North Star M11960U.1 Owner's Manual - page 32
Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation
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Engine debris. Debris on a hot engine can be a fire hazard. With the engine off, clean debris and chaff from
engine cylinder head, cylinder head fins, blower housing rotating screen, and muffler areas. Avoid contact with
hot muffler.
Other debris. Debris on moving parts can cause excess wear. With the splitter engine off, clear debris from
moving parts.
Fuel tank / lines. Before each use, check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks. Any fuel leak is a fire hazard. Fix any
fuel leaks before starting engine
.
Mechanical parts. Check to be sure all nuts and bolts are tight to make sure the log splitter is in safe working
condition.
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:
o Do not remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is running. Hot oil can escape causing severe burns.
Allow log splitter to cool completely before removing hydraulic oil fill 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 engine, disconnect the spark plug, 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.
Spark arrestor muffler. If the engine is equipped with a spark arrestor muffler, clean and inspect it regularly
(follow manufacturer's service instructions). Replace if damaged.
Tires. Be sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair before towing the splitter. When adding air to tires, do
not over-inflate -- serious injury could occur if tire explodes.
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 During Fueling
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. Use extreme
care when handling gasoline:
Fuel outdoors. Fill fuel tank outdoors – never indoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite if they collect inside an
enclosure. Explosion can result.
Use approved container. Never pump fuel directly into engine at gas station. Static charge can build and ignite
fuel. Use an UL approved fuel container to transfer gas to the engine.
Running / hot engine. A running engine is hot enough to ignite fuel. Never add fuel or remove gas cap if engine
is running or still hot. Stop the engine and allow to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel.
Heat / flames / sparks. Stay away from sources of heat, flame, or sparks while adding fuel.
Don't overfill. DO NOT overfill the gas tank. Allow at least 1/2" of empty space below the fill neck to allow for
fuel expansion.
Replace cap. Replace gas cap securely before starting engine.
Spills. Clean up fuel spills immediately. Move log splitter away from spilled fuel on the ground. Wipe fuel off
engine and wait 5 minutes for excess fuel to evaporate before starting engine. Gas soaked rags should be disposed
of properly.