MTD 243-638-000 - Manual (Page 4)

2. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the cont [ols.
3. Never place hands or feet between log and splitti ig wedge or
between log and end plate during forward or reverse stroke. To
do so may result in crushed or amputated finger; or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.
4. Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in any position
could result in a serious injury.
5. Do not step over your log splitter when the engin; is running.
You may trip or accidentally activate the splitting «/edge if you
step over. If you need to get to the other side, wall< around.
6. Never try to split two logs on top of each other. One may fly
out and injure you.
7. When loading the log splitter, place your hands oi the side of
the log, not at the ends. Never attempt to load /our splitter
while the splitting wedge is in motion. You may Q3t caught by
the wedge and injured.
8. Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedc e or control
lever. Never use your foot or a rope or any oth;r extension
device. This could result in your inability to stop your splitter
quickly enough to avoid injury.
9. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that op m in the log
during splitting operation. They can quickly close ind pinch or
amputate your fingers.
10. Never attempt to split woods across the grain. Sc me types of
wood may burst or fly out of your splitter and resu t in injury to
you or a bystander.
11. For logs that are not cut square, the longest portinn of the log
should be rotated down and the most square end placed
against the splitting wedge.
12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove: split wood
around your splitter so that you do not stumble ever it. Clean
chips and dirt off end plate (wood platform) aftei each log is
split, or whenever necessary to maintain flat con'act between
wood and end plate (platform).
13. Never move the log splitter while the engine is rum ling.
14. Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine run­
ning. Shut off the engine if you are ieaving your i plitter, even
for a short period of time. Someone couid accidentally activate
the splitting wedge and be injured.
15. Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust g ises contain
carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can be deadly when
inhaled.
16. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engiie has been
running. It will be HOT!
17. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen­
erally a warning of trouble.
18. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain all mov­
ing parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plJg wire and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acci fental start­
ing.
A
3. Replace all damaged or worn parts such as hydraulic hoses
and fittings immediately with manufacturer approved replace­
ment parts.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. This increases the hazard of personal injury. The maxi­
mum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer and is within
safety limits.
5. 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.
6. Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before you
use your splitter.
7. Do not service or repair your log splitter without disconnecting
the spark plug wire and moving it away from the spark plug.
8. 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. Aliow the
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
9. Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container.
Store the container in a cooi, dry place. Do not store in a build­
ing where ignition sources are present.
10. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, wood
chips, and excessive grease and oil.
11. The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires careful
inspection, along with the mechanicai parts. Be sure to replace
frayed, kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.
12. Fluid escaping from a very smail hole can be almost invisible.
Do not check for leaks with your hand. Escaping fiuid 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 look­
ing for discoloration.
13. Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic
fitting or line, be sure to relieve ali pressure by shutting off the
engine and moving the control handle back and forth several
times.
14. Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir
while your log splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could
cause injury.
15. The pressure reiief valve on your splitter is preset at the facto­
ry. Do not adjust the vaive. Only a qualified service technician
should perform this adjustment.
16. Completely drain tuel tank prior to storage. This guards against
accumulation of fuel fumes which could result in a fire hazard.
17. Never store log splitter outside without a waterproof cover.
Rain will cause rust on the inside of the cylinder.
A
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Do not operate your spiitter in poor mechanical tondition or
when in need ot repair.
2. Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose clamps and
hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is in sate
working condition. Where appropriate, check all srfety guards
and shields to be sure they are in the proper position. Never
operate your splitter with safety guards, shields cr other pro­
tective features removed. These safety devices are for your
protection.
TOWING
1. This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public
road without checking the existing federal, local or state vehi­
cle requirements. Any licensing or modifications such as tail-
lights, etc., needed to comply with the existing federal, local or
state vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of the pur­
chaser.
2. 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.
3. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter. They can
easily fall off and be seriously injured.