Husqvarna S427 User manual

S427 / Log Splitter
967 33 42-01 / 27 Ton
Please read the operator manual carefully and make sure
you understand the instructions before using the machine.
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable
for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline
exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
Operator Manual
EN

- 2 -
WARNING! Failure to follow cautious
operating practices can result in serious
injury to the operator or other persons. The
owner must understand these instructions,
and must allow only trained persons who
understand these instructions to operate
the unit.
Each person operating the mower must be
of sound mind and body and must not be
under the influence of any mind altering
substance.
WARNING! Engine exhaust, some
of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
The safety instructions are based on
recommendations found in ANSI standard
B71.7-2014 (Draft).
IMPORTANT To implement improvements,
specifications and designs can be altered
without prior notification.
Note that no legal demands can be placed
based on the information contained in
these instructions.
Use only original parts for repairs. The use
of other parts voids the warranty.
Do not modify or install non-standard
equipment to the unit without consent from
the manufacturer. Modifications to the unit
may cause unsafe operations or damage
the unit.
IMPORTANT Refer to Engine Manual for
correct type and grade of fuel.
Delivery
If you have purchased this product without
complete assembly and instruction by your
retailer, it is your responsibility to read and
understand all assembly instructions. If you do
not understand or have difficulty following the
instructions, contact the nearest Husqvarna
dealer for assistance.
To locate the nearest Husqvarna dealer, go to
www.husqvarna.com.
Before Operating the Unit
1. Make sure all assembly has been
properly completed.
2. Understand all safety precautions
provided in the manuals.
3. Review control functions and operation of
the unit. Do not operate the unit unless all
controls function as described.
4. Review recommended lubrication,
maintenance and adjustment instructions.
WARNING! Improper assembly or
adjustments ca cause serious injury.
Safety Decals
The safety decals on the machine are visual
reminders of the important safety information
found in this manual. All messages found on
the unit must be fully understood and carefully
followed.
Always replace missing or damaged safety
decals. Replacement decals can be found in
the parts manual for the machine and ordered
from your dealer.
WARNING! Tragic accidents can
occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw
them.
WARNING! Stop engine and allow
moving parts to stop before leaving
operator’s position.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
This manual is a valuable document. Read the
contents carefully before using or servicing
the machine. The following of instructions
(use, service, maintenance) by all who
operate the machine is important for the safety
of the operator and others.
The engine is covered by a separate manual.
The manual is included in the literature
package shipped with the unit. Refer to this
manual for engine service recommendations.
Model And Serial Numbers
When ordering replacement parts or making
service inquiries, know the Model and Serial
numbers of your unit.
Numbers are located on the product
registration form in the unit literature package.
They are printed on a serial number label,
located on the frame of the unit near the
engine.
Unit Model and Serial Number
Engine Model and Serial Number
Production Registration
The dealer will register the product at the
time of purchase. Registering the product will
help the company process warranty claims or
contact you with the latest service information.
If the Dealer does not register your product,
fill out, sign and return the product registration
card or go to: www.husqvana.com.
All claims meeting requirements during the
limited warranty period will be honored,
whether or not the product registration card is
returned. Keep a proof of purchase if you do
not register the unit.
Service
When ordering spare parts, please specify
the purchase year, model, type, and serial
number.
Always use genuine Husqvarna spare parts.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS .......................4
SAFETY ...................................................5
CONTROLS .............................................8
OPERATION ............................................9
MAINTENANCE ....................................15
STORAGE .............................................17
TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................18
SPECIFICATIONS .................................19

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08000724
08000722
08000723
08000725
MAX. 45mph (72.42kph)
IMPORTANT Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx
xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx
xxxx xxxxxx.
WARNING! Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx
xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx
xxxx xxxxxx.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of
a risk of material damage, particularly if the
reader should neglect to follow instructions
given in the manual. Used also when there is
a potential for misuse or misassembly.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
These symbols are found on the machine and
in the operator manual.
Study them carefully so that you know what
they mean.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of
a risk of personal injury or death, particularly if
the reader should neglect to follow instructions
given in the manual.
DANGER
Keep hands away from
moving parts. Moving parts
can cut or crush
Keep children and others
away while operating. Only
one person should load logs
and operate the log splitter
Operate the log splitter on a
level surface. Stay off slopes
and slippery surfaces.
Always wear
gloves and boots
Always wear eye and ear
protection
Read the Operator Manual
Maximum towing speed
of 45 mph / 72.4 kph

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Never place hands or body
part between a log and any
part of the log splitter.
Hold logs on sides when
loading. Keep hands and feet
away from cylinder, wedge,
and partially split logs.
Do not split logs against the
grain. Split logs end to end in
the direction of the grain only.
Keep sparks, flame and
smoking materials away.
To prevent serious injury
or death from escaping
hydraulic fluid, ALWAYS keep
body and hands away from
pin holes or nozzles that
eject hydraulic fluid under
pressure.
Escaping hydraulic fluid can
puncture skin and cause
blood poisoning.
Do not overfill fuel tank.
Replace fuel cap securely
and clean up spilled fuel
Never fill fuel tank when
engine is running, hot or unit
is indoors.
SAFETY
WARNING! THIS SPLITTING
MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF CRUSHING
OR AMPUTATING BODY PARTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MANUALS
AND ON DECALS COULD RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Before Operating
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual.
• Understand how to operate all controls,
the functions of all controls, and how to
STOP in an emergency.
• Read these safety rules and follow them
closely. Failure to follow these rules
could lead to loss of control of unit,
severe personal injury or death to you or
bystanders or result in damage to property
or the machine.
• Make sure all assembly has been properly
completed.
• Understand all safety instructions provided
in the manual.
• Review control functions and operation of
the unit. Do not operate the unit unless all
controls function as described.
• Review recommended lubrication,
maintenance and adjustments.
• Inspect unit before each use for: missing
or damaged decals and shields. Replace
or repair as needed.
General Operation
• The user is responsible for preventing
accidents or injuries occurring to
themselves, other people or property.
• Do not allow anyone to operate the log
splitter who has not read the operator
manual or has not been instructed on the
safe use of the splitter.
• Do not use log splitter for any purpose
other than splitting logs.
• Keep children, people, and pets away. Be
alert and shut the unit off if anyone enters
work area. Keep children under watchful
care of a responsible adult.
• Never allow children or untrained adults to
operate this machine.
• Never allow anyone to ride on the
machine.
• Never transport cargo on the log splitter.
• Never operate the machine when under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.
• Never leave the machine unattended with
the power source operating.
• Never operate the machine when under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.

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• The machine owner should instruct all
operators in safe log splitter operation.
• Always operate the log splitter with all
safety equipment in place and all controls
properly adjusted for safe operation.
• Operate unit only when there is sufficient
light to clearly see work area.
• Operate unit only when standing in
operator zone. Unit stabilizers must be
extended before starting unit.
• Keep the operator zone and adjacent area
clear for safe, secure footing.
• Only one (1) person should operate the
logsplitter and load / unload logs.
• This unit is designed to be operated by
one person located in the operator zone.
• On ram-type log splitters on which the logs
are not cut square, the longest portion of
the log should be rotated down and the
most square end placed against the ram.
• Never attempt to split more than one (1)
log at a time unless the ram has been fully
extended and a second log is needed to
complete the separation of the first log.
• Use only your hand to operate the log
splitter controls.
• Use wheel chocks to prevent movement of
unit during operation.
• DO NOT operate in the rain or in wet or
damp locations.
• High fluid pressures are developed
in hydraulic log splitters. Pressurized
hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole
opening can puncture skin and cause
severe blood poisoning. Follow these
instructions at all times.
(a) Do not operate the unit with frayed,
kinked, cracked or damaged hoses,
fittings, or tubing.
(b) Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic
system pressure before changing or
adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or
other system components.
(c) Do not adjust the pressure settings of
the hydraulic pump or valve.
(d) Do not check for leaks with your hand.
Leaks can be located by passing
cardboard or wood over the suspected
area. Look for discoloration. If injured
by escaping fluid, see a doctor at
once. Serious infection or reaction can
develop if proper medical treatment is
not administered immediately.
• Do not refuel the engine until it has cooled
for several minutes.
• Before starting engine ensure that control
lever is in neutral position.
• NEVER allow children to operate or play on
or near unit.
• Know the weight of logs. Limit logs to
those you can safely control and the unit
can safely handle.
• Logs should be cut with square ends
before placing on splitter.
• Position logs against end plate grips
before operating hydraulic cylinder.
• Do not change the engine governor
settings or overspeed the engine.
• Operate the log splitter on level surfaces.
Stay off slopes and slippery surfaces.
• ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from
all moving parts during operation. Moving
parts can cut or crush body parts.
• When loading a ram-type log splitter, place
your hands on the sides of the log not at
the ends. Never place your hands or any
part of your body between a log and any
part of the log splitter.
• On ram-type log splitters, never attempt to
split more than one log at a time unless the
ram has been full extended and a second
log is needed to complete the separation
of the first log.
Horizontal Operator Zone
Vertical Operator Zone

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• On logs that are not square, place the
longest portion of the log closest to the
beam and the most square end against
the splitter wedge.
• Do not attempt to stabilize logs with legs or
feet while operating. Moving parts can cut
off or crush body parts.
• Split logs end to end in the direction of, not
against, the grain.
• Keep fingers and hands away from cracks
in logs while splitting. These can quickly
close and pinch or crush body parts.
• ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating
condition. A damaged or worn out muffler
can cause fire or explosion.
• If your log splitter is equipped with an
internal-combustion engine and intended
for use near any unimproved forest, brush,
or grass covered land, the engine exhaust
should be equipped with a spark arrestor.
Comply with applicable local, state, and
federal codes. Have appropriate fire-
fighting equipment available.
Personal Protection
• Wear adequate safety shoes and
protective gloves.
• DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry
and tie back hair that may get caught in
moving parts.
• Protect eyes, face and head from objects
that may be thrown from unit. Wear
appropriate hearing protection. Always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating.
Safe Fueling
• Never use the machine indoors or in
spaces lacking proper ventilation. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and poisonous lethal gas.
• Use only an approved gasoline container
with an appropriately sized dispensing
spout.
• NEVER store the machine or fuel container
where there is an open flame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliance.
WARNING! Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
To avoid personal injury or property
damage use extreme care in handling
gasoline.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
• ALWAYS allow engine to cool before
servicing.
• NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running
or hot from operation.
• NEVER fill or drain fuel tank indoors.
• Replace fuel cap securely and clean up
spilled fuel.
• Never fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of
the fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete. Do not use
a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Towing and Transport
• Do not move the unit up or down a hill
by hand. Use a tow vehicle with suitable
braking system.
• Use extra care when towing unit. DO NOT
exceed 45 mph (72.4 kph).
• ALWAYS stop engine, lock beam in
horizontal position and close fuel shut-off
valve when transporting unit.
• Check local, state and federal laws before
towing. Any modifications required to meet
these laws are the responsibility of the
purchaser.
• Safety chains MUST be attached to vehicle
when towing unit.
• Disconnect unit from tow vehicle before
using.
Maintenance and Storage
• Clean debris and chaff from engine,
cylinder head fins, blower housing rotating
screen, and muffler areas. If the engine
is equipped with a spark arrester muffler,
clean and inspect it regularly (follow
manufacturer’s service instructions).
Replace, if damaged.
• Never store the equipment with fuel in
the tank inside a building where fumes
might reach an open flame or spark. Allow
the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained for
storage perform this task outdoors.

- 8 -
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
• Clear debris from movable parts, but only
when the power source is shut off. DO
NOT spray water to clean unit.
• Check to be sure all nuts and bolts are
tight to assure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
• For extended storage, clean unit
thoroughly. See engine manual for proper
storage.
• ALWAYS remove spark plug wire from
spark plug before inspecting or working on
this unit.
• DO NOT touch unit parts which might be
hot from operation. Allow parts to cool
before attempting to maintain, adjust or
service.
• Stop and inspect equipment if there is an
unusual vibration. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting. Never make adjustments
or repairs without first disconnecting the
spark plug wire.
• Check attachment components frequently.
If worn or damaged, replace with
manufacturer’s recommended parts.
• ALWAYS keep protective structures,
guards, and panels in good repair, in place
and securely fastened. NEVER modify or
remove safety devices.
• Always shut off the power source while
repairing or adjusting the splitter except as
recommended by the manufacturer.

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CONTROLS
2
1. Draw Bar
2. Front Stand
3. Hitch Coupler 2"
4. Hydraulic Cylinder
5. Stripper Plate
6. Control Valve
7. Control Lever
8. Splitter Wedge
9. Beam
10. Log Cradle
11. End Plate/Grip
12. Fuel Tank and Cap
13. Safety Chains
14. Hydraulic Pump
15. Recoil Starter
16. Hydraulic Tank
17. Front Stand Lock Pin
18. Rear Stabilizer
19. Beam Assembly Lock
20. Hydraulic Oil Filter
21. Muffler
22. Hydr Dipstick Breather
23. Choke Control Lever
24. Engine Switch
25. Engine Oil Drain
26. Fuel Shut-off
1
4
7
8
9
5
14 13
6
10
11
12
3
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
25
26
22

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RUN CHOKE
OPERATION
WARNING! To avoid injury, read
and understand the entire Safety section
before proceeding.
1 Engine Switch
O = OFF
— = ON
1
2 Choke Control
The choke control is used for cold starts to
provide the engine with a richer fuel mixture.
Choke is closed for easier starting.
Open choke gradually for normal operation.
2
Fuel Shut-off Valve
IMPORTANT The fuel shut-off valve
MUST be in the closed position before
transporting the unit.
The valve is OFF when the handle tab is
turned perpendicular to the fuel line. The valve
should be off when serving, transporting or
storing the unit.
Turn the valve on for normal operation.
Recoil Starter Handle
When the recoil handle is pulled the engine
will turn over.
IMPORTANT DO NOT let handle snap
back against starter.
ON
OFF

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Control Lever
The control lever is used to move the splitting
wedge in or out when operating in the
horizontal position or up and down when
operating in the vertical position.
Extend/Down – Move lever in this direction
to extend cylinder toward end plate. Keep
pressure on lever until log is split. Lever does
not lock in this position. Release as soon as
log is split or cylinder is fully extended.
NOTE: Splitter wedge is designed to reach full
extension and stop 1 – 2" (25 – 50mm) before
contacting end plate.
Horizontal Splitting
Vertical Splitting
Extend
Down
Up
Return
Neutral
Neutral
IMPORTANT When cylinder is fully
extended do not hold lever in out position.
Pump damage will result.
Neutral – In this position the cylinder does not
move even though the engine is running.
Return/Up – Move lever in this direction
to retract cylinder. Push lever fully in this
direction to lock in return mode. Lever will
automatically return to neutral once cylinder
fully retracts.
WARNING! Keep hands and fingers
away from splitter wedge and stripper
plates during cylinder retraction.
Stripper Plates
The stripper plates are designed to remove a
log that has partially split but remains stuck on
the wedge.
To remove stuck logs from the splitter wedge:
1. Move the control lever to the Return/Up
position.
2. Allow the cylinder to retract until the
stuck log contacts the stripper plates.
3. Continue to retract the cylinder until the
log is dislodged from the splitter wedge.
4. Once removed from the splitter wedge
rotate log and split from a different
location or split log from the other end.
CAUTION! Do not use the unit if
the stripper plates are bent or damaged.
Bent or damaged stripper plates must be
repaired or replaced before use.

- 12 -
Beam Assembly Lock
Locks the beam in the horizontal operating
position. To move beam to vertical operating
position:
1. Pull beam lock out until the pin clears
the mount.
2. Rotate beam lock slightly so pin does
not return to hole in mount.
3. Lift beam until it rotates to vertical
position.
To move beam to horizontal position:
4. Set the rear stablilzer to the correct
position.
5. Carefully rotate beam down until seated
on lock bracket.
6. Turn beam lock until pin lines up with
hole in lock bracket and release.
7. Ensure that the beam lock pin fully
engages in bracket.
CAUTION! Beam assembly is
heavy. Use care when moving between
vertical and horizontal positions.
Rear Stabilizer
Rear stabilizer must be positioned down
and locked in place when operating in the
horizontal position.
1. Remove hair pin from upper lock pin
and slide lock pin out of brackets.
Work Position
Horizontal
Work Position
Vertical
Rear stabilizer must be positioned up and
locked in place when operating in the vertical
position.
2. Rotate rear
stabilizer down
until holes in
stabilizer align
with holes in
brackets.
3. Insert lock pin all
the way through
brackets and
stabilizer.
4. Reinstall hairpin.
1. Remove hair pin
from upper lock
pin and slide
lock pin out of
brackets.
2. Insert lock
pin through
brackets and
through splitter
beam to lock
beam in vertical
position.
3. Reinstall hairpin.

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Filling Fuel Tank
1. Clean fuel cap and surrounding area
to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from
entering fuel tank.
2. Remove fuel cap and fill fuel tank
to the bottom of filler neck. See
SPECIFICATIONS section for fuel tank
capacity.
3. Replace fuel cap and tighten.
4. ALWAYS clean up spilled fuel.
IMPORTANT DO NOT OVERFILL! This
equipment and/or its engine may include
evaporative emissions control system
components, required to meet EPA and/
or CARB regulations, that will only function
properly when the fuel tank has been filled
to the recommended level.
Overfilling may cause permanent damage
to evaporative emissions control system
components. Filling to the recommended
level ensures a vapor gap required to allow
for fuel expansion. Pay close attention
while filling the fuel tank to ensure that the
recommended fuel level inside the tank is
not exceeded.
Use a portable gasoline container with an
appropriately sized dispensing spout when
filling the tank. Do not use a funnel or other
device that obstructs the view of the tank
filling process.
IMPORTANT ALWAYS use gasoline that
meets the following guidelines:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION The rear
stabilizer must be in the transport position
before placing the beam in vertical
operating position (see Rear Stabilizer).
Front Stand
The front stand must be locked in the down
position whenever the unit is in use and up in
the transport position when moving or towing
the unit.
CAUTION! Front stand must be
locked in the transport position before
towing the unit.
1. Remove the hair pin from clevis pin and
clevis pin from front stand.
2. Rotate stand back against the beam
and insert the clevis pin through the
rear hole in the stand and beam. Secure
with the hair pin.
Transport Position
Work Position
IMPORTANT Excessively oxygenated
or reformulated fuels (fuels blended with
alcohols or ethers) can damage the fuel
system or cause performance problems. If
any undesirable operating problems occur,
use a gasoline with a lower percentage of
alcohol or ether.
WARNING! Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive,
handle with care.
• Clean, fresh gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON).
High altitude use may require a different
octane. Consult your engine manual.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol)
or up to 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl
ether) is acceptable.
• Use of any gasoline other than those
approved above may void the engine
warranty. If the pumps are not marked for
the content of alcohol or ethers, check
ethanol and MTBE levels with the fuel
supplier.
• Do not modify the fuel system to use
different fuels.
• Never mix oil and gasoline.
NOTE: All gasoline is not the same. If the
engine experiences starting or performance
problems after using a new gasoline, switch to
a different fuel provider or fuel brand.

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Fuel Stabilizer
Gasoline left in the fuel system for extended
periods without a stabilizer will deteriorate,
resulting in gum deposits in the system. These
deposits can damage the carburetor and the
fuel hoses, filter and tank. Prevent deposits
from forming in the fuel system during storage
by adding a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
Follow the recommended mix ratio found on
the fuel stabilizer container.
Start Engine
1. Make sure control lever is in neutral
position.
2. Move the engine switch to the ON
position.
3. Open the fuel shut-off valve.
4. Set the choke lever based on engine
temperature.
5. Slowly pull the recoil starter until engine
compression makes pulling difficult.
Let the starter rewind a little and then
pull smoothly and quickly to start the
engine.
6. Repeat Step 5 as needed.
7. Fully open the choke and set the throttle
to full fast before operating the unit.
Stop Engine
1. Return cylinder to fully retracted
position.
2. Move throttle lever to slow position.
3. Move the engine switch to the OFF.
CAUTION! Avoid injury! Explosive
separation of tire and rim parts is possible
when they are serviced incorrectly:
• Do not attempt to mount a tire without
the proper equipment and experience
to perform the job.
• Do not inflate the tires above the
recommended pressure.
• Do not weld or heat a wheel and tire
assembly. Heat can cause an increase
in air pressure resulting in an explosion.
Welding can structurally weaken or
deform the wheel.
• Do not stand in front or over the tire
assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on
chuck and extension hose long enough
to allow you to stand to one side.
Tire Pressure
See Specifications for tire pressure.

- 15 -
Transport
IMPORTANT Check local, state and
federal laws before towing unit. Any
modifications required to meet these laws
are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Towing
Make sure that wheel bearings are well
packed with grease and that tires are inflated
properly before towing.
1. Place beam in horizontal position
and engage beam lock (see Beam
Assembly Lock).
2. Move rear stabilizer to transport position
and lock in place (see Rear Stabilizer).
3. Attach log splitter hitch to tow vehicle
with class 1 or higher receiver and 2".
ball. Adjust hitch coupler to make sure
the lock lever fully locks onto ball with
no excess movement. Install a locking
pin or lock through the lock lever.
4. Move front stand to transport position
and lock in place (see Front Stand)
NOTE: Tow vehicles with low ball heights will
require the stand to be stored before attaching
the hitch coupler to the ball.
5. Cross unit safety chains under the
coupler and attach to tow vehicle.
WARNING! Unit can cause serious
injury if it rolls out of control or tips over.
Chock wheels when unit is not attached to
a tow vehicle.
CAUTION! Avoid damage or injury!
Use maximum caution when towing log
splitter.
• DO NOT exceed 45 mph (72.4 kph).
• Obey all applicable local, state and
federal laws regarding towing.
• DO NOT carry passengers, cargo or
logs on the towed unit.
• Allow for the extra length of the unit
when turning, parking, crossing
intersections and in all driving
situations.
• Make sure that stabilizers are locked
in the transport position and that the
beam is locked before moving unit.
• Drive slowly and take extra caution
over rough terrain.
Work Site
Set up log splitter in an area that provides:
• a dry level surface.
• good footing that is free of debris or other
tripping hazards.
• sufficient clearance for engine exhaust to
not blow directly on combustible material.
Disconnect the log splitter from the tow
vehicle before operating. If splitting logs in
the horizontal position, move rear stabilizer to
work position (see Rear Stabilizer). Chock the
wheels to prevent movement during operation.
Unit Warm-Up
When using the unit in temperatures of
68°F (20° C) or lower, the hydraulic system
should be cycled before splitting logs. This
allows the cool hydraulic oil in the cylinder
to be circulated before placing a load on the
hydraulic system.
1. Start the engine and allow it warm up.
2. Cycle the cylinder through three or four
full extension/retraction cycles.
3. Proceed with splitting logs.
IMPORTANT Always split logs with engine
set at FAST position.
Splitting Logs
CAUTION! During operation, engine
and hydraulic system are hot. Always
stop engine and allow unit to cool before
changing beam positions.
WARNING! To avoid injury, read
and understand the entire Safety section
before proceeding.
Determine if the size of the logs to be split can
be safely and comfortably lifted up onto the
beam in the horizontal position. If logs are too
heavy for the operator, position the beam in
the vertical position for splitting.

- 16 -
Working only in the Operator Zone
(see Operator Zone in Safety section)
1. Fully retract cylinder.
2. Place log on beam:
(a) Split only from log ends, with the grain.
(b) Position log against grips on end
plate with the squarest end toward the
splitter edge.
(c) Position hands on sides of logs when
placing logs on unit and not on the
end. Never place hands or any part of
the body between a log and any part
of the log splitter.
(d) Do not attempt to stabilize logs with
legs or feet while operating.
3. Using only your hand, push the control
lever toward the log.
4. Hold the lever in the out position until
log is split.
5. Allow split logs to drop to the ground.
DO NOT try to catch split logs.
6. Move control lever away from the log
until it locks into retract position. Lever
will automatically return to neutral once
cylinder is fully retracted.
7. Do not load another log or remove split
pieces until the cylinder has completely
stopped and the control lever is in the
neutral position. Do not reach across
the unit.
8. Split only one log at a time unless the
cylinder has been fully extended and a
second log is needed to complete the
separation of the first log.
9. Move split logs as necessary to ensure
that all tripping hazards have been
eliminated from the operator zone.
For Best Performance
• Make sure that logs to be split are cut as
square as possible.
• Split dry, cured logs. Wet or recently cut
logs will be more difficult to split.
• Split logs with straight grain. Logs with
knots or twisted or irregular grain patterns
will be more difficult to split.
• Move split logs as needed to keep
operator zone free of tripping hazards.
• When splitting logs that are not square
place the longest portion of the log closest
to the beam and the most square end
against the splitter wedge.

- 17 -
MAINTENANCE
WARNING! To avoid injury, read
and understand the entire Safety section
before proceeding.
IMPORTANT Proper maintenance can
prolong the life of unit. The following chart
shows the recommended service schedule.
Interval Task Action
Each Use Clean unit Clean engine and hydraulic tank of all dirt and
debris. DO NOT spray unit with water. Do not
use solvents, hard cleaners, or abrasives.
NOTICE: Protect painted surfaces with
automotive-type wax.
Check tires See Specifications for correct tire pressure. See
Tire Pressure.
Check engine oil Refer to engine manual.
Check hydraulic oil level See Hydraulic Oil System.
Check hydraulic lines Check for leaking, kinked or damaged lines.
Replace as necessary. See Hydraulic Oil
System.
Follow engine
maintenance schedule
Perform scheduled engine maintenance. Refer
to Engine Manual for detailed instructions.
50 Hours or
Every Season
Check fasteners Check all fasteners. Replace fasteners that are
missing or damaged. Tighten all nuts and bolts
to the correct torque value.
100 Hours or
Every Season
Change hydraulic oil and
filter
Drain oil from hydraulic tank, replace filter and
refill tank with hydraulic oil. See Hydraulic Oil
System.
Check hydraulic drive
coupling
Inspect hydraulic drive coupling for damage,
wear or deterioration. Replace as necessary.
Check wheel bearings Remove bearing dust caps and inspect and
repack wheel bearings with grease. After
packing bearings seat bearings by tightening
the spindle nut snug. Loosen nut, spin wheel
and retighten slightly until first slot in castle nut
aligns with hole in hub. Ensure that wheel spins
freely and replace cotter pin and dust cap.
Wheel should spin freely with no wobble.
Engine
Drive
coupling
Hydraulic
pump

- 18 -
Hydraulic Oil System
WARNING! HYDRAULIC FLUID
can result in severe burns. Fluid in
hydraulic system can penetrate skin and
result in serious injury or death.
Be sure to stop the engine and relieve
hydraulic pressure before doing any work
on hydraulic parts.
Keep body and hands away from pin holes
or nozzles which expel hydraulic fluid when
under pressure. Use paper or cardboard,
not hands, to search for leaks.
Ensure all hydraulic fluid connections are
tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are
in good condition before applying pressure
to system.
FOREIGN FLUID INJECTED INTO BODY
can result in gangrene. Fluid must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury.
Checking Hydraulic Oil Level
IMPORTANT ADD OIL BEFORE
OPERATING! Add hydraulic oil to operating
level before use. Do not overfill.
To check the hydraulic oil level:
1. Park the unit on a level surface.
2. Start the unit and run it to operating
temperature (about 10 minutes).
3. Cycle the hydraulic cylinder in and out
two or three times.
4. Shut off engine.
5. Remove any dirt that may be around the
cap/breather on the hydraulic reservoir.
6. Remove cap/breather and wipe oil level
dipstick clean.
7. Replace cap/breather and fully tighten.
8. Remove cap/breather and check oil
level on dipstick. Oil should be within
the operating range.
9. Add hydraulic oil as necessary. Do not
overfill.
Recommended Hydraulic Oil
Only use the following hydraulic oils:
• ISO32 hydraulic oil
• Dexron® III/Mercon® automatic
transmission fluid
• AW hydraulic oil 10 weight
• Pro-Mix™ AW-32 Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic Oil
Reservoir
Cap/Breather
Hydraulic Oil Level
Operating Range

- 19 -
Changing Hydraulic Oil and Filter
NOTE: Change the hydraulic oil and oil filter
every season or 100 hours.
1. Clean area around hydraulic supply
hose.
2. Place container under oil filter and
hydraulic supply hose to catch oil.
3. Remove hose clamp and disconnect
hose from hydraulic tank.
Hydraulic
Supply Hose
Hydraulic Tank
4. Remove oil filter.
5. Allow tank to drain.
6. Reinstall hydraulic suction hose and
tighten hose clamp.
7. Lubricate rubber gasket on new oil filter
with clean hydraulic oil.
8. Spin new oil filter onto filter housing
until it makes contact. Tighten oil filter
another half turn.
9. Add new oil to the oil tank.
10. Check hydraulic oil level.
11. Properly dispose of waste oil.
Hydraulic System Purge
1. With the engine running, extend the
hydraulic cylinder out fully and then
retract fully.
2. Repeat four to five times. Erratic
movement in the hydraulic cylinder
indicates that there is air in the system.
3. Stop the engine and check the
hydraulic oil level. Add if necessary.
4. Repeat extending and retracting
of hydraulic cylinder unit motion
is consistent and smooth in both
directions.
5. Ensure the hydraulic oil is at proper
level.
IMPORTANT At this point a large amount
of hydraulic oil has been drawn into the
hydraulic cylinder and hoses. Be sure
to refill the oil reservoir to prevent pump
damage.

- 20 -
STORAGE
Short Term Storage
NEVER spray unit with high pressure water or
store unit outdoors.
Inspect unit for visible signs of wear, breakage
or damage.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws properly
tightened and know unit is in safe working
condition.
Store unit in a cool, dry protected area.
Protect bare-metal areas with a light coat of oil
or anti-rust compound.
Long term
Perform all steps found in Short Term storage.
Touch up all scratched painted surfaces.
Remove weight from wheels by putting blocks
under frame or axle.
Fuel System
Gasoline left in the fuel system for extended
periods without a stabilizer will deteriorate,
resulting in gum deposits in the system. These
deposits can damage the carburetor and the
fuel hoses, filter and tank. Prevent deposits
from forming in the fuel system during storage
by adding a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
Follow the recommended mix ratio found on
the fuel stabilizer container.
To treat the fuel system for storage:
1. Add fuel stabilizer according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Run engine for at least ten minutes after
adding stabilizer to allow it to reach the
carburetor.
3. NEVER store the engine with fuel in
the fuel tank inside of a building with
potential sources of ignition.
Removal From Storage
1. Refer to the engine service manual to
prepare the engine for service.
2. Put fresh, clean fuel in the fuel tank.
3. Begin the maintenance schedule.