5 Things I Hate About My Micro Excavator!!!

[@shmigoli]

I just got a 2023 AGT chinese mini excavator (purchased from local auction for $5700 after all taxes and fees). I love the fact you have the capability to pivot the boom, really wish mine could do that. I do fully understand though about the speed, it is a huge pain. One thing I did notice that I HATE with mine is the cheap chinese hydraulic valve manifold control. Trying to go forward or turning isn't like a gentle go, it is almost full on or off. I've talked to my late-aunt's fiancé who has dealt with many small and large machines, he informed me that it is due to these manifolds. He had a skid steer which had the same issue but he replaced it with a US made part (had to use an adapter) but much smoother. Due to the rough driving this has I've had several occasions in which I was trying to turn in soft dirt and it was like it didn't have enough power, I could hear the motor working to turn but treads would not budge unless I went straight back first then went to only one control to turn. I really want to upgrade this on mine. Another gripe I have is that mine doesn't have a hydraulic cylinder for the thumb, I really want to add one but the manual I got gives no info for the size/length of cylinder I need - pisses me off. One concern I have, I've used this for probably about 15-20 minutes and my hour meter only now shows 0000.1 hours. I'd love to add some attachments but really not sure if there are specific sizes that will only work with this or not as the manual gives no info on the specific sizes. This might sound like a complaint from a newbie, but hey that is who I am, this is my first piece of "heavy" machinery equipment I've used.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Congrats on the new toy! Try moving the control VERY VERY slow and see if you can find the sweet spot for gentle moving. Mine does that but they say mine has upgraded valves. 🤷‍♂️ You can buy a different hour meter on Amazon that’s more accurate. Try a Chinese mini excavator group on Facebook and you can see a bunch of guys have added a hydraulic thumb. Good info out there. Not sure what attachments work, but AGT sells a bunch of attachments. I think you can get some on eBay, or maybe DirtPro out of Texas sells attachments as well.

[@WaltWW]

Check that both wires are attached to the bottom of your hour meter, one may have become unattached during shipping or they left it off at the factory.

[@cacaokingdom3122]

​@@WaltWWmine came with one wire detached. Noticed the meter wasn't advancing and went digging and fixed it.

[@martinsaunders2942]

Regarding the grip tape…Do like we do at sea. Clean off the old stuff, then with masking tape, mask out the area. Paint an epoxy resin mix on the surface, Then When Still Wet…Sprinkle dry sand over it..Remove masking tape before the resin fully cures…ie.. when it’s still sticky.. …Job Done!👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Nice. Never heard of that. It works well I suppose.

[@trustbuster23]

Useful info. I was always curious about owning one of these. It is obviously not something for daily hard use, but if you are like me, a homeowner with some land who will only need it occasionally, it makes sense to put up with the trade-offs. The fact that you can't reach the fuel shut-off for the engine easily is another downside. For something like this, making sure you run it out of gas before it inevitably sits in storage for months is important. Once you get through that initial long list of jobs you have for it, it may occasionally sit long enough for the gas to go bad. And I would not want to take half of that thing apart just to clean the carb jets.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. You can get to the fuel shutoff. It’s just a pain. It’s really amazing how many things I can find to use this for. It’s awesome.

[@survivalguyfyi5718]

Great thing is most of these issues you can fix yourself for pretty cheap. Then you'll have a machine closer in quality to the name brand stuff. Especially being a KYMRON you can replace with Parker and Eaton pumps and drives if yours go out.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I agree. It’s an awesome machine. I already have all my “complaints” fixed. That’s the next video. Heh

[@survivalguyfyi5718]

@@OurLifeInTrees Love your content. Just subscribed. Are you happy with Kymron's customer service? I'm getting ready to purchase a machine. Either the XH26D open cab or the XH42D. As bad as I want the 42, I will probably get the 26 because of the price difference. Plus I won't have to modify my Shop door to get the taller 42 inside. The 26 will still be a game changer for my side business for sure. Been doing everything with a 55hp Farm tractor with a removable 8 ft backhoe. Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to have it but it leaves a lot to be desired. Also wanted to mention, I gained my respect showing your accident with the tree branch. Many people would have not posted for fear of being ridiculed. Hey, we all make mistakes and anyone that says otherwise is a liar. It was good of you to share that with everyone. You may have saved a life down the road.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@survivalguyfyi5718Thank you. I really debated if I wanted to stop post publicly I was an idiot. Haha. I decided it would be good context and help some others out like myself. I honestly never thought about tree branches falling. Dang it!! Call Ron at K&R. Tell him Greg, the body shop guy sent you. Heh. He helped me throughout my purchase and has helped me take care of issues I created. lol. I have no regrets buying my machine from him as opposed to a cheaper auction unit. He has a guy that assembles them and goes over them all. He gave me a hands on lesson on how to use it on a Saturday and went over the maintenance requirements and showed me on my machine. Even loaded it for me because driving it up the ramps is scary! Haha.

[@survivalguyfyi5718]

@@OurLifeInTrees Thanks for the info. Have you looked into purchasing or welding yourself as set of pallet forks? If you aren’t familiar with them on mini excavators, they face outwards and you’d be surprised what your little guy can lift. If you can weld you can make some for next to nothing using C channel as the forks. You should run a search on KZbin. It may become your most used attachment. And there’s not a ton of videos on them so that could be great content for a future video.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@survivalguyfyi5718 that sounds like a great idea. I’ll do some research

[@calholli]

Take off those screws and go to the store and buy matching stainless screws.. get a bucket of paint and slop it over all your rust points every time you grease it. It's just a matter of maintenance

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good call.

[@aaroninks]

The worst part about that machine is the huge amount of whining coming from the top of it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahahahaha. That took me a second! Touché!

[@pprudowe]

a small trailer would be a help for the longer travel between jobs on site

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. It would be faster to load and unload than drive the machine. lol.

[@bigken3057]

I have a mini excavator and have fixed some of the problems in your video and also made some modifications to it as well. I think you'll find that if you spin the ex around with the blade in the rear, that will help with the tipping issue. Installing BMX pegs to the lower part of the mousetrap supports, you will have something to rest your feet on. I could go on, but a picture of the improvements is much better...

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I will play around with the blade front and rear. Never seen the pegs before. Not a bad idea! I plan to start with some modification videos soon.

[@chrisreibold1634]

For turning in the yard, try lifting the front end with the bucket and turning while front of tracks are up in the air. Could also use a half sheet of plywood to turn on...

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. Will try the bucket method. Over seen guys use plywood too.

[@chiefkyle1098]

@@OurLifeInTrees What I do is us the bucket to push the excavator up, then use the wheel and house to spin at the same time. Never flat spin on turf nor gravel.

[@DerFledderer]

@@OurLifeInTrees Just dont zero turn, turn like you would with a car, by driving forwards and backwards, turning in slowly, that will make it too.

[@smitty_1]

That's every bit of 300 ft. That damage is minimal for a tracked machine. Bigger machine will make bigger ruts. Adjust the choke cable so it can't pool out so far. Alot of that :lack of maintenance is preventable. Those machines are painted raw with no prep or primer

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I’ll go try and adjust the chile cable. Would be nice not to pull out.

[@mikegrok]

For the tipping, I saw a mod that pushed the rear bash guard back 16 inches and added 80lbs of weight to it, doubling its distance from the pivot. The guy said it made a large difference. Look for mini excavator mods.

[@mikegrok]

He used that extra distance to add a muffler which both made it quieter, and made him less likely to breathe the exhaust.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome. Was that on KZbin?

[@mikegrok]

@@OurLifeInTrees kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXqcnJiXqZmjr7s

[@R94GC]

just posted a video to my channel of me testing one of these mini excavators with a TMK 150 tree sheer. I was mind blown. how well it handled the material I tossed its way.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome

[@OldIronAcres]

I dream of one of these machines.... just because I hate digging! LOL Great video. I could see how all of these little things could be issues! Can't wait to watch more!! Cheers, - - J.Andre. / Old Iron Acres

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. The issues are pretty minor, most of them are fixed now. That’s the next video. Heh

[@LedMcgregor]

I hate that I don't have 1

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha. Touché! It’s a fun toy.

[@ozarkcharlie9331]

Yet

[@jameshayden441]

Up grade hydraulic pump to a bit bigger pump go faster or get a twin pump and put an extra valve block with a selenoid to direct oil to tracking give you 2 speed tracking then 😊

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I would love to. I think that's a little outside my realm of understanding.

[@mikegrok]

Put a 12v linear actuator on the choke line, gas spring return. When the starter motor is on the choke is out, when the starter motor turns off, the choke returns to off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Where do I find one of those? I like the sound of it.

[@mikegrok]

@@OurLifeInTrees google search for "12v linear actuator" I found the technique when looking out how to make a cheap generator remote start. wire the wires to the starter motor to the choke too. using a gas spring for the return will make it keep the choke on for a few seconds when you start it.

[@shmigoli]

@@OurLifeInTrees I've purchased some linear actuators off Amazon as well as some local businesses ($60 ea), never thought about installing one for this but good idea. For me it doesn't make sense as I often have to keep my choke out for a few minutes until the engine warms up enough before pushing it back in. I still might try some different starting methods to see if something like this would actually work.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@shmigoli interesting. I’ve never heard of that before. It’s usually warm enough here I don’t have to worry about leaving the choke out.

[@thunderf4]

1: It’s not made for speed, it’s for light duty general area work, not driving up and down long driveways fast. 2: Its a track system, ALL track drive systems will tear up grass, dirt, etc It’s normal. 3: It’s made with cheap low quality material. 4: Rusting from scratches? That’s anything with bare metal. Again, cheap quality material.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed

[@JIgginCrappie]

I can’t imagine having all those problems with a Kymron. The blow hard on the Kymron videos claims his machines are the best there is. This video confirms they are no different than any other. Glad I didn’t waste the extra money buying one from them.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It seems to be a good machine, but it’s still a Chinese mini excavator.

[@JIgginCrappie]

But have you seen the excessive bragging the guy from Kymron does on his videos. The way he talks you should have none of these issues. My machine has close to the same hours and I have none of these issues@@OurLifeInTrees

[@jakeroininen6298]

I have one of K& R s excavators with about 14 hrs on it. Have had some of the same issues that the guy that made this video. K& R better start correcting theses issues before these units head out the door. Or the reviews will start to haunt him. If I had more cash to spend I would have got a Kubota U-17 & fitted it with a thumb

[@JIgginCrappie]

I afraid the guys that bought these paid for a Kymron sticker @@jakeroininen6298

[@BrightthgirB]

Would you buy a different model if you could ? If so which one?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good question. I really like the small size, but a little heavier would be nice as well. I really like my mini skid steer much better than the excavator for around the yard stuff.

[@JamesThomas-dn6hz]

Speed! Haha! I couldve told you that would be #1.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yup. Slower than watching grass grow! Lol

[@King_TuTT]

good video. yeah I think it would be better to save up some more bucks and get something much better.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I was really debating back and forth about what to get. This was the top of what I wanted to spend and works great for me. All the little issues are already fixed. That’s the next video. lol.

[@edic2619]

TARP... all my life, I either parked my equipment in a garage or threw a tarp over it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Mine stays in my shop or garage.

[@markmcneill6450]

I would put an extension pipe on the muffler. It would probably run better if you got all of the exhaust out of the engine compartment

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. I plan to make a bunch of upgrades. I’ll add that one to the list. Thanks

[@edic2619]

TRAP IT: a tarp keeps ALL electric contacts and connections corosion free, gas motors always start, bearing last longer, rubber does not crack from UV

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good call

[@JohnEllis-u1u]

Do these mini go into free wheel down hill

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I believe only when you are wide open on a hill. I’ve never had an issue besides when driving downhill and I didn’t go that fast. For example, taking it off the trailer.

[@bigwheelsturning]

They were never meant to be fast. Also if you want to not cut up the ground; do like the "big boys" do and plant the bucket on the ground to lift the front of the machine; then turn on the back of the tracks.

[@georgezhou7961]

Wrong. My has 2 pump drives way faster than the video one

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. I’ll try it.

[@georgezhou7961]

kzbin.infoVU-PxBawX3c?si=XDd9DIs5J8SpKStg

[@jimg2885]

Wondering if you bought it from K&R Equipment? I have been looking at them and may pull the trigger on one. As far as tearing up the yard any track machine and skid steer will tear up the ground. We always put plywood down when moving over grass or soil you don't want to mess up. Half a dozen sheets normally works for us. As far as the speed a $25,000.00 Yanmar will be slow also. Another question other than where you bought it was how old is it? You said 24 hours of work but when did you buy it? Very good video and I think I may decide on this brand as the real cheap ones on Ebay or at the auctions seem really cheap and very jumpy or jerky. Will subscribe to see more to come. Thanks for showing the mini ex.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks, glad I could help. I wish there were more videos like this before I bought mine. I think I could have decided quicker. I still would have purchased the same one. I’m a newbie so I’m sure I am more jerky than someone with experience. I’ve never been on another machine to compare this one to. Yes, I bought it from Ron at K&R last July. He was very helpful and showed me how to use it before I purchased it. lol. He met me on a Saturday which was a big deal for me with my work schedule. If you call over there, tell him you saw this video from Greg that works at a body shop. lol

[@jimg2885]

I spoke with Bryce when I called yesterday. Sounds like they sell the heck out of them. @@OurLifeInTrees

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@jimg2885 yeah they do. They had their whole warehouse full of them. Huge selection in stock. Smart business model. They are only a two hour drive from me. I live near OKC.

[@jimg2885]

Wish they had a dealer out west by me. He said they are looking to expand dealers.@@OurLifeInTrees

[@cacaokingdom3122]

At least yours came with grip tape. Mine is smooth, SLICK metal. Makes it easy to add but all it came with was that cheapo mat.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have the cheap mat, but never used it. Get some grip tape. So far the Amazon grip tape works great!

[@Zippy1wood.]

I have basically same machine it works awesome ya it has its cheap things choke, throttle paint but saved me ton of money

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Mine too! Mine makes me money and works great. Most of my complaints are cosmetic and they are pretty much all fixed now. I’ll upload a video in a few days of all my fixes.

[@YouDriveUSuccess]

Even the expensive mini-ex machines are slow. I haven't seen the option for a faster ground speed until you get into a 3 ton machine. Any tracked machine will scar the ground when turning. That's just the nature of the beast, no matter the quality of the machine. Unfortunately, I've had nuts and bolts fall off of some of my name brand machines, even had hydraulic hoses barely hand tight on a brand new dozer. The same goes for the paint job. I expect a higher level of quality control with the name brands, but that has not been the case for me.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I figured the big name ones would be super nice. Yeah, I knew what it was when I bought it and have no regrets with buying this machine. It’s awesome.

[@rednaxrednax1499]

02:17 You sir burnt at least 0:05 seconds after you started the excavator and climbed up it, that must explain the time difference between driving and walking….

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh yeah! Sure is. It’s actually not slow, I am! lol. Good call. Haha

[@ifyoutip]

That cover was made for the Chinese engines originally i suppose. They probably use the same cover even though they put the B&S engine in it for the US market.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I never thought about that. I bet you are right! Makes sense.

[@stanley8574]

On the newer ones of that design, they have extended the exhaust out the back and added more vents in the back cover. I am in the process of adding a hydraulic cooler and filter. Yours may have come with those? The turning of the cab seems harsh and I worry something will eventually break their so I may address that next. I not had mine long and its been in pieces most of that time. As long as spare parts are available, it such a simple design, it should last or be fixable if it breaks.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@stanley8574 I figure the same. Even over time when things go wrong, it’s easy enough to work in that I can hands it.

[@tonymartin6559]

Thank you for pointing all these things out, do you keep it out of the weather or does it spend some time outside between jobs? I have structures to keep things in but like you I like my equipment to stay reasonably good looking and not just falling apart

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It sat out for a few weeks, maybe a month or so. But it usually is in a garage. It lives in the garage now full time.

[@bruceguidosh2120]

Nice little machine for tight trenching spaces, ditch work or grubbing out brush among trees you want to save. But, that's why heavier, name brand hoes are more expensive! on being tippy, ALL excavators are titty if you don't stay within the limits of the machine! (going up that incline onto the road, then going back down, keeping the stick down so the bucket slides on the ground will help keeping the back down, or the front from tipping foreword!)

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the tip. I’m just learning this thing and it’s awesome. Now I’m into learning the shortcoming and how to overcome them.

[@bruceguidosh2120]

@@OurLifeInTrees, if your tracks counter rotate, that can help minimize tearing up ground as well!

[@KEN-j8h]

I have a ground hog ssme same size, had to fix afew things but

[@KEN-j8h]

Nothing serious have 70 hrs on it bought it to replace a shovel I'm 73 years old

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome. I almost have all my little things fixed. That’s the next video. lol. I hear the groundhog is a nice machine

[@soulis1000]

Metric bolts are the best btw :P

[@OurLifeInTrees]

lol true. Easier not to drive to the hardware store.

[@jonhallock66]

The starting issue your having is in the master switch I've had 3 machines similar and they all did same thing the spring in the t handle wears out very fast replace with new master switch and you will be good to go again

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I just figured that out the other day. I have been shopping for another one and haven’t pulled the trigger yet. On Amazon there are pages and pages of options! Thanks for the input and the reminder to order one NOW! lol

[@huggy1712]

I have operated small excavators on a golf course we had a small to trailer it because it was slow rember theses Chinese mini excavators do not have the same qualities as a named brand plus the cost should same it all not saying that kymron or ground hog mini excavators are crap just have to say at the end of the day it still digs a hole for lot less money

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah. Like I said in the video. I really like the machine. It is a cheap machine, but soooo much better than a shovel!!

[@huggy1712]

I agree with you nice machine and better then a shovel

[@caseyjones6197]

As far as the speed that when you need a kid that’s responsible to drive from point A to B. As long as it wouldn’t be dangerous.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha true. Funny you made that comment with what I filmed for my next video. I have my son on the machine for the driveway speed test. Haha.

[@bingo7799]

It may have cheap issues but considering what you can do with it for the most part the cost is pretty cheap too so there is a trade off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yup. It’s an awesome tool around the property

[@alanhardy6897]

Get a short piece of flexy tube for the exhaust no more problem

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not a bad idea

[@trudyburns86]

It is designed to operate at a safe speed, Lewis

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That it is, for sure 👍

[@Wonderbread307]

DEMOLITIA WHERE YOU AT!?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahaha. I’m now sucked into the Desperado Ranch and all Matt’s new projects there.

[@bripeck]

Maybe try feathering the controls so you’re not so jerky!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s something I have been working on. Practice makes perfect, right? lol

[@bripeck]

@@OurLifeInTrees Yeah, it’s like an instrument!

[@jamess3532]

I've seen videos of people paying between 4-5K for these and I think that's about all they're worth. Like everything else, you get what you pay for.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’ve seen Chinese mini excavators sell at auction for as low as $3100. Not one with the options, features, and upgrades mine has, but yet little Chinese excavators. I also know of someone who bought a truck for $5k and know someone else that bought a truck for $78k. I think any truck is only worth $10k. lol. Agreed, you get what you pay for for sure.

[@jamess3532]

They all use either the B&S or the small Kubota or Yanmar diesel and probably come from the same factory in China where they're built. Your truck analogy isn't even close to reality. These tractors probably all hold up the same after just 24 operating hours of use as well. Paying more than 4k for one of these things does not make it any better quality or more capable. @@OurLifeInTrees

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@jamess3532 I was being a little silly. Truthfully, there actually are multiple factories. They aren’t all the same. I do believe the basic version of mine from the same factory does sell for under $4k plus bringing it into the country. I haven’t found one local to compare and prove it. I think you are correct about that. I want to get my hands on one and take them both apart side by side and see. Curiosity is killing me! lol

[@stanley8574]

​@@OurLifeInTreesI think they are basically the same although they can spec some changes. But the frame, tracks, hydraulic cylinders, engine, probably drive motors are the same. They add gauges, additional cooling and sometimes features that may not be available on the generic model.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@stanley8574 correct. Also, some of the auction units are the “QC fail” models and the dealer models are verified good.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

Lol 1.you bought a 5,000 to 10,000 machine. If you need to move long ways put on trailer. Or spend the 20,000 or up to get the speed faster 2. Theres always a shovel and wheel barrel. 3.the nuts and bolts .tracter supply. But new bolts with lock nuts. Can drill out to replace 4. Adjust the cable to stop the problem 5. Harbor fright has rubber pad. Not to expensive. 6 on paint you bought a cheep mini excavator. For better paint job. Speed some time to repaint. Or speed alot money on a more expensive machine You would not fell as bad if you only paid 5,000 On the cover just take it off. Make it easyer to check oil level

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Most of the things are already fixed. All pretty simple. It’s much better than a shovel!!! I’ll try to adjust the cable. I’m about to do some maintenance on it.

[@stanley8574]

I had a laugh when I saw how they did the choke cable on mine but it works well so I leave it alone till it doesn't. They didn't tighten the nuts that lock it in place on the choke and throttle but once tightened they work fine. I may relocate the throttle as I think it could work better.

[@irakozak1]

Get a trailer for longer distances, that’s a lot of wear and tear on the machine. Yes they are really slooooooow

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed

[@dakotak8437]

They definitely need more rear weight

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. I just removed mine today to weigh it.

[@dakotak8437]

@@OurLifeInTrees what did you get for weight and are the holes that are at bottom bolt holes or just open

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@dakotak8437 it’s 90lbs and has two 27mm bolts that hold it on. I was filming my next video taking it apart. lol.

[@dakotak8437]

@@OurLifeInTrees awesome can't wait do you plan to add more weight to back

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@dakotak8437I plan to. Not sure which method yet.

[@georgezhou7961]

Should get a Dual Hydraulic Pump thank drives faster and dig faster as well

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s so much fun to go slow though! Haha.

[@jakeroininen6298]

I have the RH14-3 have had the same issues with the seat. The bolts that hold the seat to the slide track are a joke. They have no lock washers. I used 4 1/4-20 x 1/2 bolts with lock washers. The key switch less than 10 hrs had to take the dash apart. Key switch was spinning around in the dash when trying to start. Used a rubber washer from Ace hardware. Washer between switch & back side of dash board. Them you have to put the nut on the key switch backwards so you can get the tread started. Even for a low end machine these things are BS. The time I have spent fixing these things. K& R are having these built to their specs is I don't think are quite true. They are just coming with a Kymron sticker. They need to start making sure all these little things are not so Mickey Mouse. Also my machine had no grease on the hinge points of bucket & boom. However I think now I have corrected the issues with the mini excavator. To those who are not mechanically inclined,& or not wanting to work on stuff Kymron is not for you.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Dang. Not just me huh? I fixed my seat bolts, seat hinges, griptape, gauge panel, screws, etc. that video is coming soon. lol.

[@jakeroininen6298]

@@OurLifeInTrees if I was better at making videos I would to. As far as the stabilizer forks I told you about a couple weeks ago. I did put up a video under " shorts " 13 seconds long. You can find it under Kymron mini excavator You can see the forks in the video. I was playing with the stump grinding attachment I made. Made a modification to the cutter. Will be testing some more this weekend. I can say that K& R better get some of these issues corrected before there units leave out the back door soon. Too much of these issues with Kymron will start to bite em in sales numbers.

[@stanley8574]

Those are no different than you have with a generic one. They did have mine well greased though. I had the same seat problem. I just put it back in with blue locktite, I see how well that holds up.

[@tigertoilet2]

Put a bigger sprocket on it will go faster.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

If I could do that I would. Good idea.

[@Gengingen]

You should have gotten a Kubota?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Almost the same price. Not quite, but almost. lol.

[@Chesney46]

Buy a 3000 or 4000 machine I’m telling you it’s well worth the added cost

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. I just bought a 3500lb machine.

[@Joe_M-]

You complain about it being slow and then compare it to walking.... LMAO It's a piece of machinery to accomplish a task, it's not a go-cart or buggy to take you somewhere. You then complain about it tearing up the ground. Ummmmmm.... it's ON TRACKS, the amount of damage to ground surface is 100% in relation to the operator. It's not much effort to correctly operate the machine on tracks without even leaving a trace. And still then you complain about little bolts and fitment and quality of material on seat etc..., LMFAO.... you paid less than $10,000 for it and you are now complaining and comparing its quality and fitment to a $40,000+ machine. Most bizzare of all your complaints is the scratches rusting. Show me ANYTHING in ways of equipment that does NOT scratch and rust immediately after. Instead of complaining and pointing at it, simply keep a can of touch up paint and paint the spots that bother you right away before they get bad rusty. Come on guy, you seriously can't be this petty????? Oh yeah, the hole is the screen on the rear is NOT for exhaust clearance, it's for ease of maintenance of the spark plug and reaching the recoil starting rope if need be. I'm willing to believe not much in life makes you happy.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha. Thanks for your input. Like I said in the video, I really like my machine. It’s not perfect, but it’s awesome. I think it’s fun to compare it to walking. I’m not unhappy, these comments make me happy. I fixed all the little things in the video already. That will be the next video. Then it will be near perfect.

[@tracy419]

That was an awfully long response to tell him he was being too petty, considering he says the exact same thing while stating how much he likes it in the video 🙄

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@tracy419 Agreed. It does make for a good read though. I must have hit an nerve. I wasn’t trying to. I was just having fun. I would have rather they spent the extra $0.02 on nicer screws though. Hahaha

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh yeah, here is the fix. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPOgJegp66gmsUsi=RFxV4Sg5rAa8M8KB

[@MotivationConnection-gd2sv]

You need to learn how to finesse the controls. Stop jerking the controls you will be more productive with a lot smother ride. Plus your machine will last longer

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’m slowly getting better. You are certainly correct. Slow and steady works much better

[@markcregger5878]

But you saved 20,000.00 dollars. You can fix the small stuff.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. Already fixed the issues. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPOgJegp66gmsUsi=AtmkNoiSj7z5wOYc

[@markcregger5878]

@OurLifeInTrees what did it cost . Overall your happy with it I guess. Thinking of getting one for myself

[@markcregger5878]

@@OurLifeInTrees thanks for the videos

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@markcregger5878 Yes, I like it a lot. Great purchase. Mine was on the high end, it was about $10k with options.

[@maximus297759]

Idk call those cheap I see people paying 5-8 k for kyron name brand that’s crazy. 8 payed 45 h12 bigger then there’s.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

What does cheap mean? $70k for a 3/4 ton truck, $50k for a used skid steer, $30k for a Polaris side by side, $20k for a compact tractor, $10k for a mini excavator., $5k for a lawn mower. It’s all a matter of perspective.

[@mtnviewtow88]

how much did you pay for your mini ex?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

With all the features and upgrades I got, it was close to $10k. A lot cheaper than the tractor I was looking at before this. lol.

[@stanley8574]

I got the tractor first but got the excavator instead of the back hole attachment for it. I see the tractor pulling the excavator around with a trailer, guess I can dump the limbs and such on the trailer to haul off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@stanley8574 that’s not a bad idea.

[@irakozak1]

You could have fixed it all in the time it took to make your video. It’s an inexpensive machine but a kubota or a bobcat. They all break.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I fixed it all. That’s the next video. lol

[@williamsutherland6862]

Good points but. It’s not $50k…. Fix it

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. Already fixed. Heh kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPOgJegp66gmsUsi=6tCqiCOMfOUqsemT

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Kymron isnt going to like this video.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s possible. It’s all standard Chinese mini digger stuff. Kymron is a notch above with the upgrades, options, customer service, parts in stock, warranty, ease and availability. Yet it’s still a Chinese mini excavator.

[@moe2470]

You gut what you pay for.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yup. I do really like it though.

[@rodneyball6017]

Learn how to turn it on it's heels

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’ll need to research that.

[@trudyburns86]

4 wheel steering, turf tires, Lewis

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That would be cool.

[@markm1964]

get what you pay for.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes that’s true. Love my little toy for what it is.

[@mickavery5030]

Get wat you buy buddy..buy something better 😅

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. I like this machine. These are pretty small things wrong with it. Overall, for homeowner use, it’s awesome.

[@anonanon7278]

I don't know why the United States refuses to convert to metric and join the rest of the world ... well except for Liberia and Myanmar.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It is strange. It sure would be hard to convert at this point.

[@tomruotsalainen5909]

Well ,instead of complaining u should hav espent more on a better machine

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yet complaining is fun. I have a follow up where I fix all the issues.

[@ozarkcharlie9331]

I swapped out the seat on mine for a Razor SXS seat

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome. It fits well? What did you do for tracks or seat base? I have an extra seat base, I’m sure I can find a RZR seat. Hmmmm Can you email me a picture of it? Thanks [e-mail]