leaking
hydraulic fluid.
•Physical Hazards: The very nature of log splitting will produce splinters. When operating
log splitters, always ensure approved safety gloves, shoes, and eye protection is worn.
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444mm
175mm
•NEVER tamper with the log splitter .
•NEVER try to split logs larger than those indicated in Fig. 1.
This could be dangerous and may damage the machine.
•Do not allow split logs to accumulate, always clean up as
you work, accumulated split logs and wood chips can
create a hazardous work environment.
•The operator must take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of accidental
damage or injury due to wood being ejected from the machine.
•The surface must be perfectly level to prevent the machine from moving during
operation, and the area must be free from any objects that could prevent complete
freedom of movement for the operator whilst working.
•The machine must always be used by ONE OPERATOR ONLY. Nobody must be allowed
to use the log splitter unless they have read the instruction manual thoroughly and
have been instructed in its use. The machine must be used by adults only. Check that
the logs to be split are free from nails or wire, which may fly up or damage the machine.
•Split wood in the direction of the grain. Do not attempt to split a piece of wood across
the grain as this could seriously damage the machine.
•If the log moves away from the blade, retract the ram and rotate the log through 90O
and try again
•Keep your hands well away from any splits and cracks which open in the log; these
may close suddenly and crush your fingers.
•NEVER use the machine whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medicines, or when
you are tired. A clear mind is essential for safety.
•Before starting work, check correct functioning of all the safety devices and check for
soundness of welded joints, securing nuts & bolts.
Figure 1 shows the maximum log size that can be split. Please note that the diameter of the
log is indicative: i.e. A small log can be difficult to split if it has knots or a particularly tough
fibre. On the other hand, if the wood has regular fibres, it is not difficult to split logs with
diameters greater than that shown. It is important NOT to persist if the log does not split fairly
easily as the pump may be damaged. This could occur when the machine is made to work
under maximum stress in an attempt to split excessively fibrous, knotty wood or wet, green
wood.
Fig.1

Operation
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Assembly
The Logbuster-4 is fully assembled except for the
transportation wheels.
Position the wheels and washers (supplied) into
position, insert the axle pin from the outside and
secure with the split pin provided, in the manner
shown in Fig.2
NOTE: The logsplitter may be lifted at the splitting
wedge end, using the brace, shown in Fig.3, which
will raise the pump end on to its wheels, allowing
the unit to be transported to a suitable position.
• If possible have a truck or similar available to stack the split
logs into for easy transportation to a location where the logs
are to be stacked.
• Prepare the logs for splitting in a tidy pile as close as possible
to the splitter, only stack those logs that are ready for splitting,
i.e. correct length and diameter. DO NOT attempt to split
green logs, dry, seasoned logs split more easily.
• Turn the release lever - A, Fig.2 fully anti clockwise, to retract the
ram and when it has retracted fully, turn it fully clockwise.
• Positionthelogtobesplit sothatitfits neatlyonthelog supports
If the log tends to wobble, it must be repositioned by turning
until it becomes stable.
• With the log in place and ensuring all precautions referred to previously have been
observed, pump the handles which will extend the ram and proceed to split the log.
• When the log has split, turn the release lever - A, anticlockwise to retract the ram and
free the log.
• If the log has not split, turn it through 180º and try again.
• If the log has jammed on the splitting wedge, lever it off, standing well clear, DO NOT
use you hands to remove a jammed log, as this could be extremely hazardous.
Note: It can sometimes be difficult to split small logs, especially if the wood is particularly
hard or knotty, larger logs with regular fibres are quick and easy to split. Any logs found
difficult to split, are best discarded to prevent damage to the machine caused by oil seal
failure etc.
Fig.2
Fig.3

Maintenance
Before Use
Always inspect the machine to ensure it is in good condition. Inspect the bed and welded
joints for signs of cracking or distortion. Inspect the hydraulics for signs of leaks, any defects
should be rectified before using the machine again.
Monthly
Bleed system and check oil level as follows.
1. Turn the release valve fully clockwise and pump the handles until the ram is fully
extended.
2. Remove the oil filler plug - ‘B’Fig.3.
3. Quickly turn the release valve anticlockwise to retract the ram and expel any air from
the system.
4. Check the oil level which should be approx. 1/4” below the filler neck.
If necessary, top up with CLARKE hydraulic oil, available from your CLARKE dealer.
5. Finally, carefully replace the filler plug using a small implement to ensure the securing lip
is prodded into place inside the filler hole.
After long periods of operation, the splitting wedge will become blunt and require
sharpening. To do this, simply remove burrs and flat spots using a fine file.
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WARNING:
NEVER ask for the assistance of another person when operating
this machine, this instruction applies especially with jam clearing.
Keep hands clear of jammed log and moving parts when
attempting to free jammed logs.

Trouble Shooting
Problem Probable Cause Remedy
Log fails to split. Incorrect positioning of the
log. Reposition the log.
Log exceeds permitted
dimensions or wood is too
hard or knotty for the
capacity of the machine.
Use logs of the correct
specifications.
Wedge not cutting. Check the splitting wedge
and sharpen if necessary.
Oil Leak Locate the leak and rectify,
if necessary, contact your
nearest CLARKE dealer.
Logpusher advances
jerkily and/or vibrates
badly.
Air in hydraulic system. Bleed system as described
under Maintenance. Top up if
necessary. If problem persists,
consult your CLARKE dealer.
Oil leaks. Worn or damaged oil seals. Fitnew oil seals, consult your
nearest CLARKE dealer.
PARTS & SERVICE TEL: [phone]
or e-mail as follows:
PARTS: [email protected]
SERVICE: [email protected]
IMPORTANT:
The use of parts other than CLARKE replacement parts may result in safety hazards,
decreased tool performance and may invalidate your warranty.
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Ram advances jerkily or
with strong vibrations.

Parts Diagram
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Parts List
Item Description Qty Part No
1 Frame 1 N023-10000-000
2 Clevis pin wrap 1 N020-20004-000
3 Jacks Top Plate 1 N020-20000-000
4 clevis 1 N020-20003-000
5 Jacks 1 N020-30000-000
6 Spring 2 N020-00002-000
7 Operating Lever 2 N020-40000-000
8 U-Clamp 1 N020-00001-000
9 Bolt 2 9103-10025-000
10 Spring Washer 2 9303-10000-000
11 Washer 4 9703-10000-000
12 Split Pin 2 9404-03025-000
13 Shaft 2 N020-00004-000
14 Wheel 2 N020-00005-000
15 Hex Nut 2 9202-10000-000