Product Manual

30
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation
• Hydraulic system. Check the hydraulic system (hoses, tubing, clamps/fittings, pump, and cylinder) carefully
before each use. Do not operate the log splitter with frayed, kinked, cracked or damaged hydraulic hoses, fittings, or
tubing, or if oily residue is observed on any of the components. High fluid pressures and temperatures are
developed in the log splitter. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole sized opening can burn or puncture skin,
resulting in wounds that could cause blood poisoning, infection, disability, gangrene, amputation, or death.
Therefore, the following instructions should be heeded at all times when inspecting or servicing the hydraulic
components of the log splitter:
Do not remove the hydraulic oil fill/vent cap when the engine is running. Hot oil can escape causing severe
burns. Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill/vent cap.
o Do not adjust the pressure setting of the pump or valve.
o Do not check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood (at least
two feet long) with your hand at one end and passing the other end over the suspected area (wear eye protection).
Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood.
o Stop the tractor engine and move all control valve handles back and forth to relieve pressure before changing or
adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses, tubing, fittings or other components.
o If injured by escaping fluid, no matter how small the wound is, see a doctor at once. A typical injection injury
may be a small puncture wound that does not look serious. However, severe infection or reaction can result if
proper medical treatment is not administered immediately by a doctor who is familiar with injection injuries
• Guards / shields. Make sure all guards and shields are replaced after servicing the log splitter.
• Replacement parts. If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Replacement parts that do not meet specifications may result in a safety hazard or poor operation of the log splitter.
Safety in Work Site Selection
• Hot exhaust. Hot exhaust fumes from the tractor engine can cause fire. Position exhaust and other hot elements of
engine at least 7’ from combustible objects during operation.
• Fire extinguisher. Have a Class B fire extinguisher available as a precautionary measure when operating the log
splitter in dry areas.
• Level, dry surface. To prevent accidental falls and equipment tip over, make sure the splitter is situated on a dry,
level surface with good footing. Stay clear of areas with mud, ice, tall grass, weeds, brush, or snow.
• Engage parking brake. Always engage the tractor’s parking brake before operating the splitter to prevent
unintended movement.
• Carbon monoxide. The running tractor engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You
CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. ONLY run log splitter OUTDOORS and away from air intakes. NEVER run
log splitter inside homes, garages, sheds, or other semi-enclosed spaces. These spaces can trap poisonous gases,
EVEN if you run a fan or open windows. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the log splitter, shut
off the tractor engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
Safety – During Use
WARNING: Before starting this log splitter, review the following rules for safe operation. Failure
to follow these rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
General Safety During Use
• Safety equipment / controls. Always operate the log splitter with all safety equipment in place and in good
working order, and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation.
• Operating speed. Always operate the log splitter at the manufacturer’s recommended speed. You must adjust the
tractor engine speed so the flow rate does not exceed 11 GPM. Make sure to see the tractor specification for
determining relationship between flow rate and engine speed since a higher flow rate makes the wedge move
dangerously fast.