Splitting Operation
23
FIG02218
5. Load log
Load log onto beam with a cut end against the endplate – positioned for a lengthwise cut.
Notes:
a) The log splitter is designed only
for cutting lengthwise with the grain, NOT for cutting
across the grain.
b) This log splitter is designed for cutting logs only up to a maximum of 16” in diameter and
25” long. Larger diameter logs could get stuck on the wedge and longer logs will not fit on
the beam.
Correct Log Orientation Incorrect Log Orientation
WARNING: ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from the endplate, wedge, and partially
split logs while loading, operating and unloading the log splitter.
Important safety instructions:
• Hold bark side. Hold the bark side of logs when loading or positioning, never the ends.
Never place your hands or any part of your body between a log and any part of the log
splitter.
NOTE for vertical position loading: Place the log on the endplate and turn it until it leans
against the beam and is stable. If the log is too big or oddly shaped, stabilize the log with
wooden shims between the log and endplate or ground. DO NOT use your leg or knee to
stabilize the log. NEVER stabilize the log by placing your hand on top of the log.
• Wedge moving. NEVER load or unload logs while the wedge is moving.
• Straddling / reaching across. Never straddle, reach across, or step over the beam while the
engine is running and the log splitter is in the horizontal position. You could trip, actuate
the controls, and get seriously injured.
• Unsplit log pile. Do not pile logs to be split in a place that will make you reach across the
log splitter in order to load them.
• Square log ends. Logs that are not cut square can slide out while splitting and become a
safety hazard or cause excessive force to log splitter components. Use a chainsaw to cut
logs square on each end before attempting to split them.
• Single log. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time. Pieces of log can
unexpectedly be thrown from the machine causing serious injury.
• Split along grain. Do not use the log splitter to split logs across the grain. Doing so will
damage the log splitter and could also cause pieces of log to be thrown, injuring the operator or
bystanders.
• Changing splitting position. Do not change splitting positions (horizontal/vertical) with the
engine running. You may contact the muffler and receive serious burns. Be careful to avoid
contact with hot muffler even after the engine is turned off.