Start-up Procedure
Important Notice
Do not start the engine. Follow all the instructions in the “Start-up Procedure”
before operating the log splitter. Failure to follow this recommendation will
result in engine and hydraulic pump damage.
If this log splitter is purchased without an engine, the customer assumes all liabilities that
might arise from an engine that is incompatible with the design of the log splitter. Also
any unauthorized changes or modifications to the log splitter will void all warranties.
IMPORTANT: Before starting the engine, read the engine manufacturer’s operating and
maintenance instruction manual. If an engine manual was not supplied with the log split-
ter, it is your responsibility to obtain a manual. Start by contacting the store where you
purchased the log splitter. If they cannot help you, contact the engine manufacturer.
1. Fill the hydraulic tank with 9 gallons of SAE 10W tractor hydraulic oil or automatic
transmission fluid such as Dextron III. The tank is full when the oil level is one inch
from the top of the tank. Do not tighten the fill cap at this time.
2. Fill the engine’s crank case with the engine manufacturer’s recommended oil.
3. Lubricate the surface of slide rail with grease. This will help to prevent wear between
the slide plates and the slide rail.
4. Remove the spark plug wire from the engine. This prevents the engine from starting
until the hydraulic pump and cylinder are completely filled with oil. Make sure the
spark plug wire is held away from the spark plug with string or other nonconductive
material.
5. Push the valve control handle to the forward position (towards the front of the cylin-
der) with one hand and pull the engine starter cord (about 15 times) with the other
hand until the cylinder piston moves forward. (Keep everything away from the split-
ting wedge during this step.)
NOTE: Extending the cylinder piston draws the hydraulic fluid through the system and
expels any trapped air in the system.
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.
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Brave Products, Inc.
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 hoses,
clamps, nuts, bolts, fittings, etc. are properly installed and tightened.
Do not check for leaks with your hand. Leaks can be located by pass-
ing a piece of cardboard or wood around the suspected leak and look-
ing for discoloration. High-pressure fluid escaping from a very small
hole can be almost invisible. Escaping fluid under pressure can have
sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing serious injury or even death.
If fluid is injected into your skin, it must be treated immediately by a doc-
tor familiar with this type of injury.
Always replace frayed, kinked, or cracked hoses and/or other damaged hydraulic com-
ponents with Brave Products authorized parts and components specified in the “Parts”
section of this manual. Replacement parts from secondary suppliers (not original Brave
replacement parts) can lead to product damage and/or personal injury, and will void the
warranty.
Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or reservoir while the log
splitter is running. Hot oil under pressure could be expelled resulting in
serious injury.
Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic fitting or line, be sure to
relieve all hydraulic pressure by shutting off the engine, removing spark plug wire, and
moving the valve control handle back and forth several times until no cylinder movement
is visible.
Engine Service
Refer to the engine manufacturers’ manual for engine maintenance and repair.
Storage
Refer to the engine manufacturers’ manual for engine storage. No special procedures
are required for the hydraulic system to store the log splitter.
CAUTION
WARNING
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Summary of Contents for VH9934
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