Superaxe WS300 User manual

OPERATORS MANUAL
Covering Models
Aussie Chopper WS150-9
Aussie Chopper WS3150
Aussie Chopper WS4150
Superaxe WS300
Superaxe WS400
Superaxe WS450
Manufactured & Distributed by
Burders Lane Enterprises Pty Ltd T/as
Whitlands Engineering
Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
A.C.N. NO. 106 741 084
PROUDLY
AUSTRALIAN
OWNED & MADE

Page 1
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
1. Limitations of use……………..………………………………….…….. 2
2. Safety Precautions for Operator……………………………………... 3
3. Operator Training…………………………………...………………..… 4
4. Splitting Tips and Techniques….……………………………………..8
5. Inspection Schedule…………………………………...…………….… 9
6. Maintenance………………………………………………………………10
6.1 Greasing …………………………………………...………………10
6.2 Engine ………………………………………………...……………10
6.3 Hydraulics ………………………………………………………… 10
6.4 Bolts ……….………………………………………………………. 11
6.5 Blade………………………………………………………………...11
6.6 Spare Parts ……………………………………………………..… 11
7. Starting Up…………………………………………………………….…. 11
8. Remote Powered Units………………………………………………… 11
9. Towing /Tyres…………………………………………………………….12
10. Slinging…………………………………………………………………… 12
11. Storage…………………………………………………………………….12
12. Decals………………………….…………………………………………..13
13. Troubleshooting ……………………………………………………..….14
14. Specifications…………………………………………………………….15
15. Elevator Supplement…………………………………………………... 16
16. Warranty…………………………………………………………..…….... 18
17. Assembly Instructions…………………………………………..…...…19
18. Risk Assessment……………………………………………….…….… 21
The MODEL NUMBER and SERIAL NUMBER and VIN number are stamped on
identification plate on the hitch of your Woodsplitter. Please quote these numbers
when ordering spare parts, or seeking information about the machine.
MODEL NO. ____________
SERIAL NO. ____________
PURCHASE DATE. ____________

Page 2
VERY IMPORTANT –READ CAREFULLY
1. LIMITATIONS OF USE
Congratulations on choosing an Aussie Chopper/Superaxe to split your firewood.
Due to the diverse nature of wood (easy, hard, knotty, straight/twisted grain,
long/short, large/small blocks, dry, green stringy brittle etc.) splitting it by any
mechanical hydraulic means can be an inherently dangerous and challenging job.
The Aussie Chopper/Superaxe are easy and safe machines to operate. Even if
you have operated similar machines to the Aussie Chopper/Superaxe before, you
must read, study and understand this manual before operating the machine. The
manual is stored in the labelled receptacle fixed to the machine.
This manual contains important information that will instruct you in the correct
training procedure, the necessary safety precautions, the operation and care of
your machine. The risk assessment will alert you to dangers you may be exposed
to whilst operating this machine.
TO ALL OPERATORS
You must read and understand this manual and risk assessment. Doing this is the
first and most important step in becoming a competent operator. The next step is
the gaining of experience by implementing safe, careful and responsible work
practices. If available an experienced operator should assist in instructing new
operators in Aussie Chopper/Superaxe operation.
GUARD AGAINST ACCIDENTS
The Aussie Chopper/Superaxe with 2 handed controls are very safe machines to
operate. However due to the exposed blade and associated blocks being able to
inflict cutting/ crushing injuries accidents will be more likely to happen to untrained,
inexperienced and/or complacent operators.
In particular if:
-Co-ordination is impaired (alcohol/drugs/fatigue)
-If distraction to the operator occurs
-If operating under performance based pressure
It is up to the operator to be aware of the potential dangers at all times and to work
the machine with the due care it deserves.
It is your duty as an Aussie Chopper/Superaxe owner to give suitable instruction to
any new operator of your machine, teaching them safe and proper operating
procedure. Also be sure new operators are given the opportunity to study this
manual before using the machine.
If ownership of this machine changes this manual should accompany the machine.
If this Manual is lost, please contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.

Page 3
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
FOR OPERATOR
BE CAREFUL!
IMPROPER, UNSAFE OR RECKLESS USE OF THIS MACHINE COULD RESULT
IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS
Please note the following points.
READ and understand the Operator’s Manual and machine operation decals, so
that you can become familiar with the operation of the machine before operating
it.
DO NOT operate this machine if you are affected by fatigue or if your co-
ordination is impaired or if you are under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs.
ALWAYS wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to
boots, gloves, hearing and eye protection and appropriate safety clothing when
operating your wood splitter.
ALWAYS keep your eyes on the moving blade and NEVER allow yourself to
become distracted from the operation of the machine. If distraction occurs,
STOP and deal with the distraction.
THIS is a one operator machine. Never allow bystanders to interfere in the
operation.
KEEP the table and ground around the wood splitter clear of wood and debris. It
is particularly important that the area where the operator stands is clear and level
and free of tripping hazards.
DO NOT allow children and untrained adults and bystanders to operate the
machine and keep children and animals away while operating machine.
ALWAYS be sure that the block is sitting firmly on the table before operating the
blade.
BE AWARE that if the Block Lifter capacity is exceeded the machine may tip up
on one wheel.
DISCONNECT hydraulic lines (remote powered units) or stop the power pack
engine before attempting cleaning, maintenance or adjustment.
DO NOT tamper with or modify any parts of the machine. If the machine has
been found to be tampered with or modified –stop using it and have the machine
rendered un-usable by an authorised person, (eg owner, hirer, qualified repairer)
until the necessary repairs have been carried out.
CHECK that safety decals are legible and in place. (See page 13)
READ and understand the Risk Assessment in the rear section of this manual so
you are fully aware of any possible dangers you may be exposed to while
operating this machine.

Page 4
3. OPERATOR TRAINING
ALL WOODSPLITTERS OPERATION
Read and understand limitations of use and safety precautions for operation
(previous page)
Select a clear level site in a well ventilated or outdoor area
Ensure machine is firmly chocked or hooked to tow vehicle
Operator to be wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
ie ear & eye protection, gloves, boots etc.
Read engine manufacturers operating and maintenance instruction manual
Check engine oil / fill with unleaded petrol.
Start engine –for inexperienced operators run at ½ throttle, this slows the
operation and allows new operators to become familiar with the machine more
easily. For experienced operators run at ¾ - full throttle.
Familiarise yourself with the two handed controls. Push both levers down
together to bring blade down. Lift both levers up together to bring blade up.
WS300/400/450 –If fitted, leg control can be used to bring blade up
WS150 -Remove R-clip securing block lifter in the up right travelling position,
and fold to horizontal position. Release block lifter latch holding block lifter in
the horizontal position and drop frame to ground level. Roll block on to block
lifter frame and activate blade operating levers to lift frame. When block lifter
catch has engaged in latch (frame is held in horizontal plane) the block can be
moved onto table for splitting. WS150 lifting capacity 150KG
WS300/400/450/3150-4150 - Lift the block lifter operating lever on the left hand
side of the machine to extend the block lifter ram out from under the table.
Release the block lifter frame by removing the retaining R Clip, fold the frame
over and connect the end of the ram to the frame using the pin attached to the
block lifter frame by a short chain. Once connected, the frame can be lowered
to the ground by pushing the lever down. A block can now be rolled onto the
frame. Lift loglifter operating lever up to raise the frame. Lifting Capacity 200KG
Damage caused by exceeding block lifter capacity is not covered by warranty.
Position block on table, push backwards against post and select splitting line.
Be sure the block sits squarely on the table and will not slip when the blade
contacts it.
ALL MACHINES - Operate blade levers down simultaneously to split the block
Move blade levers up simultaneously to retract the blade
WS300/400/450 pull leg control back to retract blade
Always release control when blade reaches the end of its’ stroke

Page 5
OPERATOR TRAINING cont.
Move timber to position for next cut etc. etc.
If the splitter fails to split the block and the block is jammed on the blade,
remove the block with a suitable mallet, re-position the block to an easier split
position and try again.
CAUTION.
DO NOT cut wood across the grain
DO NOT split wood that won’t sit firmly on the table
BE AWARE that this is a very powerful machine. When splitting very tough
brittle wood, pressure build up in the ram can cause sudden breakages or
movements of the block –keep hands well away from block at all times.
Always make sure that the area that the lifting frame operates in is clear of
obstructions and that bystanders are kept well away.
Be sure your feet are clear when lowering the frame.
BE AWARE that exceeding block lifter capacity will tip the machine up on one
wheel. Take extra care when lifting large heavy blocks.
Do not leave the machine unattended while the engine is running.
Shut off engine and allow to cool before re-fuelling.
TRANSPORT / TOWING
WS150
Fold log lifter frame up against post and secure with R clip
Ensure axe ram is fully retracted into cylinder
WS300/400/450/3150 - 4150
Remove ram pin and retract log lifter ram under table
Fold log lifter frame up against post and secure with R clip
Ensure axe ram is fully retracted into cylinder
REFER TO PAGE 12 FOR MORE DETAILS

Page 6
SUPERAXE WS300/400/450 OPERATION
The Superaxe works on the leverage principal. It develops enormous cutting force
close to the pivot point of the blade and less force at the tip of the blade. The edge
of the sharpened blade should contact the face of the block close to the post. This
is the area of greatest splitting power. To get the best performance from the
Superaxe the blocks should be cut into even lengths to suit the blade height
setting of the Woodsplitter or the blade height setting altered to suit the
average length of timber. (See Page 7)
The axe has 4 positions of height adjustment, which will cater for 9”, 12” 15” 18”
blocks.
TO CHANGE THE AXE HEIGHT- (18mm spanner or shifter required)
1. Set axe in a horizontal position and turn engine off.
2. Remove main pivot pin and raise or lower axe and replace pin. (Wear hand
protection)
3. Remove lower ram pivot pin and raise or lower ram and replace pin. Be sure
ram and axe pin holes correspond (See below)
See below Fig 1. for pin positions as per yellow sticker on machine
FIG. 1
FIG. 2 - AXE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
18” Wood
15” Wood
12” Wood
9” Wood
AXE PIN

Page 7
SUPERAXE WS300/400/450 OPERATION

Page 8
4. SPLITTING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
ALL MACHINES
It is advisable if you are learning how to operate the machine to run the engine
at approximately ½ throttle. This slows the operation speed and enables new
operators to become familiar with the machine more easily.
Always position the block so that the blade will follow the grain of the wood. Do
not try to cut the wood across the grain (See Fig. 6, Page 7)
The efficiency of the machine can be increased by doing multiple cuts (i.e.
cutting 2 pieces at once)
When splitting very tough wood, split along crack lines and take smaller bites.
When splitting large blocks, work from outside of block ie. back it off
When splitting small blocks use the block lifter frame held in the up position as
an extension table to store a quantity of blocks ready to split.
To make sliding heavy blocks across table easier, keep the table lubricated with
silicon spray. i.e. Armour All or similar
WS300/400/450
For consistent efficient operation, cutting your timber to an even length and
setting the axe accordingly will enable you to get the best performance out of
you Super Axe.
Be sure that smaller awkward blocks engage the grate in the centre of the table.
The block will grip it under pressure and prevent it slipping
When splitting very tough wood move the top of the hydraulic ram to the end
position on the axe. This position is slower but gives 50% more splitting power.
If splitting very short tough wood, use a piece of 2” or 3” timber as a pad under
the block to lift it up. This enables the power at the base of the axe to be used
more efficiently.
YOUR DUTY OF CARE
It is your duty as an Aussie Chopper/Superaxe owner to give suitable instruction to
any new operator of your machine, teaching them safe and proper operating
procedure. Also be sure new operators are given the opportunity to study this manual
before using the machine.

Page 9
5. INSPECTION SCHEDULE &
PRE OPERATION CHECKLIST
ALL MACHINES
Regular inspection of the following items will ensure that any problems are found
and can be rectified promptly.
CHECK FOR
OK
NEEDS ATT.
Hand lever operation OK
Decals fitted and legible
Oil leaks / condition of hoses
Loose / missing bolts
Bent / broken / missing parts
Regular greasing and engine maintenance
Tyre condition and pressure
Oil levels - engine and hydraulics
See Page 10 “Maintenance” for more information