MTD 249-620-003 - Manual (Page 9)

BEFORE STARTING
Before each use, check the following:
1. Place log splitter on a firm, level surface. For ver­
tical operation, remove the quick release pin from
the latch bracket. Place the beam in the vertical
position. Place the quick release pin through the
holes in the beam mounting plates and the
brackets on the reservoir tank. See figure 11.
2. Remove the vent plug and check the fluid level.
Fluid level should be 1 Vz" to 2" from the top of the
tank.
■{^IMPORTANT
Reservoir tank must be full as
instructed. Low fluid level will damage
the pump and void your warranty.
3. Lubricate the beam area where splitting wedge will
slide with engine oil (DO NOT USE GREASE).
Make certain to oil both front and back of the beam
face.
4. Fill gasoline tank as instructed in separate engine
manual.
5. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
TO START ENGINE
1. Place throttle control lever on the engine in FAST
position. See figure 12.
2. Place choke lever in CHOKE position.
7. If weather is cold, run wedge up and down beam
6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid, which
will warm and thin the fluid.
3.
4.
NOTE
A warm engine may not require choking.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on the starter handle. Let the rope
rewind slowly. Do not let starter handle snap back
against starter.
Repeat preceding instructions 3 and 4 until engine
fires. When engine starts, move choke lever
halfway between CHOKE and RUN.
Move throttle control lever to IDLE position for a
few minutes warm-up. Gradually move choke lever
to RUN position as engine warms up.
NOTE
In order to idle smoothly, a new
engine may require 3 to 5 minutes
running above slow idle speed. Idle
speed has been adjusted to be correct
after this break-in period.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Move throttle control lever to OFF position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug to pre­
vent accidental starting while equipment is unat­
tended.
USING THE LOG SPLITTER
Use the log splitter only on a level, hard surface.
Never stand next to the splitting wedge when
operating the log splitter. Always stand behind the
reservoir tank. See figures 13 and 14. Never attempt
to cut a log in half sideways. Always split the log
lengthwise. Maximum length of log to be split is 24".
A
Always use the log splitter in the
vertical position only when splitting
heavy logs.
The control handle has three positions:
FORWARD—Push the control handle down for vertical
operation, push it forward for horizontal operation-
splitting wedge moves toward the end plate. Con­
trol handle will return to neutral position as soon as
handle is released.
NEUTRAL (Middle position)—Splitting wedge stops
in place.
REVERSE—Push the control handle upward for ver­
tical operation, push it toward the rear for horizontal
operation—Splitting wedge returns. The control han­
dle will lock in the reverse position, and will return
to neutral automatically when the reverse stroke is
complete.