Meet the LJ602E
Key Components
Log pusher — moves the log toward the splitting wedge during operation
Log rail — supports the log while it is being split
Splitting wedge — separates the log along the grain
Bleed screw — must be loosened before operation and tightened before moving
Oil drain bolt with dipstick — used to check and replace hydraulic oil
Lifting handle — helps move and position the log splitter
Supporting leg — stabilizes the machine during splitting
Log retaining plates — help keep the log stable on the rail
Motor — 15-amp electric motor powers the hydraulic system
ON/OFF switch — used with the hydraulic control lever for two-hand operation
Hydraulic control lever — engages the hydraulic ram when used with the ON/OFF switch
Rear wheels — help transport the 92.6 lb unit around the work area
Technical Specifications
| Specification | LJ602E |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Electric hydraulic log splitter |
| Best Use | Home or light-duty firewood splitting |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Motor | 15 amp |
| Rated Voltage | 120V AC, 60 Hz |
| Duty Cycle | S3: 5 minutes on / 10 minutes off |
| Maximum Splitting Force | 5 ton |
| Ram Force / Continuous Force | 5 ton |
| Maximum Log Length | 20.5 in. / 52 cm |
| Maximum Log Diameter | 10 in. / 25.4 cm |
| Wedge Height | 5 in. / 12.7 cm |
| Beam Height | 5.5 in. / 14 cm |
| Hydraulic Capacity | 1.1 gal / 4.2 L |
| Hydraulic Oil Type | AW32 anti-wear hydraulic oil |
| Wheel Size | 6 in. / 15.2 cm |
| Material | Steel |
| Orientation | Horizontal |
| Net Weight | 92.6 lbs / 42 kg |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
What's in the Box
| Included Item | LJ602E |
|---|---|
| Electric log splitter | ✔ |
| Lifting handle | ✔ |
| Supporting leg | ✔ |
| Bolts, nuts, and washers | ✔ 4 sets |
| Manual | ✔ |
Assembly
Build the leg and handle assembly
Place the lifting handle on the supporting leg. Fasten them together with the supplied bolts, nuts, and washers, then tighten securely.
Attach the assembly to the log splitter
Position the leg with handle assembly on the bottom of the log splitter. Secure it with the remaining two sets of bolts, nuts, and washers.
Final assembly check
Confirm all hardware is tight and the splitter is stable before connecting power.
Getting Started
Set the splitter on a safe work surface
Place the machine on a stable, level surface 23.6 in. to 29.5 in. high. Keep children, pets, and bystanders at least 16.5 ft away.
Check log size and condition
Use logs up to 10 in. diameter and 20.5 in. length. Make sure the log is free of nails, wire, and other foreign objects. Ends should be cut square and branches cut flush.
Open the bleed screw
Before operation, loosen the bleed screw three to four turns so air can move in and out of the oil tank.
Use the correct extension cord
Use only an outdoor-rated 3-wire extension cord. Use 14 AWG up to 25 ft, or 12 AWG for 26–50 ft. Do not use an extension cord longer than 50 ft.
Load the log lengthwise
Place the log between the wedge and log pusher so the split follows the grain. Keep hands away from log ends, the wedge, and the pusher.
Operate with both hands
Use your left hand to push the hydraulic control lever and your right hand to press the ON/OFF switch. Both controls must be engaged at the same time.
Release to stop and reset
Release both controls. The log pusher will return to the starting position. Wait until it fully stops before removing split wood.
Close the bleed screw before moving
Tighten the bleed screw before transporting or moving the machine to help prevent oil leakage.
Maintenance & Care
Check fasteners before use
Inspect all bolts, screws, and fasteners for tightness before each work session.
Keep the wedge sharp
Periodically sharpen the wedge with a fine-tooth file. Remove burrs and smooth rough cutting-edge areas.
Lubricate springs and moving areas
Apply a light coat of rust-resistant oil, such as 3-in-1 oil or WD-40, to the springs. Annually clean and lightly lubricate parts.
Replace hydraulic oil every 150 hours
Use AW32 anti-wear hydraulic oil. Turn off and unplug the splitter, remove the oil drain bolt with dipstick, drain the oil, refill, and tighten the oil drain bolt securely.
Inspect for oil leaks
Check the bleed screw and oil drain bolt with dipstick. Tighten them before moving or storing to help prevent leakage.
Protect metal surfaces
Use glossy enamel spray paint to touch up scratched or worn painted metal surfaces.
Store clean and dry
Before storage, make sure the splitter is clean and dry. Lightly lubricate metal surfaces and store in a secure, dry location away from children.
Troubleshooting Guide
Only perform the steps described below. If the issue cannot be resolved, contact Shop Joe customer support or an authorized service center.
Possible Cause
- Overload protection device disengaged to protect the log splitter
Solution
- Do not open the switch box yourself
- Contact a qualified electrician to open the switch box and re-engage the overload protection device
Possible Causes
- Log is improperly positioned
- Log size or hardness exceeds machine capacity
- Wedge cutting edge is blunt
- Oil leak is present
- Max pressure limit screw was adjusted
Solutions
- Reload and reposition the log correctly
- Do not exceed 10 in. diameter or 20.5 in. length
- Sharpen the wedge with a fine-tooth file
- Check for oil leaks
- Do not adjust the max pressure limit screw; contact service
Possible Causes
- Low hydraulic oil
- Excessive air in the hydraulic system
- Bleed screw was not tightened before moving
Solutions
- Check hydraulic oil level and refill with AW32 oil if needed
- Loosen the bleed screw 3–4 turns before operating
- Tighten the bleed screw before moving the machine
Possible Causes
- Bleed screw was not tightened before moving
- Oil drain bolt with dipstick is loose
- Hydraulic control valve assembly or seals are worn
Solutions
- Tighten the bleed screw before moving
- Tighten the oil drain bolt with dipstick
- Contact customer service if leaking continues
Possible Causes
- Hydraulic control lever or ON/OFF switch released too quickly
- Low hydraulic oil level
- Hydraulic valve malfunction
Solutions
- Release both controls fully and at the same time
- Check and refill AW32 hydraulic oil
- Contact customer service if the issue persists
Possible Cause
- Duty cycle exceeded
Solutions
- Turn the machine off immediately
- Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes
- Do not operate continuously for more than 5 minutes at a time
Possible Causes
- Low hydraulic oil level
- Air in hydraulic system
- Bleed screw not open during operation
Solutions
- Refill AW32 hydraulic oil to the correct level
- Loosen bleed screw 3–4 turns before operation
- Do not adjust the max pressure limit screw
Possible Causes
- Log hardness exceeds machine capacity
- Log has irregular grain or knots
Solutions
- Release both controls and wait for the pusher to return
- Insert a wedge-shaped piece of wood under the jammed log
- Restart the splitter to push the wedge wood under the stuck log
- Repeat with a sharper wooden wedge as needed
- Do not knock the jammed log off
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with the LJ602E?
What size logs can it split?
Can it split more than one log at a time?
What kind of hydraulic oil does it use?
How long can I run the log splitter continuously?
What extension cord should I use?
What optional replacement parts are listed for this model?
The manual lists the following optional replacement parts:
- LJ602E-DIP — oil drain bolt with dipstick
- LJ602E-BLEED — bleed screw