Whether you’re getting rid of extra materials from your landscaping efforts or chopping up wood for a bonfire, log splitters are great machines to have during the summer months. High-powered and durable, these pieces of equipment can take hundreds of pounds of wood and quickly cut it down to manageable loads. However, log splitters can be dangerous, so if you’re going to use one of these devices in the coming months, it’s vital to know how to do it in a low-risk way. These are our top tips for operating a log splitter safely.
Understand How Your Machine Works
Before operating any type of heavy machinery this summer, including your log splitter, it’s vital that you first know how it works. These machines may look simple to use at first glance, but there are many fine mechanics to understand if you want to avoid injury. Familiarizing yourself with log splitter hydraulic systems will be especially important because they help generate the force necessary to split thick logs. Hydraulic log splitters are also better for preserving your long-term health because they don’t require much manual labor.
Find the Perfect Work Location
Once you know how your machine operates, make sure you find the right location for woodcutting. Log splitters should never run on uneven ground with their wheels engaged. Not only can this cause your machine to get away from you, but it also increases the risk of slippage while you’re cutting wood. Stability is crucial for the best, and safest, results. So, only work in areas with flat, dry, and solid ground. Additionally, you should always immobilize your log splitter with wheel locks or wedges to ensure it stays firmly in place during operation.
Never Operate Your Splitter at Night
Lighting is another factor to consider when using your log splitter this summer. While we have more daily sunlight during this time of year, you should discontinue using these machines in the evening. Constantly moving parts require your full attention to avoid injury, and you need as much light as possible to see what’s happening in front of you. Make sure that you’re only operating these pieces of equipment in the morning or afternoon when the sun is at its highest.
Wear the Proper Protective Gear
The most important tip for operating a log splitter safely is to always wear the necessary protective gear during the spitting process. Whether you’ve used a log splitter once or several times over the years, you should never forget to wear gloves, goggles, and specialized work boots. This gear keeps certain areas of your body protected from the machine and the potential debris from the splitting wood.
When you’re cutting wood on your property, there’s a high risk of injury—no matter the type of equipment you’re using. So, use these tips to help keep you safe and sound as you go about your project.
