MTD 5DM Series Operator's Manual page 5

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 5 minutes before storing.
Operation
1. Before starting 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. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that open
in the log while splitting. They can quickly close and
pinch or amputate your fingers.
12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split
wood around the machine so you do not stumble over
it.
13. Never move this machine while the engine is running.
14. This machine should not be towed on any street,
highway, or public road behind a vehicle.
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 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
handle, or adding to the width or height of the wedge
may result in personal injury.
Spark Arrestor
Warning: 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 arrester 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 arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the
service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio
44136-0019.
Average Useful Life
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commis-
sion (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), this product has an
seven (7) years, or 130 hours of operation. At the end of
the , buy a new machine or have the
Average Useful Life
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.
5
Operation
Practices
WARNING
endanger the personal
safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read
and follow all instructions
attempting to operate
instructions may result
in personal injury. When
HEED ITS WARNING
of
Average Useful Life

Safe
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which, if
not followed, could
in this manual before
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
you see this symbol -