MTD 500, 510 Operating Your LOG Splitter, Gas and Oil Fill-Up, Starting Engine, Before Each Use

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR LOG SPLITTER

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

WARNING: Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes, ear protection, and safety glasses when operating a log splitter. Ensure safe footing.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

•Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the engine manual packed with your log splitter. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

IMPORTANT: Your log splitter is shipped with motor oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to overfill.

NOTE: Gasoline can be added to the engine when the log splitter is in either the horizontal or vertical position. However, there are less obstructions when the unit is in the vertical position.

Starting Engine

•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is fastened securely over metal tip of the spark plug.

•Turn fuel valve, if equipped, to the ON position.

•Move choke lever, if equipped, to CHOKE position.

•If the engine is equipped with a primer, follow instructions in the engine manual to prime it.

•Turn the throttle control lever to the FAST position.

•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

•Pull rope with a rapid, full arm stroke. Keep firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Repeat until engine cranks.

•After engine starts, move choke lever to OFF position. Place throttle lever to the speed desired.

•In cold weather, run wedge up or down beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid.

WARNING: When starting a warm engine, the muffler and surrounding areas are hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

Before Each Use

•Remove the dipstick and check hydraulic fluid level. Refill if necessary.

•Check engine oil level. Refill if necessary.

•Fill up gasoline if necessary.

•Lubricate the beam area (where splitting wedge will slide) with engine oil. Do not use grease to lubricate. Make sure to lubricate both the front and the back of the beam face.

•Attach spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Using the Log Splitter

•Place the log splitter on level, dry ground.

•Place the beam in either the horizontal or vertical position and lock in place with the appropriate locking rod.

•Block the front and back of both wheels.

•Place the log against the end plate and only split wood in the direction of the grain.

•To stabilize the log, place your hand only on sides of log. Never place hand on the end between the log and the splitting wedge.

•Only one adult should stabilize the log and operate the control handle, so the operator has full control over the log and the splitting wedge.

Control Handle

1.Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to split wood.

2.Release the control handle to stop the wedge movement.

3.Move control handle BACK or UP to return the wedge.

Log Dislodger

•The log dislodger is designed to remove any partially split wood from the wedge. This may occur while splitting large diameter wood or freshly cut wood.

WARNING: Never remove partially split wood from the wedge with your hands. Fingers may become trapped between split wood.

•To remove partially split wood from wedge, move control handle to REVERSE position until wedge is fully retracted to allow split wood portion to contact the log dislodger.

•Once removed from wedge with log dislodger, split wood from opposite end or in another location.

Vertical Position

•Pull the horizontal beam lock out to release the beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.

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