e p on e t-u ge Se tar pa l s on tia s ini tion uc tr ins Brave 22 and 26 Ton Vertical / Horizontal Log Splitters Model VH0622 Model VH0626 Photos show Model VH0626 Owner / Operator and Safety Manual
Initial Start-Up Instructions ❏ Read all assembly, operating, and safety instructions. ❏ Complete and return the warranty card to register your log splitter. ❏ Write the serial number and date-of-purchase in this manual. ❏ Assemble the log splitter. ❏ Fill the hydraulic tank with the recommended type and quantity of oil. (See “Start-Up Procedure” section.) ❏ Fill the engine crankcase with the manufacturer’s recommended type and quantity of oil. (See “Start-Up Procedure” section.
Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction These professional quality VH0622 and VH0626 Vertical/Horizontal Log Splitters are designed for tough applications in both vertical and horizontal positions. With 22 or 26 tons of splitting force, a 14 second cycle time, and a rugged, horizontal shaft engine, the VH0622 or VH0626 will handle most of your log splitting needs.
Safety Safety Alert Symbol The safety alert symbol result in personal injury. is used to identify safety information about hazards that can A signal word (WARNING or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard. WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Safety DO NOT proceed if any doubt arises about the correct or safe method of performing anything found in this or other Brave Products’ manuals. Seek out expert assistance from a qualified person before continuing. CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Safety Operating Safety ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ALLOW ONLY ONE (1) PERSON TO LOAD AND OPERATE THE LOG SPLITTER. Allow only adults to operate the log splitter - no one under the age of 18. Always keep bystanders, including children and pets, at least twenty-five (25) feet away from the work area. Only the operator should stand near the equipment and only within the safe operating area prescribed in this manual (see the photos on safe and unsafe operating zones in the “Operation” section.
Safety ✔ ✘ ✘ ALWAYS make sure that both ends of the log you are splitting are cut as square as possible. This will prevent the log from sliding out of position while under pressure. Logs should be 24 inches or shorter in length. NEVER try to split two logs on top of each other. Never pile logs to be split in a manner that will cause you to reach across the log splitter.
Safety ✘ NEVER tow your log splitter when there is fuel in the engine’s tank. ✘ NEVER allow anyone to sit or ride on your log splitter. ✘ NEVER carry any cargo or wood on your log splitter. Refueling ✔ ✔ ONLY refuel the log splitter outdoors in a clear area void of gas fumes or spilled gasoline. ALWAYS use an approved fuel container to carry gasoline. ✔ ALWAYS replace the log splitter gas cap and the fuel container cap securely.
Assembly Instructions Required Tools • • • • • • • 10” crescent wrench Flat head screwdriver Two 1/2’’ open end wrenches Two 3/4” open end wrenches Funnel Pliers Band Cutters Shipping List The following chart contains the list of parts that should be shipped as part of the VH0622 and VH0626 Log Splitter.
Assembly Instructions Unpacking the Crate 1. Cut the metal banding and remove the top, sides, ends, and protective plastic covering of the packing crate. Do not unband or remove the base unit or the rail unit from the bottom pallet at this time. 2. Without cutting the banding straps, carefully check the larger components on the crate for shipping damage. If the parts are damaged call Brave Products at (800) 350-8739. 3. Open the cardboard box and make sure all the smaller parts have been shipped.
Assembly Instructions Assembly Procedure CAUTION Some components are very heavy and can be damaged if mishandled. To help prevent personal injury, it is strongly recommended that two (2) people work together to uncrate and assemble the log splitter. 1. Remove and read all instructions and safety recommendations before assembling or operating this log splitter. CAUTION The rail assembly is bolted to the pallet with a lag screw.
Assembly Instructions 5. Lift the front leg and carefully roll the base unit off the pallet. 6. Carefully stand the rail assembly in an upright, vertical position. WARNING Make sure the rail assembly is standing on a flat, level area. If necessary, have a helper steady the rail to prevent it from tipping over. The rail assembly weighs approximately 270 pounds and will cause bodily injury if it falls on someone. 7. Carefully align the base assembly, using the front leg, with the rail assembly.
Assembly Instructions 9. Put one foot on the base plate of the front leg to prevent the log splitter from tipping up and lower the rail to a horizontal position. NOTE: Block the wheels to prevent the base unit from moving. 10. Insert the hitch pin through the top, front hole of the hinge plates, through the rail and secure it with a hair pin clip on the opposite side. 11. Link the ends of safety chains together with the safety quick-link and tighten the link’s locknut securely with a wrench. 12.
Assembly Instructions 13. Insert the chain link into the valve body as shown, with the pins facing upward. 14. Position the control lever as shown and install it onto the chain link pin. Place the chain link side plate on top of the two pins. 15. Secure the side plate by using a pair of pliers to slide the retaining clip in place onto the two pins. 16. Attach the control lever to the valve spool using a 1/4” x 1” long clevis pin.
Assembly Instructions 17. Attach high-pressure hose (A) to the bottom valve fitting. NOTE: The high-pressure hose is self-sealing and does not require any type of sealing material. Tighten the fitting with the 10 inch crescent wrench. 18. Attach the end of low-pressure return hose (B) to the fitting on top of the valve. Position and tighten the hose clamp approximately 3/8 inch from the end of the hose. NOTE: Steps 19 and 20 apply to installation of fenders on model VH0626 only. 19.
Assembly Instructions 21. The log splitter is now completely assembled. Follow the “Start-Up Procedure”, in the following section, which adds oil to the engine and hydraulic tank before trying to start the engine. Model VH0622 800-350-8739 Model VH0626 15 Brave Products, Inc.
Start-Up Procedure Important Notice Follow all the instructions listed below before starting or operating your log splitter. Failure to do so may result in engine and hydraulic pump damage. Also read the Briggs & Stratton Operating & Maintenance Instructions. If you do not have this manual, contact Briggs & Stratton at 800-233-3723 to obtain another one or download a copy from their web site at www.briggsandstratton.com.
Start-Up Procedure Important Notice If your log splitter is equipped with a factory installed engine, do not mix oil with the gasoline. Using mixed oil/gasoline in a four cycle engine can cause engine damage. 7. Fill the engine’s fuel tank with fresh, clean, lead-free automotive gasoline. 8. Attach the spark plug wire and start the engine per the manufacturer’s instructions. 9. With the engine running, push the valve control handle to the retract position and retract the cylinder piston.
Towing WARNING Maximum Speed Limit — 35 mph Your log splitter is built on a solid, unsuspended axle. To prevent damage or possible loss of vehicle control, use extreme caution when towing and do not exceed a vehicle speed of 35 mph, especially when driving on a bumpy road. 1. Position the hitch on log splitter over or onto the tow vehicle’s tow ball. Pull the latch assembly on the hitch up and into the open position.
Operation WARNING Do not attempt to operate the log splitter without fully understanding all our instructions, safety precautions, and/or warnings. If any doubt or question arises about the correct or safe method of performing anything found in this or other Brave Products’ manuals, contact your Brave Products’ dealer or call the Sales and Service representatives at our main headquarters. Proper care is your responsibility.
Operation CAUTION Never attempt to split wood across the grain. The log splitter was not designed for cross-grain splitting. Doing so will damage the log splitter and may cause personal injury. 3. Start the engine using the instructions from the engine manual. If the log splitter has not been running (cold engine), warm up the engine and hydraulic system by running the engine at half throttle for 3 to 4 minutes, then advance the engine throttle control to maximum speed. Operation – Horizontal Position 4.
Operation b. Only using your hand, push the control lever forward (towards the log). If the log moves before it is contacted by the splitting wedge, release the control lever and then reposition the log. Operate the log splitter only when standing in the safe operating area, as shown in the picture. WARNING Make sure you stand clear from the engine’s exhaust. Hot exhaust is intense and can cause serious injury.
Operation WARNING Do not reach or step across the rail while the log splitter is running. This is a very UNSAFE method which could cause personal injury or even death. 5. Using only your hand, push the control lever forward, toward the base plate. If the log moves before it is contacted by the splitting wedge, release the control lever to STOP the wedge, then reposition the log and continue splitting.
Operation 7. When the cylinder is fully retracted, the control valve will automatically shift to the Neutral position. Operation – Vertical Position 1. Use the following photos for the correct and incorrect methods of splitting logs. Never split a log using an incorrect or unsafe method. NOTE: To operate the log splitter in a vertical position, block the wheels, and remove the hair pin clip and hitch pin. Never reposition the log splitter from horizontal to vertical positions when the engine is running.
Operation WARNING Do not place your hands on top of the log when loading the log splitter. This is a very UNSAFE method and could result in injury to your hands. WARNING Do not put your hand on top of the log when the log splitter is running. CAUTION If you find you must hold the log until the wedge touches it and holds it in place, be very careful not to put your hand on top of the log. If you must, hold the log in the middle of the block. Remove your hand immediately when the wedge engages the log.
Operation b. Operate the log splitter only when standing in the safe operating area, as shown in the picture. WARNING Make sure you stand clear from the engine’s exhaust. Hot exhaust is intense and can cause serious injury. 2. Using only your hand, push DOWN on the control lever, toward the baseplate. If the log moves before it is contacted by the splitting wedge, release the control lever to stop the wedge, then reposition the log and continue splitting.
Operation 4. It is not necessary to hold the control lever. The cylinder rod will automatically retract, and when its fully retracted, the handle returns to Neutral. CAUTION Depending on the type of wood being split, a log may not always break into two pieces and fall to the ground. If a log sticks to the wedge, place the valve handle in the neutral position (stop the wedge from retracting) and carefully remove the log from the wedge.
Inspection and Maintenance General Maintenance Check (before operating) The hydraulic system (hoses, cylinder, and pump) should be carefully inspected before each use. Also, inspect the mechanical parts at the same time. Make sure all clamps, nuts, bolts, fittings, etc. are properly installed and tightened. WARNING Do not check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by passing a piece of cardboard or wood around the suspected leak and looking for discoloration.
Inspection and Maintenance Hydraulic Oil Change Brave Products recommends an oil and filter change every 100 hours of operation. Refer to the “Specifications” section in this manual for the type and quantity of oil. Important Notice Never run the log splitter unless the hydraulic oil tank is full. 1. Drain the head end of the cylinder. a. Remove the spark plug wire and spark plug to help reduce the back pressure on the engine and to prevent it from starting. b.
Inspection and Maintenance Important Notice DO NOT mix tractor hydraulic oil with transmission fluid. Use one or the other. 4. Refill the hydraulic tank. a. Reconnect inlet hose (2) to the pump. b. Remove the hydraulic tank fill cap and fill the tank with the recommended type and quantity of oil. Replace the cap. 5. Drain and refill the piston end of the cylinder. NOTE: Hose (1) should still be in the waste oil container. a.
Specifications Mechanical Specifications Slide Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 x 6 inch reinforced, heavy-duty formed channel Wedge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High carbon steel, compound angle Force/Tonnage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 ton1 or 26 ton2 Cylinder Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 inches Log Opening . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting The following section details procedures for checking your log splitter, should you encounter a malfunction. Brave Products, Inc. recommends that you do not attempt to make repairs to the log splitter. In the long run, it is better to take your log splitter to a servicing lawn and garden dealer for repairs. Problem: When the control handle is pushed forward (extend), the splitting wedge does not move. 1.
Decals AR N I NG Make sure all decals are attached to the log splitter and/or engine and are legible at all times. If you are missing a decal or one is not legible, call Brave Products at 800-350-8739 for a replacement. (1) Brave Products, Inc.
Decals (2) (3) (4) (5) (8) Item 1 2 3 4 5 (NS) 6 (NS) 7 (NS) Part No. BR002302 BR002652 BR002521 BR002621 BR002653 BR002622 BR002624 Description Decal, Operator Safety Decal, Notice Decal, Serial Number Decal, Flag Decal, Maximum Speed Decal, 22 Ton Logo Decal, 26 Ton Logo Qty. 1 1 1 1 1 21 22 8 (NS) BR002559 Decal, Proper Machine Loading 1 NS = Not Shown 1 VH0622. 2 VH0626. 800-350-8739 33 Brave Products, Inc.
Warranty For one year from the date of purchase, Brave Products Inc. will replace for the original purchaser, or repair free of charge, all parts of the Brave Products’ Hydraulic Log Splitter, returned to our factory PREPAID and found upon inspection by us to be faulty, due to defects in materials or workmanship.
Notes 800-350-8739 35 Brave Products, Inc.
Brave Products, Inc. 2 36 BR008301G BR021225 BR001212 BR001401 BR001402 BR001303 BR001213 — BR001321 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Locknut, 1/2-13 Not Used Bolt, 1/2-13 x 1-1/4” long Nut, 5/16-18 Lockwasher, 5/16” Washer, 5/16” Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1 3/4” long Weldment, Front Leg Cap, Dust Key, Cotter, 1/8” Nut, Spindle Washer, Thrust Tire, 4.
12 800-350-8739 37 14 11 13 9 24 25 10 9 8 26 27 26 24 22 20 1 19 6 17 18 2 16 1 7, 23 3 1 4 3 5 28 4 3 15 5 B22/26-48 Parts Brave Products, Inc.
Brave Products, Inc. 38 2 1 BR008508 BR008511 17 Safety Quick-Link Chain Assembly Locknut, 1/2-13 Bolt, 1/2-13 x 3” long Coupler, Hitch, 2” Clip, Clevis Pin (Cylinder) Pin, Grooved, 1” dia. Pin, Cotter Bolt, Carriage, 1/2-13 x 2-1/2” long Nut, 1/2-13 Lockwasher, 1/2” Retainer, Slide Guide, Slide Weldment, Slide Wedge Part of Model VH0622 only. Part of Model VH0626 only.
B22/26-49 3 7 5 6 2 4 8 9 1 10 12 11 14 12 17 16 15 13 Parts 800-350-8739 39 Brave Products, Inc.
Brave Products, Inc. 40 3 2 1 Screw, Set, 5/16-18 Screw, Set, 1/4-20 Coupling, Engine Coupling, Engine Spider BR0013823 BR0013831, 2 BR006002C1, 2 BR006001C3 BR006002B1, 2 Coupling, Pump Flange, Engine Flange, Engine BR006001D3 BR0200101, 2 BR0201103 Pump, Hydraulic Pump, Hydraulic BR002001M1 BR002002M2,3 Part of Model VH0622 only. Part of Model VH0626 only. Used with optional 9 HP GX Honda engine.
800-350-8739 41 14 25 16 25 12 13 29 29 23 8 8 17 11 21 20 9 22 20 7 6 10 15 5 18 26 14 4 3 3 19 15 24 27 2 28 1 B22/26-50 Parts Brave Products, Inc.
Optional Attachments These attachments are designed to fit both Brave 22 and 26 ton log splitters. Log Cradle (Part No. BR021181) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Holds log in place on top of rail for faster splitting. Catches split logs - no more stooping to pick up the split pieces. Each shelf is infinitely adjustable up to 45 degrees to accommodate various sizes of logs. Mounts easily to H-beam rail - all hardware included, requires no drilling or welding on current model log splitters. Log Dislodger (Part No.
VH0622 VH0626 SERIAL #: ______________________________________ - Please Print - Your Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _______________ City: _______________________________________ State: _______ Zip: _________________ Street Address: _________________________________________________________________ Purchased From: _______________________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: ____________________ ADDRESS: ___
Notes Brave Products, Inc.
Notes 800-350-8739 45 Brave Products, Inc.
Brave Products, Inc. 410 W. Broadway Ave. Streator, Illinois 61364-0577 Phone: 815-672-8861 Fax: 815-672-9073 E-mail: sales@braveproducts.com Web Site: www.braveproducts.