Brave log splitter questions

[Canatct]

Hi all! I am looking at a used Brave 26 ton log splitter. It has a Tecumseh 8 hp engine and looks good.
The model is VH9926.
Where would I find the serial number?
Are these good splitters?
Also, there are no fenders and no log dislodger. Can I add these items?

 

[dbofdalton]

I have the 22 ton unit. Same beam size. Changed out the motor with a Harbor Freight Predator engine a few years ago. Has otherwise been flawless. I would contact the manufacturer as to whether you can add the items you mentioned. My guess is they may not be available, depending on the age. I would buy regardless. My is about 20 years old by the way. Probably has seen about 150 cords gone through it.

 

[Canatct]

Where is the serial number located?
Can you tell what year by the serial number?
The Tecumseh seeks to run ok but how hard would it be to swap in a Honda GX?

 

[mohick]

Why would you want to spend the just to get the honda name??????? They are no "magic bullet"

 

[Canatct]

You're right, they're no magic bullet but from my experience they're pretty reliable. I'm not planning to buy the splitter and install one right away. Hopefully the Tecumseh will last many more years. I'm just curious if it's a direct swap.

 

[dbofdalton]

Couldn't say where the serial number is. Splitter is at brothers house right now. Wouldn't overlook the Harbor Freight engines though, mine has performed perfectly. May not be as good as a Honda but they're a third the price. Most of the Hondas are made in China now too.

 

[hedge hog]

I think that splitter is set up with a vertical shaft motor


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[Wood Doctor]

I have the 22 ton unit. Same beam size. Changed out the motor with a Harbor Freight Predator engine a few years ago. Has otherwise been flawless. I would contact the manufacturer as to whether you can add the items you mentioned. My guess is they may not be available, depending on the age. I would buy regardless. My is about 20 years old by the way. Probably has seen about 150 cords gone through it.

Ditto in all counts, including the Predator change out. The Briggs just plain gave up. Mine might be 25 years old. Seldom bogs down except in some crotch or spiral grain stuff. I recently flushed the hydraulic fluid because the junk in there might have been the original.

 

[Canatct]

I sent an email to Brave so hopefully they can tell me more information about the splitter. My father has an outdoor water stove ( that's what I call it). He had a stroke and now I'm having to cut, saw and split the wood. I'm 52 and the only splitter I ever used was a maul. The last tree I cut was a red oak that I had to use a wedge and sledge hammer to split. That day I decided I would buy a splitter.
Anyone had experience with the Tecumseh XL/C ?

 

[GVS]

Hi all! I am looking at a used Brave 26 ton log splitter. It has a Tecumseh 8 hp engine and looks good.
The model is VH9926.
Where would I find the serial number?
Are these good splitters?
Also, there are no fenders and no log dislodger. Can I add these items?

I'm almost certain that the S/N is stamped into the beam near the wedge.As to an engine swap,the Tec. isn't a bad engine but getting some parts could be tough now a days since the company is out of business.When the day comes putting a Honda,Briggs or H.F. special won't be a problem.

 

[Canatct]

The tecumsuh is a vertical shaft. The guy was asking 1500 but I got an email today saying he's moving and I can have it for 650. Sounds like a good deal just from what I've read about them.
It's my first splitter so any tips on what to look for would be appreciated.
It's a VH9926 which is on the recall list, I'll need to see the numbers stamped on the cylinder before I know. If it is how does that work? I send Brave the cylinder and they send me a new one?

 

[rarefish383]

If your were looking at one for $1500, go to Lowes and get a new DHT for $1000, Joe.

 

[rarefish383]

I had something on the stove so I couldn't finish my thought. DHT is a sponsor here and they monitor this forum. They produce an excellent machine. I bought a 22 ton from Tractor Supply before DHT put theirs on the market. The TSC machine has done everything I've asked of it, and I come from a commercial background. My first splitter was a 40HP Bliss 2 way that cost $3600 back in 81-82. I'm 60 now and the 22 ton can do as much as I can. I paid $999 for it 4 years ago, Joe.

 

[Canatct]

This is a Brave 26 ton.
He offered to sell it for 650 and I have a feeling I can get it for even less.
I meant the Tecumseh is a horizontal shaft.

 

[WoodTick007]

Are these good splitters?

Offer him $300.

Take that Tecumseh off , toss it in the local trash dumpster and replace it with a $99 HF PREDATOR. . .
I guess you could put the tecumseh on Craigslist and some senile old fool will snap it up because it's made in America. . . lol. They were garbage when new and only get worse with age. . . brave is a good machine

 

[GVS]

Are these good splitters?

Offer him $300.

Take that Tecumseh off , toss it in the local trash dumpster and replace it with a $99 HF PREDATOR. . .
I guess you could put the tecumseh on Craigslist and some senile old fool will snap it up because it's made in America. . . lol. They were garbage when new and only get worse with age. . . brave is a good machine

Wow,Your experience with Tec.
sure is different then mine.I had one on a push behind mower that lasted 21 years before it gave up the ghost.I'm not the only one on this board to have had good luck with Tec.

 

[WoodTick007]

Well Mr/Mrs CVS. I am not going to get into a pissing match on if tecumseh engine products built an over priced, poorly engineered substandard engine or not. It appears you should get in line to buy the engine off this mans Brave Logsplitter.
You might wanna post in the wanted to buy section and start snatching up only L-head tec engines from logsplitter, mowers, snowblowers, tillers, wood chippers.
Have a nice day!

 

[GVS]

Well Mr/Mrs CVS. I am not going to get into a pissing match on if tecumseh engine products built an over priced, poorly engineered substandard engine or not. It appears you should get in line to buy the engine off this mans Brave Logsplitter.
You might wanna post in the wanted to buy section and start snatching up only L-head tec engines from logsplitter, mowers, snowblowers, tillers, wood chippers.
Have a nice day!

No doubt about it .Your experience is far different then mine as far as Tec. engines are concerned.If I was in the market for a small engine and a Tec. was avaliable and passed muster I wouldn't hold back on a buy.