MTD 556 - Manual (Page 10)

A
WARNING: Do not operate the log splitter
without the proper amount of tra ismis-
sion fluid in the reservoir tank.
BEFORE STARTING
Before each use, check the following:
1. Place log splitter on a firm, level surface. F )r verti­
cal operation, pull the vertical position rele ase rod
out and pivot it down to release the bean . Place
the beam in the vertical position. Lock the beam in
the vertical position, by pulling out on the locking
rod and pivoting it to the left. See figure 14
FIGURE 14.
2. Remove the vent plug and check the fluid level.
Fluid level should be 1-1/2" to 2" from tha top of
the tank.
IMPORTANT: Reservoir tank must be full as
instructed. Low fluid level will damage the pt mp and
void your warranty.
3. Lubricate the beam area where splittinc wedge
will slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE GREASE).
Make certain to oil both front and bad: of the
beam face.
4. Fill gasoline tank as instructed in separate; engine
manual.
5. Make sure fuel shut-off located under gasoline
tank is open (if so equipped).
6. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
TO START ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate engine manual
for detailed starting instructions for your niodel.
1. Place the engine shut-off switch in ON pc sition or
move throttle control lever to FAST positicn.
2. Engines with choke lever: Place choke lever in
CHOKE position (a warm engine may net require
choking).
Engines with primer: Prime engine as instructed
in separate engine manual.
3. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
A WARNING: When restarting a warm
engine, keep away from muffler and 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 handle snap
back against starter.
5. Repeat preceding instructions 3 and 4 until engine
fires. When engine starts, move choke lever half­
way between CHOKE and RUN.
6. Gradually move choke lever to RUN position 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 after this
break-in period.
7. If weather is cold, run wedge up and down 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 OFF posi­
tion or move throttle control to STOP position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug to
prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
USING THE LOG SPLITTER
Use the log splitter only on a level, hard surface.
Always place blocks in front and back of each wheel
when operating, or storing, the log splitter to prevent it
from moving or rolling away. Never attempt to cut a log
in half sideways. Always split the log lengthwise. Maxi­
mum length of log to be split is 24".
A WARNING: Always use the log splitter in
the vertical position only, when splitting
heavy logs.
The control handle has three positions:
FORWARD—Push the control handle down for vertical
operation, push it fonward for horizontal operation—
Splitting wedge moves toward the end plate. Con­
trol handle will return to neutral position as soon as
handle is released.
NEUTRAL (Middle position)—Splitting wedge stops in
place.
REVERSE—Push the control handle upward for
vertical 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.
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