Craftsman 247.79452 - Manual (Page 4)

the control until the helper is clear of the area.
More accidents occur when more than one
person operates the log splitter than at any other
time.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated
or while taking medication that impairs the
senses or reactions. A clear mind is essential for
safety. Never allow a person who is tired or
otherwise not alert to use your log splitter.
Preparation
• Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be
caught by moving parts of your log splitter and
pull you into it. Keep clothing away from all
moving parts of your log splitter.
Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from
moving parts. Always wear protective hearing
devices as needed.
Always wear safety shoes. A dropped log can
seriously injure your foot.
Always wear safety glasses or goggles while
operating your splitter. A piece of splitting log
could fly off and hit your eyes.
Wear leather work gloves. Be sure they are tight
fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings.
Use your log splitter in daylight, or under good
artificial light.
Never operate your splitter on slippery, wet,
muddy or icy surfaces. Safe footing is essential
in preventing accidents.
Never operate your splitter while attached to a
towing vehicle.
Only operate your splitter on level ground and
not on the side of a hill. It could tip, or rolling logs
or poor footing could cause an accident.
Operating the splitter on level ground also
prevents the spillage of gasoline from the fuel
tank.
• Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly
or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or
adequate help.
• Always block the wheels to prevent movement
of log splitter while in operation.
• Check the fuel before starting the engine.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not
fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is
running, or while the engine is still hot. Replace
gasoline cap secureiy and wipe off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Both ends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of
the splitter during operation.
Operation
■ Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of
the log splitter.
Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind
the reservoir tank. See iiiustrations.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls.
Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between log and end plate
during forward or reverse stroke. To do so may
result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.
Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip
in any position could result in a serious injury.
Do not step over your log splitter when the
engine is running. You may trip or accidentally
activate the splitting wedge if you step over. If
you need to get to the other side, walk around.
Never try to split two logs on top of each other.
One may fly out and injure you.
When loading the log splitter, place your hands
on the side of the log, not at the ends. Never
attempt to toad your splitter while the splitting
wedge is in motion. You may get caught by the
wedge and injured.
Only use your hand to operate the splitting
wedge or control lever. Never use your foot or a
rope or any other extension device. This could
result in your inability to stop your splitter quickly
enough to avoid injury.
Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log during splitting operation. They
can quickly close and pinch or amputate your
fingers.
Never attempt to split woods across the grain.
Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your
splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.