Forest-Master FM10 User manual

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
IMPORTANT: Read this manual fully before assembly
and use and observe all safety rules and operating
instructions
ELECTRIC
LOG SPLITTER
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Version Shown FM10TW

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Contents
Technical Specification 2
Know Your Electric Log Splitter 4
Know Your Petrol Log Splitter 5
Safety 6
Operation 10
Maintenance 18
Exploded View 21
Parts List 22
Warranty 24
Accessories 25
Stand/Trolley Assembly 27
Work Bench Fitting 30
2
Technical Specification
Model (Electric) FM5 FM8 FM10
Minimum log diameter 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm
Maximum log diameter 250 mm 250 mm 500 mm
Maximum Log Length 300 mm 370 mm 450 mm
Motor 230V 50Hz
2200W IP54
230V 50Hz
2200W IP54
230V 50Hz
2200W IP54
Splitting Force 5 ton 5 ton 5 ton
6 ton
7 ton
Hydraulic Pressure 400 bar 400 bar 400 bar
450 bar
500 bar
Hydraulic Oil Capacity 1.9 Litre 2.4 Litre 3.5 Litre
Length 710 mm 780 mm 940 mm
Width 270 mm 270 mm 270 mm
Height 510 mm 510 mm 510 mm
Weight 32 kg 37 kg 47 kg

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 3
Technical Specification
Model (Petrol) FM5P FM8P FM10P
Minimum log diameter 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm
Maximum log diameter 250 mm 250 mm 500 mm
Maximum Log Length 300 mm 370 mm 450 mm
Engine 35cc
37cc
52cc
35cc
37cc
52cc
35cc
37cc
52cc
Splitting Force 5 ton
6 ton
7 ton
5 ton
6 ton
7 ton
5 ton
6 ton
7 ton
Hydraulic Pressure 400 bar
450 bar
500 bar
400 bar
450 bar
500 bar
400 bar
450 bar
500 bar
Hydraulic Oil Capacity 1.9 Litre 2.4 Litre 3.5 Litre
Length 710 mm 780 mm 940 mm
Width 270 mm 270 mm 270 mm
Height 510 mm 510 mm 510 mm
Weight 27 kg 32 kg 42 kg

1 Log Pusher (FM5, FM8)
2 Log Bed
3 Wedge
4 Lifting Handle
5 Support leg
6 Log Retaining Plates
7 Push Button Switch
8 Motor
9 Push Button Box
10 Wheels (minor moving only)
11 Hydraulic Control Lever
12 Control Lever Guard
13 Bleed Screw
14 Oil Drain Bolt w/ Dipstick
15 Duocut Blade (FM10)
3
2
1 4
6
5
789
10
11
12
13
14
15
FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Know Your Electric Log Splitter
4

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 5
Know Your Petrol Log Splitter
1 Pusher(FM5, FM8) / Duocut Blade (FM10)
2 Log Bed
3 Wedge
4 Lifting Handle
5 Support leg
6 Log Retaining Plates
7 Pull Start
8 Engine
9 Throttle Control
10 Wheels (minor moving only)
11 Hydraulic Control Lever
12 Control Lever Guard
13 Bleed Screw
14 Oil Drain Bolt w/ Dipstick
15 Lockable Castors
1236 13 4
14
5
15
7
8
10
9
11 12

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Safety
6
UNDERSTAND YOUR LOG SPLITTER: Read and understand
the owner’s manual and labels affixed to the log splitter.
Learn its application and limitations as well as the specific
potential hazards peculiar to it.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND MEDICATION: Do not operate the
log splitter while under the influence of drugs, alcohol,
or any medication that could affect your ability to use it
properly.
AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: Use the log splitter
on the ground, on the stand supplied or one of the stands
available as accessories. Ensure the stand, if used, is securely
assembled.
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered areas invite
injuries. 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 turning it on. Keep guards in place and in working
order. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting
wrenches are removed from tool area before turning it on.
Replace damaged, missing or failed parts before using it.
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 getting
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.
Stand behind and to the right of the machine when operating
it. Do not bend over the machine to operate it, this is an
awkward operating position that has the operator bring
their face close to the machine, and thus risk being struck
by wood chips or debris.
Symbol on
the machine

Symbol on
the machine
FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 7
Safety
EXTENSION CORDS: Improper use of extension cords
may cause inefficient operation of the log splitter which
can result in overheating. Be sure the extension cord is no
longer than 10m and its section is no less than 2.5mm2to
allow sufficient current flow to the motor.
Avoid use of free and inadequately insulated connections.
Connections must be made with protected material suitable
for outdoor use.
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK: Check that the electric
circuit is adequately protected and that it corresponds with
the power, voltage and frequency of the motor. Check that
there is a ground connection, and a regulation differential
switch upstream.
Ground the log splitter. Prevent body contact with grounded
surfaces: pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator
enclosures.
Never open the push button box on the motor. Should this
be necessary, contact a qualified electrician.
Make sure your fingers do not touch the plug’s metal prongs
when plugging or unplugging the log splitter.
AVOID BURNS: Avoid contact with hot oil, exhaust fumes
and hot surfaces. Do not touch the engine or exhaust, these
parts get extremely hot from operation and remain hot for
a time after the unit is turned off. Allow the engine to cool
before doing maintenance or adjustment.
PETROL ENGINE: DO NOT operate the log splitter in an
enclosed area. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide
an odourless and deadly gas. Operate this unit only in a well
ventilated area.
Always stop the engine before moving the machine. Do not
alter or adjust any part of the machine or engine that is
sealed by the manufacturer or distributor. Always check
before use, as specified in the manufacturers handbook.
Symbol on
the machine

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Safety
8
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum
safe operating speed of the engine.
Do not run the engine at a high speed when you are not
working.
KEEP VISITORS AND CHILDREN AWAY: The log
splitter must be always operated by one person only.
Other people should keep a safe distance from the
work area, especially when the log splitter is under
operations. Never use another person to help you with
freeing jammed logs.
INSPECT YOUR LOG: Make sure there are no nails or
foreign objects in logs to be split. The ends of the logs
must be cut square. Branches must be cut off flush with
the trunk.
DON’T OVERREACH: Floor must not be slippery.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Never
stand on log splitter. Serious injury could occur if the
tool is tipped or if the cutting tools is unintentionally
contacted. Do not store anything above or near the log
splitter where anyone might stand on the tool to reach
them.
AVOID INJURY FROM UNEXPECTED ACCIDENT:
Always pay full attention to the movement of the log
pusher.
Do not attempt to load the log on until the log pusher
has stopped. Keep hands out of the way of all moving
parts.
PROTECT YOUR HANDS: Keep you hands away from
splits and cracks which open in the log; They may close
suddenly and crush or amputate your hands.
Do not remove jammed logs with your hands.
Symbol on
the machine

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 9
Safety
DON’T FORCE THE TOOL: It will do a better and safer
job at its design rate. Never try to split logs larger than
those indicated in the specifications table. This could be
dangerous and may damage the machine.
Don’t use log splitter for a purpose for which it was not
intended.
NEVER LEAVE THE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED:
Don’t leave tool until it has come to a complete stop.
DISCONNECT POWER: Unplug the electric motor
or remove the plug cap from the spark plug before
making adjustments, changing parts, cleaning, or
maintaining the log splitter. Consult technical manual
before servicing.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Take used oil to an
authorized collection point or follow the stipulations
in the country where the log splitter is used. Do not
discharge into drains, soil or water.
MAINTAIN YOUR LOG SPLITTER WITH CARE: Keep
the log splitter clean for best and safest performance.
MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF: Lock the shop.
Disconnect master switches. Store the log splitter away
from children and others not qualified to use it.
The warnings, cautions and instructions referred to in
this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must be understood that
common sense and caution must be applied by the
operator when using the log splitter.
Symbol on
the machine

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Operation
10
OPERATING CONDITIONS
This log splitter is a home use model. It is designed for operating under
ambient temperatures between +5°C and 40°C and for installation at
altitudes no more than 1000m above M.S.L. The surrounding humidity
should be less than 50% at 40°C. It can be stored or transported under
ambient temperatures between -25°C and 55°C.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS (FM5, FM8, FM10)
Connect the main leads to a standard 230V±10% (50Hz±1Hz) electrical
supply which has protection devices of under-voltage, over-voltage
and over-current as well as a residual current device (RCD) which is
maximum residual current rated at 0.03A.
This equipment is fitted with a UK 3 pin mains electricity plug and
is supplied with a 2 pin adapter for use where necessary. DO NOT
remove the 3 pin mains electricity plug and fit a 2 pin mains electricity
plug.
POSITIONING THE LOG
SPLITTER
The log splitter should be
positioned level or preferably
positioned with the end where
the fixed wedge is, slightly
raised. A difference of 5mm
over the length of the log
splitter is sufficient.
This end slightly raised
It should not be positioned with the fixed wedge end lower than the
operating handle end as this may limit the flow of oil to the pump.
Before using the splitter, attach the two rubber feet supplied, to the
plate on the bottom of the front foot, using the nuts and washers
supplied.

IMPORTANT: failure to loosen the bleed screw will keep
air sealed in the hydraulic system, being compressed and
being decompressed. Such continuous air compression
and decompression will blow out the seals of the hydraulic
system and cause permanent damage to the log splitter.
FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 11
Operation
AIR BLEED SCREW
Before operating the log splitter, the Bleed Screw
should be loosened a few turns until air can flow
in and out of the oil tank smoothly. To avoid a
log hitting the bleed screw, ensure the wings are
level. Air flow through the Bleed Screw hole should
be detectable during log splitter operation. Before
moving the log splitter, make sure the Bleed Screw
is tightened to avoid oil leaking from this point.
TWO HANDED CONTROL
This log splitter is equipped with
a control system that requires
operation by both hands of the user.
One hand controls the hydraulic
control lever while the other hand
controls the push button switch or
throttle control. The log splitter will
freeze upon absence of either hand.
Only after both hands release the
controls, will the log pusher start
to return backward to the starting
position.
To split a log, press and hold the button to start the electric motor
(or throttle for the petrol engine) then move the lever to advance
the ram.
Never move the lever before pressing the button or the throttle.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Operation
12
Always set logs firmly on the log
retaining plates and work table.
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.
PETROL ENGINE (FM5P, FM8P, FM10P)
The petrol engine is supplied without fuel. Before use, fill the fuel
tank as specified in the engine manufacturers handbook included
separately.
Note that the FM5P, FM8P & FM10P can be supplied with a 2 stroke or 4
stroke engine, consult the engine manufacturers handbook (included
separately), to check which type you have. If you do not have the
engine manufacturers handbook, contact Forest Master.
Start the engine following the procedure given in the engine
manufacturers handbook.
LUBRICATE THE LOG BED
Some types of wood can contain a lot of sap that may occasionally
adhere to the log bed of the log splitter. This can cause the plastic
spacer underneath the moving blade or pusher, to stick to the work
surface, causing the blade to jerk and possibly pulling the spacer
away from underneath the blade.
To avoid this happening, it is recommended to lubricate the log bed
of the log splitter before first use and periodically thereafter.
If the plastic spacer does get pulled from under the blade or pusher,
do not use the log splitter until the spacer has been refitted.
WARNING: Never use the machine without the plastic
spacer fitted under the blade.

Break log in the direction of its growing grain. Do not place log across
the log splitter for splitting. It may be dangerous and may seriously
damage the machine. Do not attempt to split 2 pieces of log at the
same time. One of them may fly up and hit you.
FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 13
Operation
If splitting a log that has
already been split, always
place the log so that the
split face is uppermost and
the bark covered outer face
of the log is against the bed
of the log splitter.
NEVER place a split log with
the split face or faces against
the bed of the log splitter, as
this can cause the log to jam
against the log guides as it
splits, thereby bending and
possibly breaking the log
guides and possibly the body
of the log splitter.
WARNING: Never place the split face or faces of a log
against the bed of the log splitter.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to split a log across the grain.

FREEING A JAMMED LOG (FM5,
FM8(P))
Release both controls.
After the log pusher moves
back and completely stops at its
starting position, insert a wood
wedge under the jammed log.
Start the log splitter to push the
wood wedge completely under
the jammed log.
Repeat above procedure with
sharper slope wood wedges
until the log is completely freed.
FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Operation
14
HARD LOGS
After 5 seconds of operation, the pressurised oil will be overheated
and the machine could be damaged. In the case of an extremely hard
log, rotate it by 90o(around the central axis of the log) to see whether
it can be split in a different direction. In any case, if you are not able
to split the log, this means that its hardness exceeds the capacity of
the machine and thus that log should be discarded to protect the log
splitter.
Petrol engine (FM5P, FM8P, FM10P)
Occasionally when splitting very hard logs with a petrol engine
powered log splitter, the engine revs may noticably start to drop off
as the blade progresses through the log. If this happens, release the
lever and close the throttle, which will allow the blade to return to the
start position then open the throttle to build the revs and continue
splitting.
IMPORTANT: Never keep pressure on a log for more than
5 seconds to force it to split very hard wood.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 15
Operation
NOTE: As the FM10 can split the wood from both ends, it
is extremely unlikely that a log will become jammed.
Do not try to knock the jammed
log off. Knocking the log will
damage the machine or may
launch the log and cause an
accident.
FITTING THE DUOCUT BLADE AS
AN ACCESSORY (FM5, FM8)
To fit the Duocut blade, remove the
four bolts holding the pusher block in
place (an open ended offset spanner
is best for turning the nuts) and
remove the pusher block from the
cradle.
Remove the plastic insert from the
bottom of the pusher block and
attach to the bottom of the Duocut
blade.
Fit the Duocut blade into the cradle
and secure with the four bolts and
nuts.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Operation
16
CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT (FM5, FM8 & FM10 All Versions)
Before splitting any logs, the alignment of the Duocut blade should
be checked and adjusted if necessary. The Duocut blade should
point along the centreline of the splitter bed and align with the
edge of the fixed blade.
To adjust the alignment of the
Duocut blade, tighten or loosen
the nuts on the forward end of the
each of the cradle arms to increase
or decrease their tension.
To increase the tension, turn the
rear nut anti-clockwise to loosen it
then turn the front nut clockwise
to tighten it.
To decrease the tension, turn the
front nut anti-clockwise to loosen
it then turn the rear nut clockwise
to tighten it.
rear
nut
front
nut
MAINTAINING THE DUOCUT BLADE ALIGNMENT DURING
SPLITTING
Under most circumstances when using your Duocut electric log
splitter there will not be a problem if the blades encounter a knot,
as the log splitter will simply stop splitting with the blade that
encounters the knot and continue splitting at the other blade.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 17
Operation
However there is a possibility that, if the moving Duocut blade
encounters a knot at a shallow angle then rather than stopping, the
blade may be deflected off line and if splitting continues the moving
carriage arms can be bent out of alignment.
When splitting logs, you should therefore monitor the moving duocut
blade and if you observe the blade being deflected away from the
centreline of the splitter, you should stop splitting immediately. After
the blade has returned to its stop you should turn the log through
90 degrees about the long axis and try splitting the log again.
To minimise the possibility of a knot deflecting the blade, it is
recommended to place logs that have a visible knot, so that the knot
is vertical. Note however that as explained on page 13, you must
not place a log with a split face towards the bed of the log splitter in
order to position a knot vertically.
RAM STOP (FM10 Only (All Versions)
Loosen the knob on the ram stop so that
it is free to slide on the bar. Operate the
log splitter to move the ram forward to
the required length.
Holding the operating lever in place to
ensure the ram does not return, position
the ram stop against the front of the
splitter and tighten using the knob.
The ram stop can be adjusted by simply
unscrewing the knob and sliding along
the cradle bar, the ram may need to be
moved forward depending on the length
of log you wish to split. The operating
lever must be held in place when
unscrewing the ram stop or the ram will
return.
Ram Stop
IMPORTANT: Ensure the motor is switched off and only
use the operating lever to hold the ram in position when
adjusting the ram stop.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)18
Periodically check oil level to ensure it is between the 2 grooves
around the Dipstick. When the oil level reaches the lower groove, oil
refilling is required. We recommend using ISO 46 grade hydraulic
fluid, sometimes labelled as #46 grade oil.
For optimum performance we recommend using our specially
formulated HYD46+ log splitter oil.
Maintenance
REPLACING THE HYDRAULIC OIL
Replace the Hydraulic oil in the log splitter
after every 150 hours of use as follows.
• Make sure all moving parts stops and
the log splitter is unplugged.
• Unscrew Oil Drain Bolt with Dipstick to
remove it.
• Tip the log splitter onto the Support Leg
end over a 4 litres capacity container to
drain the hydraulic oil off.
• Tip the log splitter onto the motor end.
• Refill with fresh hydraulic oil to the
volume given for a particular model in
technical specifications table.
• Clean the surface of Dipstick attached
to the Oil Drain Bolt and put it back into
the oil tank while keep the log splitter
vertical.
• Make sure the level of the refilled oil
is no more than 10mm above the 1st
groove on the dipstick.
• Clean the Oil Drain Bolt threads before
re-inserting. Make sure it is tightened
to avoid leakage before placing the log
splitter horizontal.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions) 19
Maintenance
SHARPENING WEDGE
After using the log splitters for some time, sharpen the wedge of the
log splitter using a fine-toothed file and smooth any burrs or crushed
area along the cutting edge.
PETROL ENGINE
For maintenance and trouble shooting of the petrol engine, see the
manufacturer’s handbook included separately.
MOVING CARRIAGE
When new, it may be noticed that occasionally the moving carriage is
slow to return or does not return fully when the controls are released.
This is due to the necessary close fit between the plastic spacer that
is fitted under and up the sides of the pusher or Duocut blade. With
use this spacer will wear so that the carriage returns correctly.
If after using the log splitter for a while, the carriage is still slow to
return or does not return fully, follow the procedure below.
Lie the splitter on one side and remove the two bolts securing the
pusher/blade on that side. Remove the washers from the outside of
the carriage and place them between the carraige and the pusher/
blade. If it is difficult to get the washers in then the gap can be opened
with a flat bladed screwdriver.
Test the log splitter and if the carriage is still not returning correctly,
repeat the procedure with the bolts on the opposite side.
Note that when the plastic spacer has finally bedded in, it is
recommended to return the washers to the outside position.
STORAGE
This machine should be dried before storing and must be stored in an
enclosed dry environment. If it is left in a damp humid environment
then water damage may occur to the motor. It should not be stored
under a wood store.

FM5, FM8 & FM10 (All Versions)
Maintenance
20
PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY
Fails to split logs Log is improperly positioned Refer to “Operation” section
for correct log loading.
The sizes or hardness of the
log exceeds the capacity of
the machine
Reduce the log sizes before
splitting it on the log splitter
Wedge cutting edge is blunt Refer to “Sharpening Wedge“
section.
Oil leaks Locate leak(s) and contact
the dealer
Low pressure caused by
unauthorised adjustment of
the Max. Pressure Limiting
Screw.
Contact the dealer.
Partial blockage of the
pump oil ways.
Turn the splitter upside
down. Undo the 3 bolts
fastening the pump to the
underside of the rear end
plate. Check the oilways in
the pump and the end plate
for signs of a blockage.
Contact the dealer
The carriage
jerks, making
unfamiliar noise
or vibrating a lot
Lack of hydraulic oil
and excessive air in the
hydraulic system.
Check oil level for possible
oil refilling.
Contact the dealer.
Oil leaks around
cylinder ram
or from other
points.
Air sealed in hydraulic
system while operating.
Loosen Bleed Screw by 3 ~
4 rotations before operating
the log splitter
Bleed Screw is not tightened
before moving the log
splitter.
Tighten the Bleed Screw
up before moving the log
splitter.
Oil Drain Bolt with Dipstick
is not tight.
Tighten the Oil Drain Bolt
with Dipstick.
Hydraulic Control Valve
Assembly and / or seal(s)
worn
Contact the dealer