Powerhorse M1169H User manual

1
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 and 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 end plate, wedge, logs, and log strippers 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 hole
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 an ignitable forest, brush, or grassy covered land, the engine exhaust should be
equipped with a spark arrestor. See the “Specifications” section of this manual to determine if your splitter already has a spark
arrestor. If not equipped, call Powerhorse Product Support for ordering information.
Keep a fire extinguisher rated “ABC” nearby.
STOP!
ADD OIL TO ENGINE BEFORE USING: Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first adding oil.
ADD HYDRAULIC OIL: Your log splitter was shipped without hydraulic oil. Refer to Periodic Maintenance section of this manual for instructions on
filling the hydraulic reservoir
INSPECT COMPONENTS: Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged.
See Initial Unpacking & Set-up for instructions and for whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.
Prime the Pump: The pump on your log splitter needs to be primed before use. Refer to initial setup for instructions.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call Powerhorse Product Support 1-866-443-2576
ITEM NUMBER: 1169
SERIAL NUMBER: _______________
M1169H

2
Hazard Signal Word Definitions

3
Table of Contents
Hazard Signal Word Definitions ......................................................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents..........................................................................................................................................................................................3
About Your Log Splitter..................................................................................................................................................................................4
Safety Label Locations ..................................................................................................................................................................................5
Machine Component Identification ..................................................................................................................................................................7
Initial Set-up .................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Moving and Towing to the Job Site ...............................................................................................................................................................10
Before Each Use-Inspection/Maintenance .....................................................................................................................................................13
Before Each Use - Fueling ...........................................................................................................................................................................15
Before Each Use –Work Site Selection and Setup.........................................................................................................................................16
Splitting Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................................17
Storage......................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Periodic Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................................................24
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................................................................25
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................................................26
Parts Breakdown –Exploded View 1169 .......................................................................................................................................................27
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation..................................................................................................................................30
Assembly Instructions..................................................................................................................................................................................35
798736 Engine Exploded View .....................................................................................................................................................................65
798736 Engine Parts List.............................................................................................................................................................................66
798736 Engine Kits .....................................................................................................................................................................................67
Engine .......................................................................................................................................................................................................68
Limited Warranty.........................................................................................................................................................................................74

4
About Your Log Splitter
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 log
splitter’s gasoline engine is used to pressurize the hydraulic system.
This log splitter is designed to split logs lengthwise with the grain only.
This log splitter model is capable of splitting logs up to 25” long and 14” in diameter.
Your splitter can be used in either a vertical or horizontal splitting position:
When the splitter is set up to operate in the horizontal splitting position, a log is placed on the horizontal
beam and the wedge moves horizontally into the end of the log to split it.
When the splitter is set up to operate in the vertical splitting position, the log is placed on the end plate,
upright on its end, and the wedge moves down into the top of the log to split it.
The horizontal splitting position is used for lighter logs that can be easily loaded onto the beam. The vertical splitting
position is used for heavier logs that are difficult to load onto the beam.
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 this 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 in the warranty registration information in the back of this manual and have it on hand when you call in on
a warranty claim or replacement parts.
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 provide instruction on how
to safely operate the splitter and remain available to answer any questions a renter/borrower might have.

5
Safety Label Locations
Always make sure safety labels are in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels or
unsafe operation could result. Contact Powerhorse Product Support at 1-866-443-2576.
Reference #
Part Number
Description
Qty
1
791105
Decal, Moving/Towing Instructions
1
2
777891
Decal, Escaping Fluid
1
3
778717
Decal, Log Stripper
2
4
778597
Decal, Horizontal Lock
1
5
777890
Decal, Fire Hazard Warning
2
6
777887
Decal, Operation Instructions
1
7
778714
Decal, Vertical Lock
1
8
787944
Decal, Pinch Point
1
9
790852
Decal, Burn Hazard Warning
1
10
778609
Decal, Split Control
1
11
778610
Decal, Log Splitter Warning
1
12
777889
Decal, Stuck Log
1
13
791123
Decal, 45 mph
1
14
788937
Decal, Poisonous Gas
1
15
788935
Decal, Fuel Fire, Explosion Hazard
2
16
795124
Decal, E85 Caution
1
17
795346
Decal, Poisonous Gas (Engine Tank)
1

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Safety Label Locations
ESCAPING HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC FLUID HAZARD
High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in the
hydraulic system. Hydraulic fluid escaping through even a pin-size
hole opening can puncture skin and cause blood poisoning.
Inspect hydraulic system regularly for leaks
Never check for leaks with your hand while system is pressurized.
Seek medical attention immediately if injured by escaping fluid.
©Northern Tool + Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810
WARNING
PN 777891
POISONOUS GAS
This product's use gives off carbon
monoxide, an odorless 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.
©Northern Tool + Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810 PN 39259
WARNING
Moving parts can crush and cut. Pieces can fly out while
splitting. Follow safety rules for operating the log splitter or
serious injury could result.
READ the Owner's Manual completely before operating.
Only one person should operate the log splitter. If an
assistant is helping to load logs, the operator should not
actuate controls until the assistant is at least 10 ft away.
Stay in the designated OPERATOR POSITION while
actuating the controls.
Split wood in direction of the grain only.
Hold bark side of logs when loading.
Keep hands away from wedge, endplate/ram, and partly
split logs.
Never leave log splitter unattended during operation.
Stay off slopes and slippery surfaces.
See additional safety rules in the Owner's Manual.
©Northern Tool + Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810 PN 778610
WARNING
LOG STRIPPER
RETRACT WEDGE
TO REMOVE
STUCK WOOD
PINCH POINT
Keep hands clear of
wedge and
log stipper
©Northern Tool & Equipment Co. 1-800-270-0810
SPLIT CONTROL LEVER OPERATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
13
16
17

7
Machine Component Identification
Ref
Description
Ref
Description
1
End Plate
10
Axle/Hydraulic Tank
2
Log Cradles
11
Vertical Lock
3
Split Control Lever
12
2” Ball Coupler
4
Cylinder
13
Control Valve
5
Safety Chains
14
Wedge
6
Manual Tube
15
Hydraulic Breather/Dipstick
7
Horizontal Lock
16
Engine On/Off Switch
8
Hydraulic Pump
17
Engine
9
Return Line Filter
18
Support Leg

8
Initial Set-up
IMPORTANT!
Engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start the engine before adding oil.
See Assembly Instructions section of this manual to assemble the log splitter before setup.
Step One:
Inspect Log Splitter
Components.
Closely inspect all log splitter components.
(See Machine Components section of this manual for diagram of components.)
If you have missing or damaged components, please contact Product Support at
1-866-443-2576.
Step Two:
Add Oil to Engine
Add oil to the 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 and Prime
the Pump
WARNING: High fluid pressures and temperatures are developed in hydraulic log splitters.
Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pinhole 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.
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 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 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.
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. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
6. Pull on the starter grip recoil at least 20 times so that hydraulic fluid has cycled through the
pump
7. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug
8. Start engine and use control valve handle to extend and retract wedge 5 (five) times to
remove air from the high pressure lines.
9. With wedge retracted, check oil level again.
Oil dipstick
Hydraulic oil

9
Initial Set-up
10. Replace hydraulic oil fill/vent cap.
11. Start engine and use control valve handle to extend and retract wedge five (5) times to
remove air from the high-pressure lines.
12. With wedge retracted, check oil level again. Fill if necessary.
WARNING: NEVER remove the hydraulic oil dipstick when the engine is running or hot.
Hot oil can escape causing severe burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before
removing hydraulic oil dipstick.
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 DEXRON III.
Step Four: Lubricate
Beam
Apply grease to beam. This will help prevent wear between the wedge and beam.
Apply grease to beam

10
Moving and Towing to the Job Site
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. Place in
Horizontal
position
Make sure the log splitter is locked in the horizontal position with latch rod before
moving.
NEVER move log splitter when it is in vertical configuration because it will be unstable and
could tip.
2. Engine off.
IMPORTANT: Make sure log splitter engine is off.
Never move the log splitter with its engine running.
3. Fuel valve off
(if equipped)
Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage.
Refer to Engine owner’s manual for fuel valve location.
4. Lock: Support leg
DOWN
Lock the support leg in the “DOWN” position before you move the log splitter.
5. Move log splitter to
work site or tow
hitch
Move log splitter by hand either directly to chosen work site or to vehicle hitch for
towing.
(See Before Each Use: Step Three: instructions 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.
Support leg