Attachments for Chinese Mini Skid Steers - How Well Do They Work?

I brought the mini skid steer out to our cabin in the forest and tested some of the attachments.
I ordered my machine from Dean Sun at Derette on Alibaba. Click here to see the machine I bought and contact Dean on Alibaba. Or you can email him below. Let him know you found him though this video.
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[@rapache1]

This is jerold from blue collar drainage solutions thank you for posting the videos of really helps with the decision on getting one of these machines

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome. Nice to meet you last weekend. This is what I do with my machines. Haha. I haven’t edited the one from last weekend where I thought I was going to pass out from heat exhaustion. Sigh….

[@georgezhou7961]

Nice Video! I just got my V1000 and I ordered 4 in 1 bucket and grapple, both works great I am thinking get the trencher as well! Nice job! Thanks for showing us 🎉🎉

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I saw your new V1000. Love it. Great choice of machine sir. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate the feedback.

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

Great job Greg! Very useful and Helpful! I look forward to your next one! Good to see that it's not that difficult to put the track back on.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. Glad it’s useful. Now that I know the track secrets…. A jack, small prybar, 32mm offset wrench, an impact driver with an extension, wobble and a 16mm. Then it’s like 5 minutes to do. Without all that? Two hours to do.

[@jorgepirela779]

Thank you for this videos, looking forward to seeing more, I see lot of videos of the agts but never really see them running into piles of dirt or gravel to show how much power they got, loving the content 👍🏼

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Lots more to come!

[@realMNorganic]

@@OurLifeInTrees these attachment working with electric power motors or gas or air

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@realMNorganicHydraulic motors

[@magic.marmot]

I admire your ingenuity.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you

[@mick0473]

Happy about your videos, it makes me even more excited about my recent order from Derette. Ordered 3 mini skid steer, 2 mini dumpers and 1 small excavator from Derette. Plus a whole lot of attachments. It’s should be leaving Chinese port in 2 weeks time. Looking forward to receive it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome. What three did you buy? Are you going to keep one for yourself?

[@mick0473]

@@OurLifeInTrees I bought the T800 with 25hp and 3 pumps. The main purpose is to resell them, but might keep 1 for some time.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@mick0473handy toys to have around.

[@toddwynn1968]

Thanks for sharing I’ve contacted the company just waiting to get finances sorted out. Thanks again for all your information and really enjoy your videos ❤🎉

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks man. I appreciate it. They are fun toys, I mean… useful tools. lol.

[@fromthechaoticmindofwesley3711]

About your concerns of loading and unloading safely: put some jack stands under the back corners of the trailer to support the weight if the machine. It will take pressure off your hitch and the frame behind your tandema. It will prevent your trailer form flexing in the rear. Great video! Im about to buy a similar machine at the auction and wasnt sure how a smaller machine would handle these tools.

[@TheDavidarlen]

thanks nice demo of your equipment.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@Tmccausley4676]

Yes i just placed and order for one of these models. Im getting multiple attachments as well. I think you should deff run your rpms higher to get max performance out of the device and attachments. Im looking forward to the stump grinder and grapple and 4 in 1 being thats some i got as well.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The stump grinder took some getting used to but is awesome. The grapple can pick up a lot more than the machine will allow. lol. and I don’t have much practice with the 4in1 bucket as I rammed into it and broke a fitting which I will change out soon. When are you supposed to receive yours?

[@Antiphon43]

Thank you so much for posting these videos! I was considering a Groundhog machine, luckily you sorted out who makes them! I ordered from Dean two weeks ago, loader, brush cutter, grapple, forks, and counterweights. Your content saved me a ton of money. I am going to contact Dean about adding a jam nut to the track tension bar, that was a great suggestion by another user. Groundhog does have a track tensioning video on here too. Tracks coming off is a question of when, not if. There’s a guy with awesome mini track-loader content that says the tracks on his Vermeer 925 fall off every time he does an intensive brush cutting job, you just need to get good at putting them back on. Ignore all the haters, there’s plenty of content on KZbin of $50,000 brand name minis having all sorts of problems, even when new. This machine could use more counterweight, I’d like three of those chunks on each side. I may weld some Olympic weights to Derette’s chunk or something?

[@鼎孙]

I've redesigned the jam nut as you suggested, but I don't recommend having three counterweights on each side of the 450. First, it's difficult to install, and second, having three counterweights on each side could cause damage to the loader.

[@Antiphon43]

@@鼎孙 That’s great news on the track tensioner! I will reconsider how much counterweight to add as well, I appreciate it buddy!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching. Sounds like you ordered some good attachments. I was amazed at how many videos there are on the tracks coming off here in KZbin. Big machines, small machines, I think it’s nicely balanced until I pick up something really heavy. I am used to my mini excavator with is VERY tippy and unstable feeling in comparison.

[@Antiphon43]

Dean told me he thought 2 weights on each side would be ok. The problem is with the smaller machines something like a grapple eats away half the capacity with just the attachment! My property is a little “hilly” I’d like as much stability as possible.

[@shantyburton6854]

Tracks stretch, especially when new. Properly tensioned and they wont fall off, but that's maintenance at the start of every work time.

[@eddluireg]

Ty

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I appreciate you.

[@davidroberts6791]

Tracks coming off? On the tension bar for the tracks - you need to install a hexagon jam-nut (preferably a nylon locknut) against the already present hexagon nut that is already there; and that will keep the tension at the setting you have applied. The constant back-and-forth tension pulling against that single hexagon nut - applies enough pressure to loosen the single hexagon nut from the tolerance movement that is already there. The hexagon nylon locknut (if installed) against the other hexagon nut (already there) will stop that from backing-off repeatedly. Any other slack will be due to the tracks themselves becoming stretched over time and usage. Might be something that you could contact Derette with and let them know of the easy fix at the manufacturing point while assembling the unit. You could possibly get a prize for your informational upgrade to the Derette. Just kidding about the prize (but the jam-nut action does work).

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Great idea. Thank you. I had a tough time finding a tool for that nut. It’s a 32mm offset wrench needed. I wonder how hard to would be to find a nut to go on the end. Thanks again.

[@鼎孙]

Thanks for your advice; I'll take it.

[@BrightthgirB]

Very Nice! I licked up my yh20d. Overall, im satisfied. At 1st notice of rust, I instantly soaked the machine down with (Fluid Film). The rust has disappeared.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Nice. I have never heard of fluid film before. I just looked it up. That looks like a handy thing to have around! Thanks.

[@BrightthgirB]

@OurLifeInTrees I saw your previous video of the rust on your machine. Did some research & purchased the Fluid Film & Fluid Film Black.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@BrightthgirB Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it. It’s in my Amazon cart now. lol

[@鼎孙]

great job ！

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you sir

[@neilkratzer3182]

Looks like it works well. They need to do a few tweaks like a creeper mode for trenching.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I think the operator needs more tweaks than the machine. Higher RPM would have been better. Also the roots in the forest didn’t help.

[@badboy25bad42]

Put some wheel chocks on the trailer tires it will Help bunch when loading steer on and off the trailer .

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good idea. Thanks for the tip.

[@sammeng8813]

good

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks

[@03treefitty]

I will use my 8" trench bucket in mini escavator over a trencher every day of the week.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I think the trencher is easier. The 8” bucket works well but I keep getting hung up on roots and it jerks me around when I hook a root. It’s much easier with the trencher in the skid. Also, it’s a much much cleaner trench with a clean pile beside it.

[@johnadams3800]

Are the quick attaches compatible with other tractor and skid steer implements, to your knowledge?

[@OldIronAcres]

Don't mow over any snakes.... that would be terrible. LOL Looks like it's working well!! Best, -- J. Andre. / Old Iron Acres

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahahah. Right? Yup! It’s pretty cool.

[@toolmantim613]

Just saw some videos from a guy named Colin Parker. He is having issues with his Skid Steer track wheels. Not sure if your skid steer has the same wheels. Just thought you may want to watch the videos.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’ll check it out. A lot of guys are having issues with the auction units tracks and wheel bearings. It stinks for them. I haven’t heard of that on a Derette, but hopefully I’m not the first. lol Thanks for reaching out.

[@dexterquincy1]

are you running that at full throttle, you should be these minis are designed to run at full with that type of attachment you need to have as much flow as possible

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I wasn’t, I learned after a little bit to turn the throttle up. I’m a newbie to these machines and learning as I go. I will remember to go WOT when I run the bigger attachments on the future.

[@thelonewolf666]

a wheeled machine is 1000 times less trouble

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That is probably true.

[@bud1412]

Most power companies require 4 to 5 feet deep, and electric and water must have clearance, how much depends on the electric company.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s true. It’s nice to be in the sticks where there are no permits and restrictions. It’s also bad because some places out here are very questionable. lol.

[@KAMP8505]

4-5 ft is usually for primary voltage not secondary

[@MichaelPaul-m1g]

Appreciate your time and the content. Just curious if the unit has any remote battery terminals? If/when the battery dies, how would it be accessed or changed out if the loader arms are in the down position and the unit can't be started? Thank you.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate it. You can open the rear cover and put a terminal on the starter wire to the right and the engine mount bolt for a ground to the left.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Id like to see the videos in real time not sped up. So we can see how well and fast the attachments work.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I alternate between sped up and real time in this video. The video would be over an hour long if it were real time. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

[@affordablelawns]

So what was total cost of this machine with attachments.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The machine was about $8500 shipped to me and I also got the large bucket with teeth, 4in1 bucket, grapple, trencher, auger with 8” bit, land leveler, trailer hitch, brush cutter, and stump grinder. They cost about $8k to have shipped from China to Oklahoma.

[@affordablelawns]

@@OurLifeInTrees so 8500 for everything mentioned or 85 for just the machine and another eight for the attachments

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@affordablelawns$8500 for the machine and another $8k for attachments.

[@KAMP8505]

How can I contact you Greg?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

[e-mail]

[@fullthrottle2656]

I know you said you can't hook onto the brush cutter laying down. Can you show that once by trying to hook it up while it's laying flat? Is it too heavy for the hydraulics to lift or is the machine too light and want to lift the back end up?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s that the mounting plate while laying flat is horizontal and the farthest the machine mounting plate is 90 degrees to the ground. Therefore you cant unhook from it because you can’t turn past 90. It lifts it just fine, I can’t unhook it without it elevated.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Thanks for the insight. FYI usually attachment release pins release easier if the attachment is curled all the way back. Takes pressure off the pins. What's the biggest diameter tree you think this can handle efficiently?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@fullthrottle2656 that’s a great question. I need to do a thickness test.

[@jeffsouza8008]

Did you buy the brush cutter from Alibaba as well?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes, from Derette on Alibaba. They make their own attachments.

[@mikejackson5125]

What all that cost you to get it to your house?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I paid about $8590 to buy it and have it shipped here. Then I bought a crate of attachments that cost another $8k shipped.

[@pcorkins]

Where do you get the attachments

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I bought them from Derette when I bought the machine

[@teddyt.9905]

what is the support on these things? parts? Service?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Parts are easily available. Parker pumps, Danfoss motors, Honda engine. No service center but easy to work on.

[@teddyt.9905]

@@OurLifeInTrees is there a reason you didn't go for the V-1000? is there a big power difference?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@teddyt.9905 I want a v1000 just like I want a new Limited Ram 3/4 ton. lol. The v1000 is more powerful and overall a better machine. It competes with commercial grade machines and my 450 is more homeowner use. It also costs $3,000 more plus more for shipping because of the weight. I couldn’t justify spending any more on it for a “fun toy” I bought to make KZbin videos on. It was enough of a stretch to get what I have. Sigh… The v1000 weighs 1000lbs more than my 450. This means I would need a bigger/heavier duty trailer and then a bigger truck to pull it. I have a “bigger truck” now. I’m shopping for a trailer and hope to get a v1000 in the future.

[@teddyt.9905]

@@OurLifeInTrees l got quoted $12,500 for the 450 and $17,500 for the v 1000 shipped to my door. Both including a trencher, 4 1 bucket, auger, brush cutter and grappler. I’m also looking to get that 38 special branch manager stump grinder. Including a trailer I’m looking to keep it within my $30K budget. I’m starting a side gig so I’m trying to see if the V1000 would make better sense or start slowly with the 450 and “make first, spend second”. Thank you for your feedback

[@grownnotflown2]

These usually start failing prematurely

[@OurLifeInTrees]

You mean DRT450s? Mini skid steers? Or Chinese mini skid steers?

[@BERZERKERSV4]

A grossly underpowered toy...

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It is? Seems good to me. I like it.

[@shantyburton6854]

If its diesel and 25hp. thats the kubota size that all 1k machines get. Yes a diesel needs to run max rpm to get the work done (2k) on the tach. Newer ones have a 25 hp turbo diesel, but the damn thing isnt intercooled, so why bother.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@shantyburton6854Well, this little Honda works pretty well for little ole me.

[@57bugman]

get a forklift jack

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Never heard of that.

[@Gangstercub]

Every time u walk the machine u speed up video to make it look like it moves fast. That is very misleading to peep why do this crappy move?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

To keep it from being boring. When I don’t speed it up, viewers drop off. I have other videos that show the speed that it moves.

[@steveyount9251]

Why buy from a company that pays hardleu nuthing to there workers and they cant even live on? What a joke !!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

My other options are to use a shovel and a rake or have you buy me an American made machine for tens of thousands of dollars

[@李得胜-z2j]

Don't pay attention to that radical guy up there，I have watched many of your videos and thank you very much for your evaluation of Chinese products

[@steveyount9251]

@user-sb2it4id5b well have you ever heard of tofu construction. Just look it up I'm nor radical.

[@shantyburton6854]

While its not a Vermeer or Toro, or other; its still a machijne that works and they are very handy. The new ones to start, are all at 40,000 dollars. These chinese ones are about 10k. Yes, the chinese ones are well refined, their paint work is questionable, but all the parts are common and over time can be swapped out for good parts when they go bad, like gates hoses, Danfos drive pumps, and remanned Kubota Diesels. Hell, John Deere valve bodies and triple pumps and accessories can be made to work as well, as long as you're handy.

[@PsychoKiller639]

Lmfao why should he be made to offload the costs of poor American industrial policy on himself? He did not ship the jobs to China for the benefit of multinational corporations. Why should he impoverish himself and his family for a government who could care less about him and supported offshoring from the start to the finish?

[@Gangstercub]

Dude sell the equipment you better off sticking to a push mower. U have no idea what u doin.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha. I don’t. That why I say in the video I have no idea what I’m doing. I ordered this without ever seeing a mini skid in person. That’s the point. What’s it like to have something like this when you have never had one before? Operators are operators. Homeowners can do some stuff too. There are no videos out there on using these. Thanks for the input. I appreciate the communication.

[@tristanlivingston7559]

@gangstercub "U" may need to work on your grammar. Don't be jealous, I don't see you posting useful content. Just useless replies. 😂

[@trevorwilton2723]

Hi no disrespect but aren’t the blades on backwards upside down

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@trevorwilton2723That’s how they were installed. You are the second person to say that. Maybe I’ll try the other way.

[@steveyount9251]

I bet they give you this junk to say how it works

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Would be nice if they did. But I paid for it like anyone else. It’s pretty awesome around my property.

[@PsychoKiller639]

Stop seething. Chinese manufacturing has improved leaps and bounds. That’s what happens when the American government offshores our manufacturing to foreign countries. They start getting good at it. Instead of being angry that a homeowner opted against the American machine that is 4x the price with marginal increased performance that likely will not effect him in his DIY homeowner operation, be upset at your government for creating this business environment for the benefit of multinational corps.

[@johnadams3800]

You know, you’ve got to be in a special class of stupid to think some company is going to give a guy who’s KZbin channel has 6k subscribers $18k worth of their equipment.

[@christopherenoch4230]

Just curious, is there a science behind how you put your mower blades on? I personally would have put them on the other direction (bevel up), but I'm a dork.🥸 I recently bought a mini x, and now these things pop up on my RADAR. I love the versatility of the mini skid steer attachments...

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I didn’t install the blades, that’s how they came installed. Never thought about that. Hmmmm I bought a 1 ton mini X last year and then I saw the mini skids. I had to have one. lol. The attachments are amazing. And it’s 3 times the speed.

[@christopherenoch4230]

@@OurLifeInTrees Luckily I have 2 speeds on my mini x (YH20)... I can't imagine only having a single speed.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@christopherenoch4230it’s really SLOW. Lol

[@shantyburton6854]

Start looking into Danfos drive pumps when the chinese ones start to fail, plus you can order them with a larger Drive to make the ground speed faster. The internals will be different but still work at the same pressure, depeding on volume is where the magic happens.