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What Your Customers Need to Know

Safe Operation of Log Splitters

Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf,
Contributing Writer

When manufacturers and governments work together, sometimes they can anticipate and prevent injuries before they happen.

Such was the case when the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Health Canada recently announced a voluntary recall of more than 28,000 log splitters made by MTD Products Inc.

“The control handle of the log splitter could fail to automatically return to the neutral position as it should and could fail to stop the splitting wedge from moving forward, posing a risk of amputation to consumers’ hands and fingers,” the recall stated.

The good news is this recall was issued before injuries were reported. But the potential for severe injury underscores the need for dealers to educate customers on the safe operation of log splitters.

Teaching safety may be even more important today because of the renewed interest in wood for home heating. There’s even a tax credit for purchasing a renewable energy system — such as wood stoves — through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Safety discussions benefit the customers and dealers.

“If a dealer comes across as genuinely interested in a customer’s safety, customers will be more loyal and likely to return to purchase chain saws, mowers and other equipment,” says Bill Field, Purdue Univ. Extension safety specialist.

Need another reason to discuss safety?

“The first thing you do is give them the safety manual. Not doing that is indefensible in a liability case,” says Field, who has testified in numerous injury cases.

Rich Lindahl, advertising manager for log-splitter manufacturer SpeeCo, adds that dealers can balance fears with solid information. “It’s very important for dealers and retailers to point out the inherent risks in power-driven products. This is especially true for first-time users who may have limited knowledge about the product.”

Starter Questions

You can influence customers to think safety from your first conversation, experts say. Ask where they’re splitting wood, the quantity of wood they will need in a season and the types of wood to be split. You can then direct them to the right type of splitter, such as electric, gas or 3-point driven models.

“A homeowner splitting wood for his fireplace or stove may only need a 5-ton electric or 15-ton gas engine model. Cycle time is the key specification here,” says Lindahl. “Hardwoods like elm and oak may require the extra force provided by higher-tonnage models.”

Discuss the unit’s log-size capacity and how far they need to transport the splitter.

“It’s extraordinarily important for dealers to qualify customers and the job they plan to do. That will help avoid issues down the road,” says Wayne Swisher, president of Swisher Mower & Machine Co.

Equipment Walk-Around

Dealers should become experts on the equipment, say manufacturers.

“We always encourage dealers to become familiar with the equipment and know how to operate it,” says Ron Roglis, marketing and sales manager for Shaver Manufacturing. “For example, it’s absolutely critical that the hydraulics are hooked up correctly. This seems to be a ‘no-brainer,’ but you’d be surprised.”

Demonstration models on the sales floor are good, but Tom Phillip, engineering leader for Ariens, advises demonstrating the model the customer is purchasing. “Starting it up and operating it is the best way to teach someone about safety.”

Choosing a machine that fits the customer and showing them how to adjust the machine can make a big difference, adds Roglis.

Swisher advises dealers to find out a customer’s misconceptions. Customers may already know to keep hands away from mower blades because of the high speeds. Log splitters move slow in comparison, but can still cause serious injury. “The user should never get distracted or complacent. They have to pay attention 100% of the time,” Swisher says.

Demonstration points should include:

• Hydraulic hook-ups and safely checking for leaks. For example, customers can rub a piece of cardboard or other heavy material along the hoses
• Engaging and disengaging the controls
• Movement of the hydraulic cylinder
• Function of the ram and wedge, and explanation of cycle time (how fast the wedge goes forward and backward)
• Proper loading and unloading of logs
• Safe engine procedures regarding fuel, hydraulic fluid and oil, based on the model
• Safe electrical practices, based on the model

Safety in Preparation

Safe preparation procedures are also critical. If the splitter is towed to the site, for example, discuss the proper hitch and towing speed with customers.

“When they’re driving a towable unit from the dealership or transporting it to the site, remind them that the splitter has low-speed tires and axles,” says Field. Slow-moving vehicle signage may be necessary.

Before they leave the dealership, equip customers with eyewear, hearing protection, gloves and protective shoes. The wood may shatter, sending debris at the operator. There may even be nails or other material imbedded in the wood.

Once on site, dealers need to advise customers to do the following:

• Make sure the operator knows how to disengage the controls
• Check the area to make sure the splitter is on dry, solid and level ground, away from limbs and debris
• If towed, unhitch it to ensure level operation
• Always block the wheels to prevent the splitter from moving during operation

One of the most important preparation steps involves helpers.

“In my opinion, the number one cause of log splitter accidents is when 2 or more people are operating the product,” says Lindahl. “When one person operates the control valve and the others load the log, there’s often a lack of coordination or communication.”

A good rule is that others, including pets, should be at least 10 feet away from the work zone.

Operation Do’s & Don’ts

Dealers can help customers think safety by describing accident scenarios. To avoid those dangers, here are some key operational don’ts:

• Don’t place hands or feet between the log and the splitting wedge
• Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry
• Don’t straddle the log splitter during operation or bend over it to pick up a log
• Don’t move the splitter or handle the wood while the splitter is in operation
• Don’t forget to wear personal protective equipment

What customers should do:

• Only use your hand to operate the control lever
• Regularly check nuts, bolts, screws and hydraulic fittings
• Be aware of fatigue, the weather and other factors that could affect concentration

A Business Opportunity

Log splitting is only part of the wood gathering job. Experts say to talk safety throughout the process — and you might uncover business opportunities.

For example, do customers have the right chain saw? Log jacks, racks, harnesses and carts can help your customers avoid injury.

Dealers should also talk through the benefits of extended warranties and maintenance offerings as way to ensure safe operation.

Most customers are capable of doing basic maintenance, such as changing engine oil, cleaning the surfaces, checking hydraulic oil and monitoring tire pressure, Phillip says. But the hydraulic system’s components and fittings should be maintained by a qualified professional.

“You have the opportunity to sell service with the product,” Phillip says, “and safety is part of that service.”

** Click here to download a hand-off safety checklist you can use at your dealership.

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