Tech Corner Videos

Jared and Nick are in the woodyard seeking to reduce the cycle time on a modified RuggedSplit 300 Series log splitter. Don't miss the results when they combine a Honda GX390 engine with a 28 GPM hydraulic pump.

To choose the correct cylinder for your hydraulic system, you need to understand how to determine a number of critical measurements. Get your calipers ready, as Jared covers all the basics.

Ever wonder what's inside a hydraulic cylinder? Well, we sliced one open to give you a look! Listen in as Jared takes you on a tour of the inner workings of a hydraulic log splitter cylinder. 

The darn pull-start doesn't pull? Don't bother trying to fix it. Your best bet is to replace the pull-start recoil assembly. Join Jared and Nick in the shop as they walk through how to do this on Honda GX series engines and clones.

If you're looking for speed, then catch the new modifications made by Jared and Nick as they pursue a five-second cycle time on a souped-up RS-322 log splitter.

Learn how to fine-tune the relief setting on your main hydraulic valve for optimum log splitter performance.

Learn how to fine-tune the return detent on your log splitter valve for smooth and efficient cylinder cycles.

Swapping out the suction line hydraulic hose on an already amped-up RS-322 log splitter made a huge difference in performance. Watch as Jared and Nick crush a woodpile to see how fast they can fill up an IBC tote.

Is your electric starter not working on your small utility engine? We've got Jared and Nick in the RuggedMade shop covering all you'll need to know to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Just like a vintage muscle car, RuggedMade log splitters can be souped up by installing a bigger engine and a larger pump. Watch as Jared and Joe tackle a woodpile using an RS-322 log splitter supercharged with a 420cc (15 HP) engine and a jumbo 28 GPM, 2-stage pump.

When the carburetor is the cause of your small engine troubles, it might be time for a cleaning. Catch this video to learn how to clean the carburetor in a Honda GX engine.

Read Video Transcript

Few things are more frustrating than when your small engine won't start or runs rough. Before you call it quits and bring the machine to a service shop, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take.

Pick up some pointers for attaching the RuggedMade 3-point hitch log splitter to a tractor.

This Tech Corner takes you step-by-step through how to install a replacement valve on a RuggedMade 700-series log splitter. This single spool hydraulic directional control valve features a power beyond circuit that is well suited to multiple valve set-ups, which the 700-series of wood splitters have, thanks to its hydraulically powered log lift. If you are experiencing a leaky valve situation, this video will show you one option that may solve the issue.

It can be a messy job, so wear hand and eye protection as you follow along at home!

If your small engine doesn't start, either with the electric or pull-start, it may not be getting spark because the ignition coil is grounded out. This video will show the steps to isolate the ignition coil from the wiring harness, ignition switch, electric start panel, and low oil shutoff.

If bypassing the electrical components mentioned above using our technique, there is an issue with one of those components. There is an additional path to ground preventing the ignition coil from generating a spark. Watch the video for our recommended steps to resolve the issue.

Applies to many lawn and garden engines based on the Honda GX series and most "clones," including Loncin, Lifan, Rato, Raven, and Harbor Freight Predator.

In this video, we show you a simple way to test if the electric starter solenoid on your small engine is bad and how to replace it.

We are doing this on a Raven R212 engine, but this technique applies to many home & garden small engines such as Honda GX200, GX270, GX390, Loncin, Lifan, and Harbor Freight Predator.

In this video, we will show you how to inspect and adjust the clearance on your intake and exhaust valves on your small engine. This is also known as valve gap or valve lash. We are doing this on a Raven R420 engine, but this technique applies to many other small lawn & garden engines, such as the Honda GX90, Locin, Lifan, and Harbor Freight Predator.

Want to learn how to install a 2-stage hydraulic pump onto a small engine? We cover all the basses in this step-by-step video.