Craftsman 247.287751 - Manual (Page 4)

A
• Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls.
• Never place hands or feet between log and splitting wedge or be­
tween 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 load 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 ability to stop your splitter quickly enough and
cause injury.
• Always keep fingers away from any cracks that open in the log dur­
ing 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.
• For logs that are not cut square, the longest portion of the log should
be rotated down and the most square end placed against the split­
ting wedge.
• Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood around
your splitter so that you do not stumble over it. Clean chips and
dirt off end plate (wood platform) after each log is split, or whenever
necessary to maintain flat contact between wood and end plate
(platform).
• Never move the log splitter while the engine is running.
• Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine running.
Shut off the engine if you are leaving your splitter, even for a short
period of time. Someone could accidentally activate the splitting
wedge and be injured.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain car­
bon monoxide. This odorless gas can be deadly when inhaled.
• Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine has been run­
ning as it is HOT.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn­
ing of trouble.
• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
MAINTENANCE
Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical condition or when
in need of repair.
Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose clamps and
hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is in safe working
condition. Where appropriate, check all safety guards and shields
to be sure they are in the proper position. Never operate your split­
ter with safety guards, shields or other protective features removed.
These safety devices are for your protection.
• Replace all damaged or worn parts such as hydraulic hoses and fit­
tings immediately with manufacturer approved replacement parts.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
This increases the hazard of personal injury. The maximum engine
speed is preset by the manufacturer and is within safety limits.
• Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as attaching a rope
or extension to the control lever or adding to the width or height
of the wedge. Such alterations may cause your splitter to be unsafe.
• Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before you use
your splitter.
• Do not service or repair your log splitter without disconnecting the
spark plug wire.
• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a
building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and
space heaters, clothes dryers and the like. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
• Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container. Store
the container in a cool, dry place. Do not store in a building where
ignition sources are present.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, wood chips,
and excessive grease and oil.
• The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires careful inspec­
tion, along with the mechanical parts. Be sure to replace frayed,
kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.
• Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be almost invisible. Do
not check for leaks with your hand. Escaping fluid under pressure
can have sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing serious personal
injury. Leaks can be located by passing a piece of cardboard or wood
over the suspected leak and looking for discoloration.
• Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic fit­
ting or line, be sure to relieve all pressure by shutting off the engine
and moving the control handle back and forth several times.
• Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while
your log splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could cause injury.
• The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset at the factory.
Do not adjust the valve. Only a qualified service technician should
perform this adjustment.
• Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This guards against ac­
cumulation of fuel fumes which could result in a fire hazard.
• Never store log splitter outside without a waterproof cover. Rain
will cause rust on the inside of the cylinder.
A
TOWING
• This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public road
without checking the existing federal, local or state vehicle re­
quirements. Any licensing or modifications such as taillights, etc.,
needed to comply with the existing federal, local or state vehicle
requirements is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
• Before towing, be certain the log splitter is correctly and securely
attached to the towing vehicle, and the safety chains are in place.
Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.
• Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter. They can easily
fall off and be seriously injured.
NOTE: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered
or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If
a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar
laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available at your Sears Authorized Service Center.