Powerhorse M1156N User manual

Owner’s Manual
Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation,
Servicing, & Storage
Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic powered machine that
splits wood logs.
WARNING
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using log splitter.
All operators of this equipment must read and completely understand all safety information, operating instructions,
maintenance and storage instructions. Failure to properly operate and maintain the log splitter could result in serious
injury to the operator or bystanders from moving parts that can crush or cut, flying objects, burns, fire or explosion,
escaping high pressure hydraulic fluid, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In particular, be aware of the following
hazards: Crush and Cut Hazards
Moving parts can crush and cut hands and fingers. Keep hands clear of endplates, wedge, and logs while splitting.
High Pressure Hydraulic Fluid Hazards
High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through
even a pin-size hold opening can puncture skin and cause severe blood poisoning. Inspect hydraulic system
regularly for possible leaks. Never check for leaks with your hand while the system is pressurized. Seek medical
attention immediately if injured by escaping fluid. Fire Hazards
If your log splitter is intended for use near any ignitable forest, brush, or grassy covered land, the engine exhaust
should be equipped with a spark arrestor.
Keep a fire extinguisher with you, rated for ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids.
STOP!
ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: This product requires assembly before use. Some of the components in this unit are
heavy and cannot be lifted by one person safely. Please plan on assembling this product when another person can
be available to help out. See “Assembly” section for instructions.
INSPECT COMPONENTS. Closely inspect upon receipt to make sure no components are missing or damaged. See
“Assembly” section for instructions on whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.
ADD ENGINE OIL and HYDRAULIC OIL BEFORE USING: This product is shipped without engine oil or
hydraulic oil. DO NOT start log splitter before adding both oils. See “Assembly” and “Initial Unpacking & Set-
up” sections for detailed instructions.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call PowerHorse Product Support 1-866-443-2576
ITEM NUMBER: 1156
SERIAL NUMBER:
_______________
M1156N

Hazard Signal Word Definitions
2

Table of Contents
3
About Your Log Splitter...........................................................................................................4
Safety Label Locations.............................................................................................................5
Machine Components Identification ........................................................................................6
Initial Set-up.............................................................................................................................7
Moving & Towing to the Job Site............................................................................................9
Before Each Use:
Step One: Inspection/Maintenance.................................................................................11
Step Two: Fueling ..........................................................................................................13
Step Three: Work site Selection & Set-up......................................................................14
Splitting Operation ...................................................................................................................15
Storage......................................................................................................................................20
Periodic Maintenance...............................................................................................................21
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................22
Specifications............................................................................................................................23
Parts Breakdown –Exploded View..........................................................................................24
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation........................................................26
Assembly Instructions ..............................................................................................................31
Limited Warranty .....................................................................................................................39

About Your Log Splitter
4
Thank you for purchasing your PowerHorse log splitter!
About Your Log Splitter
This log splitter is a machine designed to split wood logs using a hydraulically powered moving wedge.
The gasoline-powered engine is used to pressurize the system.
This log splitter is designed to split logs lengthwise with the grain only.
This log splitter model is designed with a unique, timesaving feature -- a double-edged cutting wedge that
is capable of splitting wood on both the extension and retraction strokes of the wedge.
This log splitter is towable by ATV or tractor at speeds under 15 MPH. Higher speed towing requires a
high-speed wheel kit (Part #1158), which includes:
High speed tires
Towing coupler
Safety chains
The technical specifications for your log splitter are provided in the “Specifications” section of this
manual.
WARNING
This log splitter uses a high-pressure hydraulic system to generate a very strong
splitting force. Read the manual completely before using the machine to understand
how to safely operate and maintain it.
Follow all safety precautions presented throughout this manual. A summary of important safety
information can be found at the end of the manual.
Contact PowerHorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576 for any questions about the
appropriate use of this log splitter and/or optional accessories.
Warranty Registration:
Please fill out and submit the warranty registration card so that we may have your contact information for
any future product literature or replacement parts you may need.
Attention: All Rental Companies and Private Owners who
loan this equipment to others!
All persons to whom you rent/loan the log splitter must have access to and read this manual. Keep this
owner’s manual with the splitter at all times and advise all persons who will operate the machine to read
it. You must also provide personal instruction on how to safely operate the splitter and available to
answer any questions a renter/borrower might have.
This log splitter model is capable of splitting logs up to 18” long and 12” in diameter

Safety Label Location
5
Part #
Description
787753
Splitter Warning / Instructions Decal
780307
PowerHorse Decal
780458
Low Speed Towing 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 or unsafe operation could result.
Serious injury may occur if this machine rolls out of control
or tips.
Towing at low speeds on public roads can be a traffic hazard.
- Speed limit. Never tow this machine over 15 mph. Faster
speeds may result in loss of control.
- On public roads. When towing on public roads,
make sure to comply with all local, state, and federal
towing requirements. It is your responsibility to obtain
licensing, trailer lights, safety chains or signage ("Slow
Moving Vehicle"), as needed to comply.
- Added length. Be aware of the added length of the
attached machine.
- Rough terrain. Drive slowly and take extra caution when
traveling over rough terrain.
- Unattended. Turn off the towing vehicle before leaving the
machine unattended.
- Under the influence. Never tow or operate this machine
while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
©2008 Northern Tool + Equipment Co.
Towing Hazards
WARNING
Part No. 780458

Machine Components Identification
6
1.) Log Table. This large log table keeps the log from falling on the ground after splitting. The
log table will keep the log on the beam without operator assistance.
2.) Beam/Cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has a 3” bore and an 18” stroke.
3.) Wedge. The wedge has two tapered edges that allow splitting in both directions. The wedge
features a taper that makes splitting easier.
4.) End Plate. The end plate keeps the log from moving as the wedge moves though the log.
5.) Hitch. Attaches the log splitter to your vehicle.
6.) Leg. The leg supports the log splitter while operating. The leg should be raised while towing
(see Operation Instructions).
7.) Tires. The tires on this log splitter are low speed tires and should not exceed 15 MPH. For
high speed towing (max 45mph) purchase tow kit separately. (Item # 1158)
8.) Hydraulic Tank. The hydraulic tank stores the hydraulic oil.
9.) Hydraulic Pump. The hydraulic pump makes the hydraulic oil flow through the system.
10.) Suction Strainer. The suction strainer removes debris from the hydraulic oil before entering
the pump.
11.) Engine. The air-cooled engine powers the hydraulic pump.
12.) Splitter Control Lever. Use the split control lever to move the wedge forward and
backward.

Initial Set-up
7
WARNING
Carefully read and follow all instructions for initial assembly and set-up of
this log splitter.
Failure to properly assemble and set up this equipment could result in serious
injury to the user or bystanders, or cause equipment damage.
Step One:
Assemble log splitter
Assemble your log splitter.
See the “Assembly” section of this manual – It will provide you with detailed instructions
on:
Inspecting shipped components and whom to contact if anything is missing or
damaged.
Assembly.
Testing.
Step Two:
Add oil to engine
Add oil to engine.
Using a funnel, add SAE 10W-30 oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick. (See
engine Owner’s Manual for oil capacity and location of fill cap.)
Step Three:
Add Hydraulic Oil to
Reservoir
1. Remove hydraulic oil dipstick.
2. Refer to the Specifications section for approximate hydraulic oil capacity.
3. Fill reservoir with 10 wt AW32, ASLE H-150, or ISO 32 oil. Use a funnel
4. Replace hydraulic oil dipstick and check that oil level reads full. Note: Do not
thread in dipstick when checking oil level.
5. Start engine and use split control lever to extend and retract wedge 5 (five) times
to remove air from the high pressure lines.
6. With wedge retracted, check oil level again. Fill if necessary.
Note: If the log splitter will be run for long periods of time in outdoor temperatures above
70F, we recommend changing the hydraulic oil to DEXTRON III.
Step Four:
Check Hydraulic
system
Check the hydraulic system carefully:
1. Visually inspect all hoses, tubing, clamps/fittings, pump, and cylinder for cracks,
fraying, kinks, or other damage.
2. Check all components for oily residue, which may indicate a leak.
Do NOT operate the log splitter if there is any indication of damage or oily residue.
Small leaks in hydraulic lines can cause severe injuries and can also be an indication of
Oil dipstick
Hydraulic oil

Initial Set-up
8
catastrophic failure in the near future. The life of hydraulic hoses may be from a few
months to a few years, depending on use and storage patterns.
WARNING: High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic
log splitters. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole sized opening can burn or
puncture skin, resulting in wounds that could cause blood poisoning, infection,
disability, gangrene, amputation, or death. Therefore, the following instructions
should be heeded at all times when inspecting or servicing the hydraulic
components of the log splitter:
Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and move the split control lever
back and forth to relieve pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic
system components such as hoses, tubing, fittings or other components.
NEVER 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 eye protection). Look
for discoloration of the cardboard or wood.
NEVER adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve.
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 infection or reaction can result if proper
medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar
with injection injuries.
WARNING: NEVER remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is
running or hot. Hot oil can escape causing severe burns. Allow log splitter to
cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill cap.
Step Five:
Lubricate slide rail
beam
Lubricate wedge slide.
Extend the wedge slide as shown, and lubricate the surface of it with grease. This will
help prevent wear between the wedge slide and beam.

Moving & Towing to Job Site
9
WARNING
The log splitter is heavy. It can crush and cause serious injury if it rolls out of control or tips over.
Follow the instructions below for safely moving and towing the log splitter.
Moving the log splitter:
1. Engine off
IMPORTANT: Ensure log splitter engine is off.
Never move the log splitter with its engine running
2. Fuel valve off
Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage.
3. Tow bar leg UP
Lock the tow bar leg in the “UP” position before you move the log splitter anywhere
by hand.
4. Move log splitter
to work site or tow
hitch
Move log splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to tow hitch for
towing.
(See “Before Each Use” section on selecting a work site)
Important Safety Instructions:
Hills. Do not move the log splitter up or down hills by hand - use a towing
vehicle.
No riding. Never allow anyone to sit or ride on the log splitter.
No cargo. Never transport cargo or wood on the log splitter.
Tow bar leg

Moving & Towing to Job Site
10
Towing:
1. Read instructions
Review towing safety instructions in your vehicle manual.
2. Check tires
Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair.
See tire sidewall for recommended tire pressure.
WARNING:
●Do not over-inflate tires. Serious injury can occur if tire explodes.
●When seating a bead after repair, do not exceed 30 PSI. Pressures higher than 30 PSI
can cause the tire and wheel to rupture and explode.
3. Attach Log Splitter
to vehicle hitch.
Attach Log Splitter to ATV or tractor hitch for low speed towing (up to 15 MPH)
with a hitch pin or a draw pin.
Towing over 15mph - For towing up to 45 mph, order item #1158 High-speed kit.
Call PowerHorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576.
4. Tow to desired
location
Tow log splitter carefully to desired work site.
(See “Before Each Use” section on selecting an appropriate work site.)
Important safety instructions:
Speed limit. Never tow this log splitter over 15 mph. Faster speeds may result in
loss of control.
On public roads. When towing on public roads:
Make sure to comply with all local, state, and federal towing requirements. It
is your responsibility to obtain licensing, trailer lights, safety chains or
signage, as needed to comply.
If driving slower than 15 MPH on public roads, it is recommended that you
display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) emblem. Between 25 and 40 MPH,
a “Speed Identification Symbol” (SIS) is sometimes required. SMV and SIS
signs are generally available at farm equipment dealers.
Added length. Be aware of the added length of the splitter.
Rough terrain. Drive slowly and take extra caution when traveling over rough
terrain.
Unattended. Turn off the towing vehicle before leaving the splitter unattended.
Under the influence. Never tow or operate this splitter while under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication
5. Lock leg down &
unhitch
Lock tow bar leg in the DOWN position and unhitch from vehicle.
NEVER operate log splitter while it is attached to the vehicle.