Clarke LOGBUSTER P8 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS DL1221
PETROL DRIVEN LOG SPLITTER
MODEL NO: LOGBUSTER P8
PART NO: 3402041

2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Petrol Log Splitter product.
Before attempting to operate the machine, it is essential that you read this
manual thoroughly and carefully follow all instructions given. In doing so you
will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others around you, and you can
also look forward to the product giving you long and satisfactory service.
SPECIFICATIONS
CAUTION: CAREFULLY READ THROUGH THIS ENTIRE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BEFORE USING YOUR NEW LOG SPLITTER. TAKE SPECIAL CARE TO HEED
THE CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.
Engine Power 196cc/6.5Hp
Operating Temperature -5°C to 40°C
Recommended Wood Types Pine, Oak, Spruce, Beech
Log Size Capacity Diameter 70-350 mm
Length 120-520 mm
Splitting Force 8 Tonnes
Hydraulic Pressure 21 Mpa
Hydraulic Oil Capacity 3.5 L
Ram Travel 45.5 cm
Pusher Speed Forward 4.4 - 10.9 cm/sec
Retract 7.8 cm/sec
Sound Pressure Level (LpA) 90 db
Sound Power Level (LWA) 108 db
Dimensions Length 1800 mm
Width 710 mm
Height 780 mm
Weight 104 kg

3
SAFETY SYMBOLS
The following symbols represent important information about the product or
instructions on its use.
Read these
instructions in full
before using the
machine.
Dispose of any used oil
in an environment-
friendly way.
Wear safety footwear! Do not use in the rain.
Wear protective
gloves!
Danger! Keep clear of
moving parts!
Wear eye protection!
Do not remove
jammed logs with your
hands.
Wear hearing
protection!
Before starting any
repair maintenance or
cleaning, ALWAYS
switch the engine off.
Keep your work space
tidy! Untidiness may
result in accidents.
Avoid injury from the
movement of the
splitting blade
Do not remove or
tamper with any
protection or safety
device.
Keep bystanders
away from the
working area.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WORK AREA
1. Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite
accidents.
2. DO NOT not operate log splitters in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Log splitters can create
sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. DO NOT not operate this log splitter in enclosed or confined spaces as the
engine will give off harmful exhaust fumes.
4. Keep children and bystanders away while operating the log splitter.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
5. The surface must be perfectly level to prevent the machine from moving
during operation.
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a log splitter. DO NOT use the log splitter while you are tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating log splitters may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use safety equipment. ALWAYS wear eye and ear protection. Safety
equipment such as non-skid safety shoes, close fitting clothing and suitable
work gloves should always be used.
3. DO NOT overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the log splitter in unexpected situations.
4. Dress properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
USAGE AND CARE
1. DO NOT force the log splitter. It will do the job better and safer at the rate
for which it was designed.
2. Store the log splitter out of the reach of children and DO NOT allow persons
unfamiliar with log splitters or these instructions to operate the log splitter.
Log splitters are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
WARNING: READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS LISTED BELOW MAY RESULT IN FIRE AND/OR SERIOUS
INJURY. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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3. Maintain the log splitter. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the log
splitters operation. If damaged, have the log splitter repaired before use.
4. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
SERVICING
1. Have your log splitter serviced by a qualified repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the log
splitter is maintained.
LOG SPLITTER SPECIFIC WARNINGS
• The splitting operation of the machine is designed to be activated by
one person. While there is the possibility that additional operators could
be working with the machine (e.g. for loading and unloading), only one
operator should perform splitting operations.
UNDERSTAND YOUR LOG SPLITTER
• Read and understand the owner's manual and labels affixed to the log
splitter. Learn its limitations as well as the specific potential hazards.
AVOID DANGEROUS WORKING CONDITIONS
•ALWAYS operate your log splitter on dry, solid, level ground. Never
operate your log splitter on slippery, wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. The
location you choose should be free from any tall grass, brush, or other
interferences.
• There should be plenty of room for handling.
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered areas invite injuries. To
avoid tripping, DO NOT leave tools, logs, or other components laying
around the work area.
•DO NOT use the log splitter in wet or damp areas or expose it to rain.
•DO NOT use it in areas where fumes from paint, solvents or flammable
liquids pose a potential hazard.
INSPECT YOUR LOG SPLITTER
• Check your log splitter before starting. Keep guards in place and in
working order.
• Replace damaged, missing or failed parts before using it.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws, hydraulic fittings etc. are securely
tightened.

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•ALWAYS check the oil level in the hydraulic oil tank.
•ALWAYScheck the oil level in the engine, see page 15.
•NEVER operate your log splitter when it is in need of repair or is in poor
mechanical condition.
DRESS PROPERLY
•DO NOT wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties or jewellery (rings, wrist
watches). They can be caught in moving parts. Protective electrically
non-conductive gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended when
working. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair, preventing it
from get caught in machinery.
PROTECT YOUR EYES AND FACE
• Any log splitter may throw foreign objects into the eyes. This can cause
permanent eye damage. ALWAYS wear safety goggles. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are not safety glasses.
PREVENT FIRES
•DO NOT smoke or have open flames when operating or refilling the log
splitter with oil or petrol.
•NEVER operate the log splitter near a flame or spark. Oil and petrol are
highly flammable.
KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
• Allow only one person to load and operate the log splitter.
•ALWAYS keep bystanders, including visitors, children and pets away from
the work area, especially when the log splitter is in use.
• Only the operator should stand near the machine during use.
• Children should not be allowed to operate the machine.
• All operators should has the necessary training and skills to perform the
functions properly and safely.
INSPECT YOUR LOG
•NEVER attempt to split logs containing nails, wire or debris.
•ALWAYS make sure that both ends of the log you are splitting are cut as
square as possible. This will prevent the log from sliding out of position
while under pressure. Branches must be cut off flush with the trunk.
DON'T OVERREACH
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

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•NEVER stand on the log splitter.
• Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over.
•DO NOT store anything above or near the log splitter where a person
might stand on the log splitter to reach it.
AVOID INJURY FROM AN UNEXPECTED ACCIDENT
•DO NOT straddle or reach across the splitting area when operating the
log splitter.
•NEVER pile logs to be split in a manner that will cause you to reach
across the log splitter.
• Only use your hands to operate the control levers. Never use your foot,
knee, a rope, or any other extension device.
•ALWAYS pay full attention to the movement of the wedge ram.
•NEVER attempt to load your log splitter while the ram is in motion.
• Keep hands out of the way of all moving parts.
•NEVER try to split two logs on top of each other. One of them may fly up
and hit you.
PROTECT YOUR HANDS
• When the ram of the log splitter is in the return mode, keep your hands
off the machine – the log splitter is designed to automatically stop when
the cylinder is fully retracted.
• Keep your hands away from splits and cracks which open in the log.
They may close suddenly and crush or amputate your hands/fingers.
•DO NOT remove jammed logs with you hands.
DON'T FORCE THE TOOL
• It will do a better and safer job at its design rate.
•DO NOT use log splitter for a purpose for which it was not intended.
•DO NOT, under any circumstances, alter your log splitter. This equipment
was designed and engineered to be used in accordance with the
operating instructions. Altering the equipment or using the equipment in
such a way as to circumvent its design capabilities and capacities,
could result in serious or fatal injury and will void the warranty.
•NEVER try to split logs larger than those indicated in the specifications
table on page 2. This is dangerous and may damage the machine.
NEVER LEAVE LOG SPLITTER RUNNING UNATTENDED
•DO NOT leave log splitter until it has come to a complete stop

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MAINTAIN YOUR LOG SPLITTER WITH CARE
•ALWAYS clean the log splitter after each use.
• Keep the log splitter clean and free from debris for best and safest
performance.
• Control levers and the power switch must be kept clean, dry and free
from oil and grease at all times.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
• Take any used oil to an authorized collection point. DO NOT discharge
into drains, soil or water.
MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF
• Lock the workshop. Store the log splitter away from children and others
not qualified to use it.

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ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Due to the weight of this machine, it is recommended that the
assembly be undertaken by 2 persons.
WHEELS
1. Slide the wheel onto the end of the axle rod.
• Make sure the air valve is on
the outside of the wheel
assembly.
2. Secure the wheel using the
circlip supplied.
3. Repeat with the other wheel
to the other end of the axle
rod and secure with the
remaining circlip
4. Place the axle into the ‘U’
bracket positions as shown.
• The logbuster is heavy, you will
need help lifting it at this
stage.
5. Secure the axle rod to the
frame using the M8 wing bolts
and nuts supplied.

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CYLINDER (PUSHER)
1. Move Pusher back towards the steel stud.
2. Lift Pusher a little or move left or
right to align the holes on the
Pusher with the screws on the steel
stud.
3. Tighten the two M8 nuts onto the
two screws as shown.

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CONTROL LEVERS
1. Rotate the control lever upwards, making sure the hole on the lever
matches the hole on the valve seat.
2. Fit the control lever into position
using the M8 Hex bolt and washer
supplied as shown. The bolt should
pass through the hole on the valve
seat.
3. Tighten the bolt.
4. Do the same to the other control
lever.

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SAFETY PLATES & GUARDS
1. Fix the safety plate to the
valve seat with the two M10
Hex bolts supplied, as shown
2. Fix the wood catcher to the
work table using 4 x M8x30
bolts & M8 washers and nuts.
3. Fix the wood supporting frame
using 8 x M10x25 bolts & M10
washers and nuts. Fix a support
frame to both sides of the
logsplitter using the fixing
points.

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4. Fix the back cover to the work
table as shown, using 2 x M8x20
bolts & M8 washers and nuts.
5. Fix the small guard, using 2 x
M6x16 bolts & M6 washers and
nuts, as shown. On the opposite
side, fix the big guard, using 3 x
M6x16 bolts & M6 washers and
nuts.

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SET UP & PREPARATION FOR OPERATION
1. Place the logsplitter on a stable, flat and level work surface.
2. Familiarise yourself with the controls and features of this logsplitter
mentioned in this manual.
3. Before operating the logsplitter,
the hydraulic Bleed Screw should
be loosened by rotating until air
can go in and out of the oil tank
smoothly. Before moving the
logsplitter, make sure the Bleed
Screw is tightened to avoid oil
leaking from this point.
4. Check the engine oil levels, using
the orange capped oil dipstick. If
the oil level is below 2 grooves
from the bottom of the dipstick
(see diagram on page 15), then
top up the engine oil using
SAE10W/30 engine oil via the
black capped engine oil fill point.
5. Check the engine petrol level via the petrol cap on top of the engine. Fill
the petrol tank with 93+Octane Unleaded Petrol when needed.
WARNING: FAILURE TO LOOSEN THE BLEED SCREW WILL KEEP THE SEALED
AIR IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BEING COMPRESSED AFTER BEING
DECOMPRESSED. SUCH CONTINUOUS AIR COMPRESSION AND
DECOMPRESSION WILL BLOW OUT THE SEALS OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
AND CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE.

15
ENGINE START & STOP
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Open the gas (petrol) valve by
moving it to the right.
2. Close the choke by moving it to
the left.
NOTE: If the engine is already hot,
it is not necessary to close
the choke.

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3. Open the throttle by moving it to the
left (Rabbit symbol).
4. Turn the engine switch to the ON
position.
5. Gently pull the recoil starter handle
until it engages, then pull it all the way
out in a rapid pull.
NOTE: This may take up to 5 pulls to start.
6. Once the engine starts, move the
choke to 1/2 choke position.
7. After 15 seconds, open the choke by
slowly moving it to the right.
NOTE: Moving the choke too fast can
stall the engine.
8. Adjust the throttle to the speed you desire.
IMPORTANT: Allow the engine to warm up with no load for at least 1 minute
after each start up.
STOP
1. Move the throttle lever to the right (idle position).
2. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.
3. Close the gas (petrol) valve by moving it to the left.

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OPERATION
1. Start the engine, as set out on pages 15/16.
2. Load log (between 120mm-520mm in length) onto table between the
pusher and splitting blade.
3. Push both levers forward at the same time to start the cycle and engage
the ram that will immediately start travelling down the machine.
4. Pull both levers backwards to retract the ram.
1. For extremely hard logs, rotate the log by 90o to see whether it can be split
in a different direction.
2. If the log will still not split, this means that its hardness exceeds the capacity
of the machine and thus the log should be discarded to protect the
logsplitter.
FREE A JAMMED LOG
1. Pull back on both control levers.
2. After the pusher moves back and completely stops at its starting position,
insert a wooden wedge under the jammed log.
3. Start the logsplitter to push the wooden wedge, to go completely under
the jammed log.
4. Repeat this procedure with sharper wooden slope wedges until the
jammed log is free.
WARNING: NEVER FORCE THE LOG SPLITTER FOR MORE THAN 5 SECONDS
BY KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE LEVERS TO SPLIT EXCESSIVELY HARD
WOOD. AFTER THIS TIME INTERVAL, THE OIL UNDER PRESSURE MAY
OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE MACHINE.
WARNING: ALWAYS SET LOGS FIRMLY ON THE LOG RETAINING PLATES.
MAKE SURE LOGS WILL NOT TWIST, ROCK OR SLIP WHILE BEING SPLIT. DO
NOT FORCE THE BLADE BY SPLITTING THE LOG ON THE UPPER PART. THIS
WILL BREAK THE BLADE OR DAMAGE THE MACHINE.
WARNING: SPLIT LOG IN THE DIRECTION OF ITS GROWING GRAIN. DO
NOT PLACE LOG ACROSS THE LOGSPLITTER, AS THIS MAY BE DANGEROUS
AND MAY SERIOUSLY DAMAGE THE MACHINE.

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MAINTENANCE
REPLACING HYDRAULIC OIL
Replace the hydraulic oil in the logsplitter after every 150 hours of use. Take the
following steps to replace it.
1. Make sure all moving parts stop and the engine is stopped.
2. Place a 5 litre capacity container
under the oil drain bolt and unscrew
(this can be found on the underside
of the hydraulic oil tank) and remove.
3. Drain off any old hydraulic oil and
replace bolt, making sure it is
tightened to avoid leakage.
4. Refill with fresh hydraulic oil via the
bleed screw inlet.
5. Clean the surface of the dipstick and
place it back into the oil tank. remove the dipstick and make sure the oil
level is between the 2 grooves on the dipstick.
6. Replace dipstick making sure it is tightened to avoid leakage.
NOTE: Fill the oil tank with suitable hydraulic oil available from your
CLARKE dealer.
• 1L - Part no: 3050830
• 5L - Part no: 3050835
Periodically check the oil level to ensure it is between the 2 grooves around
the dipstick.
SHARPENING THE WEDGE
This log splitter is equipped with a reinforced splitting wedge, After long
periods of operation and when required, sharpen the wedge using a fine
toothed file removing any burrs or flat spots on the edge.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE LOG SPLITTER IS SWITCHED OFF BEFORE
STARTING ANY CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
By purchasing this product, the customer is taking on the obligation
to comply with current WEEE regulations.
This means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws
governing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised
disposal facility.
This product contains valuable raw materials. Metal products should be taken
to your local civic amenity site for recycling of metal products.
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
When the control
levers are pushed
down, but the
pusher does move.
Oil level is too low. Check and fill up oil level.
Ram/Pusher won’t
retract.
Oil level is too low. Check and fill up oil level.
Ram/Pusher moves
slowly or will not
extend completely
(With a normal log).
Oil level is too low Check and fill up oil level.
Wrong valve setting Adjust valve setting
Pump is broken Replace pump
Cylinder gaskets are
damaged
Replace gaskets
Ram/Pusher stops
during splitting
Log is too big, cragged or
with lots of branches
Turn/adjust log position
Hydraulic hoses
heat up excessively
Oil level is too low. Check and fill up oil level.
Pump is damaged Replace pump
Wrong valve setting Adjust valve setting

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COMPONENT PARTS