9. In cold weather, run wedge up or down beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid. WARNING: When starting a warm engine, the muffler and surrounding areas are hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. Control Handle The control handle has three positions. See Figure 4-2. • FORWARD: Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to move wedge to split wood. NOTE: Control handle will return to neutral position as soon as handle is released.(Forward Position only) • NEUTRAL: Release the control handle or move the lever to neutral position to stop the wedge movement. • REVERSE: Move control handle BACK or UP to return the wedge toward the cylinder. The control handle stays in the return (Reverse) position and returns to neutral automatically when fully retracted. NOTE: Reverse position may also be operated back to neutral position manually, if necessary. Stopping Engine 1. Move throttle control (if equipped) to STOP or OFF position. 2. Turn off the engine switch, if so equipped. 3. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting. WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. WARNING: Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes, ear protection, and safety glasses when operating a log splitter. Ensure safe footing. Gas and Oil Fill-Up 1. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the engine manual packed with your log splitter. Read instructions carefully. WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. IMPORTANT: Your log splitter may be shipped with motor oil in the engine. You MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to overfill. NOTE: Gasoline can be added to the engine when the log splitter is in either the horizontal or vertical position. However, there are less obstructions when the unit is in the vertical position. 4 Operating Your Log Splitter WARNING Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes, ear protection, and safety glasses when operating a log splitter. Ensure safe footing. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. When starting a warm engine, the muffler and surrounding areas are hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. Figure 4-2 Neutral To return wedge To stop wedge To split wood Starting Engine 1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is fastened securely over metal tip of the spark plug. 2. Turn fuel valve (or engine switch), if equipped, to the ON position. 3. Move choke lever, if equipped, to CHOKE position. 4. If the engine is equipped with a primer, follow instructions in the engine manual to prime it. 5. Turn the throttle control (if equipped) to the FAST position. 6. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). 7. Pull rope with a rapid, full arm stroke. Keep firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. 8. After engine starts, move choke lever (if equipped) to OFF position. Place throttle lever to the speed desired. 9. In cold weather, run wedge up or down beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid. WARNING: When starting a warm engine, the muffler and surrounding areas are hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. Control Handle The control handle has three positions. See Figure 4-2. • FORWARD: Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to move wedge to split wood. NOTE: Control handle will return to neutral position as soon as handle is released.(Forward Position only) • NEUTRAL: Release the control handle or move the lever to neutral position to stop the wedge movement. • REVERSE: Move control handle BACK or UP to return the wedge toward the cylinder. The control handle stays in the return (Reverse) position and returns to neutral automatically when fully retracted. NOTE: Reverse position may also be operated back to neutral position manually, if necessary. Stopping Engine 1. Move throttle control (if equipped) to STOP or OFF position. 2. Turn off the engine switch, if so equipped. 3. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting. WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. WARNING: Wear leather work gloves, safety shoes, ear protection, and safety glasses when operating a log splitter. Ensure safe footing. Gas and Oil Fill-Up 1. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the engine manual packed with your log splitter. Read instructions carefully. WARNING: Use extreme care...