Rankin LS-20-1 Operator's Manual

Manual is about: 3 POINT HITCH LOG SPLITTER

Summary of LS-20-1

  • Page 1

    Operator's manual model ls-20-1 vertical horizontal 3 point hitch log splitter.

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    Manufacturer's limited warranty manufacturer warrants to original purchaser that its product is free from major defects in material under normal use and service for a period of 180 days from the date the product is shown to have been placed into operation by original distributor customers or for one...

  • Page 3: Table of Contents

    1 introduction ........................................................ 1 2 safety ................................................................... 2 2.1 general safety ...................................................... 3 2.2 equipment safety guidelines ............................... 4 2.3 s...

  • Page 4: Serial Number Location

    Serial number location always give your dealer the serial number of your 3 point hitch log splitter when ordering parts or requesting service or other information. The serial number plate is located where indicated. Please mark the number in the space provided for easy reference. Model number serial...

  • Page 5: 1     Introduction

    1 1 introduction congratulations on your choice of a 3 point hitch log splitter to complement your log splitting operation. This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet the needs of a discriminating buyer for the efficient splitting of logs. Safe, efficient and trouble free operation of...

  • Page 6: 2     Safety

    2 safety safety alert symbol why is safety important to you? The safety alert symbol identifies important safety messages on the rankin log splitter and in the manual. When you see this symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal injury or death. Follow the instruc- tions in the safety message. ...

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    1. Read and understand the operator’s manual and all safety signs before operating, maintaining, adjusting or unplugging the log splitter. 3 2.1 general safety 2. Have a first-aid kit available for use should the need arise and know how to use it. 3. Have a fire extinguisher available for use should...

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    4 2.2 equipment safety guidelines 1. Safety of the operator and bystanders is one of the main concerns in designing and devel- oping a machine. However, every year many accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling equipment. You, t...

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    2.3 safety training 1. Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single careless act of an operator or bystander. 2. In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control an...

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    6 2.5 preparation 1. Never operate the tractor and machine until you have read and completely understand this manual, the tractor operator's manual, and each of the safety messages found on the safety signs on the tractor and machine. 2. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glass...

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    7 2.6 operating safety 1. Please remember it is important that you read and heed the safety signs on the log splitter. Clean or replace all safety signs if they cannot be clearly read and understood. They are there for your safety, as well as the safety of others. The safe use of this machine is str...

  • Page 12

    2.8 transport safety 8 1. Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of machinery on public roads. 2. The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities pro- hibit their use. Local laws should be checked for all highway lighting an...

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    9 employees signature employers signature sign-off form 2.11 sign-off form the manufacturer follows the general safety standards specified by the american society of agricultural engineers (asae) and the occupational safety and health administration (osha). Anyone who will be operating and/or mainta...

  • Page 14: Caution

    10 remember - if safety signs have been damaged, removed, become illegible or parts replaced without signs, new signs must be applied. New signs are available from your authorized dealer. 3 safety sign locations the types of safety signs and locations on the equipment are shown in the illustration b...

  • Page 15: Operating Safety

    11 operating safety 1. Read and understand the operator’s manual and all safety signs before operat- ing, servicing, adjusting, repairing or un- plugging. 2. Do not allow riders. 3. Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating. 4. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away fr...

  • Page 16

    12 4.2 machine components the 3 point hitch log splitter consists of a wedge on the end of a hydraulic cylinder for splitting wood or logs. Hydraulic power from the tractor is routed through a double acting valve to control the fig. 1 machine components a mounting frame b splitter frame c control va...

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    4.3 machine break-in although there are no operational restrictions on the log splitter when used for the first time, it is recommended that the following mechanical items be checked: a. After operating for 1 and 5 hours: 1. Check all nuts, bolts and other fasteners. Tighten to their specified torqu...

  • Page 18: Operating Safety

    14 4.5 field operation log splitters attach to a tractor 3 point hitch and use the tractor hydraulics to move a wedge through wood to split it. The splitter can be used in the vertical or horizontal configuration. How- ever the operator has the responsibility of being familiar with all operating and...

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    15 horizontal vertical fig. 2 attached important do not use on a tractor of more than 100 horse- power. C. Always engage the anti-sway components on each lift arm to keep the unit from moving from side- to-side during operation. D. The frame is designed to attach to a category 1 or 2, 3 point hitch....

  • Page 20: Warning

    16 horizontal vertical fig. 3 hydraulics 3. Attach the hydraulics: a. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to clean the tips on the end of the hoses and the area around the couplers on the tractor. B. Insert the male ends into the couplers on the tractor. Be sure they are locked in place. Important use ...

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    17 8. Controls: the splitter is designed with a 3 position hydraulic valve that controls the flow of oil through the system. A. Cylinder ram extend- ing for splitting: move the lever toward the base and hold it to have the cylinder ram extend to move the wedge for splitting. This position is spring-...

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    18 9. Starting: a. Move tractor into its working position, lower the frame to the ground and set park brake. Be sure the working area is level, dry and free of obstructions. Fig. 5 starting vertical horizontal b. Place the throttle in its mid-range position. C. Place the working hydraulic circuit in...

  • Page 23

    19 fig. 6 splitting vertical horizontal f. Move the hydraulic lever toward the base and hold it while the wedge moves through the log. G. Release the lever when the log splits into 2 pieces or the wedge reaches the base and the wedge will stop. H. Move the lever in the fully up retracting direc- tio...

  • Page 24

    20 10. Log placement: a. Always grasp the log by the sides when placing in the splitter. This will minimize the chance of the operator getting their fingers or arm between the wedge and the log. B. Always wear the appro- priate safety gear when working around the machine. This includes but is not li...

  • Page 25

    21 12. Operating hints: a. Hold the hydraulic lever in the wedge extend direction until the wedge reaches the base or the log/wood splits. Move it into detent in the oppo- site direction to retract the wedge. The lever will kick out of detent when it is fully retracted. B. In cool or cold operating ...

  • Page 26

    22 4.6 vertical to horizontal conversion the splitter works well in either the vertical or horizontal configuration. To convert from vertical to horizontal configuration, follow this procedure: 1. Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children. 2. Be sure to have a couple of men to handle t...

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    23 fig. 12 hitch frame vertical configuration horizontal configuration 8. Remove the bolts from the hitch frame mounting plate. 9. Turn the hitch frame 180° and re-attach to the mast. Tighten fasteners to their specified torque. Fig. 13 mounting pins 10. Remove the 2, 3 point hitch mounting pins and...

  • Page 28: Warning

    11. Turn the splitter over so the cylinder is on top. 24 fig. 14 turned fig. 15 attached 12. Attach to the tractor: a. Slide the lift arms over the mounting pins and install the retainers. B. Connect the top link and install the retainer. C. Level the frame using the lift arm and the turnbuckle in t...

  • Page 29: Transport Safety

    25 4.7 transporting transport safety 4.8 storage 1. Make sure you are in compliance with all local regulations regarding transporting equipment on public roads and highways. 2. Make sure the smv (slow moving vehicle) emblem and all the lights and reflectors that are required by the local highway and...

  • Page 30: Maintenance Safety

    26 5 service and maintenance 1. Follow all the operating, maintenance and safety information in the manual. 2. Support the machine with blocks or safety stands when working beneath it. 3. Follow good shop practices. - keep service area clean and dry. - be sure electrical outlets and tools are proper...

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    27 5.1.4 service record see lubrication and maintenance sections for details of service. Copy this page to continue record. Action code: g grease cl clean hours serviced by maintenance g wedge frame wear plates daily or 10 hours cl machine annually 5.1.3 servicing intervals the period recommended is...

  • Page 32

    28 5.2 maintenance by following a good maintenance program, your equipment will last for many years. 5.2.1 changing seals in valve fig. 17 valve expoded view 1. Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children before starting. 2. Turn tractor off and relieve pressure by operating the handle s...

  • Page 33

    29 important if you cut the seal, oil will leak out of the end of the spool and may spray those standing near. 12. Slide the seal retainer into the control valve body (item #1) and reverse step #3. 13. Reverse step #2 and assemble the control lever, pin, link and cotter pin. 14. Move the valve handl...

  • Page 34: 6     Trouble Shooting

    30 6 trouble shooting the 3 point hitch mounted log splitter uses tractor hydraulic power to move wedge on the end of a cylinder to split wood or logs. It is a simple and reliable system that requires minimal maintenance. In the following section, we have listed many of the problems, causes and solu...

  • Page 35: 7     Assembly

    7 assembly 31 the machine is shipped from the factory in a partially disassembled form that allows for easy and conven- ient shipping. When preparing for the customer, follow this proce- dure: 1. Clear the area of by- standers, especially small children. 2. Use 2 men to guide or direct and handle th...

  • Page 36

    32 8. Install the fittings on both sides of the valve. Fig. 21 fittings rear fig. 22 tightening front 9. Tighten fittings to their specified torque. Be sure outlets are pointing up. Note always use teflon tape on the fitting threads to minimize the chance of leaks..

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    33 10. Attach hydraulic hoses. Tighten to their specified torque. Fig. 23 hydraulic hoses rear tightening fig. 24 tractor couplers 11. Attach hoses to the tractor couplers..

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    34 fig. 25 assembled 12. Tighten all fasteners to their specified torque..

  • Page 39: 8     Specifications

    8 specifications 8.1 mechanical 35 capacity 20 ton hitch category 1 & 2 cylinder 4" x 24 1/2" stroke hydraulic system open (closed option) splitting wedge carbon steel, 7' wide bolt diameter "a" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 7/16" 1/2" 9/16" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1" (6) (10) (20) (30) (45) (70) (95) (165) (170) (225) sa...

  • Page 40: 9     Index

    9 index 36 page s safety ............................................................. 2 equipment safety guidelines .................... 4 general safety .......................................... 3 hydraulic safety ........................................ 6 maintenance safety ........................

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  • Page 42: Rankin Equipment Co.

    . Printed in usa issue date: july, 2003 part number: omls20001 rankin equipment co. P.O. Box 168 yakima, wa 98907-0168 phone (509) 453-8271 fax (509) 457-2456.