Hudson HDH-1 User manual

HUD-SON WOODSPLITTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
8201 STATE ROUTE 12 • PO BOX 345 • BARNEVELD NEW YORK 13304
WWW.HUD-SON.COM • 800.765.SAWS

A NOTE FROM HUD-SON
Thank you for your purchase of a woodsplitter from Hud-Son Forest Equipment. We are
pleased that you chose us as your supplier of your forestry equipment.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment has been in the forestry business since 1965 and prides itself
on developing new and innovative products for the forestry business.
Our product line is always transforming so please check us out on the web at www.hud-
son.com for the up and coming developments we are making.
Should you have any questions with the setup of your mill or have any technical questions
please feel free to contact our onsite technician Monday - Friday, 8 to 4:30 and Saturdays
from 8 to noon eastern time at 1-800-765-7297. We are always available to our customers
for any questions or concerns they may have about their equipment.
CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Inspection and Maintenace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
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3
• Read all operating, and safety instructions.
• Complete and return the warranty card .
• Write the serial number and date-of-purchase in this manual.
• Make sure the oil filter is properly installed. (See "Assembly Procedure" sec-
tion.)
• Fill the hydraulic tank with the recommended type and quantity of oil. (See
"Start-Up Procedure" section.)
• Fill the engine crankcase with the manufacturer's recommended type and quan-
tity of oil. (See "Start-Up Procedure" section.)
• Fill the engine fuel tank with fresh, clean, lead-free gasoline. (Do not mix oil
with gasoline.)
• Make sure the trailer hitch of the towing vehicle is equipped with a 2 inch ball.
INTRODUCTION
Purchaser Agreement
By accepting the delivery of your woodsplitter by Hud-Son Forest
Equipment you agree that you will not modify your mill from it’s original
assembly. This will VOID any warranty from Hud-Son Forest Equipment.
Dealer: ________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ______________________
Model: ___________________________________________
Serial Number: _________________________________________________
This manual is filled with the latest information and specifications at the time of publica-
tion. We have the right to make changes as they are needed. Any of the changes in our
product may cause a variation between the illustrations and explanations in the manual
and the item that you have purchased.
Please fill out the information for quick reference:

Safety Guidelines
The reason for the safety section is to inform the operators and maintenance personnel,
the precautions that should be taken while operating or servicing the Hud-Son Mills.
Please use good judgement and keep safety in mind when operating Hud-Son machinery.
Please read and follow ALL the instructions in this manual before operating the Hud-Son
Mill safely at all times. These instructions were produced for your benefit. Your ability
to understand and follow the instructions is essential for the safe operation of this prod-
uct. Always call your servicing dealer if you are in doubt before operation of any kind.
General Safety Procedures
1- Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves while operating or servicing the
machine.
2 - Keep all body parts and foreign objects away from all moving parts. Do not reach
into the machine while it is still operating. (Be Sure The Machine Is OFF.)
3 - Do not attempt to override any safety features on the machine.
4 - Inspect the machine before every use for wear, damage, and that it’s functioning
correctly. If the machine has been damaged or is not running correctly, DO NOT
attempt to operate the machine. Repair or replace all parts when necessary.
5 - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while operating or servicing the machine.
6 - All replacement parts should be of the same specifications as the original parts on
your Hud-Son machine.
7 - All guards and covers must be in place before operating the machine.
8 - Before starting the machine be sure that it is set up properly.
9 - DO NOT operate or service any machinery while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, while tired or if you are unable to control your movements.
10 -All worn or damaged decals should be replaced.
11 -Any modifications to the machine requires written approval from Hud-Son
Forest Equipment.
12 -The sawmill should only be used when it is on level stable ground.

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The safety rules are made for the benefit of the persons operating and servicing
the machine, to prevent injury to oneself or others. Please review all setup and
operating procedures before attempting to run the machine, whether covered in
this manual or not, to ensure the safest operation of this product.
Hud-Son Forest Equipment is not liable for damage to property or personal injury due to
the failure of any person and/or operator to follow the instructions and recommendations
set forth in this manual or any other instructions or recommendations contained in other
literature issued by other vendor manuals in the owner's kit.
Product Safety Decals
The decals below are used on the Hud-Son Saw Mills to identify warnings and prohibit-
ed actions. It is very important that you understand the meaning of the decals for your
safety and the safety of others. Decals are to be replaced if worn or illegible.

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CAUTION - Be EXTRA careful around these
areas, unsafe practices may cause personnel
injury or damage.
DANGER - Be careful around any rotating
parts, they may cause personnel injury or dam-
age.
DANGER - Be sure to be very cautious and
alert, these areas may cause personnel injury or
damage.
CAUTION - Operating equipment without
guards may cause personnel injury or damage.
BLADE LUBE TANK - be sure to use the
correct lubrication, if incorrect lube is used it
may cause personnel injury or damage.
NOTICE - Please remember to send in war-
ranty card and information.
CAUTION - All debris needs to be removed
from machine before transporting, failure to so
may cause personnel injury or damage.
CAUTION FIRE HAZARD - Keep all saw-
dust away from motor.

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•DO NOT allow any person to operate the log splitter until they have read and under
stood the safe operating instructions contained in this manual.
•DO NOT under any circumstances, alter your log splitter. This equipment was
designed and engineered to be used in accordance with the operating instructions.
Altering the equipment, or using the equipment in such a way as to circumvent its
design capabilities and capacities, could result in serious or fatal injury and
WlLL VOID THE WARRANTY.
•NEVER operate, or allow anyone else to operate, this equipment while under the
influence of medication, drugs, or alcohol.
•NEVER wear loose clothing or jewelry that may get caught or become entangled in
the log splitter.
•NEVER place hands or feet between log and splitting wedge or between log and ram
during the forward or reverse stroke.
•DO NOT STRADDLE OR REACH ACROSS THE SPLITTINGAREA WHEN
OPERATING THE LOG SPLITTER.
•DO NOT step over your log splitter when the engine is running, because you may trip
or accidentally engage the ram.
•NEVER attempt to load your log splitter while the ram is in motion.
Only use your hand to operate the control lever. NEVER use your foot, knee, a rope,
or any other extension device.
Operating Safety
ALLOW ONLY ONE (1) PERSON TO LOAD AND OPERATE
THE LOGSPLITTER.
•ALLOW ONLY ADULTS to operate the log splitter. No one under the age of 18
should be allowed to operate the log splitter.
•ALWAYS keep bystanders, including children and pets, at least twenty-five (25) feet
away from the work area. Only the operator should stand near the equipment and only
within the safe operating area prescribed in this manual.
•When the ram of the log splitter is in the return mode, keep your hands off the
machine - the log splitter is designed to automatically stop when the cylinder is fully
retracted.

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•ALWAYS inspect your log splitter before each use. Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws,
hydraulic fittings, hose clamps, etc. are securely tightened.
•ALWAYS check the oil level in the hydraulic oil tank and engine reservoir.
• NEVER operate your log splitter when it is in need of repair or is in poor
mechanical condition.
•NEVER tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds. The maximum
engine speed is preset and is within safety limits.
•NEVER make alterations to your log splitter in any manner. Such alterations
may cause the log splitter to become unsafe and WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
•NEVER attach a rope or extension to the control lever or add width or height to the
splitting wedge. Such ALTERATIONS may cause the log splitter to become
UNSAFE and WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
•ALWAYS clean the unit after each use. If possible, store the unit inside or cover
Towing
•ALWAYS check before towing to make certain your log splitter is correctly and
securely attached to the towing vehicle. Be sure that the ball hitch you are using is the
proper size for the hitch coupler on the log splitter . Be sure the safety chains are
properly hooked to the vehicle leaving enough slack for turning.
Log Splitting Safety
•ALWAYS keep your fingers away from any cracks that open in the log during the
splitting operation.
•ALWAYS make sure that both ends of the log you are splitting are cut as square as
possible. This will prevent the log from sliding out of position while under pressure.
Logs should be 24 inches or shorter in length.
•NEVER try to split two logs on top of each other.
•NEVER pile logs to be split in a manner that will cause you to reach across the log
splitter. Maintenance and Repair
• Follow ALL safety rules, because most accidents involving the operation,
maintenance, or repair of products occur because the assembler/owner/operator failed
to observe basic safety rules or operating instructions.

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•ALWAYS allow for added length of the log splitter when turning, parking, crossing
intersections, and in all driving situations.
•ALWAYS be careful when backing up. You could jackknife your log splitter if care is
not taken.
• ALWAYS disconnect your log splitter from your towing vehicle before attempting
to use it.
• NEVER exceed 35 m.p.h. when towing your log splitter. Obey all state and local
regulations when towing on state and local roads and highways. Adjust your speed
for terrain and conditions, as needed. Be extra cautious when towing over rough
terrain, especially over a railroad crossing.
• NEVER tow your log splitter when there is fuel in the engine's tank.
• NEVER allow anyone to sit or ride on your log splitter.
•NEVER carry any cargo or wood on your log splitter.
Connecting Splitter To Hitch To Receiver
1. Ensure splitter coupler ball size is the same as the ball size receiver
2. Position the hitch coupler of the log splitter over or onto the tow vehicle's tow ball. In
some cases, the hitch coupler may not totally engage with the tow ball without raising
the jack leg assembly. Pull the latch assembly on the hitch coupler up and into the
open position.
3. Release the latch assembly on the hitch coupler and lock the hitch coupler onto the
tow ball. Attach the towing safety chains to the tow vehicle.
4. Raise the front leg to the towing position by pulling the spring pin. If not already
secure, make sure the hitch coupler is properly and securely attached to the tow ball.
5. Place a customer supplied lock or lock pin into the latch assembly of the hitch cou-
pler
WARNING: Making sure the log splitter is securely attached to the vehicle is the
responsibility of the owner/operator. Failure to securely attach the log splitter can cause
loss of control of the vehicle or the log splitter being separated from the towing vehicle,
resulting in serious injury or death.

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First Time Start-Up Procedure
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Do not start the engine. Follow all of the instructions in the "Start-up Procedure" before
operating the log splitter. Failure to follow this recommendation will result in engine
Refueling
•ONLY refuel the log splitter outdoors in a clear area void of gas fumes or spilled
gasoline.
•ALWAYS use an approved fuel container to carry gasoline.
• ALWAYS replace the log splitter gas cap and the fuel container cap securely.
•If gasoline is spilled, move the machine away from the area of the spill and avoid
creating any source of ignition until the spilled gasoline has completely evaporated.
•Take a class B fire extinguisher with you when operating the log splitter in dry areas
as a precautionary measure against possible flying sparks.
•Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container. Store the container
in a cool, dry place. Do not store the container in a house or near any heating
appliance.
•Do not smoke or have open flames when refueling the engine. Do not spill fuel. If fuel
should spill, quickly wipe up the spill and allow the excess to evaporate before
continuing. Make sure gasoline soaked rags are properly disposed of.
•DO NOT fill the gas tank while the engine is hot or running. Allow time for the
engine to cool down before refueling.
Preventing Fires
•NEVER operate the log splitter near a flame or spark. Oil and gasoline are flammable
and can explode.
•NEVER smoke while operating or refueling the log splitter. Gasoline, oil, and even
gas fumes can explode. Important Notice
The log splitter is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grasscovered land unless
the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting local or state laws
(if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by
the owner and/or operator.