If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles*, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or The Toro
Company.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1–888–327–4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can
also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
* log splitter
Training
•
Read the Operator's Manual and other training material. If
the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English, it is the
owner's responsibility to explain this material to them.
•
Do not allow anyone to operate the machine who has not
read the Operator's Manual or has not been instructed on the
safe use of the machine.
•
Never let children or untrained people operate or service the
equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
•
Many accidents occur when more than one person operates
the machine. If a helper is assisting in loading logs, never
activate the control until the helper is a minimum of 10 feet
from the machine.
•
All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is
responsible for training the users.
Hydraulic log splitters develop high fluid pressures during
operation. Hydraulic fluid escaping through a pin hole
opening can penetrate your skin and cause blood poisoning or
death. Follow these instructions at all times:
•
Do not operate machine with frayed, kinked, cracked, or
damaged hoses, fitting, or tubing.
•
Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system pressure
before changing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or
other system components.
•
Do not adjust the pressure settings of the pump or valve.
•
Do not check for leaks with your hand.
•
Leaks can be detected by passing cardboard or wood,
while wearing protective gloves and safety glasses, over
the suspected area. Look for discoloration of cardboard
or wood.
•
Keep the operator zone and adjacent area clear for safe,
secure footing.
Towing
Check with your local county or state safety towing
regulations, in addition to meeting Department of
Transportation (DOT) Safety Towing Regulations, before
towing the log splitter.
•
In order to reduce the possibility of an accident while
transporting the log splitter on public roads, ALWAYS make
sure the towing vehicle is mechanically sound and in good
operating condition.
•
ALWAYS shutdown engine before transporting.
•
ALWAYS inspect the hitch and coupling for wear. NEVER
tow the debris blower with defective hitches, couplings,
chains, etc.
•
Check the tire air pressure on both towing vehicle and
debris blower. The log splitter tires should be inflated to 60
psi
(410 kpa) cold.
•
Check the tire tread for wear.
•
ALWAYS properly attach the safety chains to towing
vehicle.
•
ALWAYS make sure that the towing vehicle's directional,
backup, and brake lights are working properly.
•
Avoid sudden stops and starts. This can cause skidding, or
jack knifing. Smooth, gradual starts and stops will improve
towing.
•
Avoid sharp turns to prevent rolling. Tow only with a
vehicle that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach
towed equipment except at the hitch point.
Before towing check to make certain your log splitter is
correctly and securely attached to the towing vehicle.
•
Be sure that the ball hitch you are using is the proper size
for the hitch coupler on the log splitter.
•
Be sure the safety chains are properly hooked to the
vehicle leaving enough slack for turning.
•
Always turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
•
Be sure the log splitter is secured in the horizontal
position.
•
Be sure the jack stand is secured in the UP position.
•
Do not tow machine faster than 45 mph (75 km/h).
•
Use caution when backing up; use a spotter outside the
vehicle to guide you.
•
Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on unit when towing.
•
Never carry any cargo or wood on unit when towing.
•
Always disconnect the unit from the tow vehicle before
using it.
•
Place chock blocks underneath wheel to prevent rolling
while unit is parked.
Preparation
Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Always wear safety shoes or heavy boots.
•
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operating this machine.
•
Wear tight fitting gloves without draw strings or loose
cuffs.
•
Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might become
entangled in moving or rotating parts of the machine.
•
Make sure machine is on level surface before operating.
•
Always operate this machine from the operator zone
specified in the manual.
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