Craftsman 27 Ton Log Splitter Owners Manual

The Craftsman 27 Ton Log Splitter is a powerful, gas-powered hydraulic log splitter designed for heavy-duty residential and farm use. It features a 27-ton splitting force, a 212cc OHV engine, a 24-inch log capacity, a 2-stage hydraulic pump for fast cycle times, an auto-return valve, a log cradle, and large 16-inch tires for transport. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Safety Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Hydraulic System 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 212cc Craftsman OHV Engine, 2-Stage Hydraulic Pump, 4" x 24" Hydraulic Cylinder, Auto-Return Valve, Log Cradle with Removable Wedge, Tow Bar, 16" Pneumatic Tires, and Manual Controls.

Feature	Description
Splitting Force	27 Tons (54,000 lbs)
Engine	212cc Craftsman OHV, 4-cycle, gasoline
Hydraulic Pump	2-Stage, 11 GPM
Cycle Time	Approx. 12 seconds (extend/retract)
Log Capacity	Up to 24 inches in length
Beam	I-Beam construction for durability
Wedge	Removable, 4-way optional
Tires	16" Pneumatic, ball hitch compatible
Control Valve	Manual 3-position (Fwd/Neutral/Ret)
Oil Capacity	3.5 Gallons (AW-32 Hydraulic Oil)

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, pliers).

Install Tires & Axle: Attach wheels to axle using provided hardware.
Attach Tow Bar & Hitch: Bolt tow bar to main beam; install hitch pin.
Install Log Cradle: Bolt cradle to beam at specified location.
Add Hydraulic Oil: Fill reservoir to level indicated on sight gauge with AW-32 hydraulic oil.
Add Engine Oil & Fuel: Fill engine with SAE 10W-30 oil; add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Unit is heavy. Use assistance or mechanical aid during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Failure to follow can cause serious injury or death.

Wear safety gear: ANSI-approved safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
Clear work area: Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 20 feet away.
Inspect log: Remove dirt, stones, metal. Do not split knotted or twisted wood if possible.
Hand placement: Keep hands clear of wedge, beam, and hydraulic ram at all times. Use log lifters for large logs.
Stable ground: Operate on level, solid ground. Engage parking brake when splitting.
Shut down: Turn engine off and relieve hydraulic pressure before performing any maintenance, clearing jams, or leaving the unit unattended.

DANGER! Never operate without guards in place. Never place hands or feet under the log or ram. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 27-Ton Log Splitter
Splitting Force: 27 Tons (54,000 lbs)
Engine: 212cc OHV, 4-cycle
Hydraulic System: 2-Stage Pump, 11 GPM
Ram Diameter: 4 inches
Ram Stroke: 24 inches
Log Capacity (L): 24 inches
Log Capacity (D): Up to 18 inches diameter
Cycle Time: ~12 seconds
Tire Size: 16" Pneumatic
Dimensions (LxWxH): Approx. 84" x 32" x 40"
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs
Hydraulic Oil: AW-32, 3.5 Gal capacity
Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline

Controls & Operation

Control Panel: Engine ON/OFF switch, Choke, Recoil Starter, Control Lever (Fwd/Neutral/Ret).

Starting Procedure:

Move control lever to NEUTRAL position.
Open fuel valve (if equipped).
Set engine choke to ON for cold start.
Turn ignition switch to ON.
Pull recoil starter cord firmly.
After engine starts, move choke to OFF.
Allow engine to warm up for 2-3 minutes.

Splitting Procedure:

Place log on beam against log cradle.
Move control lever to FORWARD (FWD) to extend ram.
Once log splits, move lever to RETRACT (RET). The ram will auto-return.
For partial splits or tough logs, use RETRACT, reposition log, and try again.
To stop ram at any time, move lever to NEUTRAL.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check hydraulic oil level, engine oil level, tire pressure, and for loose hardware or leaks.
First 5 Hours	Change engine oil (break-in).
Every 25 Hours	Check/clean air filter. Check spark plug.
Every 50 Hours	Change engine oil. Check hydraulic hoses for wear.
Every 100 Hours	Change hydraulic oil filter (if equipped).
Every Season	Change hydraulic oil. Grease pivot points. Check valve adjustments.
As Needed	Sharpen or replace wedge. Tighten all bolts and fittings.

Hydraulic System

Uses AW-32 hydraulic oil. Maintain proper oil level via sight gauge.

Checking Oil: Ensure unit is level. Oil should be between MIN/MAX marks on sight gauge when cold.
Changing Oil: Drain via drain plug into pan. Refill with 3.5 gallons of new AW-32 oil.
Bleeding Air: After oil change, run engine, cycle ram fully 5-10 times with no load to purge air from system.
Leaks: Inspect hoses, fittings, and cylinder seals regularly. Do not operate with active leaks.

CAUTION! Hydraulic oil under pressure can cause injury. Relieve pressure before servicing.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends machine life.

Run engine to warm oil, then drain engine oil and refill with fresh oil.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Clean entire unit, removing dirt, wood chips, and debris.
Store in a dry, covered location. If storing outdoors, use a waterproof cover.
Block unit to take weight off tires.

Tip: Coat exposed metal surfaces (wedge, beam) with a light oil to prevent rust.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 27-Ton Log Splitter is covered by a limited warranty. Refer to your original sales receipt and the separate warranty document for specific terms, duration, and coverage details. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support or an authorized service center with your model and serial number.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark, choke setting	Check fuel level, spark plug, and choke. Ensure ignition is ON.
Engine runs but ram won't move	Low hydraulic oil, control valve in neutral, air in system	Check oil level. Ensure control lever is in FWD or RET. Bleed air from system.
Ram moves slowly/weakly	Low oil, worn pump, cold oil	Check oil level and condition. Allow hydraulic system to warm up.
Ram won't retract	Auto-return valve stuck, linkage issue	Check valve and control linkage. Manually assist ram to retract and inspect.
Hydraulic leak	Loose fitting, damaged hose/seal	Tighten fittings. Replace damaged hoses or seals. Do not use with active leak.
Unit vibrates excessively	Loose hardware, unbalanced log	Tighten all bolts (engine, beam, axle). Ensure log is centered on beam.

For Service: Contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Always provide model and serial number.