Spark Arrestor; Maintenance And Storage - MTD Series 550 Operator's Manual

11. When splitting in the vertical position, stabilize the log
before moving the control handle. 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
placed 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. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
15. Never move this machine while the engine is running.
16. 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. Ira "Statement of
Origin" is required in your state, see your local dealer.
17. Do not tow machine over 45 mph.
18. See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this manual for
proper towing instructions once all federal, local, or state
requirements are met.
Maintenanceand 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 by
cycling the valve control lever from forward to reverse
several times while engine is not running; returning to
neutral 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.
10.
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.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Spark Arrestor
_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark a rrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator. In the State of California
the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark attester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S