MTD 243-638-000 - Manual (Page 10)

TO START ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate engine manual
for detailed starting instructions for your model.
1. Place the engine shut-off switch in ON position.
2. Place choke lever in CHOKE position a warm
engine may not require choking).
3. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out sicwly until
engine reaches start of compression cycile (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let !he rope
rewind slowly.
A WARNING: When restarting n warm
engine, keep away from muffler ar jd other
heated surfaces on the engine.
4. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on the starter handle. Let the
rope rewind slowly. Do not let starter han(fle snap
back against starter.
5. Repeat preceding instructions 3 and 4 until
engine fires. When engine starts, mov 5 choke
lever halfway between CHOKE and RUN.
6. Gradually move choke lever to RUN poiiitlon as
engine warms up.
NOTE: In order to idle smoothly, a new engine may
require 3 to 5 minutes running above slow idle speed.
Idle speed has been adjusted to be correct t fter this
break-in period.
7. If weather is cold, run wedge up and dow n beam
6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid, which
will warm and thin the fluid.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Move the engine shut-off switch to the OIT posi­
tion.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug to
prevent accidental starting while equip nent is
unattended.
USING THE LOG SPLITTER
Use the log splitter only on a level, hard surface.
Never stand next to the splitting wedge when operat­
ing the log splitter. Always stand behind the res ervoir
tank. See figures 14 and 15. Never attempt to cut a
log in half sideways. Always split the log lengtliwise.
Maximum length of log to be split is 24".
A
WARNING: Always use the log splitter in
the verticai position only when splitting
heavy iogs.
The control handle has three positions:
FORWARD—Push the control handle down for vertical
operation, push it forward for horizontal operation—
Splitting wedge moves toward the end plate. Control
handle will return to neutral position as soon as han­
dle is released.
NEUTRAL (Middle position)—Splitting wedge stops in
place.
REVERSE—Push the control handle upward for ver­
tical operation, push it toward the rear for horizontal
operation—Splitting wedge returns. The control
handle will lock in the reverse position, and will
return to neutral automatically when the reverse
stroke Is complete.
Control I
Handle!
Splitting
Wedge
End Plate
Reservoir Tank
FIGURE 15.—Horizontal Position
1 0