e p on e t-u ge Se tar pa l s on tia s ini tion uc tr ins Brave 34 Ton Vertical / Horizontal Log Splitter Model VH9934 Brave Products, Inc. 410 W. Broadway Ave. Streator, Illinois 61364-0577 Phone: 815-672-8861 Fax: 815-672-9073 E-mail: sales@braveproducts.com Owner / Operator and Safety Manual Web Site: www.braveproducts.
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.
Shipping List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Unpacking the Crate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Assembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Start-Up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
25 This professional quality, VH9934 Vertical/Horizontal Log Splitter, is designed for tough applications in both vertical and horizontal positions. With 34 tons of splitting force, a 15 second cycle time, and a 8 HP engine the VH9934 will handle most of your log splitting needs. An attractive powder-coated finish provides the finest protection available, and Brave’s rigid, quality-control and component testing help ensure years of productive, reliable service.
4 Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4” BR001209 To avoid tripping, do not leave tools, logs, or other components laying around in the work area. ✘ NEVER operate your log splitter on slippery, wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. The location you choose should be flat, dry, and free from any tall grass, brush, or other interferences. ✘ NEVER operate the engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which can be deadly when inhaled. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
✘ NEVER place hands or feet between log and splitting wedge or between log and ram during the forward or reverse stroke. ✘ DO NOT STRADDLE OR REACH ACROSS THE SPLITTING AREA WHEN OPERATING THE LOG SPLITTER. ✘ Do not step over your log splitter when the engine is running, because you may trip or accidentally engage the ram. ✘ NEVER attempt to load your log splitter while the ram is in motion. ✘ Only use your hand to operate the control lever.
✔ ALWAYS check the oil level in the hydraulic oil tank and engine reservoir. ✘ NEVER operate your log splitter when it’s in need of repair or is in poor mechanical condition. ✘ NEVER tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds. The maximum engine speed is preset and is within safety limits. ✘ NEVER make alterations to your log splitter in any manner. Such alterations may cause the log splitter to become unsafe and WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
✘ Do not smoke or have open flames when refueling the engine. Do not spill fuel. If fuel should spill, quickly wipe up the spill and allow the excess to evaporate before continuing. Make sure gasoline soaked rags are properly disposed of. ✘ DO NOT fill the gas tank while the engine is hot or running. Allow time for the engine to cool down before refueling. 1 Always store gasoline in an approved, tightly sealed container. Store the container in a cool, dry place.
Parts Section Assembly Instructions 1 • 10” crescent wrench 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 Qty Required Tools Washer, Neoprene 5/16” • Two 3/4” open end wrenches • Funnel • Pliers Shipping List The following chart contains the list of parts that should be shipped as part of the VH9934 Log Splitter.
Unpacking the Crate (6) (8) 1. Cut the metal banding and remove the top, sides, ends, and protective plastic covering of the packing crate. Do not remove the base unit or the rail assembly from the bottom pallet at this time. 2. Carefully check the larger components on the shipping pallet for damage. If the parts are damaged call Brave Products at (815) 672-8861. (7) 3. Cut all of the banding straps and open the cardboard box to make sure all the smaller parts have been shipped.
Assembly Procedure Decals WARNING AR N I NG CAUTION Some components are very heavy and can be damaged if mis-handled. Also, to help prevent personal injury, it is strongly recommended that two (2) people work together to uncrate and assemble the log splitter. Make sure all decals are attached to the log splitter and/or engine and are legible at all times. 1. Remove and read all instructions and safety recommendations before assembling or operating this log splitter. 2.
Notes 3. 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 300 pounds and will cause bodily injury if it falls on someone. 4. Lower the front leg and lock it into position. Carefully align the hinge brackets in the base unit with the holes in the rail assembly.
Troubleshooting The following section will detail 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. 7. Bolt the rail latch plate to the base unit using a 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 inch long hex head bolts, flat washer, and locknut as shown. Do not overtighten the locknut.
Specifications 11. Attach the two towing safety chains to the hitch (front hole) using a 3/8-16 x 3-1/2 inch long hex head bolt, two flat washers, and a locknut. Tighten the locknut securely. Mechanical Specifications Slide Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 x 6 inch reinforced, heavy-duty H-beam Wedge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High carbon steel, compound angle Force/Tonnage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Remove the hydraulic tank fill cap and fill the tank with the recommended type and quantity of oil. Replace the cap. 15. Attach the high-pressure hose from the filter assembly to the top valve fitting. Securely tighten the hose 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. d. Hold the valve handle in the extend position and pull the engine pull start cord until the rod is fully extended.
Hydraulic Oil Change 18. 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. 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 cylinder. a.
Inspection and Maintenance Start-up Procedure General Maintenance Check (before operating) Important Notice 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 hoses, clamps, nuts, bolts, fittings, etc. are properly installed and tightened. WARNING Do not check for leaks with your hand.
WARNING Be careful not to spill fuel when filling the engine. If fuel should spill, quickly wipe off and allow the excess fuel to evaporate before continuing. Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable and can cause personal injury or even death when ignited. g. Once the wedge reaches its full downward travel, pull up on the control lever to the full retract position. The splitting wedge will automatically retract. It is not necessary to hold the control lever as the cylinder retracts.
Towing 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. Never use your hip or any extension device to operate the valve control handle. 1. Position the hitch on log splitter over or onto the tow vehicle’s tow ball.
Operation c. Lock the rail assembly into a vertical position with the rail latch. 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.
5. Operating the log splitter in a vertical position. Use the following photos for the correct and incorrect methods of splitting logs. Never split a log using an incorrect or unsafe method. WARNING Before loading and operating the log splitter, always wear protective gear such as safety goggles, face shield, hearing protection, tight-fitting gloves without draw strings or loose cuffs, and steel-toed shoes.
c. Hold the control lever, extending the splitting wedge, until the log is split or the cylinder rod stops at its maximum travel position. As the log is being split, DO NOT reach forward and attempt to catch the split wood — let it fall to the ground. 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.