Buying a Cheap Chinese Mini Excavator - Are They Really Worth It?

[@SeidelRanch]

Have you used one of these or already own one? What do you think about them? Let me know below. I'm pretty happy with it so far. I have a lot of plans for this machine and will have videos to go with it. Thanks for watching. Like and Subscribe!

[@hamop3]

Mine has been great, Lil things I expected being from China, mine has been quite the gem. Used oton several jobs. Worked well. Went with Kubota diesel as you know, figured anything that was going to be a big problem would be the engine.So for me, that is solved, other little things, no problem. It is really nice that I was already a handy person, so not many problems are worry some. Will need to do a paint job on mine in the future, paint is just pealing away. So I will ospho the areas and repaint. Should stay on good then. Will have to do a test patch and see. Mine is about two years old. I also have a Cat 304ccr for big jobs that I need to get done. But love the Lil guy as well. If you ever getva diesel, you will not regret it. Power and fuel savings, but of course pricier than a predator. Thanks for your video.

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Better than a shovel and way cheaper than back surgery

[@RarkerPichmond]

Knee surgery

[@JimBobZee]

The tools box explanation was more interesting than a Bigfoot story... thumbs up.

[@SeidelRanch]

Haha. Thank you. I did wonder what the yellow box had in it before I got it. Sadly no real manual for the tractor, but it's pretty simple as it is. Thanks for watching and checking out the channel. More to come.

[@alvinmendaros]

I have tortured and tested mine past 150 hours. It’s very durable. 👍💪

[@SeidelRanch]

Nice to know. Thanks.

[@RarkerPichmond]

Why are you torturing an excavator sicko

[@brentmorse703]

Just picked one up I can't believe how well it works. Looks like it's pretty sturdy and operates way smoother that I expected.

[@SeidelRanch]

I am glad you are happy with it. Mine has been great.

[@DrSweetshaft]

These machines are pretty strong. I have an agrotk qh12. Briggs 13.5 hp. No counterweight. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it. 1/3 throttle is plenty for most work. Maintenance is probably super important on these. My swing motor bolts were finger tight after 30 hours. Main drawback is it’s slow travel speed. No, I mean SLOW. To go anywhere, you need a lot of throttle, which heats the machine up quickly. Adding a fan is mandatory if you want to use it for more than 1/2 hour. My gasoline was boiling after 45 minutes of traveling/ working. Keep it greased!

[@SeidelRanch]

Yeah, it seems like I can make this something I keep for a long time with mandatory upgrades. It is slow, but I do have to say that even the expensive ones are slow this size too. The Kubota and John Deere mini/micro excavators are less than 2 mph top speed also.

[@ExtraFungus]

Great video, I think this video is going to do well for you. Andrew Camarata did a video on a cheaper one of these admitting he expected not to like it, but he did. I want 2 things when I buy one, I want one with widened tracks and a larger weight between the tracks. My only critique with yours is I don't think the awning is worth anything if you tip it, I'd like to see at least one heavier loop. I also saw a video on an electric version that looked great, appealing for sure, I might consider an electric one, the advantage of gas or diesel is you can leave the property and go do work with it, an electric one wouldn't be ideal for that and electric may not be the best in winter.

[@SeidelRanch]

I like the expanding tracks idea. Of course those are more. Keeps it small and widens for stability. I wanted small so I could get it into tight places my backhoe could never go. I have had my backhoe for many years now and have not done anything to it but maintenance. I get this thing and already have a list of things I want to do to it. It's weird. I am looking at ways to add weight below the turntable. The lower the better really. I will probably add a rear bumper that allows weight to be added to it also. The canopy on mine is just that. It's not a ROPS really. I am pretty sure it would collapse if rolled. It also does not have a seat belt. It does keep the sun mostly off of me though. I like electric, but I think it still has a ways to go to be really useful. We have 5 electric cars (I know) and they just are a little premature in my opinion. I like them, but the batteries need a better system. I am sure it won't be long for them to get the kinks worked out in that. Also, solid state should help. Thank for checking out the video and channel.

[@ExtraFungus]

@@SeidelRanch yeah, I've seen models that have hydraulically expanding tracks, I've seen some you can order wider. Some of these are meant to fit through door frames for foundation and and basement work. Not anything I care about so I'm fine with a stationary wider track that would give me room for some super low weights. Electric on one of these things really depends on the cells, if it's lithium batterys, as long as it can go 6+ hours they aren't going to see nearly the charge cycles a car sees and I would prefer to run a machine like that at home. The problem is weather. I'm in Texas now, but plan to buy in the UP of Michigan, running it mid winter might not even be possible depending on the BMS, and even if I could, it might be bad to run them that cold. What electric cars are you running? I had a leaf, a decent daily for a short commute. I have no plans on getting more soon, the trucks aren't really trucks, just XL commuters.

[@SeidelRanchReviews]

That is really cool and looks like so much fun to use. I want to review that.

[@SeidelRanch]

You will. Come take it for a spin.

[@tomd864]

Nice looking machine I like the color. 20 hours on my H12 and no issues. I added a hydraulic return line filter and a couple fans to mine.

[@SeidelRanch]

Thanks. I only have about 5 hours on mine so far and it's been doing well. I need to do a cooling upgrade also because mine gets so hot the metal around the seat can burn you.

[@jacobm9574]

Hows it working still?

[@tomd864]

@@jacobm9574 mine is still going strong, put about an hour on it today. But total hours only 29.

[@Kamikaze3557]

Must haves, pilot controls, 1.5 ton (odd but 1.5 (labeled, but not necessarily 1.5 T) pretty big difference from 1 ton, I have one each. Hydraulic thumb. Foot control on thumb and blade, had to diy foot controls. Added temp gauge. Magnetic Backup camera , upgraded spark plug , know of others with blown engine with original plug.

[@SeidelRanch]

Yeah, the pilot controls are worth the extra price by themselves vs the cheaper 1 tons. Nice upgrades there. I need to put that on the list to change the spark plug. Thanks.

[@csakzozo]

Spark plug blowing engine makes zero sense tbh.

[@charleswills3658]

How do you deal with China. Shipping. How did you pay them.

[@thomasbambach9365]

i brought one about 2 months ago with a cab and hydraulic claw for 7800 and it is lots of fun

[@SeidelRanch]

Nice. I am adding the hydraulic thumb this weekend. I ordered one and will make a video on the install. That is a mst for me. I also got some attachments I will video when I try them out. How is the cab? I saw those but with no AC I figured I would end up just frying in Texas. Even winter here would be hot in a cab with no AC I think. I do like that cab type of protection though. I wonder if they sell a small ac unit that would run from the engine?

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

They are designed to run full throttle so the cooling fan can keep up with the heat the engine is producing.

[@SeidelRanch]

Good info to know. I plan on adding some fans soon because like most say on these, the engine compartment gets pretty hot. I will try that next time to run it full throttle to see if it helps with the heat. That may be all it needs.

[@customprc]

10 inch fans fit perfectly in the H15 and fans help alot ​@@SeidelRanch

[@cj548]

Where did you buy it from ,we are looking to get one

[@SeidelRanch]

Where are you located? I got mine from an equipment dealer in Central Texas.

[@cj548]

@@SeidelRanch hey' we are in Tennessee

[@DipajcDipa]

I have excavators from China.

[@BuildingADrink]

I am looking at this same model for the reasons you chose it.

[@SeidelRanch]

If you know what you are getting into from the start, they are great. If you think it's a fully supported machine like a John Deere, then it's not going to end well. That is what I tell people that ask me about it.

[@BuildingADrink]

@@SeidelRanch Thanks. I just bought one at auction yesterday for under 4K after fees and taxes. The AGT H-15. Now I have to get used to it. I have seen sources online for parts but yeah, anything that breaks will be me figuring out what is wrong and how to fix it.

[@xxmadmanxx9882]

Im thinking about buying one because I have a brook out back and drainage ditches that constantly need maintenance.

[@SeidelRanch]

It's been pretty useful. The quality control on these is really bad, but if you know how to work on a riding mower you should be ok.

[@xxmadmanxx9882]

@@SeidelRanch good to know! Im pretty resourceful if I can’t do it I can usually research it and figure it out. Will this fit in a pickup bed or small trailer alright? Thx for response it’s super helpful to know what id be getting into.

[@hamop3]

​@@xxmadmanxx9882 yesI have one almost Identical to his. I put mine on my utility trailer and it pulls fine, would fit in bed, but more dangerous to do that, especially when I have a trailer to tote it around,. Got the trailer years ago over ramps for a four wheeler, yes it cost more than ramps, but accident wise, leagues cheaper. So that is why I have Trailer. If you get one, you will like it. Expect it for what it is and not for what it is not, and you will be pleased.

[@LSTractorOwners]

It's not an LS Tractor, but I have to admit it's pretty sweet. That looks way too fun to play with.

[@SeidelRanch]

It is really fun to use it.

[@jonsimmons1284]

I just ordered mine, can't wait til it gets here.

[@SeidelRanch]

Cool. Keep me updated on how it goes.

[@johnmoreno2814]

Where did you order from?

[@hamop3]

My machine looks exactly like yours. Ordered the Kubota on mine.

[@SeidelRanch]

I liked the idea of the mower engine, but I bet that liquid cooled diesel will be MUCH better.

[@thomasmaverick8458]

Where do you buy the accessories for this machine?

[@SeidelRanch]

eBay, Amazon, local guys on Marketplace.

[@DipajcDipa]

I know ebay and Amazon, the price is high. Maybe you can contact me, I will deliver goods directly from China.

[@tractorhound8144]

Does it pivot

[@SeidelRanch]

It will spin 360 degrees, but the boom does not turn side to side. They have some that do.

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

80% off is a nice discount. I wonder how different the cost of operation is between the gas briggs and stratton and the diesel kubota. Though being a larger guy I don't think I'd fit in one of these anyway so they likely aren't an option. Do you know how wide it is between both control areas so I can see if my butt fits? Is the motor what controls the power of it? If you wanted more power would you replace the motor with a 25 HP one or would you want to replace the two hydraulic pumps? I assume both spots have some space for bigger versions.

[@SeidelRanch]

They have these with the kubota diesel option, but the overall engineering on these is pretty low anyway. If they were not so cheap to start with, I would have bought a used name brand one. That said, they have a place if you have the need. For me this beats a shovel and I already have a real backhoe loader for heavy work. It's tiny so it fits in places I could not get my backhoe in. I expect to get 500 hours of mostly trouble free work from it, then maybe 1000 hours before I need to swap the engine. If the hydraulics hold up that will be fine with me. I have a list of upgrades I will be doing for it soon. Mine is bigger than the more popular "1 ton" minis, but not by that much. The seat is about 15 inches wide and mine has about 3 extra inches on each side of the seat to "hang over". If that rump is wider than 21 inches when sitting, it will rub the controls area that sticks up a little but not enough to tuck a butt down in. I speak from experience on that. I am losing weight slowly, but if I was much heavier it would be a tight fit. My butt is a lot bigger than it was 20 years ago. The 1 ton minis are basically seat wide in the middle. No extra 6 inches, but also no pilot controls. The controls are only in the front. The gas motor runs the hydraulic pump(s) which runs the hydraulic motors. Mine has 2 pumps for a little more flow vs the single pump version. I find the motor, even though small and only 10-15hp, seems to have enough power for this size machine. Power/Force in hydraulics comes from pressure, and at the flow that is needed on this machine the gas engine builds that pressure fine it seems. The flow is from the RPMs of the engine, and the pressure is from the torque. Any more "power"/pressure and the machine would probably break itself. The relief valve handles that. Set the pressure higher for more force, but also at the risk of breaking it. That said, even a bigger HP engine would do fine, it just would not use all the torque it has. The main issues everyone seems to work on is the heat in the engine compartment. Most of these have no fans, not coolers, no filters, air cooled engines and even the muffler is in the engine bay. That creates a lot of heat and can cause issues when running it for longer periods of time. That is another reason I bought the next size up. The 1 tons have everything packed in rather tight back there, so there is not a lot of room to work in or add things. My "1.5 ton" has more room in the engine compartment to add fans, oil coolers, move the muffler and so on. Hope that helps.

[@richardschaffling9882]

I have seen these things on Fb marketplace and they don’t say the real price but they have like $3,900 but that goes with all kind of stuff about dealerships and other things so what is the real price

[@SeidelRanch]

Yeah, it's hard to say an exact price because most people buy these at auction and resale them. The auctions of course vary by region and demand. One may sell for $4000 at an auction in one state and then the same one sell for $6000 just a few states over. I would say $5000 ish is good for a 1 ton version and $7000 ish is good for a 1.5 ton one like mine with pilot controls.

[@richardschaffling9882]

@@SeidelRanch thank you

[@MrBurris_]

I thought these mini hoes had either the backhoe or Trackhoe controls, the better machines have a switch to swap them over between the two, is this correct ?

[@krisistephens1359]

so whats the general price range for one like yours?

[@SeidelRanch]

I see them from $6k to about $8k from a seller, but sometimes you can get them at auction as low as $4k.

[@jonsimmons1284]

I just ordered mine from agtequipment for $5200 delivered

[@DipajcDipa]

nornally, If you buy a 1T excavator, the price is about $4000 with a bucket.

[@ronnsherrill7749]

I plan on getting one

[@SeidelRanch]

I think you can pick them up for even less now if you look around.

[@DipajcDipa]

I have similar excavators, you can contact me

[@customprc]

The motor is a clone of the honda GX 390 and it is not 15hp. The rato engine tag is the çhinese rating of 15hp. The reality is 13.5hp at best. Like the çhinese rate the H15 as a 1.5 ton machine. Reality is it weighs 2300 pounds. They are a great machine though, did you know each of your joysticks has an unused horn button built into the top. I wired my left one up to a horn.

[@dpeeps9951]

I have a Chinese tractor that came with an engine manual but nothing on running/ repairing the tractor or implements. fortunately the dealer network has made a manual that helps. but if you have ever used any older small manual tractors (ford) it's the same. the Chinese Jinma Y-diesel has been around forever. I understand most of the older nonelectronic 3-cylinder diesels were either clones of this engine or made by them for others.

[@SeidelRanch]

Yeah, the Chinese manufacturers like to clone our older machines. Cheap to build and all kind of information available on them.

[@joshuaboswell31]

How much was this

[@SeidelRanch]

I paid about $6500 at the time from a seller.

[@joshuaboswell31]

@@SeidelRanch do you feel like that’s the price point today?

[@DipajcDipa]

I sell a 1T excavator for about $4000

[@dakotak8437]

I might have missed it what was totall with everything that you paid for

[@SeidelRanch]

I didn't put the price in the video because it seems to vary on where you are and how you buy it. I bought this one for about 7k for the mini excavator itself from an equipment dealer near me. I also bought an auger, 2 auger bits, a rake, a ripper, a grapple and a larger bucket.

[@dakotak8437]

​@@SeidelRanch Ok nice thank you did you get get tho hoses changed for controls was it a lot of work

[@LarsDcCase]

Shouldn't you be using the excavator with the blade in front of you which acts as an anchor, instead of working the excavator with the blade behind you.

[@SeidelRanch]

Usually yes, but sometimes the blade in the back helps you create more weight to push down into the clay. The blade in the front helps keep the machine from pulling forward when cutting the trench toward you.

[@prestonpreciado5020]

Nice work! Glad to see you’re enjoying the machine! Thank you again for your business!

[@SeidelRanch]

Thanks. Only have a few hours on it but I expect many more soon.

[@X.CProductions]

Love it

[@SeidelRanch]

Thanks. I do like it.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Sorry but I would have liked to hear the machine and not a music video.

[@SeidelRanch]

No sorry needed. That is good info and helps me do better. The engine is kind of loud and seems to blow out my microphone so I usually have to cut the sound because of that. I need a better mic.

[@Mike-d8c]

very good

[@SeidelRanch]

Thanks

[@StevenSnodgrass-n7p]

You dig with blade down in front.

[@SeidelRanch]

Usually yes, but I needed the extra down pressure vs the pulling power.

[@workinghardusa]

Great video!

[@SeidelRanch]

Thanks!

[@StevenHernandez-xu1iu]

That arm looks comical

[@BryBry_E92]

Tools box 😂😂😂

[@SeidelRanch]

It's the best one I have ever had.

[@josephcasey4477]

Absolute garbage, you can do more work, reliably and less expensive with a shovel. But don’t listen to me who have thrown away thousands of dollars on a pile of crap that has had everything break just digging plain old dirt with a joke of a support system and available parts which gladly send you parts that don’t work out of the box. You should listen to all these You Tubers who get monetized.

[@SeidelRanch]

Mine has less than 50 hours on it and there is no way I could do what it has done with a shovel. I did not buy it for the support system, because you are mostly right about that. There is not one. Parts are not an issue because I can find those anywhere or make my own. It's pretty much a riding mower that digs.

[@bryceholland-yi5lf]

And how much is back surgery 😂