British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last
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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
Log splitters are incredibly useful machines to have at your disposal. With bags of power and impressive precision, they make light work of wood chopping regardless of whether you’re doing it for personal use or commercial. However, with extreme power and effortless precision comes a fair amount of risk if not properly operated.
One of the most common questions we get asked by people new (and experienced) to log splitters is how to use them safely and what procedures they should follow in order to keep the operator safe. The best way to use a log splitter safely is to have a process in place to manage how you use the machine, as well as being well-versed in how the machine works, so you can identify any potential risks. Join us in this blog as we help you identify how to use a log splitter safely.
Before you put your processes in place, understanding the machine you’re about to operate is key. Knowing how the machine functions, what to expect and being able to identify when something that shouldn’t happen has happened are all essential to safe log splitter usage. In this section, we will give you a brief overview of what you should know before operating a log splitter.
There are a handful of different log splitter types available on the market. You’ve got your standard petrol-powered log splitter and your more eco-friendly electric log splitter, both utilising the same hydraulic mechanism that is used across the vast majority of log splitters.
Where these different log splitter types vary is through their power source. The other two types we have available here at Oxdale Products are PTO and Tractor-Mounted log splitters, with both taking advantage of different aspects of the tractor’s engine/power.
High levels of force are applied through a splitting wedge into the centre of the log. The further the wedge drives, the further it splits the log. For the cleanest cuts, we recommend driving all the way through. However, if you do not have the means, some small splitters can be pried open thus splitting the log into two pieces.
For more information on how log splitters work, head to our blog.
Having safety procedures and routines in place before you begin splitting is essential for keeping you safe when operating the machine. Some key processes are listed below.
Wearing the correct safety gear is essential for any machine operation. We recommend you wear safety goggles, thick/heavy-duty gloves, strong footwear (steel-toe cap) and hearing protection for louder machines.
Before you power the machine, be sure to check it for any potential risks. Check the cabling if the machine is kept outdoors or on the floor, as rodents can chew through wiring. Look for any signs of leaks on the floor or around the machine. Make sure all protective guards are in place and intact.
Finally, you should check the log for any abnormalities that may make splitting safely an issue. Make sure your log does not exceed the recommended length or width that your splitter manufacturer recommends.
Log splitters, at their core, are pretty straightforward machines. There aren’t a million things to go wrong, which is why it is even more important that you do your pre-splitting checks before using the machine. How to use a log splitter safely is as follows.
Load your log onto the splitter bed, making sure that the grain of the log is aligned with the splitter. This makes the process more efficient and will increase the longevity of your machine. If your splitter has a log cradle, be sure to use it to keep the log in place.
Once you’ve turned the machine on, it is time to activate the hydraulic ram. This is typically done through a switch or a lever. The ram will push the log against the wedge, splitting it into two pieces. You must keep your hands clear at this point. If your machine requires two-handed operation, this is due to the manufacturer specifically designing it to keep your hands away from the ram and wedge.
Throughout the process, you need to remain vigilant. Look out for anything abnormal with how the log splitter is or any signs or sounds the splitter might be making. If the log is not splitting with ease, stop the machine and reposition the log or try a smaller one. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to log size and diameter.
Once split, it is now time to set up the machine for its next use. Remove your newly split logs and stack/store them somewhere that is dry and well-ventilated to ensure they do not rot. Also, damp logs don’t burn very well! Now you’ve split your desired amount of logs, you can switch off the machine.
Sweep away any debris from the splitter and the surrounding areas. Be sure to take care to collect shavings and chips from the ground that may have sharp edges, especially if you have pets or livestock that roam freely.
Discover a wide range of safe and reliable log splitters available here at Oxdale Products. Used across the UK by those working in the agriculture sector, find out why so many choose an Oxdale log splitter as their go-to splitter. For more information, head to our log splitter page. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
British Built Machinery That’s Made to Last