Ryobi Outdoor Log Splitter RY49701 User Guide

OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
ELECTRIC LOG SPLITTER  
RY49701  
Your Log Splitter has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and  
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.  
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual before using  
this product.  
Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.  
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE  
 
GENERAL SAFETY RULES  
nDISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before servic-  
ing, or when changing attachments, blades, bits, cutters,  
etc., all tools should be disconnected from power source.  
nAVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure switch is off  
when plugging in any tool.  
n USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the  
operator’s manual for recommended accessories. The  
use of improper accessories may result in injury.  
n NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if  
the tool is tipped.  
n CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the  
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be  
carefullycheckedtodeterminethatitwilloperateproperly  
and perform its intended function. Check for alignment  
of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of  
parts, mounting and any other conditions that may affect  
its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged must  
be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service  
center to avoid risk of personal injury.  
n USE THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into  
a blade, cutter, or sanding spindle against the direction  
or rotation of the blade, cutter, or sanding spindle only.  
n NEVERLEAVETOOLRUNNINGUNATTENDED. TURN  
THE POWER OFF. Don't leave tool until it comes to a  
complete stop.  
WARNING:  
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow  
all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock,  
fire and/or serious personal injury.  
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS  
nKNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the operator’s  
manual carefully. Learn the applications and limitations as  
well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.  
n GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY  
PREVENTING BODY CONTACT WITH GROUNDED  
SURFACES. For example: pipes, radiators, ranges,  
refrigerator enclosures.  
n KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working order.  
n REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form  
habitofcheckingtoseethatkeysandadjustingwrenches  
are removed from tool before turning it on.  
n KEEPWORKAREACLEAN.Clutteredareasandbenches  
invite accidents. DO NOT leave tools or pieces of wood  
on the tool while it is in operation.  
n DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do  
not use power tools in damp or wet locations or expose  
to rain. Keep the work area well lit.  
n KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All visi-  
tors should wear safety glasses and be kept a safe  
distance from work area. Do not let visitors contact  
tool or extension cord while operating.  
n PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust mask if  
the cutting operation is dusty.  
n PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protection  
during extended periods of operation.  
nDO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by the cord or  
yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from  
heat, oil, and sharp edges.  
n USE OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. When tool  
is used outdoors, use only extension cords with  
approved ground connection that are intended for use  
outdoors and so marked.  
n NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE.  
Normal sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.  
n INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY. If dam-  
aged, have repaired by a qualified service technician at  
anauthorizedservicefacility.Theconductorwithinsulation  
havinganoutersurfacethatisgreenwithorwithoutyellow  
stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair  
or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary,  
do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a  
live terminal. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord  
immediately. Stay constantly aware of cord location and  
keep it well away from the rotating blade.  
n MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks,  
master switches, or by removing starter keys.  
n DON’T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and  
safer at the feed rate for which it was designed.  
n USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or attach-  
ment to do a job for which it was not designed.  
n USETHEPROPEREXTENSIONCORD. Makesureyour  
extensioncordisingoodcondition.Useonlyacordheavy  
enough to carry the current your product will draw. An  
undersizedcordwillcauseadropinlinevoltageresultingin  
lossofpowerandoverheating. Awiregaugesize(A.W.G.)  
of at least 14 is recommended for an extension cord 25  
feet or less in length. If in doubt, use the next heavier  
gauge.Thesmallerthegaugenumber,theheavierthecord.  
nDRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing, neckties,  
or jewelry that can get caught and draw you into moving  
parts. Rubber gloves and nonskid footwear are recom-  
mended when working outdoors. Also wear protective  
hair covering to contain long hair.  
nALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE  
SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-  
resistant lenses, they are NOT safety glasses.  
n SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work  
when practical, it is safer than using your hand and  
frees both hands to operate the tool.  
n INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY and  
replace if damaged.  
n KEEP TOOL DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM OIL AND  
GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never  
use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or  
any solvents to clean tool.  
n STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL. Watch what  
you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate  
tool when you are tired. Do not rush.  
n DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and  
balance at all times.  
n MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp  
andcleanforbetterandsaferperformance.Followinstruc-  
tions for lubricating and changing accessories.  
3
 
GENERAL SAFETY RULES  
nWHEN SERVICING use only identical replacement parts.  
n DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT  
ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by an  
authorized service center.  
Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause  
product damage.  
n ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity (gained  
from frequent use of your tool) to cause a careless mis-  
take. ALWAYS REMEMBER that a careless fraction of  
a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.  
nDO NOT OPERATE A TOOL WHILE UNDER THE  
INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY  
MEDICATION.  
n ALWAYS carry the tool only by the carrying handle.  
n USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES listed n MAKESURETHEWORKAREAHASAMPLELIGHTING  
in this manual or addendums. Use of accessories that  
are not listed may cause the risk of personal injury.  
Instructions for safe use of accessories are included  
with the accessory.  
toseetheworkandthatnoobstructionswillinterferewith  
safe operation BEFORE performing any work using your  
tool.  
n ALWAYS TURN OFF THE TOOL before disconnecting it  
to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to power  
supply.NEVERleavethetoolunattendedwhileconnected  
to a power source.  
nTOOL SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY  
QUALIFIED REPAIR PERSONNEL. Service or mainte-  
nance performed by unqualified personal could result in  
a risk of injury.  
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES  
nDO NOT ALLOW anyone to operate the log splitter who nLOGS TO BE SPLIT ON RAM-TYPE UNITS should be  
has not read the operator’s manual or has not been  
instructed on the safe use of the splitter.  
nNEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNTRAINED ADULTS  
cut as squarely as possible.  
nTHE MACHINE OWNER should instruct anyone assisting  
him or her in safe log splitting operation.  
TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.  
nALWAYS operate the log splitter with all safety equip-  
ment in place and all controls properly adjusted for safe  
operation.  
nALWAYS operate the log splitter at manufacturer’s rec-  
ommended speed.  
nIF SOMEONE is helping load logs to be split, DO NOT  
start the machine until that person is clear of the area.  
nNEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE ON THE  
MACHINE  
.
nWHEN LOADING a ram-type log splitter, place your  
hands on the sides of the log not at the ends. NEVER  
place your hands or any part of your body between a log  
and any part of the log splitter.  
n ON RAM-TYPE log splitters, NEVER attempt to split  
more than one (1) log at a time unless the ram has been  
fully extended and a second log is needed to complete  
the separation of the first log.  
nON RAM-TYPE log splitters on which the logs are not  
square, the longest portion of the log should be rotated  
down and the most square end placed against the ram.  
nCLEAR DEBRIS from moving parts but only when the  
power source is shut off.  
nNEVER TRANSPORT ANYTHING OR ANYONE ON THE  
LOG SPLITTER.  
nHIGH FLUID PRESSURES ARE DEVELOPED IN HY-  
DRAULIC LOG SPLITTERS. Pressurized hydraulic fluid  
escaping through a pin hole opening can puncture skin  
and cause severe blood poisoning. Heed the following  
instructions at all times:  
a) Do not operate the machine with frayed, kinked,  
cracked, or damaged hoses, fittings, or tubing.  
b) Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system pressure  
before changing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing,  
or other system components.  
c) Donotadjustthepressuresettingsofthepumporvalue.  
d) Never use your hand. Leaks can be located by  
passing cardboard or wood over the suspected area.  
Look for discoloration. If injured by escaping fluid,  
see a doctor at once. Serious infection or reaction can  
develop if proper medical treatment is not adminis-  
tered immediately.  
nUSE ONLY YOUR HAND TO OPERATE THE LOG  
SPLITTER CONTROLS.  
nALWAYS UNPLUG FROM THE POWER SOURCE while  
repairing or adjusting the splitter except as recommended  
by the manufacturer.  
nCIRCUIT CAPACITY AND FUSES:  
nKEEP THE OPERATOR ZONE and adjacent area clear  
for safe, secure footing.  
a) Use only an electrical circuit having adequate capacity  
as recommended by the log splitter manufacturer.  
b) “Blowing” a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker is usually  
a warning that you are overloading the machine or  
have too many devices taking power from the circuit,  
or both. Do not install a higher capacity fuse!  
nLEARN AND UNDERSTAND all controls and the proper  
use of the equipment.  
n
LOG SPLITTERS SHOULD BE USED ONLY for splitting  
wood. DO NOT use for other purposes unless the manu-  
facturer provides attachments and instructions.  
nMAKE SURE THE LOG SPLITTER is on a level surface.  
Block the splitter as required to prevent unintended move-  
ment.  
nSAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them  
frequently and use to instruct other users. If you loan  
someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.  
nALWAYS OPERATE the splitter from the manufacturer’s  
indicated operator zone.  
4
 
SYMBOLS  
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpreta-  
tion of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.  
SYMBOL  
NAME  
DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION  
V
Volts  
Voltage  
Current  
A
Hz  
W
Amperes  
Hertz  
Watt  
Frequency (cycles per second)  
Power  
min  
Minutes  
Time  
Alternating Current  
Type of current  
Direct Current  
Type or a characteristic of current  
Rotational speed, at no load  
n
No Load Speed  
o
Class II Construction  
Per Minute  
Double-insulated construction  
.../min  
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute  
Wet Conditions Alert  
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.  
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand  
operator’s manual before using this product.  
Read The Operator’s Manual  
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields  
and a full face shield when operating this product.  
Eye Protection  
Safety Alert  
Wear Gloves  
Precautions that involve your safety.  
Always wear nonslip, heavy-duty protective gloves when  
operating this product.  
Always wear nonslip safety footwear when operating this product.  
Always keep bystanders at least 10 ft. (3 m) away.  
Wear Safety Footwear  
Keep Bystanders Away  
Keep Hands Away  
10' 3m  
Always keep hands away from the wedge and the ram.  
5
 
SYMBOLS  
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.  
SYMBOL  
SIGNAL  
MEANING  
DANGER:  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will  
result in death or serious injury.  
WARNING:  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could  
result in death or serious injury.  
CAUTION:  
CAUTION:  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may  
result in minor or moderate injury.  
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in  
property damage.  
SERVICE  
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should  
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For  
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest  
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-  
ing, use only identical replacement parts.  
WARNING:  
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use  
this product until you read thoroughly and understand  
completely the operator’s manual. Save this operator’s  
manual and review frequently for continuing safe opera-  
tion and instructing others who may use this product.  
WARNING:  
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can  
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or  
safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety  
Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection  
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
6
 
ELECTRICAL  
EXTENSION CORDS  
SPEED AND WIRING  
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong ground-  
ing plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the tool's plug.  
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from the  
power source, use an extension cord heavy enough to carry  
the current that the tool will draw. An undersized extension  
cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in a loss of  
power and causing the motor to overheat. Use the chart  
provided below to determine the minimum wire size required  
in an extension cord. Only round jacketed cords listed by  
Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) should be used.  
The speed is not constant and decreases under a load  
or with lower voltage. For voltage, the wiring in a shop  
is as important as the motor’s horsepower rating. A line  
intended only for lights cannot properly carry a power  
tool motor. Wire that is heavy enough for a short distance  
will be too light for a greater distance. A line that can  
support one power tool may not be able to support two  
or three tools.  
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS  
In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding  
provides a path of least resistance for electric current to  
reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with  
an electric cord having an equipment-grounding conduc-  
tor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a  
matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in  
accordance with all local codes and ordinances.  
**Ampere rating (on tool faceplate)  
0-2.0  
2.1-3.4  
3.5-5.0  
5.1-7.0  
7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0  
Cord Length  
Wire Size (A.W.G.)  
25'  
50'  
16  
16  
16  
16  
16  
16  
16  
16  
14  
16  
14  
12  
14  
14  
10  
14  
12  
Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet,  
have the proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.  
Improperconnectionoftheequipment-groundingconductor  
can result in a risk of electric shock. The conductor with  
insulation having an outer surface that is green with or with-  
out yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If  
repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is neces-  
sary, do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor  
to a live terminal.  
100'  
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.  
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge  
When working with the tool outdoors, use an extension cord  
that is designed for outside use. This is indicated by the  
letters "WA" on the cord's jacket.  
Before using an extension cord, inspect it for loose or  
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.  
Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the  
grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if  
in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.  
WARNING:  
Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.  
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.  
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber,  
tools or other obstructions while you are working with a  
power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal  
injury.  
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet  
like the one shown in figure 1. It also has a grounding pin  
like the one shown.  
WARNING:  
Check extension cords before each use. If damaged  
replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord  
since touching the damaged area could cause electrical  
shock resulting in serious injury.  
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION  
This tool is powered by a precision built electric motor. It  
should be connected to a power supply that is 120 volts,  
60Hz,AConly(normalhouseholdcurrent).Donotoperate  
this tool on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop  
will cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If  
the product does not operate when plugged into an outlet,  
double check the power supply.  
GROUNDING  
PIN  
COVER OF GROUNDED  
OUTLET BOX  
Fig. 1  
7
 
FEATURES  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  
Hydraulic Cylinder Pressure................................. 2320 psi  
Oil Capacity......................................... 118 oz. (3.7 quarts)  
Input ................................120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 Amps  
Net Weight`......................................................... 101.4 lbs.  
Log Capacity Diameter, maximum............................ 10 in.  
Log Capacity Diameter, minimum............................... 4 in.  
Log Capacity Length.............................................. 20.5 in.  
BLEED SCREW  
WEDGE  
RAM  
WORK TABLE  
OIL DRAIN BOLT  
WITH DIPSTICK  
SIDE  
SUPPORTS  
HYDRAULIC CONTROL  
LEVER  
PUSHBUTTON  
BOX  
ON/OFF  
SWITCH  
Fig. 2  
KNOW YOUR LOG SPLITTER  
RESET/OVERLOAD BUTTON  
See Figure 2.  
If the motor is overloaded the machine will shut off. Remove  
the load and push the reset/overload button to restart the  
Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself  
with all operating features and safety rules.  
machine.  
OIL DRAIN BOLT WITH DIPSTICK  
Oil drain bolt with dipstick makes checking and changing  
hydraulic oil easy.  
BLEED SCREW  
Loosen the bleed screw to ensure the smooth flow of air in  
and out of the oil tank.  
SIDE SUPPORTS  
Side supports on each side of the work table keep logs  
resting securely on the log splitter.  
HYDRAULIC CONTROL LEVER  
Push down on the hydraulic control lever and the ram starts  
pushing the log into the wedge.  
WORK TABLE  
Provides surface to support log prior to splitting operation.  
LIFT HANDLE  
The lift handle makes rolling the log splitter from one location  
to another simple and easy.  
8
 
ASSEMBLY  
UNPACKING  
This product has been shipped completely assembled.  
AXLE  
n Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the  
box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are  
included.  
n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or  
damage occurred during shipping.  
n Do not discard the packing material until you have care-  
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.  
n If any parts are damaged or missing, please call  
1-800-860-4050 for assistance.  
PACKING LIST  
Log Splitter  
WASHER  
HITCH PIN  
Fig. 3  
Wheel (2)  
Hardware Bag  
ASSEMBLING THE WHEELS  
Operator’s Manual  
Warranty Registration Card  
See Figure 3.  
To attach the wheels to the base:  
nLocate the axle assembly; remove the hitch pin from the  
WARNING:  
axle.  
If any parts are missing do not operate this tool until the  
missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result  
in possible serious personal injury.  
nLift the machine slightly and slip the axle into the wheel  
hole.  
nNext, slide the washer onto the axle. Still lifting the  
machine, slide the axle/wheel/washer combination into  
the wheel mounting hole in the machine base as shown  
in figure 3.  
WARNING:  
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accesso-  
ries not recommended for use with this tool. Any such  
alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a  
hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal  
injury.  
n Slide the washer onto the axle. Push the hitch pin into  
the hole on the end of the axle to secure the wheel  
assembly.  
NOTE: The hitch pin should be pushed into the axle until  
the center of the pin rests on top of the axle.  
n Repeat with the second wheel assembly.  
WARNING:  
Do not connect to power supply until assembly is  
complete. Failure to comply could result in accidental  
starting and possible serious personal injury.  
WARNING:  
Failure to loosen the bleed screw prior to operation of this  
product may cause the seals in the hydraulic system to  
blow out. Blown seals could cause permanent damage  
to the log splitter.  
9
 
OPERATION  
WARNING:  
BLEED SCREW  
Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you care-  
less. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is  
sufficient to inflict serious injury.  
WARNING:  
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with  
side shields when operating this tool. Failure to do  
so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes  
resulting in possible serious injury.  
WARNING:  
Do not use any attachments or accessories not  
recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use  
of attachments or accessories not recommended can  
result in serious personal injury.  
OIL DRAIN BOLT  
WITH DIPSTICK  
BEFORE USING THE LOG SPLITTER  
See Figures 4 - 5.  
Fig. 4  
Never operate the log splitter until the bleed screw  
has been slightly loosened (one to two full turns). Air  
flow through the bleed screw should be detectable  
once the log splitter is started. If no air flow is de-  
tected, loosen the screw until the air flow can be felt.  
Air must flow in and out of the oil tank during operation to  
prevent the seals in the hydraulic system from rupturing.  
DIP  
STICK  
This tool is designed for home use only. Never split logs  
larger than 10 in. diameter or 20-1/2 in. long. Some types  
of wood are harder to split than others. If the log splitter is  
having trouble splitting a log, never continue to try for longer  
than five seconds.  
Always check the oil level before you start the log splitter.  
To check the oil level:  
OIL  
LINES  
n Unplug the log splitter.  
n Using the lift handle, stand the log splitter on the end with  
the wheels (see figure 12).  
n Using an 8 mm hex key, remove the oil drain bolt and  
wipe the dipstick clean.  
Fig. 5  
n Wipe the dipstick clean then reinsert it back into the oil  
tank.  
n Remove the dipstick and check to see if the oil level is  
between the first and second groove on the dipstick.  
n If there is not enough oil in the oil tank, add oil until the  
proper level is reached.  
n If there is the proper amount of oil in the oil tank, wipe the  
dipstick clean then replace it in the oil tank and tighten  
the oil drain bolt securely.  
NOTE: See “Replacing Hydraulic Oil” in the Maintenance  
section for recommended oil or equivalents.  
10  
 
OPERATION  
STARTING THE LOG SPLITTER  
See Figures 6 - 7.  
n Operator should be positioned at the rear of the log split-  
ter as shown in figure 7.  
n Place the left hand on the hydraulic control lever and the  
right hand on the on/off switch.  
n Push down and hold the on/off switch.  
n While continuing to hold down the on/off switch, push  
down and hold the hydraulic control lever.  
NOTE: Both hands are required to start this product. The  
combination of both steps starts the ram which pushes  
the log into the wedge.  
n To stop the splitter, release both controls to return the  
ram to the starting position.  
HYDRAULIC  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
NOTE: If only one hand is removed from either the switch  
or the lever, the log splitter will freeze in place. When both  
the switch and the lever are released, the ram will return to  
the starting position.  
ON/OFF SWITCH  
Fig. 6  
SPLITTING LOGS  
See Figures 8 - 9.  
Always place logs lengthwise on the work table and resting  
firmly on the side supports. Place logs flat and in the direc-  
tion of the grain. Never angle the log to split it or place the  
log crosswise on the splitter. Never split more than one log  
at a time.  
CAUTION:  
Never keep pressure on the wood by trying to force the  
log splitter for more than five seconds. After five seconds,  
the oil will heat and can damage the tool.  
n Place log lengthwise and lying flat on the work table.  
NOTE: If the log is small, place it against the wedge before  
starting the splitter.  
Fig. 7  
n Using the right hand, push down and hold the on/off  
switch.  
n Push down and hold the hydraulic control lever with the  
left hand. With both the lever and the on/off switch acti-  
vated, the ram will push the log into the wedge and split  
the wood.  
n Once the log is split, release both controls to return the  
ram to the starting position.  
RIGHT  
Fig. 8  
11  
 
OPERATION  
FREEING A JAMMED LOG  
See Figures 10 - 11.  
n Release both controls.  
n After the ram is back at the starting position, insert a  
wood wedge under the jammed log.  
n Start the log splitter to push the wood wedge completely  
under the jammed log.  
n If the log is still jammed, repeat the above steps as  
needed using a thicker angled wood wedge until the log  
is completely freed.  
WEDGE  
NOTE: Never try to knock the jammed log off the splitter.  
Doing so may damage the tool or may cause the log to fly  
up and hit someone causing injury.  
RIGHT  
Fig. 10  
WEDGE  
WRONG  
Fig. 9  
RIGHT  
Fig. 11  
12  
 
MAINTENANCE  
NOTE: The oil level should be between the two grooves  
around the bottom of the dipstick as shown in figure 5.  
WARNING:  
n Replace oil drain bolt. Tighten securely.  
When servicing, use only identical Ryobi replacement  
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or  
cause product damage.  
n Dispose old oil at an oil recycling center.  
SHARPENING THE WEDGE  
Afterusingthelogsplitterforsometime, itmaybenecessary  
to sharpen the wedge. Using a fine-toothed file, smooth any  
burrs or crushed areas along the cutting edge.  
WARNING:  
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side  
shields during power tool operation or when blowing  
dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.  
GENERAL MAINTENANCE  
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most  
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of  
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use  
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.  
WARNING:  
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-  
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact  
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or  
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal  
injury.  
LUBRICATION  
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient  
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under  
normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrica-  
tion is required.  
POSITION IN WHICH TO CHECK OIL LEVEL  
REPLACING HYDRAULIC OIL  
See Figures 12 - 13.  
Fig. 12  
The hydraulic oil in the log splitter needs to be changed  
every 150 hours of use.  
n Unplug the log splitter.  
n Position the log splitter so that the motor end is slightly  
higher than the oil drain plug.  
n Using an 8 mm hex key, remove the oil drain bolt.  
n Drain the hydraulic oil from the oil tank into a four liter  
capacity container.  
n Once the oil has drained from the oil tank, turn the log  
splitter on the end with the wheels.  
n Refill the oil tank with fresh hydraulic oil (3.7 quarts or  
118 oz.). The following hydraulic oils are recommended:  
DRAINING OIL FROM OIL TANK  
- SHELL Tellus 22  
Fig. 13  
- MOBIL DTE 11  
- ARAL Vitam GF 22  
- BP Energol HLP-HM 22  
n Place the cleaned dipstick into the oil tank. Remove and  
check the oil level.  
13  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Motor fails to start  
1. Overload Protection Device is  
disengaged to protect the log  
splitter from being damaged.  
1. Push reset button.  
1. Refer to Operation section for log  
1. Log is improperly positioned.  
Won’t split logs  
loading.  
2. Reduce the log size before splitting.  
2. The size or hardness of the log  
exceeds the machine’s capacity.  
3. Refer to “Sharpening Wedge” in the  
3. Wedge cutting edge is blunt.  
Maintenance section.  
4. Locate leak(s). Contact the dealer.  
5. Contact the dealer.  
4. Oil leaks.  
5. Unauthorized adjustment was  
made on the Maximum Pressure  
Limiting Screw. Lower maximum  
pressure rating was set.  
1. Check oil level for possible oil  
refilling. Contact the dealer.  
Log mover jerks and vibrates  
1. Lack of hydraulic oil and  
excessive air in the hydraulic  
system.  
Oil leaks around cylinder ram or  
from other points  
1. Loosen bleed screw by 3-4 rotations  
before operating the log splitter.  
1. Air sealed in hydraulic system  
while operating.  
2. Tighten the bleed screw before  
moving the log splitter.  
2. Bleed screw is not tightened  
before moving the log splitter.  
3. Tighten the oil drain bolt.  
4. Contact the dealer.  
3. Oil drain bolt is not tight.  
4. Hydraulic control valve assembly  
and/or seal(s) are worn.  
RESET  
BUTTON  
Fig. 14  
14  
 
NOTES  
15  
 
OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
ELECTRIC LOG SPLITTER  
RY49701  
• SERVICE  
Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or  
service, simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide  
all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-860-4050 for your nearest Ryobi  
complete list of Authorized Service Centers.  
• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.  
The model number of this tool will be found on a plate attached to the housing.  
Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided below.  
• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS  
When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:  
RY49701  
• MODEL NUMBER  
• SERIAL NUMBER  
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.  
1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625  
Post Office Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207  
Phone 1-800-860-4050  
983000-588  
11-04  
 

Rangemaster Cooktop U109941 02 User Guide
RCA Flat Panel Television LED42B45RQ User Guide
Roland Scanner LPX 250 User Guide
Ryobi Chainsaw P542 User Guide
Samsung CD Player SH C522C User Guide
Samsung Flat Panel Television UN75F8000BF User Guide
Scion Automobile 00505 QRG10 TC User Guide
Sears Battery Charger 20071450 User Guide
Sebo Vacuum Cleaner FELIX User Guide
Sennheiser Headphones HD 205 User Guide