Craftsman 247.794510 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSHRN_
27 Ton Hydraulic
Log Splitter
Model No.
247.794510
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CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions.
Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A. 770-10036A
(7/99)
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Content Page
Warranty information......................................... 2
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 3
Accessories ....................................................... 6
Assembly ........................................................... 7
Operation ........................................................... 9
Content Page
Maintenance ...................................................... 13
Service & Adjustment ........................................ 16
Off-Season Storage ........................................... 18
Troubleshooting ................................................. 19
Parts List............................................................ 21
ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LOG SPLITTER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman log splitter is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the operator's manual, Sears will repair, free of
charge, any defect in material or workmanship.
This warranty excludes the tires, spark plug, oil filter and air cleaner, which are expendable parts and become
worn during normal use.
If this log splitter is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the date
of purchase.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE
UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED
STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Horsepower: ......................... 6.5
Engine Oil .............................. SAE 30/1.25 pints
Fuel Capacity: ....................... unleaded/1.5 quarts
Hydraulic Fluid ...................... Dexron III/4 gallons
Tire Pressure ......................... 30 p.s.i, maximum
Spark Plug (Gap .030") .......... Champion RJ 19LM
Magnetron Ignition Air Gap..,..0125"
Model Number. 247.794510
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
Record model number, serial number and date of
purchase of the log splitter and keep in a safe place
for future reference.
2

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to operate your log splitter• Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol--heed its warning.
WARNING:
Your log splitter was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, care]essness or error on the part of the oper-
ator can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious
injury to yourself or others.
,_ The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known tothe state of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Towing
This unitshouldnot be towed on any street,
highwayor publicroadwithout checkingthe
existingfederal, localor state requirements.
Such informationmay be obtainedby callingyour
state or localbureau ofmotorvehicles. Any
licensingor modifications needed to complywith
federal, local orstate vehicle requirements isthe
sole responsibilityofthe purchaser.
Make sure you follow the wiringdiagram color
codes when installingthe lightkiton the log
splitter.(e.g. ground toground, leftturn toleft
turn, etc.). Failureto wire unitcorrectlymay
cause the towvehicle wiringto overheat and/or
the tog splitterlights to operate incorrectly.Itmay
be necessary to replace the turnsignal flasher
unitinyour towvehicle ifit isnotcapable of
operating theadditional lightson the logsplitter.
•Beforetowingthe logsplitterona street, highway
or publicroad, verifythat all lightsare functioning
properly and the yellowside reflectorsare in
position.Replace bulbsifthey are burntout.
•Beforetowing, always check to be certain the log
splitteriscorrectly and securely attached to the
tow vehicle, and safety chainsare in place.
Leave slack inchains for turning allowance.
Use a class Ior higherhitchwith a 1-7/8" ball.
Keep ballsocketand clamp face lubricatedwith
chassis grease.
Be sure the coupler is secured to the hitch ball
and the lock lever is down tight and locked.
Check vehicle hitch, ball and coupler for signs of
wear or damage. Replace any parts that are worn
or damaged before towing.
The coupler must be secured to the log splitter
tongue tube with the original equipment bolts and
nuts. See your authorized service dealer for
replacement parts. Coupler nuts should be
tightened securely (20 foot pounds).
• Make sure beam assembly is securely latched in
the horizontal position and jack stand (if provided)
is pivoted and secured in the up position before
towing log splitter. Never tow with the beam in
vertical position.
Do not tow the log splitter faster than 45 MPH.
Higher speeds may damage log splitter.
Excessive high speeds may cause the log splitter
to "fishtail" or otherwise become unstable.
Check the tire pressure on the log splitter tires. It
must be 30 p.s.i, maximum for highway travel.
When parking, storing or using your log splitter,
keep the coupler off the ground so dirt will not
build up in the ball socket.
• Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your log
splitter. They can easily fall off and be seriously
injured.
Training
• Before operating this log splitter, read and
understand this operator's manual completely.
Become familiar with it for your own safety. To fail
to do so may cause serious injury. Do not allow
anyone to operate your log splitter who has not
read this manual. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
orderingreplacement parts.
Never use your splitter for any other purpose than
splitting wood. Itis designed for this use and any
other use may cause an injury. Your log splitter is
a precision piece of power equipment, not a toy.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.
Never allow children to operate your log splitter.
Do not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your log splitter.
••Only the operator isto be near your log spSitter
during use. Keep all others, including pets and
children, a minimum of 20 feet away from your
work zone. Flying wood can be hazardous. If a
3

helperisassistinginloadinglogs,neveractivate
thecontroluntilthehelperisclear of the area.
More accidents occur when more than one
person operates the log splitter than at any other
time.
No one should operate this unit while intoxicated
or while taking medication that impairs the
senses or reactions. A clear mind is essential for
safety. Never allow a person who is tired or
otherwise not alert to use your log splitter.
Preparation
• Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be
caught by moving parts of your log splitter and
pull you into it. Keep clothing away from all
moving parts of your log splitter.
• Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from
moving parts. Always wear protective hearing
devices as needed.
• Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can
seriously injure your foot.
•Always wear safety glasses or goggles while
operating your splitter. A piece of splitting log
could fly off and hit your eyes.
Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight
fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings.
• Use your logsplitter in daylight, or under good
artificial light.
•Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet,
muddy or icy surfaces. Safe footing is essential
in preventing accidents.
• Never operate your splitter while attached to a
towing vehicle.
•Only operate your splitter on level ground and
not on the side of a hill. Itcould tip, or rolling logs
or poor footing could cause an accident.
Operating the splitter on level ground also
prevents the spillage of gasoline from the fuel
tank.
• Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly
or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or
adequate help.
Always block the wheels to prevent movement
of log splitter while in operation.
• Check the fuel before starting the engine.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not
fill the gasoline tank indoors,when the engine is
running, or while the engine isstill hot. Replace
gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause afire or explosion.
Both ends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of
the splitter during operation.
Operation
Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of
the log splitter.
Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind
the reservoir tank. See illustrations,
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls.
Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between logand end plate
during forward or reverse stroke. To do so may
result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.
Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip
in any position could result in a serious injury.
Do not step over your log splitter when the
engine is running. You may trip or accidentally
activate the splitting wedge if you step over. If
you need to get to the other side, walk around.
Never try to split two logs on top of each other.
One may fly out and injure you.
When loading the log splitter, place your hands
on the side of the log, not at the ends. Never
attempt to load your splitter while the splitting
wedge is in motion. You may get caught by the
wedge and injured.
Only use your hand to operate the splitting
wedge or control lever. Never use your foot or a
rope or any other extension device. This could
result in your inability to stop your splitter quickly
enough to avoid injury.
Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log during splitting operation. They
can quickly close and pinch or amputate your
fingers.

Neverattempttosplitwoodsacrossthegrain.
Sometypesofwoodmayburstorflyoutofyour
splitterandresultininjurytoyouorabystander.
Forlogsthatarenotcutsquare,thelongest
portionofthelogshouldberotateddownand
themostsquareendplacedagainstthesplitting
wedge.
Keepyourworkareaclean.Immediately
removesplitwoodaroundyoursplittersothat
youdonotstumbleoverit.Cleanchipsanddirt
offendplate(woodplatform)aftereachlogis
split,orwhenevernecessarytomaintainflat
contactbetweenwoodandendplate(platform).
Nevermovethelogsplitterwhiletheengineis
running.
Neverleaveyourlogsplitterunattendedwiththe
enginerunning.Shutofftheengineifyouare
leavingyoursplitter,evenforashortperiodof
time.Someonecouldaccidentallyactivatethe
splittingwedgeandbeinjured.
Donotrunengineinanenclosedarea.Exhaust
gasescontaincarbonmonoxide.Thisodorless
gascanbedeadlywheninhaled.
Becarefulnottotouchthemufflerafterthe
enginehasbeenrunning.ItwillbeHOT!
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrate
abnormally,stoptheengineandcheck
immediatelyforthecause.Vibrationisgenerally
awarningoftrouble.
Whencleaning,repairingorinspecting,make
certainallmovingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeepthe
wireawayfromtheplugtopreventaccidental
starting.
Customer Responsibilities
• Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical
condition or when in need of repair.
Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws,
hose clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be
sure equipment is in safe working condition.
Where appropriate, check all safety guards and
shields to be sure they are in the proper position.
Never operate your splitter with safety guards,
shields or other protective features removed.
These safety devices are for your protection.
Replace all damaged or worn parts such as
hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with
manufacturer approved replacement parts.
Do net change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. This increases the
hazard of personal injury. The maximum engine
speed is preset by the manufacturer and is
within safety limits.
Do not alter your log splitter in any manner such
as attaching a rope or extension to the control
lever or adding to the width or height of the
wedge. Such alterations may cause your splitter
to be unsafe.
Perform all recommended maintenance
procedures before you use your splitter.
Do not service or repair your log splitter without
disconnecting the spark plug wire and moving it
away from the spark plug.
• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside of a building where ignition sources
are present, such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers and the like. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
•Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly
sealed container. Store the container in a cool,
dry place. Do not store in a building where
ignition sources are present.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass,
leaves, wood chips, and excessive grease and
oil.
The hydraulic system of your leg splitter requires
careful inspection, along with the mechanical
parts. Be sure to replace frayed, kinked, or
otherwise damaged hydraulic components.
• Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be
almost invisible. Do not check for leaks with your
hand. Escaping fluid under pressure can have
sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing
serious personal injury. Leaks can be located by
passing a piece of cardboard or wood over the
suspected leak and looking for discoloration.
Should it become necessary to loosen or
remove any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to
relieve all pressure by shutting off the engine
and moving the control handle back and forth
several times.
• Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or
reservoir while your log splitter is running. Hot oil
under pressure could cause injury.
• The pressure relief valve on your splitter is
preset at the factory. Do not adjust the valve.
Only a qualified service technician should
perform this adjustment.
• Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This
guards against accumulation of fuel fumes
which could result in a fire hazard.
• Never store log splitter outside without a
waterproof cover. Rain will cause rust on the
inside of the cylinder.
Important Information
Always:
Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly.
Use Dexron Ill Automatic Transmission Fluid or
lOW non-foaming hydraulic fluid.
Use a filter (clean or replace regularly).
Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir.
5

• Make certain pump is mounted and aligned
properly.
•Use a flexible "spider" type coupling between
engine and pump drive shafts.
Keep hoses clear and unblocked.
Bleed air out of hoses before operating.
Flush and clean hydraulic system before start-
up after any malfunction or servicing.
• Use "pipe dope" on all hydraulic fittings.
Allow time for warm-up before splitting wood.
• Prime the pump before initial start-up by turning
over the engine with spark plug disconnected.
• Split wood with the grain (lengthwise) only.
Never:
Use when fluid is below 20° F, or above 150° F.
Use a solid engine/pump coupling.
Force pump when mounting.
Operate through relief valve.
Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve
settings without pressure gauges.
Operate with air in hydraulic system.
Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings.
Attempt to cut wood across the grain.
These accessories were available when the log splitter was purchased. These are also available at most Sears
retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the
model number of your log splitter.
Stabilizer
Gasoline Can
Tailight Kit

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline
in the engine. After assembly, see OPERATION
section of this manual for proper fuel fill-up.
Tools and Other Items Required
1. Crowbar or Large Screwdriver
2. Apair of 9/16" or Adjustable Wrenches*
3. Screwdriver
4. Cutters
5. Engine Oil (the equipment is shipped with oil in
the engine for starting)
6. Unleaded Gasoline
7. Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or 10W
Non-Foaming Hydraulic Fluid (Approximately 7
gallons)
Unpacking from Crate
WARNING; Exercise extreme caution as
parts are very heavy. Mechanical handling
equipment or sufficient manpower should
be used to prevent injury.
Pry the top, sides and ends off crate using a
crowbar or large screwdriver.
Set panels aside to avoid tire punctures or
personal injury.
Remove and discard plastic bag that covers
unit.Note: Do not remove the banding from
around the tank until the log splitter is
assembled.
Disconnecting Spark Plug
Before you proceed with the assembty
procedure, disconnect the spark plug wire from
the spark plug onthe log splitter engine and
move the wire away from the spark plug. This
will prevent accidental starting. See Figure 1.
Remove the two bolts, lock washers and hex
nuts that secure the tongue assembly to the
beam assembly. See Figure 2.
Unlock the two beam locks by pulling out on the
beam locks and pivoting them down. Remove
the tongue assembly,
Tongue
Assembly
!1¸¸ .ex
Lock Washers
and Hex Nuts
Figure 2
Place the end of the tongue assembly in
between the brackets on thewheel and reservoir
tank assembly. Secure with hardware removed
earlier. See Figure 3.
Bracket
Tongue
Disconnect spark Engine
plug wire here
Figure 1
Setting Up Log Splitter
NOTE: All hardware needed forassembling your
Craftsman log splitter has been placed in position on
the equipment. 7
Nuts
Lock
Washers
Bolts
Figure 3
Remove the spring clip and the clevis pin from
the jack stand. Pivot the jack stand to the
operating position (90°), end secure with the
spring clip and clevis pin. See Figure 4.

Clevis !
! Tongue
Assembly Spring
P Clip
Jack Stand
Figure 4
Cut the two straps from around the reservoir
tank assembly.
•Remove the lag screw and washer which
secures the beam assembly to the bottom of the
crate.
•Lower the beam assembly to its horizontal
position. Make certain the beam is locked
securely with the horizontal beam lock, See
Figure 5.
•Pu_the log splitter off the pallet.
Figure 5
Final Assembly
Tire Pressure
The tires may have been over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Maximum tire pressure should not exceed
30 p.s.i. Check tire pressure regularly,
Preparing the Engine
Place the logsplitter on a firm, level surface.
Check engine oil as instructed on page 10.
Fill engine with gasoline as instructed on
page 10.
Preparing the Log Splitter
Lubricate the beam area where the splitting
wedge will slide with engine oil (do not use
grease). Make certain to oil both front and back
of the beam face.
Remove reservoir vent plug. See Figure 6.
Fill hydraulic
:luidhere
Reservoir
Tank
Reservo_ir Vent 9
Plug
Figure 6
Fill the reservoir tankto about 2" from the top
with Dexron ill automatic transmission fluid,or
10W non4oaming hydraulic fluid. Replace vent
plug securely.
Disconnect the spark plug wire. Prime the pump
by pullingthe recoil starter as far as it will go.
Repeat approximately 10 times.
Reconnect the spark plug wire and start engine.
Refer to starting instructions on page 11.
Use the control handle to engage the wedge to
the far extended position. Refer to Figure 8.
• Retract the wedge.
Refill tank to within 1-1/2" to 2"from the top of
the tank.
Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete
cycles to remove trapped air in the system
(system is "se_f-b_eeding").
Refill the reservoir to within 1-1/2" to 2" from the
top of the tank. Much ofthe original fluid has
been drawn into the cylinder and hoses. Make
certain to refill the reservoir, to prevent extreme
damage to the hydraulic pump.
NOTE: Some fluid may overflow fromthe vent plug as
the system builds heat and the fluid expands and
seeks a balanced level.
Move control handle BACK or UP to return the
wedge. See Figure 8 on page 10.
8

Know Your Log Splitter
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your log splitter. Compare the
illustrationson this page with your equipment to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference,
The operation of any log splitter can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses, for operating your
log splitter, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it,
_-_'_-_SpliHing Wedge
End
Plate
Beam
Lock
Reservoir Tank
\_\\\ \
Tong_ue
Assembly
Jack Stand
Control
Handle Hose
Guard Beam
Lock
fOil Fill
Spark
Plug
Plug
Figure 7
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears log splitters conform to the safety standards B71.7-19B5 of the American National Standards Institute.
9

Operating Controls
(See Figure7.)
,_ WARNING: Before using your log splitter,
again refer to the safety rules on page 3 4.
and 5 ofthis manual. Always be careful.
Do not operate the log splitter withoutthe
proper amount ofhydraulic oil in the
reservoir tank. Failure to refill the tank will
void your warranty.
Beam Locks
Used to secure the beam in the horizontal or the
vertical position. There are two beam locks, one for
each operating position. The vertical beam lock is
located next to the oil filter. The horizontal beam lock
is located on the beam support latch racket.
Primer
Used to start a coldengine. Do not use it to restart a
warm engine aftera short shut-down.
Starter Handle
Used to manually start the engine.
Control Handle
The control handle has three positions. See Figure 8.
Reversel _
To retprn wedge
_J Neutral ITo stop
tt wood
Control I [
Handle Forward r_v
Figure 8
Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to
move wedge down to split wood.
NOTE: Control handle will return to neutral position
as soon as handle is released.
Release the control handle to stop the wedge
movement.
• Move control handle BACK or UP to return the
wedge.
Stopping Engine
Move throttle control lever to STOP position.
Disconnect spark plug wire and move away
from spark plug to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.
Before Starting
Oil Fill-Up
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API
service classification SF, SG or SH. Select the
oil's viscosity grade according to the expected
operating temperature. Follow the chart below.
Colder _ 40°F_ Warmer
5W30 ! SAE 3O
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils(5W30, 10W30,
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multivis-
cosity oils will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 40°F. Check the oil level more fre-
quently toavoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
&WARNING: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40°F,
will result in hard starting and possible
engine bore damage due to inadequate
lubrication.
Fill engine with the appropriate oil as follows:
Remove oil fill dipstick.
• With log splitter on level ground, use a funnel to
fill engine oil to FULL mark on dipstick. Capacity
is approximately 1.25 pints or 21 ounces. Be
careful not to overfill,
Replace the dipstick on to the engine and
tighten. Then remove the dipstick again and
wipe off the oil from the end of the dipstick with a
clean cloth.
Screw the dipstick firmly back to place. Remove
to check the oil level.
• Refill oil to FULL mark on dipstick if necessary.
Replace dipstick and tighten.
WARNING: To avoid engine damage, never
run engine unless oil level isbetween FULL
and Add marks on the dipstick.
Gasoline Fill-Up
Remove fuel cap.
Make certain the gasoline container is clean and
free from rust or foreign particles. Never use
gasoline that may be stale from long periods of
storage in the container.
• Fill fuel tank with about 1.5 quarts of clean,
fresh, lead-free grade automotive gasoline. DO
NOT use Ethyl or high octane gasoline.
NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline containing methanol
Gasofine containing up to about 10% ethanol or up to
15% methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) may be used,
but will require special care when engine is left
unused for extended period. Refer to Storage
instructions on page 18.
Replace fuel cap.
10