COUNTRY TUFF S401628CT User manual

ASSEMBLY & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
LS190-886-0811
Rev. 1
MODEL NO.
S401628CT
Owner’s Manual
28 TON VERTICAL/HORIZONTAL
LOG SPLITTER
28 TON VERTICAL/HORIZON-
TAL
WARNING: All operators must read this manual before operating this log
splitter. Follow the safety instructions in the manual and in decals attached
to the product. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.

Table of Contents
Page(s)
Important Safety Information................................................................................................................. 1-6
Intended Use ......................................................................................................................... 1
Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................... 1
Safety Decals ....................................................................................................................... 1-2
General Safety ...................................................................................................................... 3
Preparation of the Log ........................................................................................................... 3
Work Area ........................................................................................................................... 3
Operation of the Log Splitter .................................................................................................. 3-4
Repair and Maintenance Safety ............................................................................................. 4
Hydraulic Safety .................................................................................................................. 5
Fire Prevention ..................................................................................................................... 5-6
Towing Safety ...................................................................................................................... 6
Assembly Instructions ...................................................................................................................... 7-9
Operating Instructions ....................................................................................................................... 12-13
Engine Oil Recommendations ................................................................................................ 12
Hydraulic Oil Recommendations ............................................................................................ 12
Starting Instructions ............................................................................................................... 12
Operation .............................................................................................................................. 13
Towing ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................... 13
 Specications.........................................................................................................................................BackCover
Replacement Parts................................................................................................................................. 10-11

WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions and safety information before assem-
bling
or operating this log splitter. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow anyone
to operate this log splitter who has not read this manual. As with all power equipment, a log splitter
can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly. Do not operate this log splitter if you have doubts
or questions concerning safe operation. Call our customer service department at 1-800-525-8322 to
address these concerns.
Si no entiende ingles, se preere que busque alguien que interprete las instrucciones para usted.
NEVER use this log splitter for any other purposes than splitting wood. It is designed for this use only. Any other use can
cause serious injury or death.
PEPER
PERPERSONALSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
BEFORE operating this log splitter make sure that you wear safety gear such as goggles or safey glasses, steel toed
shoesandtightttinggloves(withoutloosecuffsordrawstrings).Alwayswearaprotectivehearingdevicewhenoperat-
ing this log splitter.
NEVER wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught by moving parts of the log splitter. Keep clothing and hair away
from all moving parts when operating this log splitter.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
SAFETY DECALS
Make sure that all safety warning decals are in good condition and readable. Always replace missing or defaced decals.
Call 1-800-525-8322 for replacement decals.
PARTNUMBER:S52062500
LOCATION:FRONTSIDEENDOFTONGUE
INTENDED USE
Page 1

PARTNUMBER:S52062100
LOCATION:TOPOFHYDRAULIC
CYLINDER
PARTNUMBER:S52062400
LOCATION:HYDRAULICTANK
LOWER TANK, RIGHT CORNER
Page 2
PARTNUMBER:S52062200
LOCATION:TOP,LOWERENDOF
CYLINDER
PARTNUMBER:S52062300
LOCATION:RIGHTSTRIPPER
PLATE
PARTNUMBER:S52062600
LOCATION:LEFTSTRIPPER
PLATE

GENERAL SAFETY
EVER
NEVER allow children to operate this log splitter. NEVER allow adults lacking proper instructions and understanding to
operate this log splitter.
KEEP all people and pets a minimum of 10 feet away from your work area when operating this log splitter. Only the op-
erator is to be near the log splitter during use.
NEVER actuate the control until all people are clear of the work area.
NEVER operatethelogsplitterwhenundertheinuenceofalcohol,drugsormedication.
NEVER allow a person who is tired or otherwise not alert to operate the log splitter.
PREPARATION OF THE LOG
Bothendsofthelogshouldbecutassquareaspossibletohelppreventthelogfromridingoutofthesplitterduring
operation. Do not split logs greater than 26 in. in length.
WORK AREA
NEVER operate the log splitter on slippery, wet, muddy or icy ground.
ONLY operate your log splitter on level ground. Operating on a slope could cause the log splitter to roll over or logs to fall
off.
NEVER operate your log splitter in an enclosed area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which can be deadly when
inhaled.
NEVER attempt to move your log splitter over hilly or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate help.
ALWAYS block the wheels to prevent movement of the log splitter while in operation.
ONLYoperateyourlogsplitterindaylightorundergoodarticiallight.
ALWAYS keep the work area clean. Remove split wood around your log splitter immediately so that you don’t stumble
over it.
OPERATION OF THE LOG SPLITTER
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.
ZONE
TONGUE
FOOT PLATE
ENGINE
BEAM
ONLY operate the log splitter from the operator zone as
shown in the diagram. The operator has the safest and
most effcient access to the control valve and the beam
in this location.Operating the log splitter in another
location can result in serious injury or death.
Page 3
ALWAYSEread the operator’s manual before operation. It is located in the plastic canister on the tongue.
OPERATOR

KNOW how to stop the log splitter and disengage the controls before operating it.
NEVER place hands or feet between the log and splitting wedge during forward or reverse stroke. Serious injury or death
could result.
NEVER straddle or step over the log splitter during operation.
NEVER reach or bend over the log splitter to pick up a log.
NEVER try to split two logs on top of each other.
NEVER try to cross split a log.
NEVER attempt to load your log splitter when the ram or wedge is in motion.
ALWAYS use your hand to operate the control lever on the valve. NEVER use your foot, a rope or any extension device.
NEVER move the log splitter while the engine is running. Shut off the engine even if you are leaving the log splitter for a
short period of time.
ALWAYS avoidcontactwiththemuferandotherhotareasoftheengineduringoperationorafterrunningtoprevent
burns.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SAFETY
NEVER operate your log splitter when it is in poor mechanical condition or in need of repair.
Periodicallycheckthatallnuts,bolts,screws,hydraulicttingsandhoseclampsaretight.
NEVER alter your log splitter in any manner. Such alterations may cause your log splitter to be unsafe and will void the
warranty.
Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before using your log splitter.
Replace all damaged or worn parts immediately.
NEVER tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds. The maximum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer
and is within safety limits. See Honda engine manual.
ALWAYS remove the spark plug wire before performing any service or repair on your log splitter.
ALWAYS check the level of hydraulic oil and engine oil before operation.
ALLreplacementpartsmustmeetmanufacturer’sspecications.
Page 4

HYDRAULIC SAFETY
Thehydraulicsystemofyourlogsplitterrequirescarefulinspectionalongwiththemechanicalparts.Besureto
replace frayed, kinked, cracked or otherwise damaged hydraulic hoses or hydraulic components.
NEVER checkforleaksofhydraulicuidwithyourhand.Fluidescapingfromasmallholecanbealmostinvisible.
Escapinguidunderpressurecanhavesufcientforcetopenetrateskincausingseriouspersonalinjuryorevendeath.
Leaks can be detected by passing a piece of cardboard over the suspected leak and looking for discoloration.
ALWAYS seekprofessionalmedicalattentionimmediatelyifinjuredbyescapinghydraulicuid.Seriousinfectionorreac-
tion can develop if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.
ALWAYS be sure to relieve all pressure by shutting off the engine and moving the valve control handle back and forth
shoulditbecomenecessarytoloosenorremoveanyhydraulictting.
NEVER remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while the log splitter is running. The tank could contain hot oil
under pressure which could result in serious injury.
NEVERadjustthehydraulicvalve.Thepressurereliefvalveonyourlogsplitterispresetatthefactory.Onlyaqualied
service technician should perform this adjustment.
FIRE PREVENTION
NEVERoperateyourlogsplitternearaameorspark.Hydraulicoilandgasolineareammableandcanexplode.
NEVER llthegastankwhiletheengineishotorrunning.Allowtheenginetocoolbeforerefueling.
NEVER smoke while operating or refueling your log splitter. Gas fumes can easily explode.
ONLY refuel your log splitter in a clear area with no gas fumes or spilled gas.
ALWAYS use an approved fuel container.
ALWAYS replace the gas cap securely.
If gasoline has spilled, move the log splitter away from the area of the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until
the spilled gas has evaporated.
ALWAYStakeaClassBreextinguisherwithyouwhenoperatingthislogsplitterindryareasasaprecautionary
measureagainstpossibleyingsparks.
ALWAYSdrainthefueltankpriortostoragetoavoidthepotentialrehazard.
ALWAYS store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container. Store the container in a cool, dry place.
NEVER store gasoline in the house or near a heating appliance.
Page 5
ALWAYS turn the fuel shut off valve on the engine to the “OFF” position before towing the log splitter. Failure to do so
mayresultinoodingtheengine.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This log splitter is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrest-
er meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in efffective working
order by the operator. In the state of California a spark arrester is required by law. Other states have similar laws. Federal
lawsapplyonfederallands.Asparkarrestermufer(optionalbymanufacturer)isavailableasanaccessoryatyournear-
est engine dealer. Always check the legal requirements in your area.
TOWING SAFETY
ALWAYS check all local and state regulations regarding towing, licensing, and lights before towing your log splitter.
ALWAYS check before towing to make sure that the log splitter is correctly and securely attached to the towing vehicle
and that the safety chains are secured to the hitch or bumper of the vehicle with enough slack to allow turning. Always
use a Class I, 2” ball with this log splitter.
NEVER carry any cargo or wood on your log splitter.
NEVER allow anyone to sit or ride on your log splitter.
ALWAYS disconnect your log splitter from the towing vehicle before operating it.
ALWAYS be careful when backing up with your log splitter in tow. It could jackknife.
ALWAYS allow for added length of your log splitter when turning, parking, crossing interesections and in all driving
situations.
NEVER exceed 45 mph when towing your log splitter. Towing the log splitter at speeds higher than 45 mph could result
in loss of control, damage to the equipment , serious injury or death. Adjust towing speed for terrain and conditions.
Beextracautiouswhentowingoverroughterrainespeciallyrailroadcrossings.
Page 6

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Remove all the components from the crate. Inspect each piece for shipping damage. If any part is damaged,
contact your dealer or delivering carrier.
Page 7
NOTE:Thislogsplitterwaspartiallyassembledatthefactory.Refertothedrawingsandpartslistshoulditbecome 
necessary to disassemble the unit for repair or replacement of parts
1   BeamAssembly 1
2   BeamLockAssembly 1
3 Tank Assembly 1
4 Tire and Wheel 2
5 Tongue Assembly 1
Hardware Kit 1
STEP 2: Attachthetwowheels(2)tothetankassembly(1)wheelspindlesusingthe3/4”lightatwashers(3),3/4”NF 
slotted nuts (4), 1/8” x 1-1/2” cotter pins (5) and the hub caps (6). These items are in the hardware package.
Tighten the slotted nuts and make sure that the wheels rotate freely.
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 Tank Assembly 1
2 Wheel Assembly 2
3 3/4” Light Flatwasher 2
4 3/4” Slotted Nut 2
5 1/8” x 1-1/2” Cotter Pin 2
6 Hub Cap 2
REF. NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.

Page 8
STEP 3: Attach the tongue assembly (5) to the tank assembly (1) using two 1/2” NC x 4-1/2” hex cap bolts (2), two 1/2”
lock washers (3) and two and two 1/2” hex nuts (4). Tighten.
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 TankAssembly 1
2 1/2” NC x 4-1/2 Hex Bolt 2
63 1/2” Lock Washer 2
4 1/2” NC Hex Nut 2
5 Tongue Assembly 1
STEP 4: Stand the beam (1) up on end. Two people may be needed for this step to ensure safety. Make sure that the
beam is stable and on a level surface. Remove the pivot pin (3) and clip pin (2) from the tank assembly. Roll
the tongue/ tank assembly into position between the two tabs on the beam (1). Slide the pivot pin (3) through
the aligned holes and lock in place with the clip pin (2)
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 Beam Assembly 1
2 1/2”-3/4” R Clip Pin 1
3 Pivot Pin 1