13.If your machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and is intended for use near any unimproved forest, brush, or grass covered land, the engine exhaust should be equipped with a spark arrestor. Make sure you comply with applicable local, state, and federal codes. Take appropriate firefighting equipment with you.
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 flat, dry, solid ground 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. See Fig.
Vertical
Horizontal
Figure
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 “Safe Operation
Practices”. 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 operating properly for safe operation.
6.Operator Zone
a.Horizontal Operating Position: Stand on the control lever side of the log splitter and stabilize log as shown, if needed. See Fig.
b.Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the log splitter and stabilize log as shown, if needed. See
Fig.
WARNING! When stabilizing log with left hand, remove your hand when the wedge just contacts the log or serious injury may occur.
7.When loading a log, always place your hands on the side 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 right hand to operate the controls.
9.Never attempt to split more than one log at a time.
10.For logs which are not cut square, the least square end of the log should be placed toward the beam and wedge, and the square end placed toward the end plate.
4Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices