How to Use, Maintain and Service Your Kinetic Log Splitter
Buying a log splitter is only half the job — using and maintaining it properly will make a huge difference to performance, safety and machine lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
• How to maintain your kinetic log splitter
• Petrol engine maintenance tips
• Electric motor care
• Belt adjustment
• Blade sharpening
• Safe operating procedures
If you haven’t read our previous guide about choosing the right log splitter, make sure to check that out first.
Why Maintenance Matters
Kinetic log splitters are designed to be fast, simple and low-maintenance compared with traditional hydraulic machines. Kinetic log splitters work best with dry seasoned wood and are NOT designed for green or semi-green logs.
However, like any machine, regular maintenance helps:
• Extend machine lifespan
• Improve splitting performance
• Reduce wear on parts
• Prevent unexpected breakdowns
• Keep operation safe
A few minutes of maintenance can save you a lot of repairs later.
Maintaining Your Electric Log Splitter Motor
One of the biggest mistakes customers make is using poor-quality power supply equipment.
For electric log splitters, we strongly do NOT recommend using:
• Generators
• Long extension leads
These can provide unstable or insufficient current to the motor, especially when the machine is under load. Over time, this may damage the motor and reduce its lifespan.
Our recommendation:
• Plug the machine directly into a proper power outlet whenever possible
• If you must use an extension lead, use a heavy-duty 15A lead
• Keep extension leads under 10 metres
A stable power supply will help your electric log splitter perform better and last longer.
Maintaining Your Petrol Engine
For petrol models, proper fuel and oil are very important.
Fuel Recommendation:
• Use 91 unleaded petrol
• No fuel additives required
Engine Oil Recommendation:
• Use 10W-40 engine oil for Australian conditions
Some manuals may mention 10W-30 oil, but due to Australia’s higher temperatures, 10W-40 generally provides better protection during hot weather.
Why You Should Drain the Carburettor Before Long Storage
If winter has ended and you do not plan to use the machine for several months, it is important to drain and clean the carburettor before storage.
Old petrol slowly degrades and evaporates over time. This leaves sticky deposits inside the carburettor, often called gum or varnish buildup.
This can cause problems such as:
• Hard starting
• Rough idle
• Engine stalling
• Poor throttle response
• Engine not starting at all
Keeping the carburettor clean will prevent many common engine problems.
Servicing the Machine
Greasing the Rack Teeth
Under the main beam (rack), there are gear teeth that engage during operation.
Before using the machine:
• Wipe away old grease
• Apply fresh grease to the rack teeth
This helps reduce wear and keeps the rack lasting for years.
Keeping the Blade Sharp
The splitting wedge/blade at the front of the machine will gradually wear down over time.
If the blade becomes dull:
• Use an angle grinder or grinding stone
• Sharpen the edge carefully
A sharp blade helps the machine split logs more efficiently and reduces stress on the machine.
Belt Adjustment
The belts are correctly adjusted during manufacturing, but over time they may loosen slightly.
If you hear:
• Squealing noises
• Unusual vibration from the engine side
Remove the black belt cover and inspect the belt tension.
Correct belt tension:
When pressing the belt gently with your finger, it should deflect approximately 6mm.
The tension can be adjusted by loosening the bolts underneath the engine and moving the engine position slightly forward or backward.
Clean the Machine After Every Use
At the end of the workday:
• Remove wood chips
• Clean dust and debris
• Check for anything stuck in moving parts
You can use:
• A blower
• A brush
• Compressed air
Keeping the machine clean helps prevent jams and improves reliability.
Storing Your Log Splitter
If you are storing the machine for a long period:
• Keep it in a dry covered area
• Avoid leaving the machine exposed to rain
• Drain old petrol before long-term storage
• Check belts and moving parts before using it again
Proper storage helps extend the life of the machine and prevents unnecessary rust or engine problems.
Safe Operation Tips
No matter which log splitter you are using, safety should always come first.
Always:
• Use two-hand operation
• Wear hearing protection
• Wear safety glasses
• Wear proper work boots
Never:
• Allow people to stand beside the machine during operation
• Operate the machine one-handed
• Let the handle snap back by itself
Operating the Kinetic Log Splitter Properly
When operating the machine:
• One hand should hold the safety handle in the unlock position
• The other hand should operate the working handle
When you pull the working handle backward, the rack and pinion mechanism engages to split the log.
Important:
After each split, guide the handle back to the ready position manually.
Do NOT allow the handle to return by itself. This can:
• Damage the rack and pinion
• Increase wear
• Create safety risks
Working on Soft or Uneven Ground
If the ground is soft or uneven:
• Place the machine on stable ground
• Or place a board underneath the front legs
This helps improve machine stability and overall performance.
If Performance Drops
If the machine feels weaker than normal, check:
• Rack and pinion condition
• Blade sharpness
• Belt tension
These are normal wear-and-tear components and may need maintenance or replacement over time.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about operation, maintenance or servicing, feel free to contact the Forestwest team. We’re always happy to help.
Call: 1300 281 198
Email: sales@forestwest.com.au