5
Safe
Operation
Practices
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.
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. move machine to another area. Wait 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 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 faster than 45mph.
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.
3. To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from the
engine and muffler areas. If the engine is equipped
with a spark arrester muffler, clean and inspect it
regularly according to manufacturers instructions.
Replace if damaged.
4. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose
clamps, and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Check all safety guards and shields to be sure
they are in the proper position. Never operate with
safety guards, shields, or other protective features
removed.
6. The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory. Do
not adjust the valve.
7. Never attempt to move this machine over hilly or
uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate
help.
8. For your safety, replace all damaged or worn parts
immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of parts which do not meet
the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
9. Do not alter this machine in any manner, alterations
such as attaching a rope or extension to the control
handle, or adding to the width or height of the wedge
may result in personal injury.
Your Responsibility
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instruc-
tions in this manual and on the machine. Always follow
directions on safety labels found on your equipment.
