Operating Your Log Splitter - MTD 550 Series Operator's Manual

SECTION 4: OPERATING Y OUR 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.
GasandOilFill-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.
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.
StartingEngine
• 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.
• Ifthe engine is equipped with a primer, follow
instructions in the engine manual to prime it.
• Turn the throttle control handle 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,
_L the muffler and surrounding areas are hot and
can cause a burn. Do not touch.
Before EachUse
• Remove the dipstick and check hydraulic fluid level.
Refill if necessary.
• Check engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
• Fill up gasoline if necessary.
• Lubricate with engine oil the beam area where
splitting wedge will slide. 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 LogSplitter
• 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.
ControlHandle
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.
LogDislodger
• 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.
VerticalPosition
• Pull the horizontal beam lock out to release the
beam and pivot the beam to the vertical position.
• To lock the beam in the vertical position, pull out on
the vertical beam lock and rotate it to secure the
beam. See Figure 7.