MTD 249-620-003 - Manual (Page 4)

2. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls.
3. Never place hands or feet between log and splitting wedge or be­
tween 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.
4. Do not straddle the splitter when using it. A slip in any p asition
could result in a serious injury.
5. Do not step over your log splitter when the engine is runnin g. You
■ may trip or accidentally activate the splitting wedge if ycu step
over. If you need to get to the other side, walk around.
6. Never try to split two logs on top of each other. One may fly out
and injure you.
7. When loading the log splitter, place your hands on the side of the
log, not at the ends. Never attempt to load your splitter wf ile the
splitting wedge is in motion. You may get caught by the wedge
and injured.
8. Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge or contro lever.
Never use your foot or a rope or any other extension devicu. This
could result in your ability to stop your splitter quickly enough
and cause injury.
9. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that open in tie log
during splitting operation. They can quickly close and pinch or
amputate your fingers.
10. Never attempt to split woods across the grain. Some types o wood
may burst or fly out of your splitter and result in injury o you
or a bystander.
11. For logs that are not cut square, the longest portion of t ie log
should be rotated down and the most square end placed against
the splitting wedge.
12. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove split wood: round
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 wh mever
necessary to maintain flat contact between wood and enr plate
(platform).
13. Never move the log splitter while the engine is running.
14. Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine ru ming.
Shut off the engine if you are leaving your splitter, even for; . short
period of time. Someone could accidentally activate the splitting
wedge and be injured.
15. Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases conta n car­
bon monoxide. This odorless gas can be deadly when inhaled.
16. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine has bee n run­
ning as it is HOT.
17. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the jngine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn­
ing of trouble.
18. 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.
MAINTENANCE
1. Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical condition o when
in need of repair.
2. Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose clamps and
hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure equipment is in safe w orking
condition. Where appropriate, check all safety guards and uhields
to be sure they are in the proper position. Never operate yoi r split­
ter with safety guards, shields or other protective features rer loved.
These safety devices are for your protection.
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3. Replace all damaged or worn parts such as hydraulic hoses and
fittings immediately with manufacturer approved replacement parts.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. This increases the hazard of personal injury. The max­
imum engine speed is preset by the manufacturer and is within
safety limits.
5. Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as attaching a rope
or extension to the control lever or adding to the width or height
of the wedge. Such alterations may cause your splitter to be unsafe.
6. Perform all recommended maintenance procedures before you use
your splitter.
7. Do not service or repair your log splitter without disconnecting
the spark plug wire.
8. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a
building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water
and space heaters, clothes dryers and the like. Ailow the engine
to cool before storing in any enclosure.
9. Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container.
Store the container in a cool, dry place. Do not store in a building
where ignition sources are present.
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. wood
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To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves,
chips, and excessive grease and oii.
The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires careful inspec­
tion, along with the mechanical parts. Be sure to replace frayed,
kinked, or otherwise damaged hydraulic components.
Fluid escaping from a very smail hole can be almost invisible. Do
not check for leaks with your hand. Escaping fluid under pressure
can have sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing serious per­
sonal injury. Leaks can be located by passing a piece of card­
board or wood over the suspected leak and looking for
discoloration.
13. Shouid it become necessary to ioosen or remove any hydraulic
fitting or line, be sure to relieve all pressure by shutting off the
engine and moving the control handle back and forth several times.
14. Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while
your log splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could cause
injury.
15. The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset at the factory.
Do not adjust the valve. Only a qualified service technician shouid
perform this adjustment.
16. Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage. This guards against
accumulation of fuel fumes which couid result in a fire hazard.
17. Never store log splitter outside without a waterproof cover. Rain
will cause rust on the inside of the cylinder.
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TOWING
1. This unit should not be towed on any street, highway or public
road without checking the existing federal, local or state vehicle
requirements. Any licensing or modifications such as taillights,
etc., needed to comply with the existing federal, local or state
vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
2. Before towing, be certain the log splitter is correctly and securely
attached to the towing vehicle, and the safety chains are in place.
Leave slack in chains for turning allowance.
3. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter. They can easily
fall off and be seriously injured.
NOTE: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engin i 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 effectivr 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.