TEST PROCEDURE
1. Find an open, outdoor location to perform the test. Testing will require you to start the engine. Do NOT perform the test in
an enclosed area.
2. Ensure the engine has oil and fresh fuel.
3. Check the fluid in the hydraulic reservoir to make sure it is at the correct level.
4. Ensure that the log splitter’s wedge (or ram if you are inspecting an 8 Ton Model) has no obstructions in its path.
WARNING - Keep hands away from splitting wedge
(or ram) at all times.
5. Start the engine and allow the engine to warm up.
6. Move the splitting wedge (or ram if your are testing an 8 Ton Model) to the fully retracted position by placing the control
handle in the REVERSE position.
7. Push the control valve handle to the “FORWARD” position and hold, the splitting wedge (or ram) should be extending.
See Figure 2.
8.
Slowly and gently
remove your hand from the control valve handle and allow the handle to return to the NEUTRAL
position on its own.
Does the splitting wedge (or ram) come to a quick and complete stop?
NOTE:
The handle should freely “snap” back into the neutral position, without hesitation and the splitting wedge (or ram)
should come to a quick and complete stop.
It is important that the control handle be released slowly and gently.
Releasing the control handle quickly can cause the control handle to “snap” back into the NEUTRAL position and
stop the wedge even if the valve is faulty. Releasing the control handle slowly and gently is important in identifying
valves that need to be replaced. Try to make the control handle stick in the FORWARD position by releasing the
control handle slowly and gently
9. Repeat Steps 6 through 8 five (5) times.
10. If, on any one of the trials, the control handle does NOT freely “snap” back into the neutral position without hesitation or
the splitting wedge (or ram) does NOT come to a quick and complete stop, your control valve needs to be replaced.
You should immediately...
Stop using the log splitter
and call
MTD Customer Service at 1-888-848-6038
to have your valve replaced free of charge
If the control handle does freely “snap” back into the neutral position without hesitation and the splitting wedge (or ram)
comes to a quick and complete stop, the valve is GOOD. No further action is required.
FIGURE 2
If you have any questions related to this Inspection and Test Procedure, call
MTD Customer Service toll free at
1-888-848-6038
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Saturday
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time
3 of 3 Form No. 769-05565
