Forest-Master FM16D User manual

Model FM16(D/T/TW/P) Duocut
IMPORTANT: Read this manual fully before assembly
and use and observe all safety rules and operating
instructions
ELECTRIC
LOG SPLITTER
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Model Shown FM16TW

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Contents
Technical Specification 2
Know Your Electric Log Splitter 3
Know Your Petrol Log Splitter 4
Safety 5
Operation 9
Maintenance 17
Exploded View 20
Parts List 21
Warranty 23
Stand Assembly 24
2
Technical Specification
Model FM16(D/T/TW) FM16P
Minimum log diameter 50 mm 50 mm
Maximum log diameter 600 mm 600 mm
Maximum Log Length 450 mm 450 mm
Motor / Engine 230V 50Hz
2300W IP54
35 cc
37 cc
52 cc
Splitting Force 7 ton
8 ton
9 ton
7 ton
8 ton
9 ton
Preset Max Hydraulic Pressure 500 Bar
550 Bar
600 Bar
500 Bar
550 Bar
600 Bar
Max Hydraulic Oil Capacity 6.5 Litre 6.5 Litre
Length 1060 mm 1060 mm
Width 278 mm 278 mm
Height 522 mm 522 mm
Weight 78 kg 78 kg

1 Doucut Blade
2 Log Bed
3 Wedge
4 Lifting Handle
5 Support leg
6 Log Guide Rails
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
FM16(D/T/TW/P) 3
Know Your Electric Log Splitter
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14
6
5
789
10
11
12
13
14

FM16(D/T/TW/P)4
3
21 4
65
7
8
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12
Know Your Petrol Log Splitter
1 Duocut Blade
2 Log Bed
3 Wedge
4 Lifting Handle
5 Support leg
6 Log Guide Rails
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
15
13
14

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 5
Safety
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

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Safety
6
Symbol
on the
machine
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 7
Safety
Symbol
on to the
machine
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Safety
8
Symbol
on the
machine
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 9
Operation
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 (FM8, FM10D, FM10T, FM10TW)
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.
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.
This end slightly raised

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Operation
10
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.
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.
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 two handed control system —
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 11
Operation
The splitting force and speed are governed by the 2 stage control
lever. Pushing the lever to the 1st position (about half way) gives
faster speed and less force for splitting softer logs. Pushing to the
2nd position gives maximum force at a slower speed for splitting hard
and seasoned logs. The stages can be shifted by simply raising and
lowering the lever.
PETROL ENGINE (FM16P)
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 FM16P 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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Operation
12
Always set logs firmly on the
log guide rails and log bed.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to split a log across the
grain.
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.

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.
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: Never keep pressure on a log for more than
5 seconds to force it to split very hard wood.
FM16(D/T/TW/P) 13
Operation

CHECKING THE DUOCUT BLADE ALIGNMENT
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
FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Operation
14
Maintaining The Duocut Blade Alignment In Use
When using your Duocut electric log splitter there will normally not
be a problem if the blades encounter a knot, as the log splitter
will simply stop splitting at the blade that encounters the knot and
continue splitting at the other blade.

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 15
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Operation
16
RAM STOP
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.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the motor is switched off and only
use the operating lever to hold the ram in position
when adjusting the ram stop.
Ram Stop

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 17
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.
• Turn the log splitter on the Support Leg
side over a 8 litres capacity container to
drain the hydraulic oil off.
• Turn the log splitter on the motor side.
• 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 just between 2 grooves around 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.
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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Maintenance
18
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 down the sides of the main body. 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
blade on that side. Remove the washers from the outside of the
carriage and place them between the carraige and the 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.

FM16(D/T/TW/P) 19
Maintenance
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

FM16(D/T/TW/P)
Exploded View
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