Brave VH1724GC, Owner'S Manual

Page 1: ...e hole opening can puncture skin and cause severe blood poisoning Inspect hydraulic system regularly for possible leaks Never check for leaks with your hand while the system is pressurized Seek medical attention immediately if injured by escaping fluid Fire Hazards If your log splitter is intended for use near an ignitable forest brush or grassy covered land the engine exhaust should be equipped w...

Page 2: ...2 Hazard Signal Word Definitions ...

Page 3: ...e 10 Before Each Use Inspection Maintenance 14 Before Each Use Fueling 17 Before Each Use Work Site Selection and Set Up 18 Splitting Operation 19 Storage 25 Periodic Maintenance 26 Troubleshooting 28 Specifications 29 Parts Breakdown Exploded View Rev A 30 Summary of Important Safety information for Operation 32 Assembly Instructions 37 Available Accessories 58 Limited Warranty 60 Product Registr...

Page 4: ...nical specifications for your log splitter are provided in the Specifications section of this manual WARNING This log splitter uses a high pressure hydraulic system to generate a very strong splitting force Read the manual completely before using the machine to understand how to safely operate and maintain it Follow all safety precautions presented throughout this manual A summary of important saf...

Page 5: ...re Explosion Warning 1 3 778609 Split Control Directions 1 4 777891 Escaping Fluid Warning 1 5 791123 45 mph Decal 1 6 791105 Moving Towing Instructions 1 7 777887 Operating Instructions 1 8 778597 Horizontal Lock Decal 1 9 778714 Vertical Lock Decal 1 10 778717 Log Stripper Warning 2 11 777890 Fire Hazard Warning 1 12 788937 Poisonous Gas Warning 1 13 777889 Stuck Log Warning 1 14 778610 Log Spli...

Page 6: ... injury could result READ the Owner s Manual completely before operating Only one person should operate the log splitter If an assistant is helping to load logs the operator should not actuate controls until the assistant is at least 10 ft away Stay in the designated OPERATOR POSITION while actuating the controls Split wood in direction of the grain only Hold bark side of logs when loading Keep ha...

Page 7: ...1 Return Line Filter 10 Engine On Off 2 Split Control Lever 11 Horizontal Lock 3 End Plate 12 Vertical Lock 4 Beam 13 Support Leg 5 Wedge 14 2 Ball Coupler 6 Log Dislodger 15 Safety Chains 7 Cylinder 16 Hydraulic Reservoir Cap 8 Engine 17 Suction Strainer 9 Fuel On Off ...

Page 8: ...splitter NEVER check for leaks with your hand Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood at least two feet long with your hand at one end and passing the other end near the suspected area wear eye protection Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood NEVER adjust the pressure of the pump or valve If injured by escaping fluid no matter how small the wound is see a doctor at o...

Page 9: ...d use control valve handle to extend and retract wedge five 5 times to remove air from the high pressure lines 9 With wedge retracted shut off engine 10 Check oil level again Fill if necessary 11 Replace hydraulic oil fill vent cap WARNING NEVER remove the hydraulic oil fill cap when the engine is running or hot Hot oil can escape causing severe burns Allow log splitter to cool completely before r...

Page 10: ...plitter with its engine running 3 Fuel Valve Off if equipped Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage Refer to Engine owner s manual for fuel valve location 4 Lock Support Leg DOWN Lock support leg in DOWN position before you move the log splitter 5 Move Log Splitter to Work Site or Tow Hitch Move log splitter by hand either directly to chosen work s...

Page 11: ... occur if tire explodes When seating a bead after repair do not exceed 60 PSI Pressures higher than 60 PSI can cause the tire and wheel to rupture and explode 3 Engine Off IMPORTANT Make sure log splitter engine is off Never move the log splitter with its engine running 4 Fuel Valve Off if equipped Turn fuel valve off to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the chance of fuel leakage Refer to En...

Page 12: ...lock nut with wrench 3 Proper adjustment is obtained when coupler is as tight as possible on ball and locking lever can still be opened and closed 4 Lock lever closed to secure the attachment 5 Insert pin into locking lever to ensure it does not unlock while towing 6 Attach Safety Chains Attach safety chains 1 Two safety chains must be used while towing 2 Cross safety chains under the coupler allo...

Page 13: ... over rough terrain On public roads If towing on a public road make sure to comply with all local state and federal towing requirements It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to obtain licensing trailer lights safety chains or signage as needed to comply Unattended Turn off the towing vehicle before leaving the splitter unattended Under the influence Never tow or operate this splitter whil...

Page 14: ...ydraulic system pressure relieved 1 Make sure engine is off and cool 2 Disconnect the spark plug 3 Relieve all hydraulic system pressure by moving the Split Control Lever back and forth several times 2 Remove Debris Remove debris from engine muffler and moving parts 1 Engine debris Debris on a hot engine can be a fire hazard Clean debris and chaff from engine cylinder head cylinder head fins fan h...

Page 15: ...control valve handles back and forth to relieve pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses tubing fittings or other components NEVER check for leaks with your hand Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood at least two feet long with your hand at one end and passing the other end near the suspected area wear eye protection Look for discolorat...

Page 16: ...Tires Make sure tires are fully inflated and in good repair if you will be towing the splitter See tire sidewall for recommended tire pressure WARNING Do not over inflate tires Serious injury can occur if tire explodes When seating a bead after repair do not exceed 60 PSI Pressures higher than 60 PSI can cause the tire and wheel to rupture and explode 10 Shields Guards Replace all guards and shiel...

Page 17: ...approved container NEVER pump fuel directly into engine at gas station Static charge can build and ignite fuel Use a UL listed fuel container to transfer gas to the engine Don t overfill DO NOT overfill the gas tank Allow at least 1 2 of empty space below the fill neck to allow for fuel expansion Heat flames sparks Stay away from sources of heat flame or sparks while adding fuel 5 Spills Splashes ...

Page 18: ... log splitter shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY See a doctor You may have carbon monoxide poisoning 2 Fire Precautions Take the following precautions against fire 1 IMPORTANT If your splitter will be used near any unimproved forest brush or grassy covered land then engine must be equipped with a spark arrestor See the Specifications section of this manual to determine if your spl...

Page 19: ...the splitting control Splitting wedge NEVER attempt to change the height or speed of the splitting wedge Pressure setting NEVER increase the pressure setting of the pump or control valve Safety equipment controls Always operate the log splitter with all safety equipment in place and in good working order and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation Know how to stop Be thoroughly familiar ...

Page 20: ...ical splitting position The HORIZONTAL splitting position is used for lighter logs that can be easily loaded onto the beam The VERTICAL splitting position is used for light logs as well as heavy logs that are difficult to load onto the beam Note Musculoskeletal injury can result from lifting logs onto the log splitter if proper lifting techniques are not used or the logs are too heavy for a person...

Page 21: ...draulic oil is above 10 F before starting the engine Cold hydraulic oil can damage the hydraulic pump b If outdoor air temperature is below 32 F allow log splitter to warm up by extending and returning the wedge several times before splitting wood WARNING Burns To avoid burns stay clear of hot muffler if you are starting a warm engine Carbon monoxide The running engine gives off carbon monoxide a ...

Page 22: ...of the log Wedge moving NEVER load or unload logs while the wedge is moving Straddling reaching across Never straddle reach across or step over the beam while the engine is running and the log splitter is in the horizontal position You could trip actuate the controls and get seriously injured Unsplit log pile Do not pile logs to be split in a place that will make you reach across the log splitter ...

Page 23: ...r use any other body part or a rope cable or other remote device to actuate the control Second person Many accidents occur when there is more than one person involved in loading and operating the log splitter Only one person should operate the controls If a second person is assisting in loading logs the operator must NEVER actuate the Split Control Lever until the assistant and all bystanders are ...

Page 24: ...bystanders or the splitter could become damaged 9 Return Wedge Move Split Control Lever away from end plate to return wedge Once the control valve is actuated in the return direction the wedge is designed to keep returning by itself completely and then stop automatically WARNING Stay clear while the wedge is returning It is still powerful enough on the return stroke to cause serious injury Keep ha...

Page 25: ...2 Leave the fuel valve lever in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Long Term Storage between infrequent uses and at end of season Drain the fuel tank and carburetor as instructed in the engine owner s manual Important Safety Instructions Always drain fuel from tank in outdoor well ventilated area Stay away from sources of heat flame or sparks while handling fuel Clean up fu...

Page 26: ...ydraulic components of the log splitter NEVER check for leaks with your hand Leaks can be located by holding a piece of cardboard or wood at least two feet long with your hand at one end and passing the other end near the suspected area wear eye protection Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood NEVER adjust the pressure of the pump or valve If injured by escaping fluid no matter how small...

Page 27: ...check that oil level reads full Note Do not thread in dipstick when checking oil level 3 Oil Filter Change Change return line filter after the first 50 hours of operation and every 250 hours thereafter Replace return line filter Refer to the parts breakdown section for part 1 Shut down the engine on the Log Splitter 2 Relieve hydraulic system pressure by moving the splitter control lever back and ...

Page 28: ...od at least 2 feet long with your hand at one end and passing the other end near the suspected area wear eye protection Look for discoloration of the cardboard or wood If injured by escaping fluid no matter how small the wound is see a doctor at once A typical injection injury may be a small puncture that does not look serious However severe infection or reaction can result if proper medical treat...

Page 29: ...rizontal Maximum Log Length 25 25 25 Maximum Log Diameter 16 16 16 Hydraulic Cylinder Bore 4 4 5 5 Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke 24 24 24 Spark Arrestor No No Yes Fuel Valve Yes Yes Yes Overall Dimensions 83L x 41W x 39H 83L x 41W x 41H 83L x 41W x 41H Dry Weight 500 lbs 525 lbs 550 lbs Replacement Filter BR001113 BR001113 BR001113 If the log splitter will be run for long periods of time in outdoor te...

Page 30: ...30 Parts Breakdown Exploded View Rev A ...

Page 31: ...der Seal Kit 1 24 82569 M12 1 75 x 80 HHSF 4 All 68 794721 Right Log Cradle Mount 2 All 25 82570 M14 2 Nyloc Nut 1 All 69 794937 Left Log Cradle Mount 2 All 26 777124 Spindle Castle Nut 2 All 70 794722 Log Cradle Face Plate 2 All 27 777495 M8 1 25 Nyloc Nut 13 All 71 794528 Keeper 2 All 28 777835 13 16 1 3 4 Hose Clamp 2 All 72 794529 Keeper Spacer Small 2 B C 29 3030 Pump Bracket Small 1 A B 7947...

Page 32: ...o the exhaust system fuel tanks or fuel lines Fire can result Remote Control NEVER attach a rope cable or other remote device to the splitting control Splitting Wedge NEVER attempt to change the height or speed of the splitting wedge Pressure Setting NEVER increase the pressure setting of the pump or control valve Operator Restrictions Untrained Operators Do not allow anyone to operate the log spl...

Page 33: ...apparel can become entangled in moving parts Never wear jewelry or loose fitting clothing Gloves Wear snug fitting gloves without drawstrings or loose cuffs Hearing Protection The use of earplugs or other hearing protection device is recommended Safety During Inspection Maintenance Always inspect your log splitter before each use and repair as needed to keep it in safe working condition Engine off...

Page 34: ...ever add fuel or remove gas cap if engine is running or still hot Stop the engine and allow to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel Heat flames sparks Stay away from sources of heat flame or sparks while adding fuel Don t overfill DO NOT overfill the gas tank Allow at least 1 2 of empty space below the fill neck to allow for fuel expansion Replace cap Replace gas cap securely before starti...

Page 35: ...e and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY See a doctor You may have carbon monoxide poisoning Other exhaust dangers Engine exhaust some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other reproductive harm Avoid inhalation of exhaust Safety in Loading Operating and Unloading Square log ends Logs that are not c...

Page 36: ... the log is too stringy or tough to split completely A stuck log will move back with the wedge on the initial attempt to retract the wedge If this happens retract the wedge completely to allow the log dislodger to strip the log from the wedge Keep hands clear of log wedge and log dislodger while wedge is retracting WARNING NEVER attempt to remove a stuck log by Modifying the splitter Adding attach...

Page 37: ...se contact Product Support at 1 800 350 8739 Find a work space that is large enough to maneuver log splitter once completely assembled Assemble log splitter on solid and level ground CAUTION Heavy lifting required Some of the components in these assembly instructions are heavy and cannot be lifted by one person safely Plan on assembling this product when another person can be available to help Too...

Page 38: ...Part 82563 M6 1 00 Nut Qty 3 Part 82281 M8 1 25 Nut Qty 13 Part 780599 White Plastic Dust Cap Tool Qty 1 Part 780598 Dust Cap Qty 2 Part 791219 Valve Inlet Fitting Qty 1 Part 778642 Valve Outlet Fitting Qty 1 Part 778827 Cylinder Hose Fitting Qty 1 Part 778827 Return Filter Fitting Qty 1 Part 82157 Zip Tie found in box with parts bag Qty 2 ...

Page 39: ...pin through the hole in axle nut and axle Bend and spread prongs in opposite directions so the axle nut will not come off make sure the wheel spins freely Use dust cap tool and hammer to install the dust cap on the wheel hub placing a small square of scrap lumber over the dust cap tool and tapping with the hammer Tap until the dust cap is well seated against the hub Repeat step for the other side ...

Page 40: ...the axle assembly Slide tow bar assembly into the beam mount on top of the axle assembly Lock the support leg in the down position on a flat surface so the tow bar is level Align the holes and install 2 bolts and 2 nuts Torque to 71 ft lb Tools Needed Ratchet Torque Wrench 18mm Socket 18mm Wrench Support Leg Beam Mount ...

Page 41: ...otal thread engagement should be 3 5 6 turns Lightly coat Return Line Filter Canister seal with oil Screw finger tight 1 Return Line Filter Canister onto bottom of return line filter head until gasket makes contact and continue until hand tight Then tighten filter an additional 1 2 turn with oil filter wrench Screw finger tight 1 Filter Fitting into the return line filter head Wrench tighten the f...

Page 42: ...hown in the engine mounting patterns Install using 4 bolts and 4 nuts Torque to 21 ft lb Tools Needed Ratchet Torque Wrench 13mm Socket 13mm Wrench Fasteners Needed from Parts Bag Part 82280 M8 1 25 x 40mm Qty 4 Part 82281 M8 1 25 Nut Qty 4 Engine Mount VH1737GX Engine Mounting Pattern VH1724GC VH1730GC Engine Mounting Pattern ...

Page 43: ...ion hose onto the bottom of the pump Loosen hose clamps and reposition to approximately 3 8 from ends of hose Torque hose clamps to 77 in lbs Note It may be necessary to loosen hose clamp on tank end of hose and reposition hose on tank end to achieve a length which allows installation to pump Tighten hose clamp again after repositioning Tools Needed 8mm socket Ratchet Torque wrench Suction Hose Pu...

Page 44: ... prevent it from tipping over The beam assembly weighs approximately 350 pounds and will cause bodily injury if it falls on someone Step 6 Stand beam upright CAUTION Beam assembly is top heavy Carefully stand beam assembly in vertical position on solid level ground Assistance from a second person is required Tools Needed None ...

Page 45: ...xle assembly with the beam assembly Have a person hold the beam in place while maneuvering any assembly Center the beam mount on the axle assembly with the beam mount on the beam assembly Insert pivot pin through hole of beam mount If desired a hammer can be used to gently tap the pin into place Install cotter pin Tools Needed Hammer Beam Mount Cotter Pin Pivot Pin ...

Page 46: ...valve side of the splitter Attach to the beam using 2 bolts and 2 nuts Torque nuts to 21 ft lb Remove the catch pin from the hole in the beam rest and leave it dangling freely on the lanyard Tools Needed Ratchet Torque Wrench 13mm Socket 13mm Wrench Fasteners Needed from Parts Bag Part 82561 M8 1 25 x 25mm Qty 2 Part 82281 M8 1 25 Nut Qty 2 Catch Pin Beam Rest Mounting Bracket Lanyard Beam Rest Ea...

Page 47: ...uctions Step 9 Block and Rotate Block the wheels and rotate the beam assembly to the horizontal position Insert the catch pin through the beam rest to lock the beam in the horizontal position Tools Needed None Catch Pin ...

Page 48: ...eldment with holes in the front plate of the beam Install 3 bolts and 3 nuts Torque to 21 ft lb Tools Needed Ratchet Torque Wrench 13mm Socket 13mm Wrench Fasteners Needed from Parts Bag Part 82561 M8 1 25 x 25mm Qty 3 Part 82281 M8 1 25 Nut Qty 3 Beam Front Plate ...

Page 49: ...the valve touches the o ring Back the valve off until valve is in the proper orientation Hold the valve in the orientation shown below and torque nut against the valve at 37 46 ft lb Attach the valve plate to the valve using 3 bolts and 3 nuts Torque to 102 in lbs Tools Needed Phillips Screwdriver Torque Wrench 10mm Wrench Adjustable Wrench or 7 8 Wrench 22mm Crowfoot Wrench Fasteners Needed from ...

Page 50: ...stall Handle on Valve Slide the valve handle into the clevis slots on the valve Align the holes in the handle with the clevis holes Insert the supplied pins through the holes and secure with the supplied bridge clips Tools Needed Pliers ...

Page 51: ...er touches control valve Continue turning until washer touches thread nearest wrench pad Back off fitting counterclockwise not exceeding one revolution until it is oriented as shown facing the hitch end of the splitter Place wrench on the wrench pad of fitting to prevent fitting from turning and torque nut to 70 87 ft lb Tools Needed 2 Adjustable Wrenches Torque Wrench 32mm Crowfoot Wrench Part 77...

Page 52: ...her touches control valve Continue turning until washer touches thread nearest wrench pad Back off fitting counterclockwise not exceeding one revolution until it is oriented in the correct position at a 90 angle Place wrench on the wrench pad of fitting to prevent fitting from turning and torque nut to 37 46 ft lb Tools Needed 2 Adjustable Wrenches Torque Wrench 22mm Crowfoot Wrench Part 778827 Cy...

Page 53: ...touches control valve Continue turning until washer touches thread nearest wrench pad Back off fitting counterclockwise not exceeding one revolution until it is oriented in the correct position pointed directly down Place wrench on the wrench pad of fitting to prevent fitting from turning and torque nut to 70 87 ft lb Tools Needed 2 Adjustable Wrenches Torque Wrench 32mm Crowfoot Wrench Part 79121...

Page 54: ...any type of sealing material Step 16 Install Cylinder Hose Route the cylinder hose to the cylinder hose fitting on the valve Screw finger tight cylinder hose to the cylinder hose fitting Wrench tighten the fitting Tools Needed 2 Adjustable Wrenches Cylinder Hose Cylinder Hose Fitting ...

Page 55: ...t Wrench tighten the fitting to 1 5 3 0 Turns Past Finger Tight position Properly assembled fittings total thread engagement should be 3 5 6 turns Route hose back through hose guides with hose as far down on the beam as possible high pressure hose will be routed on the bottom Screw finger tight remaining end of the High Pressure Supply Hose to the Valve Inlet Fitting on the control valve inlet Wre...

Page 56: ... cradles Slide log cradles onto bolts as shown below with flanges pointed toward the hitch end of the splitter Install upper 2 bolts and 2 nuts and tighten Torque to 21 ft lb Tools Needed Ratchet Torque Wrench 13mm Socket 13mm Wrench Fasteners Needed from Parts Bag Part 82561 M8 1 25 x 25mm Qty 4 Part 82281 M8 1 25 Nut Qty 4 Note orientation of log cradle mounts ...

Page 57: ...pproximately 3 8 from ends of hose Torque hose clamps to 77 in lbs Put splitter into vertical position and check the hoses for kinking loosen and twist if necessary and return to horizontal position Once the hoses are placed correctly and do not kink or catch going to and from the vertical position wrap zip ties around both hoses and hose guides as shown below and tighten Cut off tail end of zip t...

Page 58: ...8 Available Accessories Fender Kit Item 795171 Fits all VH17 models Engine Guard Item 795172 Fits all VH17 models Any Questions Comments Problems or Parts Orders Call Brave Product Support 1 800 350 8739 ...

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Page 60: ...consumer Commercial use means all other uses including but not limited to use for commercial income producing or rental purposes or when purchased by a business This limited warranty applies to the original purchaser of the equipment verification of purchase in the form of a receipt is the responsibility of the buyer is non transferable and covers parts and labor Parts will be replaced or repaired...

Page 61: ...rtment Unit City State ZIP Code Model Information Purchase Date Application Type Homeowner Commercial Rental Model i e VH1724GC Serial i e VH1724GCA012345678 Signature IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION To activate your Brave log splitter warranty please fill out the information in the form below and mail to Brave 20195 S Diamond Lake Rd STE 100 Rogers MN 55374 or go online to www braveproducts com an...

Page 62: ...62 20195 S Diamond Lake Rd Ste 100 Rogers MN 55374 1 800 350 8739 ...