Brave woodsplitter

milkman · Oct 29, 2009

The last two wood splitting seasons, the Brave 22 ton splitter has been having trouble with wood that normally would be a breeze. At times it has very little force and won't split fairly straight wood. When the wedge hits the wood, it goes into bypass or acts like the 2nd stage won't kick in, sometimes I can let up on the handle and reengage and it will split. Any ideas what is going on, something sticking in the valve or would it be a problem with the pump. It seems to do this after it gets good and warmed up. I've looked at the fluid, it's not low or foaming. I initially thought the slide was binding, but I installed grease fittings and greasing it doesn't fix the problem. Any suggestions where to start?

bhostasa · Oct 29, 2009

I have an older Brave splitter. I had to put some work into it this summer to get it ready.

I had a similar issue with a loss of power and mine needed the cylinder repacked. Cost about $100.

I'm not sure how old your splitter is but I would imagine it's either your pump or your cylinder packings.

Wayne County Hose · Oct 29, 2009

Replace the pump. There is probably a cap looking thing on the pump. Take it off and turn the screw in about 2 turns, see if it helps. Not a fix, but if it gets better, it's the pump. Cylinders are usually not intermittent. When you said that it's ok cold and bad when warm, that cements it that the pump is bad. I can't absolutely promise you this, but I would say way better than a 90% chance. If it were mine, and I own the gauges and adapters, I would just order the pump and not waste my time.

J_J · Oct 29, 2009

Put a gage on the pump output and let us know the pressures. Does the log splitter ever go into relief? If it does, that indicted that the pump is building pressure up to the relief setting. If it is a two stage pump, the extend pressure is around 650 psi, and when it goes into the second stage, then it goes up to 2500 psi.

There is a part in the pump that switches a valve from low pressure to high pressure. It could be jammed or faulty and keeping the pump in the 650 psi mode, and it will act just like you said.

milkman · Oct 29, 2009

J J , That is exactly what it acts like it's doing. When I get a chance, I'll check into that first as that sounds like a logical place to start. It sits idle for long periods of time so maybe something is sticking.

J_J · Oct 29, 2009

It is just amazing how they can get 22 ton out of a 4 in cyl, at 2500 psi. I figure a little over 15 ton. Even if they bump up the pressure up to 3000 psi, I figure about 18 ton.

mcnitt · Oct 30, 2009

J J
If it is not too much trouble, will you please explain the math required to make your determinations?

Thank you - I am sure there are many of us would consider it a big step up to understanding hydraulics.