Maxim LSM55H, Operator'S Manual

3

MAINTENANCE

•  Keep machine in good working condition.
•  Do not alter your log splitter in any manner.  Such altera-
tions could cause your splitter to be unsafe.
•  Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the machine, 
shut off the engine and make certain all moving parts have 
stopped.  Disconnect spark plug.
• Follow the recommendations for maintenance described 
in this manual and the engine literature.
•  Store gasoline only in an approved container.
•  Never store machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a 
building where open flame or spark are present.  Allow 
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
•  Frequently check all bolts and other connectors for 
proper tightness before operating the equipment. 
•  Replace safety decals as needed.

TOWING SAFETY

•  Never tow your splitter at road speeds unless it is 
equipped with a suspension package.
•  Obey all state and local regulations when towing on pub-
lic roads and highways.
•  Before towing, be certain that the splitter is correctly and 
securely attached to the vechicle.  Attach the safety chain 
with slack for turning allowance.
•  Don't allow anyone to sit or ride on your log splitter.  
They can easily fall off and be seriously injured.
•  Before using your log splitter, disconnect it from the tow-
ing vehicle.  A log can easily be pushed forward onto the 
vehicle.
•  Never carry any cargo or wood on your log splitter.  It 
may fall off and injure bystanders.

PREVENT FIRE

•  NEVER operate your log splitter near a flame or spark.  
Hydraulic oil and gasoline are flammable and can explode.
•  Don't fill the gas tank while the engine is hot or running.  

Safety Information continued from page 2

Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
•  Never smoke while operating or refueling your log splitter.  
Gas fumes can easily explode.
•  If gasoline is spilled move machine away from the area of 
the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until the 
spilled gas has evaporated.
•  Take a class B fire extinguisher with you when operating 
your log splitter in dry areas as a precautionary measure.
•  COMPLETELY drain the fuel tank prior to storage.  This 
guards against accumulation of fuel fumes which could 
result in a fire hazard.

HYDRAULIC SAFETY

•  The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires care-
ful inspection along with the mechanical parts.  Be sure 
to replace frayed, kinked, cracked or otherwise damaged 
hydraulic components.
•  Fluid escaping from a very small hole can almost be 
invisible.  Do not check for leaks with your hand.  Escaping 
fluid under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate 
skin, causing serious personal injury or even death.  Leaks 
can be located by passing a piece of cardboard or wood 
over the suspected leak and look for discoloration.
•  If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once.  Serious 
infection or reaction can develop if proper medical treat-
ment is not administered immediately.
•  Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any 
hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to relieve all pressure by 
shutting off the engine and moving the control handle back 
and forth several times.
•  Don't remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir 
while your log splitter is running.  Hot oil under pressure 
could result in serious injury.
•  The pressure relief valve on your log splitter is preset at 
the factory.  Do not adjust the valve.  Only a qualified ser-
vice technician should perform this adjustment. 

ASSEMBLY

1.  You will need help lifting.  Get help before you start.
2.  Cut Bands and remove top part of crate.  
3.  With help lift the reservoir and engine assembly from crate and turn to rest it across the crate.
4.  Install wheels.  Apply a good grade of wheel bearing grease.  Grease is available from any hardware store or auto 
parts store.
5.  Install tongue using 1/2" x 4 1/2" capscrews (Ref. 52, Figure 2) and 1/2" (Ref. 13, Figure 2) nuts.
6.  Lift assembly and put on level concrete or floor.
7. 

 Never attempt to lift Beam assembly unaided

.  Stand I -Beam on end.  Roll reservoir assembly to standing I-

Beam.  Attach I-Beam to reservoir assembly using 5/8" x 7 1/2" bolt (Ref. 17) and 5/8" Nylon Lock Nut (Ref. 15).
8.  Lift beam into horizontal position and lock in place with lynch pin.
9.  Connect hydraulic hoses.  Remove 3/4" plug from reservoir.  Screw in 3/4" return hose.  This hose goes from the 
control valve to the reservoir.
10.  Remove 1/2" plastic plug from pump.  Attach high pressure hose going from control valve to pump.
11.  Your log splitter is shipped with only enough fluid to prevent damage with accidental starting. There is not enough 
fluid to split wood.  

Fill hydraulic reservoir 3/4 full.

12.  

Fill engine with oil according to engine manual

.