NorthStar M11953E.1 User manual

M11953E.1
ITEM NUMBER:11953
SERIAL NUMBER:
Operator’s Manual
Log Lifter: Accessory for a log splitter that lifts logs onto log
splitter. Fits model 11954 log splitter.
WARNING: HYDRAULIC INJECTION HAZARD. High fluid pressures and temperatures are
developed in hydraulic log splitters. To avoid hydraulic injection, shut off the engine, disconnect the
spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve system pressures before
beginning assembly. If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at
once. A typical injection injury may be a small puncture wound that does not look serious. However,
severe blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death can result if proper
medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with injection injuries.
WARNING: HEAVY LIFTING The assembly of this product requires lifting heavy parts. Two or
more people are required during some steps. Serious back injury can occur.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810

Hazard Signal Word Definitions
2

Table of Contents
3
Rules for Safe Operation ............……………….........……4-7
Safety Label Locations ...….........................................….. 8
Machine Component Identification….................................9-12
Assembly ………………………………………………… 13-21
Operation Instructions .................................................…...22
Towing and Moving the Log Splitter…………………….. 23
Specifications .................................................................... 24
Parts Explosion .................................................................. 25
Limited Warranty................................................................27

Rules for Safe Operation
4
Training
WARNING:
1. Read the log lift Operator’s Manual the log splitter Operator’s Manual and the engine owner’s manual completely before
attempting to use the log lift. Serious injury or death can result if safety instructions are not followed.
2. Do not allow anyone to operate the log lift who has not read the Operator’s Manual or has not been instructed on the
safe use of the log splitter.
3. Never allow anyone under 16 years old or untrained adults operate the log lift. Children 16 years and older must be
trained and supervised by a trained adult.
4. CRUSH HAZARD. Moving parts from log lift can crush and cut. Keep hands and feet away. Only one (1) person should
operate this log lift because many accidents occur when more than one (1) person operates the log lift. If a helper is
assisting in loading logs to be split, never operate control valve handle until the helper and bystanders are at least 10ft
from the log lift.
5. MOVING VEHICLE HAZARDS. Review towing safety warnings in your towing vehicle manual. Drive safely. Drive slowly
when you encounter bad driving conditions such as bumpy roads or railroad crossings.
a.) Be aware of the added length of the log splitter.
b.) Make sure the log splitter is securely attached to the towing vehicle before towing.
c.) Never tow this splitter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
d.) Turn off the towing vehicle before leaving the log splitter unattended.
e.) Do not use the log splitter while it is connected to the towing vehicle.
f.) Do not tow this log splitter on any street, highway or public road without checking existing federal, state, or local
requirements. Any licensing or the addition of trailer lights if needed to comply is the sole responsibility of the
purchaser.
g.) Never tow log splitter over 45mph. Faster speeds may result in loss of control of the log splitter.
h.) Make sure all local, state, and federal towing requirements are met. Then, refer to the Towing the Log splitter
section in this manual to make sure the log splitter is towed properly.
i.) Never allow anyone to sit or ride on the log splitter.
j.) Never transport cargo or wood on the log splitter.
6. HYDRAULIC INJECTION HAZARD. High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters.
Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole opening can burn and cause wounds that result in severe blood poisoning,
infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death. Therefore, the following instructions should be heeded at all times.
a.) Do not operate the log splitter with frayed, kinked, cracked or damaged hoses, fittings, or tubing.
b.) Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve system
pressures before changing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system components.
c.) Do not adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve.
d.) Do not check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood (at least
two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end over the suspected area (wear safety
glasses). Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood. If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the
wound is, see a doctor at once. A typical injection injury may be a small puncture wound that does not look
serious. However, severe blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death can result if
proper medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with injection injuries.
e.) Do not remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when engine is running. Hot oil can escape causing severe burns. Allow
log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill cap.
7. FALL HAZARD. Split logs and any other obstructions left in the area around the log splitter are a safety hazard. Please
remove logs as they are split and remove any obstructions so they do not cause you to trip and fall.
8. FIRE HAZARD. If your log splitter is intended for use near any unimproved forest, brush, or grassy covered land, the
engine should be equipped with a spark arrester. See the “Specifications” section to determine if you already have a
spark arrester on your log splitter. Make sure you comply with applicable local, state, and federal codes. Take with you
a fire extinguisher that puts out fires involving ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids.
9. EXPOSURE HAZARD. Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
10. Log splitters should be used only for splitting wood. Do not use for other purposes unless the manufacturer provides
attachments and instructions.
11. Log lifts should be used only for lifting wood. Do not use for other purposes.
12. FIRE HAZARD. Do not modify or add to exhaust system. Fire can result.
13. FIRE HAZARD. Do not modify or add fuel tanks or fuel lines. Fire can result.

Rules for Safe Operation
5
Preparation
WARNING:
1. CRUSH HAZARD. Moving parts from log lift can crush and cut. Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and with the
proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the log lift and relieve system pressures quickly.
2. CRUSH HAZARD. Falling logs may crush feet. Always wear steel toed safety boots while operating log lift or helping
load logs.
3. FLYING OBJECTS. Pieces of log may fly out while splitting. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating the
machine. Keep bystanders 10ft from log lift during operation. Serious eye injury can occur.
4. ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD. Tie long hair back and never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that might become
entangled in moving or rotating parts of the log lift.
5. FALL HAZARD. To prevent accidental falls, make sure the splitter is on a dry level surface with good footing. Stay clear
of areas with mud, ice, tall grass, weeds or brush.
6. CRUSH HAZARD. Log splitter is very heavy. It can crush and cause serious injury to people if it rolls out of control.
a.) Block the log splitter as required to prevent unintended movement.
b.) Do not move the log splitter up or down hills by hand. Use a towing vehicle for moving up or down hills.
c.) Never move the log splitter with the engine running.
7. FIRE HAZARD. Hot exhaust fumes from engine can cause fire. Position muffler at least 7 feet from combustible
objects during operation.
8. CRUSH HAZARD. Always operate the log lift from the manufacturer’s indicated OPERATOR POSITION. Other
positions are unsafe because they can increase the risk of being crushed by the ram and wedge.
9. CRUSH HAZARD. Logs that are not cut square can slide out while splitting and become a safety hazard or cause
excessive force to log splitter components. Use a chainsaw to cut logs square on each end before attempting to split
them.
10. BURN HAZARD. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. If gasoline is spilled on your skin or your clothes, change clothes and
wash skin immediately.
a.) Do not pump fuel directly into engine at gas station. Static charge can build and ignite fuel. Use a UL approved
fuel container to transfer gas to the engine.
b.) No smoking near engine. Keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
c.) Never add fuel or remove gas cap if engine is running or still hot. Before adding fuel, stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
d.) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
e.) Do not overfill the gas tank. Allow at least 1/2" of empty space below the fill neck to allow for fuel expansion.
f.) Replace gas cap securely before starting engine. If fuel was spilled, wipe up fuel spills immediately, move log
splitter away from spilled fuel, wipe fuel off engine and wait 5 minutes for excess fuel to evaporate before
starting engine. Gas soaked rags are considered hazardous waste. Dispose of properly.

Rules for Safe Operation
6
Operation
WARNING:
1.) Before using this log lift, review the “Rules for Safe Operation” and read the log splitter operators manual thoroughly.
Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
2.) CRUSH HAZARD. Moving parts from log splitter can crush and cut. Keep hands and feet away from ram, wedge, and
partially split logs.
a.) When loading the log splitter, place your hands on the bark side 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.
b.) Do not pile unsplit logs in a place that will make you reach across the log splitter to load them on the beam.
c.) Do not load logs onto the beam while the ram is moving.
d.) Never leave the machine unattended with the engine running.
e.) Never operate or let anyone else operate the log splitter when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
f.) The log splitter owner should instruct all operators in safe log splitter operation.
g.) Always operate the log splitter with all safety equipment in place and in good working order; and all controls
properly adjusted for safe operation.
h.) Always operate the log splitter at the manufacturer’s recommended speed. The maximum speed of the engine,
pump and ram are preset within safe limits.
i.) Only use log splitter in daylight so you can see what you are doing.
j.) Use only your hand to operate the log splitter controls. Never use any other body part, a rope, cable or any other
remote device to actuate the controls.
k.) Once the control valve is actuated in the return direction, the ram is designed to keep returning by itself completely
and then stop automatically. Stay clear of the log splitter while the ram is returning. It is still powerful enough to
cause serious injury while returning.
3.) CRUSH HAZARD. Rolling logs can crush and cut. Do not place hands between rolling logs and log lift, wedge, beam,
or log cradle
4.) FLYING OBJECTS. Never attempt to split more than one (1) log at a time. Pieces of log can unexpectedly be thrown
from the machine causing serious injury.
5.) PINCH HAZARD. Cracks in logs can close quickly and pinch fingers. Keep hands clear of partially split logs.
6.) FLYING OBJECTS. Do not use the log splitter to split logs across the grain. Doing so can cause pieces of log to be
thrown from the log splitter and damage log splitter components. Split wood in the direction of the grain only. Use a
chainsaw for cutting logs across the grain.
7.) CRUSH HAZARD. Some types of wood are too stringy or tough to split completely and they may get stuck on the
wedge. Stuck logs such as this can cause serious injury unless the following rules are followed:
a.) Retract ram 1” by moving split control to return, then stop the ram by moving the split control to neutral “N”.
b.) Turn engine off. Do not use the hydraulic force of the log splitter in any way to remove stuck logs.
c.) Do not modify the log splitter in any way or add attachments that automatically remove stuck logs. Such
modifications may create safety hazards and result in serious injury.
d.) Stuck logs should be removed from the wedge manually with a pry bar or a sledgehammer. Be extremely careful.
Make sure bystanders are clear. Wear safety goggles.
e.) Do not attempt to resplit a stuck log once it has been removed from the wedge.
8.) FIRE HAZARD. A running engine is hot enough to ignite fuel. Do not refuel the engine until it has cooled for two
minutes.
9.) POISONOUS GAS. This product gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You CANNOT smell it,
see it, or taste it. ONLY run log splitter outdoors and away from air intakes. NEVER run log splitter inside homes,
garages, sheds, or other semi-enclosed spaces. These spaces can trap poisonous gases, EVEN IF you run a fan or
open doors and windows. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the log splitter, shut it off and get to fresh
air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Rules for Safe Operation
7
Maintenance and Storage
WARNING:
1.) Refer to the engine manual for proper engine maintenance and storage.
2.) Always shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve
system pressures before repairing or adjusting the splitter except as recommended by the manufacturer.
3.) FIRE HAZARD. A running engine is hot enough to ignite debris. Turn off engine and clean debris and chaff from engine
cylinder, 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 the engine manufacturer’s service instructions.) Replace if
damaged.
4.) FIRE HAZARD. Only store and handle fuel outdoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite if they collect inside an enclosure.
Explosion can result.
5.) FIRE HAZARD. Never store log splitter inside where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light as on water heaters,
space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, or other gas appliances EVEN IF the log splitter’s gas tank is empty. Allow
machine to cool 5 minutes before storing.
6.) FIRE HAZARD. Before each use, check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks. Any fuel leak is a fire hazard. Fix any fuel
leaks before starting engine.
7.) Clear debris from movable parts, but only when the engine is shut off. This will help to make sure the log splitter is in
safe working condition.
8.) Check to be sure all nuts, bolts, hose clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to assure the log splitter is in safe working
condition.
9.) Make sure all guards and shields are replaced after maintenance is complete.
10.)If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer's specifications. Replacement parts that do not
meet specifications may result in a safety hazard or poor operation of the log lift.
11.)Never modify the log splitter or log lift in any way, modifications may create a safety hazard and result in serious injury.
a.) Never attach a rope, cable, or other remote device to the splitting control, or lift control.
b.) Never increase the height of the splitting wedge.
c.) Never increase the speed of the splitting ram.
d.) Never increase the speed of the log lift.
e.) Never increase the pressure setting of the pump or control valve.
Save These Instructions

Safety Label Locations
8
CAUTION
©2004 Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810
A.) Read the Operator's Manual.
B.) Only one person should operate the log splitter.
C.) Split wood in direction of the grain only.
D.) Stay in the designated OPERATOR POSITION.
E.) Hold bark side of logs when loading.
F.) Keep hands away from ram, wedge, and partly
split logs.
H.) Never leave log splitter unattended during
operation.
I.) Stay off slopes and slippery surfaces. PN 39257 WARNING
POISONOUS GAS
This product gives off carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas that can
kill you.
-ONLY use outdoors and away
from air intakes.
-NEVER use inside homes,
garages, or sheds. EVEN IF you run
a fan or open doors and windows.
See product manual for more
details.
©2004 Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810 PN 39259
©2004 NTE 1-800-270-0810
Burn Hazard.
Do not touch
hot muffler.
CAUTION
PN 39260
©2004 Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810 PN 39258
CAUTION - To avoid injury and property damage
Towing Log Splitter:
-Latch coupler securely to class 2 or higher hitch with 2" ball.
-Make sure towbar leg is locked in the up position.
-Make sure safety chains are attached to tow vehicle.
-Do not tow faster than 45mph. Higher speeds can cause loss of control.
-Check local, state, and federal requirements before towing on public roads.
-Close fuel shut-off valve on engine (if equipped).
Moving Log
Splitter By Hand:
-Lock towbar leg in
down position.
-Do not attempt to
move log splitter up
or down slope by
hand.
©2004 Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810 PN 39261
Rolling logs can crush and cut.
Do not place hands between rolling
logs and log lift, wedge, beam, or log
cradle.
©2004 NTE 1-800-270-0810 PN 39262
CAUTION
Moving parts from ram, loglift,
and wedge can crush and cut.
Stay 10ft away from log splitter
during operation.
©2004 Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810
CAUTION
PN 39263


Call 1-800-270-0810 to order new safety labels.
WARNING:
Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing
or not legible, order new labels because unsafe operation can result.
Description
Part Number
Split Control Caution Label
39257
Hot Muffler Caution Label
39260
Poisonous Gas Warning Label
39259
Operating Instructions Label
39258
Moving/Towing Caution Label
39261
Lift Control Caution Label
39262
Moving Parts from Log lift Caution
39263

Machine Component Identification
9
Closely inspect all contents in the shipping carton.
-If you have missing or damaged components then: Contact Product Support at
1-800-270-0810.

Machine Component Identification
10

Machine Component Identification
11

Machine Component Identification
12

Assembly
13
1.) Before beginning assembly, start engine and extend ram to its full out position. This will make
assembly easier. Then, shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move all control valve
handles back and forth to relieve system pressures and allow log splitter to cool before beginning
assembly.
WARNING: Risk of eye injury. Wear safety goggles during assembly.
WARNING: HYDRAULIC INJECTION HAZARD. High fluid pressures and temperatures are
developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pinhole opening can burn and
cause wounds that result in severe blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or
death. Therefore, the following instructions should be heeded at all times.
a.) Do not operate the log splitter with frayed, kinked, cracked or damaged hoses, fittings, or
tubing.
b.) Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug, and move all control valve handles back and forth to
relieve system pressures before changing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system
components.
c.) Do not adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve.
d.) Do not check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of
cardboard or wood (at least two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other
end over the suspected area (wear safety glasses). Look for discoloration of the cardboard
or wood. If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at
once. A typical injection injury may be a small puncture wound that does not look serious.
However, severe blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death can
result if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar
with injection injuries.
e.) Do not remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when engine is running. Hot oil can escape causing
severe burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill cap.

Assembly
14
2.) Splitter Control Valve
a.) Disconnect return line hose.
b.) Remove elbow from splitter control valve (save elbow for later).
c.) Remove conversion plug from splitter control valve. (save conversion plug for later)
d.) Install tee into splitter control valve. Tighten with wrench. Point tee at 5 o’clock.
e.) Install power beyond plug, pipe reducer, and hose with elbow into splitter control valve. Tighten
with wrench. Point hose with elbow down.
f.) Install elbow (saved from step b above) into tee (installed in step d above). Tighten with
wrench. Point elbow at 3 o’clock. Keep tee pointed at 5 o’clock.
g.) Reconnect return line hose to elbow. Tighten with wrench.
h.) Install pipe reducer and hose with straight fittings into tee. Tighten with wrench.

Assembly
15
3.) Install Lift Control Valve Fittings
a.) Install two ½” x JIC6 elbows into bottom ports on lift control valve. Tighten with wrench. Point
elbows as shown below.
b.) Install two pipe reducers and two ½” elbows into IN and OUT ports on lift control valve. Tighten
with wrench. Point elbows as shown below.
c.) Install conversion plug (saved from split control valve on previous page) into BYD port.
d.) Install handle onto lift control valve with long pin, short pin, and small cotter pins (cotter pins not
shown, they come in the same bag as the handle).
e.) Thread knob onto handle hand tight (the knob comes in the same bag as the handle).

Assembly
16
4.) Install Lift Control Valve.
a.) Bolt tubes onto the hydraulic tank with three ¼ x ¾” bolts. Tighten with wrench.
b.) Bolt lift control valve and valve plate to tubes with three ¼ x 2” bolts. Make sure decal faces
up. Tighten with wrench.

Assembly
17
5.) Connect Hoses to Lift Control Valve
a.) Connect hose from tee (hose with straight fittings) to OUT port on lift control valve. Tighten
with two wrenches. Make sure hose doesn’t twist. Align tee so hose doesn’t touch beam
slide when it is retracted and make sure hose doesn’t touch any sharp steel surfaces. Align
elbow so hose doesn’t touch hydraulic tank.
b.) Connect hose from BYD port on split control (hose with elbow) to IN port on lift control
valve. Tighten with two wrenches. Make sure hose doesn’t twist. Align elbow so hose
doesn’t touch hydraulic tank.
c.) Connect long hose with green marking to port A on lift control valve. Tighten with wrench.
Align elbow so hose doesn’t touch tube that mounts lift control valve.
d.) Connect long hose with red marking to port B on lift control valve. Tighten with wrench.
e.) Route hoses with red and green markings between beam and hydraulic tank toward wedge
end of log splitter. Tie hoses to return line hose near return line filter.

Assembly
18
6.) Install backstop onto log cradle with eight 3/8 x 1-1/4” bolts and 3/8” lock nuts. The backstop fits
inside the log cradle. Tighten with a wrench.

Assembly
19
7.) Install Hydraulic Cylinder
a.) Bolt right and left cylinder mounts to middle log cradle support with four 3/8 x 1-3/4” bolts
and 3/8” lock nuts. Do not tighten completely.
b.) Connect hydraulic cylinder to left and right cylinder mounts with 6” clevis pin (make sure
ports point downward). Secure clevis pin in place with a cotter pin.
c.) Connect lift arm to left and right cylinder mounts with 6” clevis pin. Secure clevis pin in place
with a cotter pin.
d.) Connect lift arm to hydraulic cylinder with 3-1/4” clevis pin. Secure clevis pin in place with a
cotter pin. Tighten bolts installed in step a above with a wrench.
e.) Connect hose with green marking to flow reducer. Tighten with two wrenches. Make sure
hose doesn’t twist. Make sure hose doesn’t pass by any sharp steel edges.
f.) Connect hose with red marking to 1/2” x JIC6 elbow. Tighten with two wrenches. Make
sure hose doesn’t twist. Make sure hose doesn’t pass by any sharp steel edges.
g.) Tie hoses together near top port on hydraulic cylinder.
h.) Bolt rollers to lift arm with eight ¼ x 1” bolts and ¼” lock nuts. Tighten with wrench.

Assembly
20
8.) Attach Lift Table to Log Splitter (this step requires two or more people)
a.) Bolt left mount arm to log cradle. Use four 3/8 x 1-1/4” bolts and lock nuts. Do not tighten
completely.
b.) Bolt right mount arm to log cradle. Use four 3/8 x 1-1/4” bolts and lock nuts. Do not tighten
completely.
c.) Attach lift table to mount arms. Use two log lift pins (one at each end). Be careful not to push
the lift pins too far into the lift table. Lock a pair of locking pliers onto the end of each lift pin to
make sure they don’t go in too far and also to help line up the holes for step e below.
d.) Bolt lift pins to mount arms. Use two ¼ x 2” bolts and lock nuts. Tighten with wrench.
e.) Tighten bolts from step a and b above with a wrench.