MTD 242-610-000 - Manual (Page 3)

2. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controis.
3. Never piace hands or feet between iog and splitting wedge or
between log and ram 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.
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 engine is running.
You may trip or accidentally activate the ram if you step over. If
you need to get to the other side, walk 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 on the side of
the log, not at the ends. Never attempt to load your splitter
while the ram is in motion. You may get caught by the ram and
injured.
8. Only use your hand to operate the ram 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 ram.
12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood
around your splitter so that you do not stumble over it.
13. Never move the log splitter while the engine is running.
14. Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine run­
ning. Shut off the engine if you are leaving your splitter, even
for a short period of time. Someone could accidentally activate
the ram and be injured.
15. Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can be deadly when
inhaled.
16. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine has been
running as it is 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 plug wire and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental start­
ing.
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.
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. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
9. Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container.
Store the container in a cool, 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 mechanical parts. Be sure to replace
frayed, kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.
12. 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 look­
ing for discoloration.
13. Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic
fitting or line, be sure to relieve all 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 relief valve on your splitter is preset at the facto­
ry. Do not adjust the valve. Only a qualified service technician
should perform this adjustment.
16. Completely drain fuel 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
MAINTENANCE
1. Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical condition or
when in need of repair.
2. 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 splitter with safety guards, shields or other pro­
tective features removed. These safety devices are for your
protection.
A
TOWING
1. This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public
road. Any licensing needed to comply with the existing federal,
local or state vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of
the purchaser.
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.