Craftsman 247.79452 User manual

Owner's Manual
33 Ton Hydraulic
Log Splitter
Model Nos.
247.794520
CAUTION: Before
using this product,
read this manual and
follow all safety rules
and operating
instructions.
•Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Service
•Maintenance
•Espa5ol
Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A. 770-10032A
(8/99)

Content Page
Warranty Information......................................... 2
Safe Operation Practices................................... 3
Accessories ....................................................... 6
Assembly........................................................... 7
Operation........................................................... 9
Maintenance ...................................................... 13
Content Page
Service & Adjustment ........................................ 15
Off-Season Storage........................................... 17
Trouble-Shooting ............................................... 18
Parts List............................................................ 20
Espanbl ............................................................. 27
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: ......................... 9
Engine Oil .............................. SAE 30/26 ounces
Fuel Capacity: ....................... Unleaded/1 gallon
Hydraulic Fluid ...................... Dexron III/7 gallons
Tire Pressure ......................... 30 p.s.i, max.
Spark Plug (Gap .030") .......... Champion RJ19LM
Model Number 247.794520
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
Record model number, serial number and date of
purchase of the log splitter and keep in asafe 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.
,_ DANGER:
Your leg splitter was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness 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 to the state of California tocause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Towing
•This unitshouldnot be towed on any street,
highwayor public roadwithoutchecking the
existingfederal, localor state requirements.
Such informationmay be obtainedby callingyour
state or local bureau of motorvehicles. Any
licensingor modificationsneeded to complywith
federal, localor state vehicle requirements isthe
sole responsibilityofthe purchaser.*
•Make sure you followthe wiringdiagram color
codes when installing the light kit on the log
splitter. (e.g. ground to ground, left turn to left
turn, etc.). Failure to wire unit correctly may
cause the tow vehicle wiring to overheat and/or
the log splitter lights to operate incorrectly, itmay
be necessary to replace the turn signal flasher
unit in your tow vehicle if it is not capable of
operating the additionallights on the log splitter.
• Before towing the log splitteron a street, highway
or public road, vedfy that all lights are functioning
properly and the yellow side reflectors are in
position. Replace bulbs if they are burnt out.
• Before towing, always check to be certain the log
splitter is correctly and securely attached to the
tow vehicle, and safety chains are in place.
Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.
Use a class I or higher hitch with a 1-7/8" ball.
Keep ball socket and clamp face lubricated with
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 signsof
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
should not exceed 30 p.s.i, 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 operatingthis logsplitter,read and
understandthis operator'smanualcompletely.
Become familiarwith itfor yourownsafety. To fail
to do so may cause serious injury.Do not allow
anyoneto operate yourlogsplitterwho has not
read this manual. Keep this manualin a safe
place forfuture and regularreferenceand for
orderingreplacement parts.
Never useyoursplitterfor anyotherpurposethan
splittingwood. Itisdesignedfor this useand any
otheruse may cause an injury.Your logsplitteris
a precisionpiece of powerequipment, not a toy.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.
•Never allow childrento operate yourlog splitter.
Do not allowadultstooperate itwithoutproper
instruction.Only personswell acquaintedwith
these rulesofsafe operationshouldbeallowed to
use your logsplitter.
Only the operator istobe near yourlogsplitter
during use. Keep all others, includingpets and
children, a minimum of 20 feet away fromyour
work zone. Flyingwood can be hazardous. Ifa
helper isassistingin loadinglogs, never activate
3

the controluntil the helper is clear 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 logsplitter.
Preparation
•Never wear looseclothingor jewelry thatcan be
caughtby moving parts ofyour logsplitterand
pullyou intoit, Keep clothingaway 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 splittinglog
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 log splitter in daylight, or under good
artificiallight.
• 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. It could 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 splitterover 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 is still hot. Replace
gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
Bothends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of
the splitter duringoperation.
Operation
Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of
the log splitter.
Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind
the reservoirtank. See illustrations.
Know how to stopthe unit and disengage the
controls.
Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between log and end plate
during forward or reverse stroke.To do so may
result in crushedor amputated fingers or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.
Do not straddle the splitterwhen 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 splittingwedge if you step over. If
you need to get to the other side, walk around.
Never try to splittwo 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.
Never attempt to split woods across the grain.
Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your
splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.
4

For logsthatare not cut square, the longest
portion ofthe log shouldbe rotateddown and
the mostsquare end placed against the splitting
wedge.
Keep yourwork area clean. Immediately
remove splitwood around your splittersothat
you do not stumble over it.Clean chipsand dirt
off end plate (wood platform) aftereach log is
split,or whenever necessary to maintainflat
contact between wood and end plate (platform).
Never move the log splitterwhile the engine is
running.
Never leave yourlogsplitterunattended withthe
engine running.Shut offthe engine ifyou are
leaving yoursplitter,even for a shortperiodof
time. Someone could accidentallyactivate the
splittingwedge and be injured.
Do not runengine inan enclosed area. Exhaust
gases containcarbon monoxide. This odorless
gascan bedeadly when inhaled.
Becareful nottotouch the mufflerafter the
engine hasbeen running. It willbe HOT!
Ifthe equipmentshouldstart tovibrate
abnormally,stop the engine and check
immediatelyfor the cause. Vibration isgenerally
a warning oftrouble.
When cleaning, repairing or inspecting,make
certainall moving parts have stopped.
Disconnectthe spark plug wire and keep the
wire away from the plugto prevent accidental
starting.
Customer Responsibilities
•Do not operate yoursplitter in poor mechanical
conditionor when in need of repair.
•Periodicallycheck that all nuts, bolts,screws,
hose clamps and hydraulicfittingsaretightto be
sure equipment is insafe workingcondition.
Where appropriate, check allsafety guards and
shieldstobe sure they are inthe properposition.
Never operate your splitterwith safety guards,
shields orother protective features removed.
These safetydevices are for yourprotection.
•Replace all damaged or worn partssuch as
hydraulichoses and fittings immediately with
manufacturerapproved replacement parts.
• Do notchange the engine governorsettingsor
overspeed the engine. This increasesthe
hazard of personal injury.The maximum engine
speed ispreset bythe manufacturer and is
withinsafety limits.
• Do not alter your tog 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
tobe unsafe.
5
• Perform all recommended maintenance
procedures before you use yoursplitter.
•Do not serviceor repairyourlog splitterwithout
disconnectingthe spark plugwire and moving it
away from the spark plug.
Never storethe equipmentwith gasolinein the
tank insideofa buildingwhere ignitionsources
are present, such as hotwater and space
heaters, clothesdryersand the like. Allow the
engine tocool beforestoringinany enclosure.
Always store gasolinein an approved, tightly
sealed container. Store thecontainer in a cool,
dry place. Do notstore in a building where
ignitionsources are present.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass,
leaves, wood chips, and excessive grease and
oil.
The hydraulic system of your log 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.Leakscan be located by
passing a piece of cardboard or wood over the
suspected leak and looking for discoloration.
• Should itbecome necessary to loosen or
remove any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to
relieve all pressure by shuttingoff 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 splitteris running. Hot oil
under pressure could cause injury.
• The pressure relief valve on your splitter is
preset at the factory. Do notadjust 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 afire 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 fluidand checkfluid level regularly
•Use Dexron Ill AutomaticTransmission Fluid or
lOW non-foaminghydraulicfluid.
•Use a filter (clean or replace regularly)
•Use a breather capon fluid reservoir

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
• Splitwood 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 reliefvalvefor several seconds
Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve
settings without pressure gauges
• Operate with air inhydraulic system
Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings
• Attempt to cut wood across the grain.
These accessories were available when the log
splitterwas 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.
Tailight Kit
6

IMPORTANT: This unitisshipped without gasoline
in the engine. After assembly, see OPERATION
sectionof thismanual for properfuel fill-up.
Tools and Other Items Required
Crowbar or large screwdriver
A pair of 9/16" or adjustable wrenches*
Screwdriver
Cutters
Engine oil
Unleaded gasoline
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 orsufficientmanpower should
be used to preventinjury.
•Pry thetop, sidesand ends offcrate using a
crowbar or large screwdriver.
•Set panels aside to avoid tire puncturesor
personal injury.
•Remove and discard plasticbag that covers
unit.
Note: Do not remove the banding fromaround the
tank until thelogsplitterisassembled.
Disconnecting Spark Plug
•Beforeyou startthe assembly procedure,
disconnectthe spark plug wire fromthe spark
plug on the leg splitterengine and movethe wire
away from the spark plug.Thiswill prevent
accidental starting.See Figure 1.
Disconnectspark
plug
Figure I
Setting Up Log Splitter
NOTE: Afthardware needed forassemblingyour
Craftsman logsplitter has been placed in positionon
the equipment.
7
• 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
,Beam
I
Hex Bolts,
Lock Washers
and Hex Nuts
Figure 2
Place the end of the tongue assembly in
between the brackets on the wheel and the
reservoir tank assembly. Secure with hardware
removed earlier. See Figure 3.
Bracket
Tongue
Assembly
Hex
Bolts
Lock
Washers
Figure 3
Pull spring lever outward and rotate the jack
stand counter-clockwise till it locks into the

uprightposition.Releasespringlever. See
Figure 4,
Spring
Lever Jack Stand
Lowerthe beam assemblyto its horizontal
position.Make certainthe beam is locked
securely withthe horizontalbeam lock.See
Figure5.
Pullthe log splitteroffthe pallet.
Figure 4
Cut the twostraps from around the reservoir
tank assembly,
Remove the lag screw and washer which
secures the beam assembly tothe bottomofthe
crate.
Final Assembly
Tire Pressure
The tires may have been over-inflated for shipping
purposes.
• Check tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure
should not exceed 30 p.s.i.
Preparing Log Splitter
Place the logsplitteron a firm, level surface.
Lubricatethe 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.
Fill the reservoir with hydraulic fluid following
instructions on page 10.
Check engine oil level and refill, if necessary.
Follow instructions for oil fill-up on page 10.
Beam
Assembly
Horizontal--
Beam Lock
Figure 5

Know Your Log Splitter
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your log splitter. Compare the
illustrations on 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.
Splitting
Beam yge
Beam
Lock
Filter
Reservoir
Tank
Beam
Lock
Muffler
011 Fill
Jack Stand
Fuel Cap
Filter Starter
Handle
Figure 6
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears log splittersconform tothe safety standards B71.7-1985 ofthe American National Standards Institute.
9

OPERATING CONTROLS
(See Figure6.)
WARNING: Before usingyourlog splitter,
again referto thesafety rules on pages 3-6
ofthis manual. Always be careful,
Do not operate the logsplitterwithoutthe
properamount ofhydraulicoil inthe
reservoirtank. Failure to refillthe tank will
void yourwarranty.
Beam Locks
Locatedon thetongue and reservoirtankassemblies,
these are usedtosecure the beam inthe horizontalor
the vertical position.
Choke Lever
Used to enrichthe fuel mixture inthe carburetorwhen
startinga coldengine.
Starter Handle
Used to manually startthe engine.
Throttle Control
Permits selectionof fast or slow engine speed.
Control Handle
The control handle hasthree positions.See Figure7.
_" Neutral ITo stop
/To ,p,tt,, od
Control I
Handle Forward L_._,.
Figure 7
• Move controlhandle FORWARD or DOWN to
spiltwood.
NOTE: Controlhandle willreturn to neutralposition
fromforward position as soonas handle is released.
Release thecontrol handle to stopthe wedge
movement.
• Move controlhandle BACK or UP to return the
wedge.
Before Starting
Oil Fill-Up
Only use highquality detergent oilrated with
APi service classificationSF, SG or SH. Select
the oil's viscositygrade accordingtothe
expected operating temperature. Followthe
chart below.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (514/30,10W30,
etc.) improve starting in coldweather, these
mu/tiviscosity oilswillresultin increased oil
consumptionwhen used above 40°1:. Check theoi/
level more frequentlytoavoidpossible engine
damage from running low on oil.
&WARNING: SAE 30 oil, ifused below 40°F,
willresult in hard startingand possible
engine bore damage due to inadequate
lubrication.
NOTE: If the unit was shipped with oil in the engine,
check the oil level and refill ff necessary.
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 26 ounces. Be careful not to
overfill.
•Replace the dipstickonto the engine and
tighten.Then remove the dipstickagain and
wipe offthe oilfrom the end ofthedipstickwith a
clean cloth.
•Screw the dipstickfirmly backto place. Remove
tocheck the oillevel.
Refill oilto FULL mark on dipstickifnecessary.
Replace dipstickand tighten.
Gasoline Fill-Up
&
Remove fuel cap. See Figure 6.
Make certain the gasolinecontainer isclean and
free from rustorforeign particles.Never use
gasoline that may be stalefrom longperiodsof
storage inthe container.
Fillfuel tank with about one gallon ofclean,
fresh, lead-free grade automotive gasoline. DO
NOT use Ethyl or highoctane gasoline.
Replace fuel cap.
WARNING: Do not fill closer than 1/2 inchof
top offuel tank to prevent spillsand to allow
for fuel expansion. Ifgasoline is accidently
spilled, move log splitteraway from area of
spill.Avoid creating any sourceof ignition
untilgasolinevapors have disappeared.
Reservoir Fill-Up
Remove reservoir vent plug. See Figure 8.
Fill the reservoirtank toabout 2"fromthe top
with 7 gallonsof Dexron III automatic
transmissionfluid, or 10W non-foaming
hydraulicfluid. Replace vent plug securely.
10