Customer Responsibilities - Yard Machines 550 Operator's Manual

• Both ends of each log must be cut as square as
possible to help prevent the log from riding out of
the splitter during operation.
3. OPERATION
• Vertical Operating Position: Stand in front of the
log splitter.
Horizontal Operating Position: Stand behind the
reservoir tank. See illustrations.
• Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls.
• Never place hands or feet between log and
splitting wedge or between log and end plate
during forward or reverse stroke. To do so may
result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes, or
worse, you may lose an arm or foot.
• Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in
any position could result in a serious injury.
• Do not step over your log splitter when the engine
is running. You may trip or accidentally activate the
splitting wedge if you step over. If you need to get
to the other side, walk around.
• Never try to split two logs on top of each other.
One may fly out and injure you.
• When loading the log splitter, place your hands on
the side of the log, not at the ends. Never attempt
to load your splitter while the splitting wedge is in
motion. You may get caught by the wedge and
injured.
• Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge
or control lever. Never use your foot or a rope or
any other extension device. This could result in
your inability to stop your splitter quickly enough to
avoid injury.
• Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log during splitting operation. They can
quickly close and pinch or amputate your fingers.
• Never attempt to split woods across the grain.
Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your
splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander.
• For logs that are not cut square, the longest
portion of the log should be rotated down and the
most square end placed against the splitting
wedge.
• Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove
split wood around your splitter so that you do not
stumble over it. Clean chips and dirt off end plate
(wood platform) after each log is split, or whenever
necessary to maintain flat contact between wood
and end plate (platform).
• Never move the log splitter while the engine is
running.
• Never leave your log splitter unattended with the
engine running. Shut off the engine if you are
leaving your splitter, even for a short period of
time. Someone could accidentally activate the
splitting wedge and be injured.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide. This odorless gas
can be deadly when inhaled.
• Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine
has been running. It will be HOT!
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from
the plug to prevent accidental starting.

4. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical
condition or when in need of repair.
• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose
clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition. Where
appropriate, check all safety guards and shields to
be sure they are in the proper position. Never
operate your splitter with safety guards, shields or
other protective features removed. These safety
devices are for your protection.
• Replace all damaged or worn parts such as
hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with
manufacturer approved replacement parts.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. This increases the hazard
of personal injury. The maximum engine speed is
preset by the manufacturer and is within safety
limits.
• Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as
attaching a rope or extension to the control lever or
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