Benchmark 9 Ton Electric Log Splitter

Introduction & Safety First

Important: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FIRST USE. KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

Safety Gear Recommended: ? Wear CSA Approved Eye Protection, ? Wear Ear Protection, ? Wear a Face Mask.

Product 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.

Assistance: For technical questions, replacement parts, or missing parts, contact customer support toll-free at 1-833-818-4111 (Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Eastern Standard Time).

Safety Warnings & Cautions

Understand Your Log Splitter: Read and understand the owner's manual and labels. Learn its applications, limitations, and potential hazards.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Medication: Do not operate under the influence of substances that could impair judgment or ability.

Avoid Dangerous Conditions: Place the splitter on a stable, level surface (60-75cm high). Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and dry. Avoid wet/damp areas or areas with flammable fumes.

Inspect Your Log Splitter: Before use, check that guards are in place and functional. Ensure all tools/wrenches are removed. Replace any damaged or failed parts.

Dress Properly: Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or anything that can get caught in moving parts. Wear protective gloves (non-conductive) and nonskid footwear. Use hair covering for long hair.

Protect Your Eyes and Face: Always wear safety goggles. Everyday eyeglasses are not sufficient. Avoid operating on the ground, which brings your face too close to debris.

Extension Cords: Use cords no longer than 10m with a minimum section of 2.5mm² for sufficient current. Ensure connections are insulated and suitable for outdoor use.

Avoid Electrical Shock: Ensure the circuit is properly protected (under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current) and has a ground connection and RCD (0.03A). Ground the splitter. Avoid contact with grounded surfaces. Never open the motor's pushbutton box; contact an electrician if needed. Be careful not to touch plug prongs.

Keep Visitors and Children Away: Operate the splitter alone. Keep others at a safe distance. Do not use others to help free a jammed log.

Inspect Your Log: Ensure logs are free of nails and foreign objects. Ends should be cut square. Branches should be flush with the trunk.

Don't Overreach: Maintain footing and balance. Never stand on the splitter. Do not store items above it.

Avoid Injury from Unexpected Accident: Pay full attention to the log pusher's movement. Do not load logs until the pusher has stopped. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Protect Your Hands: Keep hands away from log splits and cracks. Do not remove jammed logs with your hands.

Don't Force Tool: Operate at its designed rate. Do not split logs larger than specified. Do not use for unintended purposes.

Never Leave Tool Running Unattended: Stop the tool completely before leaving it.

Disconnect Power: Unplug before making adjustments, changing parts, cleaning, or servicing.

Protect the Environment: Dispose of used oil at authorized collection points. Do not discharge into drains, soil, or water.

Maintain Your Log Splitter with Care: Keep it clean for best performance.

Make the Workshop Childproof: Lock the shop, disconnect switches, and store the splitter away from children and unqualified users.

Application Conditions

This is a home-use model. Designed for ambient temperatures between +5°C and 40°C, and altitudes up to 1000m MSL. Surrounding humidity should be less than 50% at 40°C. Storage/transport temperatures: -25°C to 55°C.

Electrical Requirements

Connect to a standard 120V±10% (60Hz±1Hz) electrical supply with appropriate protection devices (under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current) and a residual current device (RCD) rated at 0.03A.

Setup and Preparation for Operation

1. Lift the log splitter by its handles and place it on a stable, flat, level work surface (60-75cm high).
2. Familiarize yourself with the controls and features.

Key Components:

• 1. Log Pusher
• 2. Work Table
• 3. Wedge
• 4. Lift Handle
• 5. Support Leg
• 6. Log Retaining Plates
• 7. Switch
• 8. Motor
• 9. Pushbutton Box
• 10. Wheels (for minor moving only)
• 11. Hydraulic Control Lever
• 12. Control Lever Guard
• 13. Bleed Screw
• 14. Oil Drain Bolt w/ Dipstick

Bleed Screw Operation: Before operating, loosen the Bleed Screw slightly to allow air to enter/exit the oil tank smoothly. Air flow should be detectable during operation. Tighten the Bleed Screw before moving the splitter to prevent oil leaks. Failure to loosen the bleed screw can compress air in the hydraulic system, potentially damaging seals.

Log Splitter Operation

The log splitter uses a "ZHB" control system requiring both hands: left hand for the hydraulic control lever, right hand for the pushbutton switch. The log pusher stops if either hand is removed. It returns to the starting position only when both controls are released.

Control Lever Stages:

• POSITION 1 (Half Lever): Advances the log pusher faster with less splitting force. Do not split logs in this position.
• POSITION 2 (Full Lever): Applies maximum splitting force at a slower speed to split logs.

Important Operation Notes:

• Never force the log splitter for more than 5 seconds on excessively hard wood, as this can overheat the oil and damage the machine.
• For very hard logs, try rotating them 90° to split in a different direction.
• If a log cannot be split, its hardness exceeds the machine's capacity and it should be discarded to protect the splitter.
• Always set logs firmly on the retaining plates and work table. Ensure logs do not twist, rock, or slip.
• Do not force the blade by splitting on the upper part of the log; this can break the blade or damage the machine.
• Split logs along the direction of their grain. Do not place logs across the splitter.
• Do not attempt to split two logs at once, as one may fly up and cause injury.

Freeing a Jammed Log:

• Release both controls.
• Once the log pusher stops at its starting position, insert a wooden wedge under the jammed log.
• Start the splitter to push the wedge under the jammed log.
• Repeat with a sharper wedge if necessary until the log is freed.

Warning: Do not attempt to knock the jammed log off, as this can damage the machine or cause an accident.

Maintenance

Replacing Hydraulic Oil:

Replace hydraulic oil every 150 hours of use. Follow these steps:

• Ensure all moving parts have stopped and the splitter is unplugged.
• Unscrew the Oil Drain Bolt with Dipstick.
• Tilt the splitter onto its support leg side over an 8-liter container to drain the oil.
• Tilt the splitter onto its motor side.
• Refill with fresh hydraulic oil according to the capacity specified in the product specifications.
• Clean the Dipstick on the Oil Drain Bolt and reinsert it vertically.
• Ensure the oil level is between the two grooves on the Dipstick.
• Clean the Oil Drain Bolt before rethreading. Tighten securely to prevent leaks.
• Periodically check the oil level. Refill if low.

Recommended Hydraulic Oils: AW22, 10W AW32, ASLE H-150, ISO 32, or equivalents.

Sharpening Wedge:

After use, sharpen the wedge with a fine-toothed file, smoothing any burrs or crushed areas along the cutting edge.

Troubleshooting

Parts Information

Parts Schematic

A detailed exploded view diagram of the log splitter components is provided, with numbered parts corresponding to the parts list below.

Parts List

Warranty

Benchmark 9 Ton Log Splitter Warranty:

Benchmark tools failing due to defects in material or workmanship within five years of purchase can be returned to any Home Hardware store with the original bill of sale for exchange. This warranty excludes expendable parts like blades, brushes, belts, bulbs, and batteries. It covers only material/workmanship defects and does not cover normal wear and tear, abuse, misuse, or accidental mishandling. The warranty does not apply if the product is used for commercial or rental purposes.