4
Safe
Operation
Practices
General Practices
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting
to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a
safe place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years to operate this
machine. Children,16 years and over, should read
and understand instructions and safety rules in this
manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Many accidents occur when more than one person
operates the machine. If a helper is assisting in load-
ing logs, never activate the control until the helper is
a minimum of 10 feet from the machine.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least
20 feet from the machine while it is in operation.
7. Never allow anyone to ride on this machine.
8. Never transport cargo on this machine.
9. Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid pressures
during operation. Fluid escaping through a pin hole
opening can penetrate your skin and cause blood
poisoning, gangrene, or death. Give attention to the
following instructions at all times:
a. Do not check for leaks with your hand.
b. Do not operate machine with frayed, kinked,
cracked, or damaged hoses, fitting, or tubing.
c. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system
pressure before changing or adjusting fittings,
hoses, tubing, or other system components.
d. Do not adjust the pressure settings of the pump or
valve.
10. Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or
wood, while wearing protective gloves and safety
glasses, over the suspected area. Look for discolor-
ation of cardboard or wood.
11. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor immediately.
Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper
medical treatment is not administered immediately.
12. Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for
safe, secure footing.
13. If your machine is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and it is intended for use near any
unimproved forest, brush, or grass covered land,
the engine exhaust should be equipped with a spark
arrester. 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 during
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 level surface before operat-
ing.
5. Always block machine to prevent unintended move-
ment.
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.
9. 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 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.
WARNING:
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which, if
not followed, could
endanger the personal
safety and/or property
of yourself and others.
Read and follow all
instructions in this man-
ual before attempting to
operate this machine.
Failure to comply with
these instructions may
result in personal injury.
When you see this
symbol -
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual and on
the machine.
DANGER:
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
