14.This machine should be used for splitting wood only, do not use it for any other purpose.
15.Follow the instructions in the manual(s) provided with any attachment(s) for this machine.
Preparation
1.Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.
2.Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.
3.Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might become entangled in moving or rotating parts of the machine.
4.Make sure machine is on a level surface before operating.
5.Always block wheels to prevent unintended movement, and lock beam in either the horizontal or vertical position.
6.Always operate this machine from the operator zone(s) specified in the manual.
7.Logs should be cut with square ends prior to splitting.
8.Use log splitter in daylight or under good artificial light.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a.Use only an approved gasoline container.
b.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
c.Never fuel machine indoors.
d.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running.
e.Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
f.Never overfill the fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.
g.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment and move machine to another area. Wait five (5) minutes before starting the engine.
i.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
j.Allow machine to cool at least five (5) minutes before storing.
Operation
1.Before starting this machine, review the “Safety Instructions”. Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
2.Never leave this machine unattended with the engine running.
3.Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
4.Never allow anyone to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5.Always operate this machine with all safety equipment in place and working. Make sure all controls are properly adjusted for safe operation.
6.Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
7.When loading a log, always place your hands on the sides of the log, not on the ends, and never use your foot to help stabilize a log. Failure to do so, may result in crushed or amputated fingers, toes, hand, or foot.
8.Use only your hand to operate the controls.
9.Never attempt to split more than one log at a time unless the ram has fully extended and a second log is needed to complete the separation of the first log.
10.For logs which are not cut square, the least square end and the longest portion of the log should be placed toward the beam and wedge, and the square end placed toward the end plate.
11.When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the log before moving the control. Split as follows:
a.Place log on the end plate and turn until it leans against the beam and is stable.
b.When splitting extra large or uneven logs, the log must be stabilized with wooden shims or split wood between the log and end plate or ground.
12.Always keep fingers away from any cracks that open in the log while splitting. They can quickly close and pinch or amputate your fingers.
13.Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood around the machine so you do not stumble over it.
14.Never move this machine while the engine is running.
15.This machine should not be towed on any street, highway or public road without checking the existing federal, state, or local vehicle requirements. Any licensing or modifications such as taillights, etc., needed to comply, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. If a “Statement of
Origin” is required in your state, see your local dealer.
16.Do not tow machine over 45 mph.
17.See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this manual for proper towing instructions once all federal, local, or state requirements are met.
Maintenance and Storage
1.Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against the engine before cleaning, or inspecting the machine.
2.Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system pressure before repairing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or other system components.
4Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices