MTD 500 Series Operator's Manual page 5

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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 at least 5 minutes before
storing.
OPERATION
1. Before staring 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 the 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 that you do not stumble
over it.
14. Never move this machine while the engine is
running.
15. This machine is not designed to be towed by a
towing vehicle. It should be transported only by hand
or by tractor.
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
lever, 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.
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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.