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Owner's Manual 

Instructions for Assembly, Testing, Operation, Servicing, & Storage 

Log Splitter: Outdoor hydraulic 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 or 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 endplate, wedge, and logs 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 any 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 NorthStar Product Support for ordering information. 

 

Keep a fire extinguisher with you that is rated for ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids. 

 

 

STOP! 

ADD OIL TO ENGINE BEFORE USING:

  The engine is shipped without oil. DO NOT start log splitter without first 

adding oil. See instructions on p. 8. 

VERIFY HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL: 

Hydraulic reservoir is shipped with oil.  Verify oil level is filled to “High” mark on 

hydraulic tank gauge before using.   See instructions on pg. 8.

 

 

 

Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders 

Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810 

ITEM NUMBER:

           11960  

 

 

SERIAL NUMBER:_______________ 

 M11960U.1

 

Summary of Contents for 11960

Page 1: ...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 See...

Page 2: ...Hazard Signal Word Definitions 2...

Page 3: ...Unpacking Set Up 8 Connecting Battery to Engine 9 Moving Towing to the Job Site 10 Before Each Use Step One Inspection Maintenance 14 Step Two Fueling 16 Step Three Work Site Selection 17 Splitting O...

Page 4: ...rce 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...

Page 5: ...t Control Decal 8 777888 Stuck Log Warning Decal 9 777887 Splitter Operating Instruction Decal 10 39259 CO Warning Decal 11 777335 Pinch Point Warning Decal 12 777898 Log Lift Crush Hazard Decal Alway...

Page 6: ...s before towing on public roads PN 777902 2005 Northern Tool Equipment Co 1 800 270 0810 MOVING TOWING INSTRUCTIONS Moving log splitter by hand Lock log lift in UPRIGHT position Crank jack down so it...

Page 7: ...Gauge Oil Level Indicator 3 4 Way Wedge 15 Hydraulic Tank 4 Lift Split Control 16 Engine Fuel Tank 5 Beam 17 Light Kit 6 Log Lifter 18 Engine Kill Switch 7 Ram 19 Wedge Control 8 Return Filter 20 Con...

Page 8: ...d with oil 1 Check hydraulic oil level a Make sure engine is off and the cylinder is fully retracted b Relieve all hydraulic system pressure by moving Split Control Lever back and forth several times...

Page 9: ...ted below in exact sequence when connecting disconnecting the battery General battery safety rules ALWAYS use eye protection NEVER smoke or work near sparks or other sources of ignition NEVER touch bo...

Page 10: ...s more likely to be damaged 2 Engine off IMPORTANT Make sure log splitter engine is off Never move the log splitter with its engine running 3 Fuel valve off Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor f...

Page 11: ...your vehicle manual 2 Check tires Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair See tire sidewall for recommended tire pressure WARNING Do not over inflate tires Serious injury can occur if ti...

Page 12: ...r s coupler to a class 2 or higher hitch with 2 ball only 2 Adjust coupler to ball by raising locking lever and turning lock nut with fingers 3 Proper adjustment is obtained when coupler is as tight a...

Page 13: ...ing over rough terrain On public roads If towing on a public road make sure to comply with all local state and federal towing requirements It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to obtain lice...

Page 14: ...and muffler areas Avoid contact with hot muffler 2 Other debris Debris on moving parts can cause excess wear Clear debris from the slide beam ram and wedge 3 Fuel tank lines Check fuel tank and fuel l...

Page 15: ...draulic Temp Gauge Oil Level Indicator with cylinder retracted Fill as needed NOTE The log splitter comes filled with LIGHT 150 ISO 32 hydraulic oil If the log splitter will be run for long periods of...

Page 16: ...uctions Use approved container NEVER pump fuel directly into engine at gas station Static charge can build and ignite fuel Use a UL approved fuel container to transfer gas to the engine Don t overfill...

Page 17: ...ions Take the following precautions against fire 1 IMPORTANT If your splitter will be used near any unimproved forest brush or grassy covered land then engine must be equipped with a spark arrestor Se...

Page 18: ...splitting control Splitting wedge NEVER attempt to change the height or speed of the ram Pressure setting NEVER increase the pressure setting of the pump or control valve Safety equipment controls Alw...

Page 19: ...il can damage the hydraulic pump b If outdoor air temperature is below 32 F allow log splitter to warm up by extending and returning the wedge several times before splitting wood WARNING Burns To avoi...

Page 20: ...ion is encountered at any time during the lifting operation release the Lift and Split Control Lever and the log lift will stop moving 4 Stop lift movement by releasing the Lift and Split Control Leve...

Page 21: ...efore attempting to split them Single log Never attempt to split more than one log at a time Pieces of log can unexpectedly be thrown from the machine causing serious injury Split along grain Do not u...

Page 22: ...t Control Lever until the assistant and all bystanders are at least 10 feet away NEVER allow an assistant to hold the log in place while the operator actuates the Split Control Lever 8 Stop ram Releas...

Page 23: ...ntrol valve is actuated in the return direction the ram is designed to keep returning by itself completely and then stop automatically WARNING Stay clear while the ram is returning It is still powerfu...

Page 24: ...fe 2 Leave the fuel valve lever in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Long Term Storage between infrequent uses and at end of season Drain the fuel tank and carburetor as instr...

Page 25: ...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 protec...

Page 26: ...the suspected area wear eye protection Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood If injured by escaping fluid no matter how small the wound is see a doctor at once A typical injection injury may...

Page 27: ...Setting 3000 PSI Hydraulic Cylinder Bore 6 in Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke 30 in Spark Arrestor Fuel Valve Battery Requirements Overall Dimensions Yes No 12 volt 18 Amp hour 122 L x 76 25 W x 52 H Dry W...

Page 28: ...Parts Breakdown Exploded View 11960 Rev U 1 28...

Page 29: ...1 74 779684 Pump Bracket 3042 1 24 38889 6 x 30 Cylinder 1 75 3017 1 Coupling 1 25 38983 1 x 4 Pin with Hole 2 76 3022 Rubber Insert 1 26 38982 1 5 x 11 7 8 Pin 1 77 3013 5 8 Coupling 1 27 406510 1 x...

Page 30: ...a higher speed Fuel exhaust system NEVER modify or add to the exhaust system fuel tanks or fuel lines Fire can result Remote control NEVER attach a rope cable or other remote device to the splitting c...

Page 31: ...ent Know how to stop the log splitter and relieve system pressure quickly if needed Personal protective equipment Eye protection Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating the machine Pieces...

Page 32: ...such as hoses tubing fittings or other components o 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 puncture wound that do...

Page 33: ...following rules for safe operation Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders Safety equipment controls Always operate the log splitter with all safety eq...

Page 34: ...the designated OPERATOR position while operating log lift control If a helper is assisting in loading logs to be split do not actuate log lift control until the helper is at least 10 feet away Use onl...

Page 35: ...pt to resplit a stuck log once it has been removed from the wedge Refueling Never refuel the engine until it has cooled at least two minutes Safety After use Remove engine debris Debris on a hot engin...

Page 36: ...36 This page has intentionally been left blank...

Page 37: ...h as engines are guaranteed by their manufacturer and can be serviced at factory authorized locations near you Any costs incurred due to replacement or repair of items outside of a NorthStar approved...

Page 38: ...38 Manufactured by Northern Tool Equipment Co 2800 Southcross Drive West P O Box 1499 Burnsville MN 55337 0499 Made in the USA...

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