MTD 240-623-003 - Manual (Page 12)

RESERVOIR FLUID
Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter reser­
voir tank before each use. Fluid level should b(! V /
2
"
to 2" from the top of the tank.
Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir eve y 100
hours of operation. Disconnect the suction hosu from
the bottom of the reservoir tank, and drain the fluid in­
to a suitable container. Refill using only De> ron II
automatic transmission fluid or 10W non-foaming
hydraulic fluid, as instructed in the “Initial Preparation”
section of this manual, page 8. Also, make cer ain to
change the hydraulic filter.
NOTE
Drain the fluid and flush the reservoir
tank and hoses with kerosene whenever
any repair work is performed on the
tank, hydraulic pump or valve. Con­
taminants in the fluid will damage the
hydraulic components. (Should be per­
formed by an authorized service dealer.)
A
WARNING
Use extreme caution when working with
kerosene, as it is an extremely flammable
fluid.
HYDRAULIC FILTER
Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of ope ation.
Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter. Order part n umber
723-0405.
BEAM AND SPLITTING WEDGE
Lubricate both sides of the beam where it contacts the
splitting wedge with engine oil before each use to ob­
tain years of service. However, normal wear will occur.
The wedge plate on the log splitter is designed so the
gibs on the side of the wedge plate can be easily re­
moved and rotated and/or turned over for ever wear.
Make certain to readjust the adjustment bolts so wedge
moves freely, but no excess space exists between the
wedge plate and beam.
HOSE CLAMPS
Check the hose clamps on the suction hose (at ached
to bottom of the pump) for proper tightness before each
use. Check the hose clamps on the return hose at least
once a season.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all (mgine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read anc i follow
instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal con­
ditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be ser­
viced. To service the air cleaner refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommend­
ed at the start of each season; check engine manual
for correct plug type and gap specification.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep
the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to per­
mit proper air circulation which is essential to engine
performance and life. Be certain to remove all dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
FLEXIBLE PUMP COUPLER
The flexible pump coupler is a nylon “spider” insert,
located between the pump and engine shaft. The align­
ment is very critical. Over a period of time, the coupler
will harden and deteriorate. For a replacement flexible
pump coupler, order part number 717-0891.
A
WARNING
Never hit the pump shaft in any manner,
as any blow will cause permanent
damage to the pump.
When replacing the flexible pump coupling, proceed
as follows.
1. Place the coupling half onto the engine shaft. Make
certain there is clearance between the coupling
half and the engine. Tighten the set screw.
2. Mount the pump onto the coupling support bracket.
Tighten securely.
3. Carefully slide coupling half onto pump shaft (make
certain set screw is loose). Slide the key into place
on the shaft.
4. Install the nylon “spider” insert into coupling half
on the engine shaft.
5. Place the coupling shield in position on the hex
bolts. Rotate the keyway on the pump shaft so it
is toward the bottom.
6. Attach the coupling support bracket to the hex
bolts, carefully sliding the coupling half over the
“spider” insert. Secure coupling shield and coup­
ling support bracket with lock washers and hex
nuts. Tighten securely.
7. Adjust the two coupling halves (steel) so there is
between .010" and .060" clearance between the
two halves (at least the thickness of a matchbook
cover, up to 1/16" maximum). See figure 18.
Tighten the set screw in the coupling half on the
pump shaft.
12