BILT HARD Log Splitter - Owner's Manual

Safety Warnings & Cautions

Safety Warnings & Instructions

• Understand Your Log Splitter: Read and understand the owner's manual and labels affixed to the log splitter. Learn its application and limitations as well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to it.
• Drugs, Alcohol and Medication: Do not operate the log splitter while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that could affect your ability to use it properly.
• Avoid Dangerous Conditions: Place the log splitter on a 60-75cm high, stable, flat, and level work bench with ample room for handling and to help the operator stay alert. Bolt the log splitter to the work surface if it tends to slip, walk, or slide. Keep your work area clean and well-lighted. Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not use the log splitter in wet or damp areas or expose it to rain. Do not use it in areas where fumes from paint, solvents, or flammable liquids pose a potential hazard.
• Inspect Your Log Splitter: Check your log splitter before turning it on. Keep guards in place and in working order. Form a habit of checking that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool area before turning it on. Replace damaged, missing, or failed parts before using it.
• Dress Properly: Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewelry (rings, wrist watches) as they can be caught in moving parts. Protective electrically non-conductive gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair, preventing it from getting caught in machinery.
• Protect Your Eyes and Face: Any log splitter may throw foreign objects into the eyes, causing permanent eye damage. Always wear safety goggles. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses and are not safety glasses.
• Extension Cords: Improper use of extension cords can cause inefficient operation and overheating. Ensure the extension cord is no longer than 10m and has a cross-section of at least 2.5mm² for sufficient current flow. Avoid free and inadequately insulated connections; use protected material suitable for outdoor use.
• Avoid Electrical Shock: Check that the electric circuit is adequately protected and corresponds with the motor's power, voltage, and frequency. Ensure a ground connection and a residual current device (RCD) upstream. Ground the log splitter and prevent body contact with grounded surfaces like pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures. Never open the pushbutton box on the motor; contact a qualified electrician if necessary. Ensure fingers do not touch the plug's metal prongs when plugging or unplugging.
• Keep Visitors and Children Away: The log splitter must be operated by one person only. Others should keep a safe distance from the work area, especially during operation. Never use another person to help free a jammed log.
• Inspect Your Log: Ensure logs have no nails or foreign objects. Log ends must be cut square, and branches must be cut flush with the trunk.
• Don't Overreach: The floor must not be slippery. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Never stand on the log splitter. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if cutting tools are unintentionally contacted. Do not store anything above or near the log splitter where someone might stand to reach it.
• Avoid Injury from Unexpected Accident: Always pay full attention to the movement of the log pusher. Do not attempt to load the log until the log pusher has stopped. Keep hands away from all moving parts.
• Protect Your Hands: Keep hands away from splits and cracks in the log, as they may close suddenly and crush or amputate your hands. Do not remove jammed logs with your hands.
• Don't Force Tool: The log splitter performs best and safest at its design rate. Never try to split logs larger than indicated in the specifications table, as this could be dangerous and damage the machine. Do not use the log splitter for unintended purposes.
• Never Leave Tool Running Unattended: Do not leave the tool until it has come to a complete stop.
• Disconnect Power: Unplug when not in use, before making adjustments, changing parts, cleaning, or working on the log splitter. Consult the technical manual before servicing.
• Protect the Environment: Take used oil to an authorized collection point or follow local regulations. Do not discharge into drains, soil, or water.
• Maintain Your Log Splitter with Care: Keep the log splitter clean for best and safest performance.
• Make the Workshop Childproof: Lock the shop. Disconnect master switches. Store the log splitter away from children and others not qualified to use it.

Application Conditions

This log splitter is a home-use model designed for operating under ambient temperatures between +5°C and 40°C and for installation at altitudes no more than 1000m above M.S.L. The surrounding humidity should be less than 50% at 40°C. It can be stored or transported under ambient temperatures between -25°C and 55°C.

Specifications

* The diameter of the log is indicative; a small log can be difficult to split when it has knobs or a particularly tough fiber. On the other hand, it may not be difficult to split logs with regular fibers even if its diameter exceeds the max. figure indicated above.

Electrical Requirements

Connect the main leads to a standard 120V±10% (60Hz±1Hz) electrical supply which has protection devices for under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current, as well as a residual current device (RCD) with a maximum residual current rated at 0.03A.

Set Up and Preparation for Operation

1. Bolt the Support Leg to the Log Splitter, lift the log splitter by the handles at both ends and place it on a 60-75cm high, stable, flat, and level work surface.
2. Familiarize yourself with the controls and features of this log splitter in the illustrations.

Component Identification:

1. Log Pusher

2. Work Table

3. Wedge

4. Lift Handle

5. Support Leg

6. Switch

7. Motor

8. Pushbutton Box

9. Wheels for Minor Moving ONLY

10. Hydraulic Control Lever

11. Control Lever Guard

12. Bleed Screw

13. Oil Drain Bolt w/ Dipstick

14. Adjusting Locker

15. Max Pressure Limiting Screw

Before operating the log splitter, the Bleed Screw should be loosened by some rotations until air can go in and out of the oil tank smoothly. Air flow through the Bleed Screw hole should be detectable during log splitter operation. Before moving the log splitter, ensure the Bleed Screw is tightened to avoid oil leaking.

Warning: FAILED TO LOOSEN THE BLEED SCREW WILL KEEP THE SEALED AIR IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BEING COMPRESSED AFTER BEING DECOMPRESSED. SUCH CONTINUOUS AIR COMPRESSION AND DECOMPRESSION WILL BLOW OUT THE SEALS OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE LOG SPLITTER.

DO NOT ADJUST THE MAX PRESSURE LIMITING SCREW! Max pressure was set before the log splitter left the factory and the max pressure limiting screw is sealed with glue to ensure the log splitter works under pressure no more than 6.5 tons. The setting was done by a qualified mechanic with professional instruments. Unauthorized resetting will cause the hydraulic pump to fail to output enough splitting pressure or RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE.

Wiring Diagram

Diagram showing electrical connections with components labeled L, N, KH, SB, M, PE, C.

Plumbing Diagram

Diagram showing hydraulic system components including a cylinder, pump, motor (M), and various valves and lines.

Log Splitter Operation

This log splitter is equipped with a "ZHB" control system requiring operation by both hands: the left hand controls the hydraulic control lever, and the right hand controls the pushbutton switch. The log splitter will freeze if either hand is removed. Only after both hands release the controls will the log pusher start to return to the starting position. A trigger-type lock-out device prevents accidental Hydraulic Control Lever pushdown. To operate, pull the Trigger backward with the index finger before pushing the Hydraulic Control Lever forward.

Warning: Never force the log splitter for more than 5 seconds by keeping pressure on it to split excessively hard wood. After this time interval, the oil under pressure will overheat, and the machine could be damaged. For extremely hard logs, rotate the log by 90° to see if it can be split in a different direction. If you are unable to split the log, its hardness exceeds the machine's capacity, and the log should be discarded to protect the log splitter.

Always set logs firmly on the log retaining plates and work table. Ensure logs do not twist, rock, or slip while being split. Do not force the blade by splitting the log on the upper part, as this will break the blade or damage the machine.

Break logs in the direction of their growing grain. Do not place logs across the log splitter for splitting, as this may be dangerous and seriously damage the machine.

Do not attempt to split two pieces of logs at the same time, as one may fly up and hit you.

Freeing a Jammed Log

• Release both controls.
• After the log pusher moves back and completely stops at its starting position, insert a wedge wood under the jammed log.
• Start the log splitter to push the wedge wood completely under the jammed one.
• Repeat the above procedure with sharper slope wedge woods until the log is completely freed.

Do not try to knock the jammed log off. Knocking about will damage the machine or may launch the log and cause an accident.

Replacing Hydraulic Oil

Replace the hydraulic oil in the log splitter after every 150 hours of use. Follow these steps:

• Ensure all moving parts have stopped and the log splitter is unplugged.
• Unscrew the Oil Drain Bolt with Dipstick to remove it.
• Turn the log splitter onto its Support Leg side over a container with at least 4 liters capacity to drain the hydraulic oil.
• Turn the log splitter onto the motor side.
• Refill with fresh hydraulic oil according to the volume specified in the specifications table for the particular model.
• Clean the surface of the Dipstick on the Oil Drain Bolt and reinsert it into the oil tank while keeping the log splitter vertical.
• Ensure the refilled oil level is between the two grooves on the Dipstick.
• Clean the Oil Drain Bolt before threading it back. Ensure it is tightened to prevent leakage before placing the log splitter horizontally.

Periodically check the oil level to ensure it is between the two grooves on the Dipstick. If the oil level is low, refilling is required.

Recommended hydraulic oils or equivalents for the log splitter's hydraulic transmission system:

• SHELL Tellus 22
• MOBIL DTE 11
• ARAL Vitam GF 22
• BP Energol HLP-HM 22

Sharpening Wedge

After using the log splitter for some time, sharpen the wedge using a fine-toothed file and smooth any burrs or crushed areas along the cutting edge.

Trouble Shooting

Parts Schematic

Diagram showing an exploded view of the log splitter with numbered parts.

Parts List

Detailed list of parts with corresponding numbers, descriptions, and quantities.

Example Entries:

• 1 Lever Mount Nut - Q'ty 1
• 2 Nut Cap, M10 - Q'ty 3
• 3 Lever - Q'ty 1
• 34 Support Plate - Q'ty 2
• 35 Lock Washer 6 - Q'ty 4
• 36 Screw M6x10 - Q'ty 2
• 75 Nut, M8 - Q'ty 1
• 76 Screw M8x35 - Q'ty 1
• 77 Motor - Q'ty 1
• 90 Strain Relief - Q'ty 1
• 91 Screw, ST4x10 - Q'ty 6
• 92 Switch Box Cover - Q'ty 1

Important Information Regarding Repairs and Warranty

Please Read the Following Carefully:

The manufacturer and/or distributor has provided the parts list and assembly diagram in this document as a reference tool only. Neither the manufacturer nor distributor makes any representation or warranty of any kind to the buyer that he or she is qualified to make any repairs to the product, or that he or she is qualified to replace any parts of the product. In fact, the manufacturer and/or distributor expressly states that all repairs and parts replacements should be undertaken by certified and licensed technicians, and not by the buyer. The buyer assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or her repairs to the original product or replacement parts thereto, or arising out of his or her installation of replacement parts thereto.

Limited 30 Day Warranty

BILT HARD warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs or alterations outside BILT HARD facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. BILT HARD shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of this product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If BILT HARD's inspection verifies the defect, they will either repair or replace the product at their election, or may elect to refund the purchase price if a replacement cannot be readily provided. Repaired products will be returned at BILT HARD's expense. If no defect is found, or if the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of the warranty, the buyer must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.