Safe Operation Practices - MTD 500 Series Operator's Manual

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983

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
manual before at-
tempting 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.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm.
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.
TRAINING
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 their proper opera-
tion. Know how to stop the machine and disengage
them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation 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.
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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 this machine is on level surface before
operating.
5. Always block the machine as required to prevent
unintended movement, and lock in either the horizon-
tal or vertical position.
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 your 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.
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