Rankin LS-20-1 User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
MODEL LS-20-1
Vertical Horizontal
3 POINT HITCH LOG SPLITTER

MANUFACTURER'S
LIMITED WARRANTY
Manufacturer warrants to original Purchaser that its product is free from major defects
in material under normal use and service for a period of 180 days from the date the
product is shown to have been placed into operation by original distributor customers or
for one year from date of shipment from Manufacturer's plant, whichever shall first
occur.
Manufacturer's obligation under this warranty is expressly limited to the repair or re-
placement, at its option, of the parts which are returned F.O.B. Manufacturer's factory,
Yakima, WA, and which are determined by Manufacturer to be defective. Provided
further that such parts shall be returned within thirty (30) days from date of failure to
Manufacturer through the dealer or distributor from whom the purchase was made.
Transportation charges prepaid by customer. Manufacturer assumes no responsibility
for outside labor.
THIS IS THE SOLE AND ONLY WARRANTY OF MANUFACTURER AND NO OTHER
WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR BY
LAW, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.
This warranty shall not be interpreted to render us liable for injury or damages of any
kind or nature, direct, consequential, or contingent, to person or property. This
warranty does not extend to loss of crops, loss because of delay in harvesting or any
expense or loss incurred for labor, supplies, substitute machinery, rental or any other
reason.
The sole and only remedy in regard to any defective products shall be the repair or
replacement thereof herein provided, and Manufacturer shall not be liable for any con-
sequential, special, incidental, or punitive damages resulting from or caused by any
such defects.
Manufacturer reserves the right to make improvements in design or changes in specifi-
cations at any time, without incurring any obligations to owners of units previously sold.
No one is authorized to alter, modify, or enlarge this warranty nor the exclusions, limita-
tions, and reservation.
The price of goods sold is determined using this warranty as a cost factor.
WARRANTY VOID IF NOT REGISTERED
WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE DATE

1 Introduction........................................................ 1
2 Safety ................................................................... 2
2.1 General Safety...................................................... 3
2.2 Equipment Safety Guidelines ............................... 4
2.3 Safety Training ..................................................... 5
2.4 Safety Signs.......................................................... 5
2.5 Preparation ........................................................... 6
2.6 Hydraulic Safety ................................................... 6
2.7 Operating Safety................................................... 7
2.8 Transport Safety ................................................... 8
2.9 Storage Safety ...................................................... 8
2.10 Maintenance Safety .............................................. 8
2.11 Sign-Off Form ....................................................... 9
3 Safety Sign Locations ...................................... 10
4 Operation........................................................... 11
4.1 To the New Operator or Owner .......................... 11
4.2 Machine Components......................................... 12
4.3 Machine Break-In ............................................... 13
4.4 Pre-Operation Checklist ..................................... 13
4.5 Field Operation ................................................... 14
4.6 Vertical to Horizontal Conversion ....................... 22
4.7 Transporting ....................................................... 25
4.8 Storage ............................................................... 25
5 Service and Maintenance................................. 26
5.1 Service................................................................ 26
5.1.1 Fluid and Lubricants................................................... 26
5.1.2 Greasing ..................................................................... 26
5.1.3 Servicing Intervals ...................................................... 27
5.1.4 Service Record........................................................... 27
5.2 Maintenance ....................................................... 28
5.2.1 Changing Seals in Valve............................................ 28
6 Trouble Shooting.............................................. 30
7 Assembly........................................................... 31
8 Specifications ................................................... 35
8.1 Mechanical ......................................................... 35
8.2 Bolt Torque ......................................................... 35
9 Index .................................................................. 36
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
PAGE

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
Always give your dealer the serial number of your 3 Point Hitch Log Splitter when ordering parts or
requesting service or other information.
The serial number plate is located where indicated. Please mark the number in the space provided for
easy reference.
Model Number
Serial Number

1
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of a 3 Point Hitch Log Splitter to complement your log splitting operation.
This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet the needs of a discriminating buyer for the
efficient splitting of logs.
Safe, efficient and trouble free operation of your Log Splitter requires that you and anyone else who will
be operating or maintaining the machine, read and understand the Safety, Operation, Maintenance and
Trouble Shooting information contained within the Operator's Manual.
This manual covers the 3 Point Hitch Log Splitters. Use the Table of Contents and Index as a guide to
locate required information.
Keep this manual handy for frequent reference and to pass on to new operators or owners. Call your
dealer, distributor or the factory if you need assistance, information or additional copies of the manuals.
OPERATOR ORIENTATION - The directions left, right, front and rear, as mentioned throughout this
manual, are as seen from the driver's seat and facing in the direction of travel.
Vertical Horizontal

2 SAFETY
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Why is SAFETY important to you?
The Safety Alert symbol identifies
important safety messages on the
Rankin Log Splitter and in the
manual. When you see this symbol,
be alert to the possibility of personal
injury or death. Follow the instruc-
tions in the safety message.
This Safety Alert symbol means
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Accidents Disable and Kill
Accidents Cost
Accidents Can Be Avoided
3 Big Reasons
WARNING - Indicates a potentially hazard-
DANGER - Indicates an imminently hazardous
CAUTION - Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
ous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious
injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed.
It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to
the most extreme situations typi-
cally for machine components
which, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.
SIGNAL WORDS:
Note the use of the signal words DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION with the safety
messages. The appropriate signal word for
each message has been selected using the
following guide-lines:
If you have any questions not answered in this manual or require additional copies or the manual is
damaged, please contact your dealer.
2
SI NO LEE INGLES, PIDA AYUDA
A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA
QUE LE TRADUZCA LAS
MIDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.

1. Read and understand the
Operator’s Manual and all
safety signs before operating,
maintaining, adjusting or
unplugging the Log Splitter.
3
2.1 GENERAL SAFETY
2. Have a first-aid kit available
for use should the need
arise and know how to use
it.
3. Have a fire extinguisher
available for use should the
need arise and know how to
use it.
4. Wear appropriate
protective gear. This
list includes but is not
limited to:
- A hard hat
- Protective shoes
with slip resistant
soles
- Protective goggles, glasses or face shield
- Heavy gloves
- Protective clothing
5. Install and secure all guards before starting.
8. Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor
engine, set park brake, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
9. Clear the area of people, especially small
children, before starting.
10. Review safety related items annually with all
personnel who will operating or maintaining
the Log Splitter.
6. Do not allow riders.
7. Wear suitable ear protection
for prolonged exposure to
excessive noise.
SAFETY
YOU are responsible for the SAFE operation and
maintenance of your 3 Point Hitch Log Splitter.
YOU must ensure that you and anyone else who
is going to operate, maintain or work around the
Log Splitter be familiar with the operating and
maintenance procedures and related SAFETY
information contained in this manual. This manual
will take you step-by-step through your working
day and alerts you to all good safety practices that
should be adhered to while operating the Log
Splitter.
Remember, YOU are the key to safety. Good
safety practices not only protect you but also the
people around you. Make these practices a
working part of your safety program. Be certain
that EVERYONE operating this equipment is
familiar with the recommended operating and
maintenance procedures and follows all the safety
precautions. Most accidents can be prevented. Do
not risk injury or death by ignoring good safety
practices.
• Log Splitter owners must give operating
instructions to operators or employees before
allowing them to operate the machine, and at
least annually thereafter per OSHA (Occupa-
tional Safety and Health Administration)
regulation 1928.57.
• The most important safety feature on this
equipment is a SAFE operator. It is the
operator’s responsibility to read and under-
stand ALL Safety and Operating instructions
in the manual and to follow these. Most
accidents can be avoided.
• A person who has not read and understood all
operating and safety instructions is not quali-
fied to operate the machine. An untrained
operator exposes himself and bystanders to
possible serious injury or death.
• Do not modify the equipment in any way.
Unauthorized modification may impair the
function and/or safety and could affect the life
of the equipment.
• Think SAFETY! Work SAFELY!

4
2.2 EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. Safety of the operator and bystanders is one
of the main concerns in designing and devel-
oping a machine. However, every year many
accidents occur which could have been
avoided by a few seconds of thought and a
more careful approach to handling equipment.
You, the operator, can avoid many accidents
by observing the following precautions in this
section. To avoid personal injury or death,
study the following precautions and insist
those working with you, or for you, follow
them.
2. In order to provide a better view, certain
photographs or illustrations in this manual
may show an assembly with a safety shield
removed. However, equipment should never
be operated in this condition. Keep all shields
in place. If shield removal becomes neces-
sary for repairs, replace the shield prior to
use.
3. Replace any safety sign or instruction sign
that is not readable or is missing. Location of
such safety signs is indicated in this manual.
4. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which
can hinder alertness or coordination while
operating this equipment. Consult your doctor
about operating this machine while taking
prescription medications.
5. Under no circumstances should young
children be allowed to work with this
equipment. Do not allow persons to
operate or assemble this unit until they
have read this manual and have developed
a thorough understanding of the safety
precautions and of how it works. Review
the safety instructions with all users annually.
6. This equipment is dangerous to children and
persons unfamiliar with its operation. The
operator should be a responsible, properly
trained and physically able person familiar
with farm machinery and trained in this
equipment's operations. If the elderly are
assisting with work, their physical limitations
need to be recognized and accommodated.
7. Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over
Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seat belt.
8. Never exceed the limits of a piece of machin-
ery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely,
is in question - DON'T TRY IT.
9. Do not modify the equipment in any way.
Unauthorized modification result in serious
injury or death and may impair the function
and life of the equipment.
10. In addition to the design and configuration of
this implement, including Safety Signs and
Safety Equipment, hazard control and acci-
dent prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the
machine. Refer also to Safety Messages and
operation instruction in each of the appropri-
ate sections of the Tractor and machine
Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety
Signs affixed to the Tractor and the machine.

2.3 SAFETY TRAINING
1. Safety is a primary concern in the design and
manufacture of our products. Unfortunately,
our efforts to provide safe equipment can be
wiped out by a single careless act of an
operator or bystander.
2. In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the aware-
ness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, trans-
port, maintenance and storage of this equip-
ment.
3. It has been said, "The best
safety feature is an in-
formed, careful operator."
We ask you to be that kind
of an operator. It is the
operator's responsibility to read and under-
stand ALL Safety and Operating instructions
in the manual and to follow these. Accidents
can be avoided.
4. Working with unfamiliar equipment can
lead to careless injuries. Read this
manual, and the manual for your tractor,
before assembly or operating, to acquaint
yourself with the machines. If this ma-
chine is used by any person other than
yourself, or is loaned or rented, it is the
machine owner's responsibility to make
certain that the operator, prior to operat-
ing:
a. Reads and understands the operator's
manuals.
b. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
5. Know your controls and how to stop tractor,
engine, and machine quickly in an emer-
gency. Read this manual and the one pro-
vided with your tractor.
6. Train all new personnel and review instruc-
tions frequently with existing workers. Be
certain only a properly trained and physically
able person will operate the machinery. A
person who has not read and understood all
operating and safety instructions is not quali-
fied to operate the machine. An untrained
operator exposes himself and bystanders to
possible serious injury or death. If the elderly
are assisting with farm work, their physical
limitations need to be recognized and accom-
modated.
2.4 SAFETY SIGNS
1. Keep safety signs clean and legible at all
times.
2. Replace safety signs that are missing or have
become illegible.
3. Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign
should also display the current sign.
4. Safety signs are available from your author-
ized Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or
the factory.
How to Install Safety Signs:
• Be sure that the installation area is clean and
dry.
• Be sure temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
• Determine exact position before you remove
the backing paper. (See Section 3).
• Remove the smallest portion of the split
backing paper.
• Align the sign over the specified area and
carefully press the small portion with the
exposed sticky backing in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and
carefully smooth the remaining portion of the
sign in place.
• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin
and smoothed out using the piece of sign
backing paper.
5

6
2.5 PREPARATION
1. Never operate the tractor and machine until
you have read and completely understand this
manual, the Tractor Operator's Manual, and
each of the Safety Messages found on the
safety signs on the tractor and machine.
2. Personal
protection
equipment
including hard
hat, safety
glasses, safety
shoes, and
gloves are
recommended
during assem-
bly, installation, operation, adjustment, main-
taining, repairing, removal, or moving the
implement. Do not allow long hair, loose
fitting clothing or jewellery to be around
equipment.
3. PROLONGED EXPOSURE
TO LOUD NOISE MAY
CAUSE PERMANENT
HEARING LOSS!
Tractors with or without
equipment attached can
often be noisy enough to
cause permanent, partial
hearing loss. We recommend that you wear
hearing protection on a full-time basis if the
noise in the Operator's position exceeds
80db. Noise over 85db on a long-term basis
can cause severe hearing loss. Noise over
90db adjacent to the Operator over a long-
term basis may cause permanent, total
hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud
noise (from tractors, chain saws, radios, and
other such sources close to the ear) is cumu-
lative over a lifetime without hope of natural
recovery.
4. Operate the machine only
with a tractor equipped with
an approved Roll-Over-
Protective Structure (ROPS).
Always wear your seat belt.
Serious injury or even death
could result from falling off
the tractor ---particularly
during a turnover when the operator could be
pinned under the ROPS or the tractor.
2.6 HYDRAULIC SAFETY
1. Make sure that all the components in the
hydraulic system are kept in good condition
and are clean.
2. Replace any worn, cut, abraded, flattened or
crimped hoses and metal lines.
3. Stop engine or motor, disconnect spark plug
wire or unplug power cord, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before servicing, adjust-
ing, repairing or cleaning.
4. Do not attempt any makeshift repairs to the
hydraulic lines, fittings or hoses by using
tapes, clamps or cements. The hydraulic
system operates under extremely high-
pressure. Such repairs will fail suddenly and
create a hazardous and unsafe condition.
5. Wear proper hand and
eye protection when
searching for a high-
pressure hydraulic leak.
Use a piece of wood or
cardboard as a backstop
instead of hands to
isolate and identify a
leak.
6. If injured by a concentrated high-pressure
stream of hydraulic fluid, seek medical atten-
tion immediately. Serious infection or toxic
reaction can develop from hydraulic fluid
piercing the skin surface.
7. Before applying pressure to the system, make
sure all components are tight and that lines,
hoses and couplings are not damaged.
• Think SAFETY! Work SAFELY!
5. Clear working area of stones, branches or
hidden obstacles that might be hooked or
snagged, causing injury or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Be sure machine is properly mounted, ad-
justed and in good operating condition.
8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety
signs are properly installed and in good
condition.

7
2.6 OPERATING SAFETY
1. Please remember it is important that you read
and heed the safety signs on the Log Splitter.
Clean or replace all safety signs if they cannot
be clearly read and understood. They are
there for your safety, as well as the safety of
others. The safe use of this machine is strictly
up to you, the operator.
2. All things with moving parts are potentially
hazardous. There is no substitute for a
cautious, safe-minded operator who recog-
nizes potential hazards and follows reason-
able safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed this Log Splitter to be used with all
its safety equipment properly attached, to
minimize the chance of accidents. Study this
manual to make sure you have all safety
equipment attached.
3. If a safety shield or guard is removed for any
reason, it must be replaced before the ma-
chine is again operated.
4. Personal protection equipment including hard
hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety
shoes, and tight gloves are recommended
during assembly, installation, operation,
adjustment, maintaining, repairing, removal,
or moving. Do not allow long hair, loose fitting
clothing, or jewellery to be around moving
parts.
5. Always use two people to handle heavy,
unwieldy components during assembly,
installation, removal or moving.
6. Never place any part of your body, fingers,
hands, feet, etc. where it would be in danger if
movement should occur during assembly,
installation, operation, maintaining, repairing,
removal or moving. Keep others away.
7. Do not allow bystanders within 20 feet of
machine during operation. Wood chips can fly
out and injure others.
8. Do not step over or straddle splitter during
operation.
9. Do not try to split more than one log at a time.
The extra log can fly out and cause injury.
10. Keep your fingers and hands away from
cracks in the log that can open while splitting.
11. Always load logs by holding on the sides, not
the top and bottom.
12. Do not load the splitter when the wedge is in
motion.
13. Do not try to split logs across the grain. Some
kinds can burst or splinter and fly out of
machine causing injury.
14. For uneven cut logs, always place the wide
end down and the most square kind against
the splitting wedge.
15. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which
can hinder alertness or coordination while
operating this equipment. Consult your doctor
about operating this machine while taking
prescription medications.
16. Do not allow riders on the machine or tractor
at any time. There is no safe place for any
riders.
17. Before you operate the machine, check over
all pins, bolts, connections and hydraulic
components to be sure all are securely in
place and tight. Tighten or replace any
leaking, damaged or worn parts immediately.
18. Do not allow anyone who is not familiar with
the safety rules and operation instructions to
use this machine.
19. Never allow children to operate or be around
this machine.
20. Use stabilizer bars, adjustable sway chains, or
sway blocks on the tractor lift arms to keep
the machine from swinging side to side.
Adjust as tightly as practical for best perform-
ance.
21. Do not operate on slopes or hillsides. Sloping
terrain can cause logs to roll or slip.
22. Clear the work area of objects which might be
picked up and snagged or entangled in the
machine. Do not operate on slippery, wet,
muddy or icy surfaces. Good footing prevents
slipping and tripping.

2.8 TRANSPORT SAFETY
8
1. Comply with state and local laws governing
highway safety and movement of machinery on
public roads.
2. The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in
most localities. However, some localities pro-
hibit their use. Local laws should be checked for
all highway lighting and marking requirements.
3. At all times, when driving the tractor and equip-
ment on the road or highway under 20 mph (32
kph) use flashing amber warning lights and a
slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification em-
blem. Do not exceed 20 mph (32 kph). Reduce
speed on rough roads and surfaces.
4. Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
5. Always install transport locks, pins or brackets
before transporting.
6. Do not drink and drive.
7. Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to
oncoming traffic in all situations, including
narrow bridges, intersections, etc. Watch for
traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
8. Turn into curves or go up or down hills only at a
low speed and at a gradual steering angle.
Make certain that at least 20% of the tractor's
weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe
steerage. Slow down on rough or uneven
surfaces.
9. A heavy load can cause instability of the tractor.
Use extreme care during travel. Slow down on
turns and watch out for bumps. The tractor may
need front counterweights to counterbalance the
weight of the machine.
10. Never allow riders on either tractor or machine.
2.10 MAINTENANCE SAFETY
1. Good maintenance is your responsibility.
Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
2. Follow good shop practices.
- Keep service
area clean and
dry.
- Be sure electrical
outlets and tools
are properly
grounded.
- Use adequate
light for the job at
hand.
nuts and screws and check that all cotter pins
are properly installed to ensure unit is in a
safe condition.
11. When completing a maintenance or service
function, make sure all safety shields and
devices are installed before placing unit in
service.
kept readily
accessible while
performing
maintenance on
this equipment.
10. Periodically
tighten all bolts,
2.9 STORAGE SAFETY
1. Store the unit in an area away from human
activity.
2. Do not permit children to play on or around the
stored machine.
3. Store the unit in a dry, level area. Support the
frame with planks if required.
3. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
Never operate the engine of the towing
vehicle in a closed building. The exhaust
fumes may cause asphyxiation.
4. Before working on this machine, shut off the
engine, set the brakes, and remove the
ignition keys.
6. Never work under equipment unless it is
blocked securely.
7. Use personal protection devices such as eye,
hand and hearing protectors, when performing
any service or maintenance work.
8. Where replacement parts are necessary for
periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine
factory replacement parts must be used to
restore your equipment to original specifica-
tions. The manufacturer will not be responsi-
ble for injuries or damages caused by use of
unapproved parts and/or accessories.
9. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be

9
EMPLOYEES SIGNATURE EMPLOYERS SIGNATURE
SIGN-OFF FORM
2.11 SIGN-OFF FORM
The Manufacturer follows the general Safety Standards specified by the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers (ASAE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Anyone who will be
operating and/or maintaining the Log Splitter must read and clearly understand ALL Safety, Operating and
Maintenance information presented in this manual.
Do not operate or allow anyone else to operate this equipment until such information has been reviewed.
Annually review this information before the season start-up.
Make these periodic reviews of SAFETY and OPERATION a standard practice for all of your equipment. We
feel that an untrained operator is unqualified to operate this machine.
A sign-off sheet is provided for your record keeping to show that all personnel who will be working with the
equipment have read and understand the information in the Operator’s Manual and have been instructed in
the operation of the equipment.
DATE

10
REMEMBER - If safety signs have been damaged, removed, become illegible or parts replaced without
signs, new signs must be applied. New signs are available from your authorized dealer.
3 SAFETY SIGN LOCATIONS
The types of safety signs and locations on the equipment are shown in the illustration below. Good safety
requires that you familiarize yourself with the various safety signs, the type of warning and the area, or
particular function related to that area, that requires your SAFETY AWARENESS.
ACAUTION
• Read and understand Operator's
Manual before using.
• Move controls to neutral or off position,
stop engine, remove ignition key and
wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, repairing or unplugging.
• Do not allow anyone within 20 feet of
machine during operation. Keep
children away.
• Wear appropriate safety gear including
but not limited to face shield, heavy
gloves and steel toed shoes with slip
resistant soles.
• Operate only on level ground.
• Do not operate on hillsides or when the
working area is cluttered, wet, muddy or
icy to prevent slipping or tripping.
• Do not place hands or feet between log
and wedge/stripper or base.
• Keep all hydraulic components in good
working order.
• Stop engine when leaving splitter
unattended.
• Review safety instructions annually.
To prevent serious injury or death from
moving wedge:
• Keep hands and feet away from between
log and wedge or base.
• Keep others away.
• Stop engine and relieve hydraulic
pressure before servicing machine.
MOVING WEDGE HAZARD
BWARNING
A
B
B
CAUT004
WARN002

11
OPERATING SAFETY
1. Read and understand the Operator’s
Manual and all safety signs before operat-
ing, servicing, adjusting, repairing or un-
plugging.
2. Do not allow riders.
3. Install and secure all guards and shields
before starting or operating.
4. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away
from moving parts.
5. Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor
engine, set park brake, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
6. Place all tractor and machine controls in
neutral before starting.
7. Always wear the appropriate personal
safety equipment when operating splitter
including but not limited to hard hat, safety
shoes, face shield and heavy gloves.
8. Clear the area of bystanders, especially
small children, before starting.
9. Do not operate on slopes or sidehills.
10. Keep working area clean, neat and dry to
prevent slipping and tripping.
11. Keep all mechanical and hydraulic compo-
nents in good condition. Do not operate
with leaks or damaged components.
12. Load splitter by holding logs on the side
rather than the top and bottom.
13. Do not split wood across the grain.
14. Review safety instructions with all operators
annually.
4.1 TO THE NEW OPERATOR
OR OWNER
The 3 Point Hitch Log Splitter is designed to split
any kind of wood or log. Be familiar with the
machine before starting.
It is the responsibility of the owner or operator
to read this manual and to train all other
operators before they start working with the
machine. Follow all safety instructions ex-
actly. Safety is everyone's business. By
following recommended procedures, a safe
working environment is provided for the
operator, bystanders and the area around the
worksite. Untrained operators are not quali-
fied to operate the machine.
Many features incorporated into this machine are
the result of suggestions made by customers like
you. Read this manual carefully to learn how to
operate the machine safely and how to set it to
provide maximum field efficiency. By following the
operating instructions in conjunction with a good
maintenance program, your Log Splitter will
provide many years of trouble-free service.
4 OPERATION

12
4.2 MACHINE COMPONENTS
The 3 Point Hitch Log Splitter consists of a wedge
on the end of a hydraulic cylinder for splitting
wood or logs. Hydraulic power from the tractor is
routed through a double acting valve to control the
Fig. 1 MACHINE COMPONENTS
A Mounting Frame
B Splitter Frame
C Control Valve
D Control Lever
E Hydraulic Cylinder
F Wedge
G Stripper
H Vertical Configuration
J Horizontal Configuration
K Log
cylinder position. The wedge is designed with a
stripper to remove stuck logs as the wedge is
retracted. The Splitter can be used in vertical or
horizontal configuration.
B
A
H
E
C
D
G
F
B
A
E
G
D
H
F
J
K
A
B
D
E
GF
C

4.3 MACHINE BREAK-IN
Although there are no operational restrictions on
the Log Splitter when used for the first time, it is
recommended that the following mechanical items
be checked:
A. After Operating For 1 and 5 Hours:
1. Check all nuts, bolts and other fasteners.
Tighten to their specified torque level.
2. Check hydraulic system for leaks.
Tighten all leaking fittings and replace any
leaking components.
3. Then go to the service schedule as
defined in the Maintenance Section.
4.4 PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
Efficient and safe operation of the Log Splitter
requires that each operator reads and under-
stands the operating procedures and all related
safety precautions outlined in this section. A pre-
operation checklist is provided for the operator. It
is important for both the personal safety and
maintaining the good mechanical condition of the
Log Splitter that this checklist is followed.
Before operating the machine and each time
thereafter, the following areas should be checked
off:
1. Use only a small Agricultural tractor of less
than 100 horsepower on the machine.
2. Check that the machine is properly attached
to the tractor. Be sure retainers are used on
the mounting pins.
3. Be sure extra weights are mounted on the
front of the tractor if required.
4. Check the wedge and strippers. Be sure they
are not damaged or broken and is not badly
worn. Repair or replace as required.
5. Check for entangled material. Remove this
material.
6. Check for hydraulic leaks, tighten fittings or
replace components to stop leaks.
13

14
4.5 FIELD OPERATION
Log Splitters attach to a tractor 3 point hitch and
use the tractor hydraulics to move a wedge
through wood to split it. The splitter can be used
in the vertical or horizontal configuration. How-
ever the operator has the responsibility of being
familiar with all operating and safety procedures
and following them.
Each operator should review this section of the
manual at the start of the season and as often as
required to be familiar with the machine. When
using, follow this procedure:
1. Review and follow the Pre-Operation Check-
list.
OPERATING SAFETY
1. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual
and all safety signs before operating, servic-
ing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
2. Do not allow riders.
3. Install and secure all guards and shields
before starting or operating.
4. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away
from moving parts.
5. Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor
engine, set park brake, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
6. Place all tractor and machine controls in
neutral before starting.
7. Always wear the appropriate personal safety
equipment when operating splitter including
but not limited to hard hat, safety shoes, face
shield and heavy gloves.
8. Clear the area of bystanders, especially
small children, before starting.
9. Do not operate on slopes or sidehills.
10. Keep working area clean, neat and dry to
prevent slipping and tripping.
11. Keep all mechanical and hydraulic compo-
nents in good condition. Do not operate with
leaks or damaged components.
12. Load splitter by holding logs on the side
rather than the top and bottom.
13. Do not split wood across the grain.
14. Review safety instructions with all operators
annually.

15
Horizontal
Vertical
Fig. 2 ATTACHED
IMPORTANT
Do not use on a tractor of
more than 100 horse-
power.
c. Always engage
the anti-sway
components on
each lift arm to
keep the unit from
moving from side-
to-side during
operation.
d. The frame is
designed to attach
to a Category 1 or
2, 3 point hitch.
Be sure to use the
appropriate sized
mounting pins and
bushings when
attaching to
tractor.
2. Attach the tractor to
the machine.
a. Position the arms
and slide the balls
over the mounting
pins. Install the
retainers.
b. Attach the top link
to the mast.
Install the re-
tainer.
a
b
a
b

16
Horizontal
Vertical
Fig. 3 HYDRAULICS
3. Attach the Hydraulics:
a. Use a clean cloth or paper
towel to clean the tips on the
end of the hoses and the
area around the couplers on
the tractor.
b. Insert the male ends into the
couplers on the tractor. Be
sure they are locked in place.
IMPORTANT
Use the remote circuit of
the tractor that is designed
with a detent. The circuit
can then be turned on and
stay on while the splitter is
being used.
c. Route the hoses over the
hitch and secure in position
with clips, tape or plastic ties.
Provide sufficient slack for
raising and lowering the 3
point hitch.
NOTE
The tractor can be
equipped with either a
closed-center or open-
centered hydraulic system.
4. Before going to the working area review
Section 4.6 Transporting.
5. Drive to the working area and stop in a level
area.
WARNING
Use extreme care when working
around a high-pressure hydraulic
system. Make sure all connec-
tions are tight and all components
are in good repair. Wear hand
and eye protection when search-
ing for suspected leaks.
6. Lower into working position, stop engine and
set park brake.
7. Set the Machine:
a. Level the Frame:
Use the screw jack on the right lift arm to
level the frame from side-to-side.
b. Frame Angle:
Use the turnbuckle on the top link to set
the frame angle. Normally the frame
should be set parallel to the ground or
vertical depending on the configuration.