Maintenance And Storage - MTD compact log splitter Operator's Manual

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 when
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 machine is on a level surface before operating.
5. Always block wheels to prevent unintended movement.
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 log splitter in daylight or under good artificial light.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
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 clothes 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.
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 five
(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 five (5) minutes
before storing.
4 S 2 — i
ection mportant
S o p
afe peration racticeS
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.